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Writer's picturePatrick Law

Storage Solutions that Stack Up: Innovations in Storage Tank Design for Process Engineering

Updated: Jun 6, 2023



Storage tanks are critical components of the process engineering industry. They are used to store various types of fluids, including crude oil, water, and chemicals. The design of a storage tank requires careful consideration of several factors, including the design equation, material selection, and cost. In this blog post, we will discuss these factors in detail.


Step 1: Design Equation


The design equation is a critical aspect of storage tank design. It helps to determine the maximum allowable working pressure, thickness, and dimensions for a given storage tank system. The most common design equation used in storage tank design is the API 650 design equation. The formula for the API 650 design equation is:


Pmax = 2/3Fyt


where:


Pmax is the maximum allowable working pressure

Fy is the minimum specified yield strength of the material

t is the thickness of the shell or bottom plate


The API 650 design equation helps to determine the maximum allowable working pressure and thickness requirements for a given storage tank system.


Step 2: Material Selection


Selecting the appropriate materials for a storage tank is crucial to ensure the tank can withstand the conditions it will be subjected to. The material selection process involves gathering data on the properties of the fluid being stored, including its temperature and corrosiveness. The materials selected for the storage tank must be able to withstand the corrosive effects of the fluid and the temperature conditions.


There are several types of storage tanks available for use in the process engineering industry, including atmospheric tanks, low-pressure tanks, and high-pressure tanks. The selection of the appropriate tank depends on the specific requirements of the process system.


Step 3: Cost


The cost of designing a storage tank for the process engineering industry varies depending on the complexity of the tank system. In the oil and gas industry, a standard storage tank can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. However, more complex storage tank systems can cost up to several hundred thousand dollars.


In conclusion, designing a storage tank for the process engineering industry requires careful consideration of several factors. The design equation helps to determine the maximum allowable working pressure and thickness requirements for a given storage tank system. Material selection is critical to ensure the tank can withstand the conditions it will be subjected to, and cost is an important consideration in the design process. By following these steps, process engineers can design storage tanks that meet their specific needs and requirements.


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