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  • Writer's picturePatrick Law

Mastering Tank Sizing with AI: Advanced Strategies for Process Engineers

Updated: Dec 19, 2023


Introduction: In the realm of process engineering, particularly within the oil, gas, and water industries, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a significant step towards innovation and efficiency. This report introduces a series of structured prompts designed for use with ChatGPT 4.0, an advanced AI model. These prompts are tailored to assist process engineers in the complex task of tank sizing, combining traditional engineering expertise with the cutting-edge capabilities of AI. The objective is to enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and compliance of tank sizing calculations with current industry standards.


Below are the specially formulated prompts intended for use with ChatGPT 4.0. These prompts are strategically crafted to aid process engineers in the complex task of tank sizing, merging traditional engineering practices with the sophisticated capabilities of AI. By incorporating these prompts into their work via ChatGPT 4.0, engineers are poised to achieve greater precision and efficiency in their calculations, ensuring alignment with the latest industry standards. These prompts serve as a tool to assist in the decision-making and computational aspects of process engineering.


Prompt No. 1: Process Engineer's Guide to Calculations


This section outlines the standard framework for process engineering calculations. It includes the scope, objectives, inputs and assumptions, methodology, outputs, recommendations, conclusions, and calculation attachments. The emphasis is on clear, organized, and precise referencing, with a focus on using SI units.


You are a 'Process Engineer' who specializes in assisting with process engineering calculations for chemical plants, focusing on oil, gas, and water engineering. It ensures that all calculations consistently include the following sections: 


  • Scope - copied from the project's scope of work. 

  • Objective - a list of output variable names. 

  • Inputs and Assumptions - a detailed list of variables used in the calculation, formatted with name, value, units, and reference/source. Importantly, regardless of the units provided in the scope of work, you will convert and use SI units for all input and output variables.  It is essential that ALL inputs to all calculations be listed in this section that are used in any process engineering calculations.  If the variable comes from the scope of work given, then reference it as "scope of work" 

  • Methodology - a numbered list of formulas to be used, including their names and internet references. 

  • Outputs - a list of results from the formulas. Include Detailed Calculations.

  • Recommendations and Conclusions - actionable insights from the calculations. 

  • Calculation Attachments - suggestions for relevant drawings or document excerpts. You emphasize clarity, detailed organization, and precise referencing, with a focus on using SI units.


Prompt No. 2: Process Engineering Calculation Creation


In this section, a practical example of process engineering calculation is presented. The focus is on a Water Tank in the Oil and Gas Industry. The calculation includes various parameters like NPSHr, LLL, NLL, HLL, HHLL, and design flow rate, alongside their respective unit conversions and assumptions.


Create a process engineering calculation. Perform the calculations. 


Use the applicable codes, standards, and guides applicable to the Oil and Gas Industry.  Assume a placeholder value for any missing data, make an assumption (which shall be included in the inputs and assumptions section), and calculate.  Use input valves from the following scope of work: 


Make-up Water Tank, [] bbl capacity


1) Can pump NPSHr = [ ] m tank head required in boiling service, Non-can pumps NPSHr = [ ] m tank head in boiling service.  Margin between NPSHr and NPSHa is assumed to be 1m).

2) LLL - Based on [ ]  minutes LLL to LLLL operator intervention at the normal flow rate for the tank with no inflow.

3) NLL is estimated as [ ]  of the distance between LLL and HLL.  

4) HLL - Based on [ ] minutes HLL to HHLL operator intervention at the normal flow rate for the tank with no outflow.

5) HHLL - Based on [ ]  feet from top seam of tank (6inches to top of overflow.  6 inches for instrument level control error and action.  [ ] inches for overflow dia.)

6)  Design flow rate based Scope of Work Document: 1) Design flow rate is PRELIMINARY based on 5% losses from [ ] m3/day estimated steam generator feed duty (to include blowdown and quality loss from Dec. 2011 design basis document).


Diameter = [ ]  mm

Height = [ ]  mm

LLLL = [ ] mm

LLL = [ ] mm

NLL = [ ] mm

HLL = [ ] mm

HHLL = [ ] mm

Design flow rate is [ ] m^3/hr


Determine the tank size


Prompt No. 3: Conducting the Calculation


This part guides the reader through a thorough and accurate execution of the calculation. It highlights the importance of adhering strictly to the specified methodologies and procedures.


Proceed to conduct a thorough and accurate calculation as outlined in the provided methodology. Ensure that each step of the calculation is executed with exactness, adhering strictly to the specified procedures. 


Prompt No. 4: Python-Based Calculation Verification


Here, the report introduces the use of Python for executing the specified calculation. This section is essential for ensuring accuracy and consistency in results, providing a step-by-step guide and detailed explanations for each stage of the calculation.


Double Check and Please execute the specified calculation using Python. Conduct the process in a step-by-step manner, ensuring each stage of the calculation is clearly delineated. Upon completion, compare the results with those obtained from previous calculations to ensure accuracy and consistency. Provide detailed explanations of each step for clarity and verification purposes. 


Prompt No. 5: QAQC Regeneration


This prompt focuses on the quality assurance and quality control aspects. It includes a detailed review of the output, ensuring that every value is properly referenced and adhering to scientific standards. The section also includes a final reference section in APA format for all non-scope of work or assumption references.


Rely heavily on the previous output.  Check and regenerate your previous work. Ensure that every value has been referenced to some outside source or the “scope of work” or as an “assumption”.  Scientific reference sources are preferable over random internet sources.  Create a final reference section in APA format for all references that are not part of the “scope of work” or “assumption”.  Some reminders for each section are as follows:


  • Scope: this is an overview of the business case for the calculation.  Guess what this is if you don’t know with “It is expected that [...].

  • Objective: List the output variable names. Inputs and Assumptions: Detail all variables used in the calculation in a standardized format: Name: [Variable Name], Value: [Value], Units: [Units], Source: [Scope of Work/Other]. Convert and use SI units for all inputs and outputs, with an example for unit conversion. Include standard methods for determining placeholder values for any missing data.

  • Methodology: A numbered list of formulas with names and brief descriptions of their relevance. Step-by-step guide or checklist for the calculation process.Include internet references for each formula.  Include subsection for error checking and validation of results.

  • Outputs: List the results derived from the formulas. Include a sample calculation for a common scenario as a reference.

  • Recommendations and Conclusions: Provide actionable insights categorized by impact (safety, cost, efficiency).Guide on prioritizing actions based on calculation results.

  • Calculation Attachments: Suggestions for relevant drawings or document excerpts. Specify types of documents or drawings that might be relevant.


Reference to Specific Industry Standards: List key industry standards or documents commonly used in the Alberta, Canada Oil and Gas Industry.


Version Control and Update Log: Maintain a version control and update log for the calculations with the first calculation being rev. A01 and subsequent revisions being A02, A03, etc.


Your emphasis is on clarity, detailed organization, and precise referencing, with a focus on using SI units.


Prompt No. 6: QAQC Flagging


The final prompt deals with flagging any potential inaccuracies in the calculation using data analysis. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring mathematical correctness throughout the calculation process.


For further illustration, please refer to this link, which presents a practical example of applying these prompts in the process of sizing a tank


The integration of AI, particularly ChatGPT 4.0, into process engineering practices marks a transformative approach in the field. These prompts serve as a bridge, combining traditional engineering principles with advanced AI capabilities. The structured and systematic application of these prompts ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and accurate approach to tank sizing calculations, aligning with the evolving technological landscape and industry standards. As the field continues to advance, the utilization of such AI tools will undoubtedly become an integral part of process engineering methodologies.


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