API Standard 650
API Standard 650
API 653
This standard covers requirement for inspection, repair, alteration and
reconstruction of API 650 atmospheric storage tanks that have already been
placed in service.
Source: “Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage,” American Petroleum Institute,
Washington, D.C. 1973 as citied by Baasel 1974
NOTE:
This method is shall not be used for tanks larger than 60 m in diameter.
Variable-Design-Point Method
Very complex method where we use point with certain equation.
This method normally provides a reduction in shell-course thickness and
total material weight.
1-Weight Loads
When designing a tank and its foundation, the design engineer must
consider the weight loads which are the weight of the tank and the
maximum weight of its contents.
Since most petroleum products are lighter than water, the heaviest weight
load occurs during hydrostatic testing, which is done using water.
1-weight Loads
2-Total Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure
Vapor pressure
Wind pressure (will be covered later)
Foundation Profile
Cone up, this is the most common profile
A typical slope of 1 to 2 in per 10 ft of horizontal run is used.
This pattern prevents and minimizes intrusion of rain water from the
outside periphery of the tank bottom.
Cone down, the bottom slopes toward the center of the tank, and an internal
sump is usually included her for water bottom removal. The rate of slope as the
same as for a cone-up tank.
Planar sloped bottom, the bottom is constructed as a plane but it is tilted to one
side. It is easier to construct. However, it is slightly more complex for the shell
construction to accommodate this pattern.
Plane flat bottom, For small tanks it is not worthwhile to provide a sloped bottom
for services where water removal is not required. It is also necessary to use
sloped bottom tanks.
Foundation
Foundation Types
With a crushed stone ringwall With a concrete ringwall Without a ringwall
Foundation should accomplish the following:
Provide a stable plane for the support of the tank
Limit overall settlement of the tank grade to values compatible with the
allowances used in the design of the connecting piping.
Provide adequate drainage.
Not settle excessively at the perimeter due to the weight of the shell wall.
Advantages
It provides better distribution of the concentrated load of the shell to
produce a more nearly uniform
It provides a level, solid starting plane for construction of the shell.
It is capable of preserving its contour during construction.
It retain the fill under the tank bottom and prevents loss of material as a
result of erosion.
It minimizes moisture under the tank.
Tank Construction
Just as most of the construction task, welded vertical tanks can be erected
satisfactorily in several ways, erector contractors normally have a particular
method, which they have adopted as the result of experience.
Tank Bottom Testing
After welding of the bottom plates has been completed, all welds will be
tested to ensure that the tank bottom is free from leaks.
This can be done by using a vacuum box, which enables any leaks in the
seam to be positively located by visual examination.
The test is preferably be made as soon as possible after welding of the
bottom but before any surface coating is applied. The bottom plates has to
be tested before water is put into the tanks for hydrostatic testing.