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Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Civil
File Reference: CSE11001
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
CONTENTS
PAGE
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Figure 30.
Figure 31.
Figure 32.
Figure 39.
Figure 40.
Figure 41.
Figure 42.
Figure 43.
Figure 44.
Figure 45.
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
API atmospheric
API low-pressure
Other
Roof (The type of roof used depends on the liquid being stored.)
This section discusses the following types of API atmospheric storage tanks:
Floating roof
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Open vent
(if pressure/vacuum vent not used)
Pressure vacuum
vent
Roof truss
Nozzle
Roof
Gauge manhole
Access
hatch
platform
Nozzle
Shell
Roof
support
column
Water
draw-off
Sump
Top angle
Foam
connection
Ladder
Spiral
(For small diameter tanks stairway
without spiral stairway)
Shell
nozzles
Shell
manhole
Bottom
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Access hatch
Platform
Shell
Ladder
Appurtenances
Bottom
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Evaporative losses
Fire danger
Corrosion caused by the presence of air
Components - Figure 3 shows the features of a floating roof tank that distinguish it from a
fixed roof tank.
Usage - Saudi Aramco Standard SAES-D-100 specifies that floating roof tanks must be used
to store petroleum products with flash points below 54C (130F) or if the flash point is less
than 8C (15F) higher than the storage temperature. Examples of these products are gasoline
and naphtha. SAES-D-100 also specifies that floating roof tanks should not to be used to
store products that tend to boil under atmospheric conditions.
Tank
shell
Wind
girder
Continuous
fabric seal
Gauge
Automatic
hatch
bleeder vent
Roof
supports
Deck
Pontoon
Tank
bottom
Emergency
drain
Roof
Pontoon
supports
manhole
Deck
manhole
Screen
Check
valve
Articulated
pipe drain
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Civil
API Storage Tank
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
2
1
4
6
5
8
10
11
13
12
14
15
LEGEND
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Gases
This section discusses the following types of API low-pressure storage tanks:
Single-walled
Double-walled
Spheroidal
Spherical
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Roof
Roof
manhole
Compression
ring
Shell
Ladder
Bottom
Engineering Encyclopedia
Civil
API Storage Tank
Fill/discharge
nozzle
Cone Roof
Insulated
suspended
ceiling
Inner shell
Insulation
Insulation
Outer shell
Bottom
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API Storage Tank
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Civil
API Storage Tank
Ordinary Spheroid
Supports
Elevation
Section
Sand cushion
Noded Spheroid
Tie
Truss
Supports
Elevation
Section
Sand cushion
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API Storage Tank
12
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API Storage Tank
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API Storage Tank
This standard provides the requirements for vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, carbon-steel
storage tanks. This standard applies to the following tanks:
Tanks with internal pressures from atmospheric pressure to 17 kPa (ga) (2.5
psig)
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API Storage Tank
Technical inquiries
Use of materials that are on hand but are not identified as complying with any
listed specification
This standard covers requirements for inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction of API
650 (and its predecessor API 12C) atmospheric storage tanks that have already been placed in
service. The standard includes the following sections:
Inspection
Materials
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API Storage Tank
Welding
This standard also has appendices that cover evaluation criteria for tank bottom settlement and
checklists for tank inspection.
SAES-A-004, Pressure Testing
This standard provides the pressure-testing requirements for storage tanks.
SAES-B-005, Spacing and Diking for Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Tanks
This standard provides the spacing and diking requirements for aboveground storage tanks.
SAES-B-007B, Air Foam Systems for Storage Tanks
This standard provides the basic requirements for the installation of air foam fire protection
systems for large, atmospheric storage tanks.
SAES-D-100, Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Tanks
This standard provides the requirements for the selection, design, and installation of carbonsteel, stainless-steel, and fiberglass storage tanks. The standard applies to the following tanks:
Tanks that store crude oils, petroleum products, water, and other liquids
Tanks with internal operating pressures not greater than 103 kPa (ga) (15 psig)
Tanks with design temperatures between -168C and +260C (-270F and
+500F)
SAES-D-108, Storage Tank Integrity
This standard provides the requirements for testing and inspecting welded steel tanks that
have already been put into service and does not apply to the initial construction of tanks. This
standard parallels the API 653 Standard and covers additions and exceptions to the API-653
Standard.
32-SAMSS-005, Atmospheric Steel Tanks
This specification covers modifications and additions to API Standard 650. The specification
is included with the purchase order supplied to the tank vendor.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
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API Storage Tank
This standard provides the requirements for aboveground tanks with a single vertical-axis-ofrevolution. The standard applies to the following tanks:
Tanks with internal pressures greater than 3.4 kPa (ga) (0.5 psig) but not
greater than 103 kPa (ga) (15 psig)
Tanks with metal temperatures from -168C to +120C (-270F and +250F)
Tanks that store liquid or gaseous petroleum products, water, and other liquids
Specifically excluded from this standard are small shop-built tanks, tanks covered by API
Standard 650, and lift-type gas holders.
SAES-A-004, Pressure Testing
This standard provides the pressure-testing requirements for storage tanks.
SAES-B-005, Spacing and Diking for Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Tanks
This standard provides the spacing and diking requirements for aboveground storage tanks.
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API Storage Tank
Tanks that store crude oils, petroleum products, water, and other liquids
Tanks with internal operating pressures not greater than 103 kPa (ga) (15 psi)
Tanks with design temperatures between -168C and +260C (-270F and
+500F)
32-SAMSS-006, Large Welded Low-Pressure Tanks
This specification covers modifications and additions to API Standard 620. The specification
is limited to single-walled, aboveground, low-pressure tanks. The specification excludes
spheres and spheroids. The specification is included with the purchase order supplied to the
tank vendor.
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API Storage Tank
Allowable stresses
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API Storage Tank
Group I
As Rolled, Semikilled
Group II
As Rolled, Killed or
Semikilled
Group III
As Rolled, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Group IIIA
Normalized, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Material
Notes
A 131 CS
A 573-58
A 516-55
A 516-60
G40.21M-260W
Fe 42 D
Grade 41
10
10
10
9, 10
4, 9, 10
5, 9, 10
Material
Notes
Material
Notes
Material
A 283 C
A 285 C
A 131 A
A 36
Fe 42 B
Grade 37
Grade 41
2
2
2
2, 3
4
3, 5
6
A 131 B
A 36
A 442-55
A 442-60
G40.21M-260W
Fe 42 C
Grade 41
7
2, 6
A 573-58
A 516-55
A 516-60
G40.21M-260W
Fe 42 D
Grade 41
4
5, 8
Notes
9
4, 9
5, 9
Group IV
As Rolled, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Group IVA
As Rolled, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Group V
Normalized, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Material
Material
Notes
Material
Notes
A 662 C
A 573-70
G40.21M-300W
G40.21M-350W
11
9, 11
9, 11
A 573-70
A 516-65
A 516-70
G40.21M-300W
G40.21M-350W
10
10
10
9, 10
9, 10
A 573-65
A 573-70
A 516-65
A 516-70
A 662 B
G40.21M-300W
G40.21M-350W
Fe 44 B, C, D
Fe 52 C, D
Grade 44
Notes
9
9
4, 9
9
5, 9
Group VI
Normalized or
Quenched and
Tempered, Killed
Fine-Grain Practice
Reduced Carbon
Material
Notes
A 131 EH 36
A 633 C
A 633 D
A 537 I
A 537 II
A 678 A
A 678 B
A 737 B
Notes:
1.
Most of the listed material specification numbers refer to ASTM specifications (including Grade or Class); there are,
however, some exceptions: G40.21M (including Grade) is a CSA specification; Grades Fe 42, Fe 44, and Fe 52
(including Quality) are contained in ISO 630; and Grade 37, Grade 41, and Grade 44 are related to national standards
(see 2.2.5).
2. Must be killed or semikilled.
3. Thickness 0.50 inch.
4. Maximum manganese content of 1.5 percent.
5. Thickness 0.75 inch maximum when controlled-rolled steel is used in place of normalized steel.
6. Manganese content shall be 0.80-1.20 percent by heat analysis for all thicknesses.
7. Thickness 1 inch.
8. Must be killed.
9. Must be killed and made to fine-grain practice.
10. Must be normalized.
11. Must have chemistry (heat) modified to a maximum carbon content of 0.20 percent and a maximum manganese content
of 1.60 percent (see 2.2.6.4).
Source:
ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993, Table 2-3.
Reprinted courtesy of the American Petroleum Institute.
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Civil
60
60
50
50
pI
ou
Gr
40
40
V
up I
Gro
30
30
20
VA
I
up I
pI
Gro
ou
r
A
G
I
pI
ou
r
G
10
0
-10
20
pV
Grou
See Note 1
u
ro
pI
10
II
0
-10
VI
Group
-20
-20
-30
-30
Group IIIA
-40
-50
-60
-40
See Note 2
0.25
-50
0.50
0.75
1.00
1.25
1.50
-60
The Group II and Group V lines coincide at thicknesses less than 1/2 inch.
The Group III and Group IIIA lines coincide at thicknesses less than 1/2 inch.
The materials in each group are listed in Table 2-3.
This figure is not applicable to controlled-rolled plates (see 2.2.7.4).
Use the Group IIA curve for pipe and flanges (see 2.5.5.2 and 2.5.5.3).
Source: ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993, Figure 2-1.
Reprinted courtesy of the American Petroleum Institute.
Note:
To convert F to C subtract 32F from the temperature in degrees F and multiply by 5/9. To convert inches to mm
multiply the thickness in inches by 25.4.
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API Storage Tank
Cost and acceptability of the material, at the specified design metal temperature and required
thickness, determine the selection of the steel specification. In general, higher strength steels
cost more per pound.
Note that the principal difference between structural steels, such as ASTM A36, and most
other specifications permitted by API Standard 650 is that the structural steel has a higher
minimum design metal temperature and may not be able to be used without impact testing if
the required thickness is too large (refer to Figure 11).
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API Storage Tank
Plate
Specification
Grade
Minimum
Yield
Strength
A 283
A 285
A 131
A 36
A 131
C
C
A, B, CS
-EH 36
30,000
30,000
34,000
36,000
51,000
A 442
A 442
A 573
A 573
A 573
55
60
58
65
70
A 516
A 516
A 516
A 516
Minimum
Tensile
Strength
Product Design
Stress Sd
Hydrostatic
Test
Stress St
55,000
55,000
58,000
58,000
71,000a
20,000
20,000
22,700
23,200
28,400
22,500
22,500
24,900
24,900
30,400
30,000
32,000
32,000
35,000
42,000
55,000
60,000
58,000
65,000
70,000a
20,000
21,300
21,300
23,300
28,000
22,500
24,000
24,000
26,300
30,000
55
60
65
70
30,000
32,000
35,000
38,000
55,000
60,000
65,000
70,000
20,000
21,300
23,300
25,300
22,500
24,000
26,300
28,500
A 662
A 662
A 537
A 537
B
C
1
2
40,000
43,000
50,000
60,000
65,000
70,000a
70,000a
80,000a
26,000
28,000
28,000
32,000
27,900
30,000
30,000
34,300
A 633
A 678
A 678
A 737
C, D
A
B
B
50,000
50,000
60,000
50,000
70,000a
70,000a
80,000a
70,000a
28,000
28,000
32,000
28,000
30,000
30,000
34,300
30,000
G40.21M
G40.21M
G40.21M
G40.21M
260W
300W
350WT
350W
37,700
43,500
50,800
58,800
23,800
26,100
27,900
26,100
25,500
28,000
29,800
28,000
37
41
44
30,000
34,000
36,000
20,000
22,700
24,000
22,500
25,000
26,800
B, C
B, C
C, D
34,000
35,500
48,500
22,700
23,700
28,400
25,500
26,600
30,400
ASTM Specifications
CSA Specifications
59,500
65,300
69,600a
65,300
National Standards
52,600
58,300
62,600
ISO 630
Fe42
Fe44
Fe52
60,000
62,500
71,000a
a By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, the tensile strength of these materials may be increased to 75,000
pounds per square inch minimum and 90,000 pounds per square inch maximum (and to 85,000 pounds per square inch minimum
and 100,000 pounds per square inch maximum for ASTM A 537, Class 2, and A 678, Grade B). When this is done, the allowable
stresses shall be determined as stated in 3.6.2.1 and 3.6.2.2.
Source:
ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993, Table 3-2.
Reprinted courtesy of the American Petroleum Institute.
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API Storage Tank
Weight Loads
Total Pressure
Wind Loads
Before the weight loads acting on a tank or its foundation can be calculated, the thickness of
the various components of which a tank is comprised must be known or estimated. The next
section discusses how to estimate the thickness of tank components if these weight loads are
not known.
Estimating the Minimum Acceptable Thickness of Tank Components
API 650 and API 620 have many criteria for determining the minimum thicknesses of tank
components. In this section we will discuss only one of the methods given in API 650 for
determination of the minimum thickness of the tank shell courses. We will also indicate the
API 650 minimum thickness requirements for tank bottoms and roofs.
Corrosion allowances, if required, should be added to the minimum thicknesses that are
calculated by the API method that is described later in this module, or the minimum
thicknesses specified in API Standards. Corrosion allowances are usually specified by the
metallurgical engineer and any further discussion is outside the scope of this course.
The API 650 method and minimum thickness requirements presented in this module can be
used for initial thickness estimates for the main components of a tank for the civil/mechanical
design. Note that the specific methods and requirements of the applicable API standard should
be used in any definitive work. PEDP course MEX 203 is recommended if the Participant is
interested in a more in-depth treatment of API 650 and API 620 requirements.
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API Storage Tank
tt
C1
= Constant, which accounts for the density of water and the dimensional unit
system used, equal to 2.6 for U.S. units and 4.9 for S.I. units.
C2
= Constant, equal to 1 foot for U.S. units and 0.3 meters for S.I. units.
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API Storage Tank
CA
Sd
= Allowable Product Design Stress for design conditions (Figure 11) in psi
(MPa).
St
Note that the above equation is based on the 1993 edition of API 650, in which the weld-joint
efficiency of the tank's vertical seams is assumed to be 1.0. In re-evaluating an existing tank,
the allowable stresses, Sd and St, may have to be multiplied by a weld-joint efficiency, E,
equal to 0.7 or 0.85, depending on the degree of radiography used in the original construction.
Minimum Shell Course Thicknesses for Construction Purposes
API 650 also specifies minimum thicknesses for shell courses for construction purposes based
on tank diameter. These minimum thicknesses are indicated in Figure 12 and may govern the
thicknesses of the upper shell courses. Note that the corrosion allowance, if required, should
be added to the plate thicknesses shown in Figure 12.
Nominal Tank Diameter
meters
ft.
mm
in.
<15.25
<50
4.5
3/16
15.25 to 36.5
50 to 120
6.0
1/4
36.5 to 61.0
120 to 200
7.5
5/16
>61
>200
9.0
3/8
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API Storage Tank
API-650
Given :
A floating roof tank with:
Material is A516 Gr 65
Solution:
From Figure 11 for A516 Gr 65, Sd equals 23300 psi and St equals 26300 psi and using the
previous equations:
td = (2.6 x 200 x (64-1) x 0.75)/23300 + 0.125 = 1.180 in.
tt = (2.6 x 200 x (64-1))/26300 = 1.24 in.
A plate thickness equal to the next nominal thickness (1-1/4 inches) would probably be used.
Note that the minimum thickness required for hydrotest governs the design. Also note that if
the specific gravity of the oil was greater than 0.8, the design case would have governed
rather than the hydrotest case, and the minimum thickness for the shell would then have been
based on the design case.
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API Storage Tank
Weight Loads
Background
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.
If a tank and its foundation are designed to withstand the total hydrostatic test weight, WT, the
tank foundation should also be able to withstand the weight load imposed during normal
operation when lighter weight crude oils or petroleum products are stored.
The total hydrostatic test weight, WT, is equal to the sum of the hydrostatic test water weight,
WH, the tank dead weight empty, WD, and any live loads acting on the tank roof or
appurtenances during the test. The tank dead weight empty, WD, is equal to the weight of the
tank bottom, Wb, the weight of the shell, Ws, the weight of the roof(s), Wr, the weight of any
appurtenances, Wa, and the weight of any insulation, Wi, that may be installed at the time of
the hydrostatic test.
Note that insulation is usually not installed at the time of test and the live loads on the roof
and appurtenances are usually small compared to other loads involved, and may be
considered negligible for the purposes of estimating the total hydrostatic test weight, WT.
Procedures
The procedures for calculating weight loads are provided in Work Aid 1A.
Sample Problem 2: Calculating Weight Loads
Calculate the hydrostatic test water weight, the tank dead weight empty, and total hydrostatic
test weight of a floating roof tank.
Given:
A floating roof tank with:
A tank shell consisting of six, 8 ft. high courses of steel plates with the
following course thicknesses:
-
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Engineering Encyclopedia
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API Storage Tank
A floating roof:
-
With pontoons and other support structure that add 20% to the weight of
the roof
Solution:
Use Work Aid 1A.
In Step 1, calculate the hydrostatic test water weight, WH:
WH =/4d2HLw
WH =/4 x (300)2 x 45 x 62.4
WH =~198,500,000 lb.
In Step 2, calculate the weight of the tank bottom, Wb:
Wb = 4 d2t st
Wb =(/4 x (300)2 x 0.25/12) x 490
Wb = ~721,600 lb.
In Step 3, calculate the weight of the tank shell, Ws:
Since all of the tank shell courses have the same height, the average thickness of
the shell courses can be computed and used to simplify the calculation:
tavg = (1-3/8 + 1-1/8 + 15/16 + 11/16 + 7/16 + 3/8)/6
= 0.8232 in. = 0.0686 ft.
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API Storage Tank
dth x Vst
x 300 x 490 x 48 x 0.0686
~1,520,000 lb.
= 4 d2t
st x D.F.
= (/4 x (300)2 x 3/16 x 490 x (1 + 0.20)
12
= ~649,400 lb.
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Hydrostatic pressure
Vapor pressure
Sources of Pressure on a Tank Shell - The sources of pressure on a tank shell are as follows:
Hydrostatic pressure
Vapor pressure
Sources of Pressure on a Tank Roof - The sources of pressure on a tank roof are as follows:
Vapor pressure
The hydrostatic pressure, PH, increases with the depth below the liquid surface. The highest
hydrostatic pressure occurs during hydrostatic testing.
The vapor pressure, PV, is a function of the volatility of the liquid contained in the tank at its
storage temperature. The process engineer determines the vapor pressure for which the tank
should be designed.
The total pressure, PT, to which a component is subjected is equal to the sum of the individual
pressures. The highest total pressure may occur during the normal operation due to the vapor
pressure in addition to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid being stored.
The effects of wind pressure on the tank shell and roof will be covered in a later section.
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API Storage Tank
Effect of Depth and Liquid Density on Hydrostatic Pressure - Figure 13 shows that the
hydrostatic pressure increases as the depth below the liquid surface increases, and as the
liquid density or specific gravity increases.
Pressure (psi)
0
10
15
20
25
30
16
24
40
48
=
ity
rav
cg
cifi
spe
32
)
er
at
(w
1
=
ity
5
av
0.7
gr
=
ity
ific
av
ec
gr
sp
ific
0
ec
0.5
sp
56
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API Storage Tank
Effect of Vapor Pressure - Figure 14 shows the effect of increasing vapor pressures on the
total pressure at a given depth in a tank. Note that the vapor pressure of API 650 tanks is
limited to be below 17 kPa (2.5 psig) and that the vapor pressure of API 620 tanks is limited
to 103 kPa
(15 psig) at the top of the tank.
Pressure (psi)
15
20
10
25
30
35
8
16
no
va
rp
re
ss
=
10
ps
i(
sp
ec
ifi
=
80
ity
ity
0.
av
av
gr
gr
ity
av
56
ific
gr
ec
ic
sp
cif
i(
pe
ps
(s
ur
ur
ss
48
ur
ss
re
40
po
re
rp
rp
po
32
po
va
va
24
80
80
SI Note:
0.
0.
Equivalent Liquid Height - In order to account for the effects of vapor pressure the concept
of equivalent liquid height will be introduced. The equivalent liquid height is equal to the
total pressure divided by the specific gravity of the liquid stored in the tank. This equivalent
liquid height is then used in the API 650 equations to determine the thickness of the shell
course instead of the actual fill height.
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API Storage Tank
Procedures
The procedure for calculating total pressure and the equivalent liquid height is provided in
Work Aid 1B.
Sample Problem 3: Total Pressure
Calculate the total pressure at the bottom of a cone roof tank and the equivalent liquid height
due to vapor pressure in the tank.
Given:
The tank has a designed liquid storage height of 64 ft. The vapor pressure of the liquid is 2.5
psig. The specific gravity of the oil is 0.9.
Solution:
Use Work Aid 1B.
In Step 1, calculate the hydrostatic pressure, PH:
PH = h x C.F.
PH = (62.4 x 0.9) x 64 x 1/144
PH = 25.0 psig
In Step 2, calculate the total pressure, PT:
PT
PT
PT
=
=
=
P H + PV
25.0 + 2.5
~27.5 psig
=
=
=
PT x C.F. /
27.5 x 144 / (62.4 x 0.9)
70.5 ft.
Answer:
The total pressure at the bottom of the tank is approximately 27.5 psig. The equivalent liquid
height that can be used for design of the shell course is 70.5 ft.
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API Storage Tank
Personnel
Equipment
Rainwater
Sand or dust
The roofs, tank and its foundation must be designed with the capability to support the roof
live load. A minimum required live load of 122 Kg/m2 or 1.2 kN/m2 (25 lb./ft.2) is specified
in 32-SAMSS-006 for low-pressure tanks. The same minimum live load is specified in API
Standard 650 for atmospheric tanks. If more than this minimum live load must be supported,
then a higher load should be specified. Higher live loads, such as those due to heavy
personnel traffic, heavy equipment, heavy rains or heavy accumulations of sand or dust,
should be indicated by the process engineer. If the tank is designed for a positive vapor
pressure, the roof must be designed for this also.
Procedure
The procedure for calculating roof live load is provided in Work Aid 1C.
Sample Problem 4: Roof Live Load
Calculate the roof live load for a flat roofed tank that is 100 ft. in diameter. Assume that the
minimum roof live load is applicable.
Solution:
Use Work Aid 1C, to calculate the roof live load, LRLL:
LRLL =
2
4 d RL
LRLL =
/4 d2RL
LRLL =
/4 (100)2 x 25
LRLL =
~196,350 lb.
Answer:
The roof live load is approximately 196,350 lb.
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Wind Loads
Background
A strong wind can overturn or slide a tank off its foundation or cause a tank wall to collapse.
Empty tanks are especially vulnerable to wind forces. Wind forces acting on tank
appurtenances, such as platforms and ladders, can overload these appurtenances or their
attachments to the tank. The pressure due to the wind varies around the circumference of the
tank from a high pressure on the windward side to a low pressure (vacuum) on the leeward
side. The effects of wind increase with increasing height above grade. Wind blowing over
the top of the tank can also cause a negative pressure or vacuum to act on the tank roof. In
tank design, the primary loads that concern a civil/mechanical engineer are the wind baseshear force, FW, the wind base-overturning moment, MW, and the wind roof-lift load, LW.
These loads are discussed in detail later in this section and the procedures for the calculation
of these loads is provided in Work Aid 1D. Figures 15 and 16 provide diagrams of these
wind forces.
Wind
Mw
Fw
Figure 15. Wind Base-Shear Force, FW, and Wind BaseOverturning Moment, MW
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Lw
Wind
Wind
The wind loads on the tank are a cumulative effect of the wind pressure acting over a surface
area of the tank and of wind drag or lift coefficients. The wind pressure increases with
increasing velocity and increasing height. The wind drag coefficient is a function of the H/d
ratio of the tank. The loads on the tank increase with increasing height and diameter of the
tank and with the number and size of appurtenances.
Saudi Aramco Standards
SAES-D-100 requires that all tanks be designed to withstand a reference wind velocity, Vr, of
137 km/h (85 mph) which is measured at 10 m (33 ft.) above grade. SAES-D-100 requires
that the tanks be designed for wind loads in accordance with ANSI/ASCE 7-88 (formerly
ANSI Standard A58.1) for exposure Level C.
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Formulas
The following equations are based on equations presented in ANSI/ASCE 7-88 (formerly
ANSI Standard A58.1).
The wind pressure increases with increasing velocity. The wind pressure at the reference
elevation, qr, can be calculated from the following equation:
qr
= 0.0473 Vr2
(S.I. Units)
where:
qr
Vr
(Eqn. 1 SI)
(Eqn. 1 US)
Based on the design wind velocity of 137 Km/h (85 mph) indicated in SAES-D-100, qr is
equal to 888 Pa (18.5 lb./ft.2)
Wind Loads
The wind load on the tank or an appurtenance is proportional to the wind pressure which
increases as the elevation increases, the projected area of a portion of the tank or an
appurtenance, and a wind drag coefficient.
The wind force on a portion of the tank or an appurtenance can then be expressed as:
f
= AKhGCfqr (Eqn. 2)
Kh
Cf
qr
where:
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The wind force increases as the height above the reference elevation increases. In order to
determine the wind force at a higher elevation, a height correction factor, Kh, and a gust
response factor, G, are used. Kh and G that are found in ANSI/ASCE 7-88 are based on the
height and exposure classification of the location. Excerpts of these tables are presented in
Work Aid 1D for exposure classification C.
The wind drag coefficient, Cf, is given in ANSI/ASCE 7-88 for typical structures with various
proportions. For most tanks the H/D (Height/Diameter) ratio is less than one and the surface
roughness of the tank is relatively smooth. Therefore, a typical value of Cf that would be
used for a tank is 0.5. The wind drag coefficient, Cf, for an appurtenance is a function of the
appurtenance's shape and solidity (net area/gross area) ratio. The value of Cf for
appurtenances ranges from approximately 0.7 to 2.0 depending on the shape and solidity
ratio. The Participant should reference ANSI/ASCE 7-88 directly if detailed calculations are
to be made of wind load on appurtenances.
When determining the effective projected area of a tank, the designer can include the wind
force on every appurtenance in the calculation or the designer can estimate the effect of the
appurtenances by assuming the tank has an effective diameter, D, slightly larger than its
actual outside diameter. However for this course, the wind load on the tank will be
approximated by using the nominal tank diameter or the nominal tank diameter plus two times
the insulation thickness (if any), and the effect of the wind load on the appurtenances will be
ignored.
Since the wind load increases with height above the reference elevation, it is typical to assume
that the tank is divided up into a number of height ranges. The wind loads acting in each
height range are calculated assuming that Kh elevated at the midpoint of the range applies
over the whole range. The wind forces acting on each height range are then summed up to
determine the total loads acting on the tank base.
With these approximations, the formulas for the wind base-shear force and wind baseoverturning moment can be readily calculated.
For wind base-shear force:
F w = ( Kh (hh hl )) DGCf qr
(Eqn. 3)
where:
Fw
Kh
hh
Highest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.).
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hl
Lowest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.).
Cf
Wind drag coefficient (dimensionless), 0.5 for smooth tanks with H/D <
1.
qr
h + hl
DGCfqr
Mw = Kh (hh hl ) h
2
(Eqn. 4)
where:
Mw
Kh
hh
Highest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.)
hl
Lowest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.)
Cf
Wind drag coefficient (dimensionless), 0.5 for smooth tanks with H/D <
1.
qr
Work Aid 1D provides the procedures and databases needed to calculate the wind base-shear
force and wind base-overturning moment.
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Kh
GxCp =
Combined gust and pressure (lift) coefficient, equal to 1.2 for shallow
roofs with less than 10 angle
qr
Wind pressure at the reference elevation, 888 Pa (18.5 lb./ft.2) for Saudi
Aramco locations.
Work Aid 1D provides the procedures and database for calculating the wind roof-lift load,
Lw.
Sample Problem 5: Determining Wind Loads
Calculate the wind base-shear force, Fw, the wind base-overturning moment, Mw, and the
wind roof-lift load, Lw, for a cone roof tank.
Given:
A cone roof tank that:
Has a cone roof whose peak is 5 ft. above the edge of the shell
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Solution:
Use Work Aid 1D.
In Step 1, calculate the wind base-shear force, Fw:
Fw =
{(0. 8 (16 0)) + (0. 92 (32 16))+ (1.06 (48 32))+ (1.12 (53 48))}
100 1. 22 0. 5 18. 5
F w = ~ 56, 500 lb.
In Step 2, calculate the wind base-overturning moment, Mw:
Mw =
100 1. 22 0. 5 18. 5
Mw =~ 1, 600, 000 ft .lb.
In Step 3, calculate the wind roof-lift load, Lw:
Lw
Lw
=
=
Answer:
The wind base-shear force is approximately 56,500 lb. The wind base-overturning moment is
approximately 1,600,000 ft.-lb. The lift-wind force is approximately 195,300 lb.
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Tank shell
Roof
Portion of the liquid contents that moves in unison with the shell
SAES-D-100 and 32-SAMSS-005 require that the tank be designed for seismic loads in
accordance with API 650 Appendix E. The seismic zone should be indicated on the Tank
Data Sheet. The following procedure is based on the procedure in API 650, Appendix E.
Seismic Zones
Seismic zones are assigned whole numbers from 0 to 4. The number assigned to the seismic
zone represents the relative risk of earthquake damage and determines the amount of seismic
resistance required in structural design. Low numbers represent low risk; high numbers
represent high risk. Zone 0 requires no earthquake design. Zone 2 is the highest
classification for any Saudi Aramco location.
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Formulas
If we assume that the seismic zone is Zone 1 and the tank is at least 30 m (100 ft.) in diameter
and less than 15 m (50 ft.) in height, the API 650 Appendix E formula for the earthquake
base-overturning moment is as follows:
(Eqn. 6)
where:
ME
Ws
Hscg
Height from the base of the tank shell to the shells center of gravity, m
(ft.)
Wr
Ht
KW1
Wc
Weight of the tank liquid contents, N (lb.) equal to the hydrostatic test
water weight, WH, multiplied by the liquid contents specific gravity, G.
K1
Height coefficient, based on the ratio of the diameter of the tank, d, to the
maximum design liquid height, HL
HL
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Factor, based on the ratio of the diameter of the tank, d, to the design
maximum liquid height, HL
KW2
K2
K3
Coefficient which is a function of the first sloshing mode of the tank equal
to 0.411 in SI units and 1.35 in US units.
SI Note:
All constants and coefficients are suitable for use in both US and SI units
except for K3.
The first term in the equation approximates the response of the tank shell to the lateral ground
motion. The second term in the equation approximates the response of the roof to the lateral
ground motion. The third term in the equation approximates the response of the liquid
contents that move in unison with the shell. The fourth term in the equation approximates the
response of the liquid contents that slosh.
Work Aid 1E provides the procedures and databases for calculating the earthquake baseoverturning moment, ME.
Sample Problem 6: Determining Earthquake Base-Overturning Moment
Determine the earthquake base-overturning moment for a floating roof tank.
Given:
A floating roof tank with a:
Height of 48 ft.
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300/45 = 6.67
~0.83
=
=
~0.18
~0.78
1.5
=
=
~0.38
~0.52
ME
~31,625,000 ft.-lb.
Answer:
The earthquake base-overturning moment is approximately 31,625,000 ft.lb.
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Appurtenances
When designing or modifying a tank or designing a foundation, the design engineer must
allow for the weight and the forces exerted by the appurtenances.
The primary loads contributed by tank appurtenances are their weight. In the absence of the
actual weight of the specific items involved, the weight of all tank appurtenances may be
estimated based on the total tank weight, excluding the weight of the contents. Depending on
the particular appurtenance involved and how it is attached to the tank, the weight of the
appurtenance may also impose a bending moment on the tank, which the design engineer may
need to consider. The design considerations for appurtenances will be highlighted in a later
section that covers tank attachments. Some appurtenances, such as stairs, ladders, and
platforms, will also have live loads that have to be taken into consideration in the design.
Work Aid 1F provides the formulas for calculating or estimating the live loads on
appurtenances.
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Membrane stresses
Bending stresses
Peak stresses
If excessive, these stresses can cause tearing, leaking, or fracturing of the storage tank. In
addition, attachments cause changes in the dead weight of the entire storage tank.
Membrane Stress
Local loads on a tank result in changes to the membrane stress within the tank shell. Usually,
the contribution of attachments to membrane stress is not a major concern with storage tanks.
However, the build-up of membrane stress should not be ignored, especially if a tank has an
unusually large number of heavy attachments in a relatively small area. High membrane
stresses can cause the tank to fail in an unexpected manner or in an unexpected area.
Bending Stress
Applying a localized load to any part of a tank causes that part to bend. The bending creates
stresses within the part. When the bending increases, the stress also increases. Normally, the
stresses are highest in the area of the applied load. Local bending stress in the material caused
by loads on the tank, adds to the membrane stress.
If a localized load is applied near a junction within the tank, the load may cause bending
stresses in the junction. For instance, if the shell is loaded by a ladder clip near the bottom of
the tank, the bending applies additional loads on the weld between the shell and the tank
bottom.
The addition of reinforcing plates or pads where attachments are made to the tank reduces the
bending stress. These plates or pads distribute the applied loads over a wider area of the tank
and reduce the localized stresses.
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Appurtenance
weight
Force
Pipe
Tank wall
Bending
moment
Force
Pipe
support
Exaggerated result
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Peak Stresses
Peak stresses occur wherever a local area of material is subjected to significantly higher stress
than the material in the surrounding area. This peak stress typically occurs at stress
concentrations or at abrupt geometric discontinuities in the structure. Stress is concentrated at
storage tank attachment points. In general, stress concentration effects need to be considered
only when the loads are applied cyclically. If the combination of stress level and the number
of cycles is high enough, cyclic stresses could result in a fatigue crack of the tank material or
in failure of the tank.
Figure 18 shows stress concentration.
Force
Tank wall
Reference lines
Mounting plate
Force
Force
Force
Peak stresses
at corners
Result
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Ladders or stairways
Platforms
Accesses
Piping connections
Supports
The following discussions of these attachments and modifications illustrate the problems that
attachments and modifications may cause and the methods available for minimizing the
problems.
Ladders or Spiral Stairways
Ladders or spiral stairways are installed on a storage tank to gain access to the tank roof for
service and/or inspection.
Potential Problems - When a ladder or stairway is attached to a tank, each attachment point
becomes a source of bending stress and stress concentration. The attachments must be strong
enough to support the weight of the ladder or stairway, the personnel who use the ladder or
stairway, and the equipment that may be placed on or be brought up the ladder or stairway.
Because of the effects of thermal expansion/contraction, the ladder attachments must permit
some small relative movement between the ladder or stairway and the tank shell.
Methods of Minimizing - When a ladder or stairway is attached to a tank, the attachments
must not be made in areas of the tank that are already under higher stress, such as the joints
between shell courses, between the shell and the bottom, or between a fixed roof and the
shell. Also, the reinforcing pads or plates added at the attachment points must be large and
thick enough to distribute the applied loads adequately.
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Platforms
Platforms are installed on a storage tank to provide relatively safe and convenient areas for
inspection, maintenance, and/or equipment mounting. Typically, a platform is installed at the
top of the ladder or stairway and near the gauging/sampling nozzles and roof-access manway.
Potential Problems - When a platform is attached to a tank, each attachment point becomes a
source of bending stress and stress concentration. The attachments must be strong enough to
support the weight of the platform, the personnel who use the platform, and the equipment
that may be placed on the platform.
Methods of Minimizing - When platforms are attached to a tank, the attachments must not be
made in areas of the tank that are already under higher stress, such as the joints between shell
courses, between the shell and the bottom, or between a fixed roof and the shell.
Accesses
Accesses are installed in the tank shell and roof to enable inspection of the tank contents,
inspection of the tank interior, and/or maintenance of the tank interior.
Potential Problems - An access is a source of stress concentration. An access may be a
source of bending stress and/or a weak location in the tank.
Methods of Minimizing - Accesses must not be installed in areas of a tank that are already
under higher stress, if other locations are equally satisfactory. The area around the access
must be reinforced and the access must be as small as possible. The access cover must be
strong enough, but not excessively thick. The access must not be installed at the seam
between shell courses or plates. Design details specified in the appropriate API standard that
addresses these concerns must be used.
Limitations - The reasons for installing an access determine the accesss location. How the
access is to be used determines its minimum size.
Piping Connections
Piping connections are installed in a tank to allow material to be transferred into and out of
the tank, to facilitate cleaning and draining of the tank, and to provide connections for safety
valves.
Potential Problems - A piping connection is a source of stress concentration and bending
stress due to the applied loads from the connected piping system. A piping connection causes
a local weakening in the tank where the piping connection is installed.
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Methods of Minimizing - A piping connection must not be installed in an area of a tank that
is already under higher stress, if other locations are equally satisfactory. The area around the
piping connection must be reinforced. API Standard 650 specifies design details and an
evaluation procedure that should be followed to reduce local tank stresses. A piping
connection must not be installed at a seam between shell courses, at the seam between the
bottom and the shell of the tank, or at a seam between shell plates. The piping system must
be provided with adequate flexibility to adjust to tank settlement and to adjust to tank
expansion and contraction that results from both temperature changes and hydrostatic head.
Limitations - The reasons for installing a piping connection and the layout of the piping
system determine the location and size of a piping connection. Designing a piping system
that allows for tank settlement may be difficult and expensive for cases of significant
settlement, and the difficulty increases with the pipe diameter.
Supports
Supports are attached to certain types of tanks, such as spheres and spheroids, to support the
weight of the tank and its contents. The support connections along with their reinforcing pads
or plates must be designed to support the weight of the tank and its contents without
overstressing the tank. Flat (or conical) bottom tanks are continuously supported on a
foundation.
Potential Problems - Support connections are a source of stress concentration and bending
stress. The supports must adjust to the expansion and contraction of the tank. The supports
must be able to tolerate shifting loads that result from uneven settlement.
Methods of Minimizing - Supports must not be attached in areas of a tank that are already
under higher stress. The reinforcing pads or plates must be sufficiently strong. The possible
expansion and contraction of the tank during operation must be considered in the support
design. Properly designed and constructed foundations can minimize tilting that results from
foundation settlement.
Limitations - Designing and constructing supports that properly connect to a tank and that
tolerate tank expansion and contraction can be expensive. Better foundations are more
expensive to construct and may not be cost effective.
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Limit total settlement to amounts that can be tolerated by the connecting pipes
Limit differential settlement around the tank circumference and across the
bottom to amounts that can be tolerated by the tank shell and bottom
Distort
Leak
Rupture
Appendix B of API 650 gives recommendations and SAES-D-100 presents the following
requirements for the design and construction of tank foundations:
The grade or surface on which the tank bottom rests should be at least 0.30 m
(1 ft.) above the surrounding ground surface. This grading provides drainage,
keeps the bottom of the tank dry, and compensates for minor settlement. The
elevation specified for the tank bottom surface should also consider the amount
of total settlement that is expected.
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Pressurized tanks are anchored to their foundations. In the case of a flat-bottomed tank with
internal pressure, anchoring helps prevent the pressure from rounding the tanks bottom and
lifting the tank off its foundation when the liquid level is low. Rounding creates stresses
within the bottom of the shell and the outer edge of the bottom that could cause the tank to
fail.
Atmospheric storage tanks are not normally anchored, unless anchoring is needed for wind or
earthquake loading.
Soil
Before the foundation and tank are constructed, the design engineer must estimate how much
settlement will occur during the operating life of the tank. In some cases, it may be necessary
to prepare the soil to better support the loads that will be placed on the soil. Common soilpreparation techniques are as follows:
Preloading
Compaction
Preloading the soil is the preferred method of preparation. The soil is preloaded by placing
material on top of the ground that will be supporting the foundation and tank. The amount of
material piled on top usually equals or exceeds the weight of the tank and foundation when
the tank is filled. The material must be left in place long enough to allow the soil to compact
under the weight. This time period depends on the type of soil and the rate at which it
consolidates. The preload time could be six months or more.
Compaction
When there is insufficient time to preload the soil and the existing soil is to be maintained, the
soil may be stiffened by compaction. The soil is compacted by beating or pounding the
surface with equipment specially designed for this purpose.
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Ringwalls
-
Concrete ringwall
Concrete pad
Piled foundation
Compacted Earth with Oiled Sand Pad
The compacted earth with oiled sand pad foundation is the simplest and least expensive type
of foundation. This type of foundation is used for small flat-bottomed tanks constructed on
stable soil. Figure 19 shows the construction of the compacted earth and oiled sand pad
foundation.
Tank
Stable soil
Stable soil
Compacted earth
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Ringwalls
A ringwall foundation consists of a ring of support material enclosing an area of compacted
fill.
Ringwalls are used for the following:
Larger tanks
Ringwalls help prevent shell distortion in floating roof tanks. When compared to an oiled
sand pad, ringwalls provide the following advantages:
Retention of the fill under the tank bottom and prevention of material loss due
to erosion
A different material is used in the ringwall and the compacted fill. As a result,
the compacted fill can settle, creating stresses on the bottom of the tank at the
boundary between the ringwall and the compacted fill.
Ringwalls are more expensive to construct than compacted earth and oiled sand
pads.
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Crushed Stone Ringwall - Construction of the crushed stone ringwall is illustrated in Figure
20.
Tank
Crushed
stone
Crushed
stone
Stable soil
Stable soil
Compacted fill
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Tank
Compacted fill
Grade
Reinforced
concrete
Concrete Pad
The concrete pad is used with tall, small-diameter tanks. The concrete pad is a solid,
reinforced-concrete slab placed directly on the soil. The concrete pad provides a means of
anchoring the tank. Figure 22 illustrates a concrete pad.
Tank
Soil
Concrete slab
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Piled Foundation
A piled foundation for a tank consists of a concrete slab or pile cap on which the tank rests
and piles (columns) embedded into the soil below the slab.
The pile material may be either reinforced concrete, steel, or timber. The size, length, and
number of piles depends on soil conditions and on the size and weight of the tank. A
geotechnical specialist usually determines the pile requirements based on the results of a soil
investigation program.
A piled foundation is used where the following conditions exist:
Unstable soil
Tank weight may cause soil to push out from under the tank
Too much settlement may result from excessive compression of soil under the
tank
A piled foundation gets its supporting capacity from the piles driven into the ground. The two
sources of the vertical load supporting capacity for a pile are (1) the friction along the length
(sides) of the pile and (2) the bearing capacity at the bottom end of the pile. Figure 23
illustrates a piled foundation.
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32-SAMSS-005 provides the requirements for testing and inspecting welded steel tanks that
store oil, water, and chemicals at approximately atmospheric pressure. The standard applies
to newly constructed tanks during initial test and inspection.
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The tank foundation must be inspected prior to tank erection for compliance
with all design requirements.
Cone roof tanks must be filled to 50 mm (2 in.) above the top angle.
Any settlement of cone roof tanks that exceeds one percent of the tank
diameter shall be referred to CSD for analysis.
Floating roof tanks must be filled to within 450 mm (18 in.) of the top
angle.
Any floating roof tank shall be considered for jacking when excessive
ovalization has occurred. Ovalization is generally excessive if the
difference between the maximum and minimum diameters at the top
reaches 300 mm (12 in.). Any such tank where uneven settlement
reaches 2.8 mm per meter (1 in. per 30 ft.) of circumference is to be
checked for shell-to-floating roof clearance.
+ For this purpose, reference points equally spaced around the circumference shall be
established. The reference points shall be nuts or other similar items welded to the tanks
shell 100 mm (4 in.) above the bottom edge. One of the reference points must be placed
at the catch basin.
+ The reference points must be placed at approximately equal distances around the
circumference of the tank. The number of reference points for various tank diameters is
given in Figure 24.
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Tank Diameter
15 m (50 ft.) and less
Over 15 m (50 ft.) and less than 45 m (150 ft.)
45 m (150 ft.) and over
When To Be Taken
Before the start of the hydrostatic test
With the tank 1/4 full 0.60 m (2 ft.)
With the tank 1/2 full 0.60 m (2 ft.)
With the tank 3/4 full 0.60 m (2 ft.)
With the water level at or above the maximum working filling
height (32-SAMSS-005, par. 5.5.6 gives additional time
conditions for this step for special tanks)
After the tank has been emptied of test water
Figure 25. Required Settlement Readings
+ Any differential settlement greater than 1.5 mm per meter (1/2 in. per 30 ft.) of tank
circumference or uniform settlement greater than 50 mm (2 in.) must be reported to the
Chief Engineer.
+ A record of elevation observations shall be filed in the Plant Inspection Record Book by
the Buyer's Inspector.
-
The tank must be continually inspected as it is filled to note any leaks or other signs of
weakness in the tank, its roof, and its foundation.
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They be inspected using the standards established in the API Standard 653,
Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction.
They be inspected and tested after any repair or modification that might affect
the strength or safety of the tank.
All construction must meet the requirements of the Saudi Arabian Uniform Building Code as
modified by SAES-M-100.
SAES-Q-005, Concrete Foundations
SAES-Q-005 specifies that the foundations for atmospheric storage tanks be constructed in
accordance with the instructions in API Standard 650. In addition, the standard provides
requirements for soil analysis, foundations, concrete ringwalls, and anchor bolts.
SAES-Q-005 requires that the soil analysis include the following soil-related characteristics:
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Soil-shearing capacity
For pile-type foundations, data that establishes the minimum pile group spacing
based on the type of pile and load-carrying capacity
They be founded on undisturbed soil at least 600 mm (2 ft.) below the existing
or finished grade surface.
The top of the concrete be at least 150 mm (6 in.) above the finished grade.
SITUATION/CONDITION
SAFETY FACTOR
1.5
1.5
2.0
3.0
2.0
They have an average unit soil loading under the ringwall equal to the soil
pressure under the confined earth at the same depth.
They have a concrete compression strength of at least 27,600 kPa (4,000 psi)
after 28 days.
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The distance from the anchor bolts or anchor-bolt sleeves to the outer edge of
the concrete be at least 75 mm (3 in.)
The anchor bolts that are subject to uplift or vibration be equipped with a nut
that locks the anchor bolt.
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Uniform
Planar tilt
Center-to-edge
When the tank shell remains level as the tank settles, uniform settlement has occurred.
Uniform settlement does not cause significant stresses or distortions in the tank. This type of
settlement requires correction only when the foundation or piping connections develop
problems. Figure 27 illustrates uniform settlement.
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Drainage problem
Potential
for overstress
of piping
nozzle
Blockage of surface water drainage from the tank pad, which could cause
corrosion of the tank shell or bottom
Planar Tilt
When the tanks shell tilts as the tank settles and the bottom of the shell remains in a single
plane, planar tilt settlement has occurred. The bottom plane does not distort; it only tilts.
Figure 28 illustrates planar tilt.
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API Storage Tank
Shell buckling
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API Storage Tank
Center-to-Edge
When the support under the bottom of the tank settles more than the support under the shell of
the tank, center-to-edge settlement has occurred. Figure 30 illustrates center-to-edge
settlement.
In tanks under 45 m (150 ft.) in diameter, buckling of the bottom shell course
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API Storage Tank
Local bottom
settlement
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API Storage Tank
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READING
NUMBER
ORIGINAL
ELEVATION (cm)
CURRENT
ELEVATION (cm)
205.65
151.27
205.65
149.97
205.65
151.23
205.65
153.74
205.65
152.48
205.66
153.76
205.66
162.44
205.66
165.03
205.66
163.77
10
205.66
157.62
11
205.65
157.48
12
205.65
153.72
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API Storage Tank
Work Aid 1:
Calculate the hydrostatic test water weight using the following formula:
WH =
where:
WH
d
HL
w
=
=
=
=
2
d HL w
4
(Eqn. 7)
2.
If not already known, calculate the weight of the tank bottom using the following
formula:
Wb = 4 d2tbst
(Eqn. 8)
where:
Wb = Weight of the tank bottom, N (lb.)
d
= Diameter of the tank, m (ft.)
tb
= Thickness of the tank bottom, in meters (ft.)
st = Weight density of steel, 77 kN/m3 (490 lb./ft.3)
3.
If not already known, calculate the weight of the tank shell using the following formula:
Ws = dtavgh st
(Eqn. 9)
where:
Ws = Weight of a tank shell, N (lb.)
d
= Diameter of the tank, m (ft.)
tavg = Average thickness of the tank shell, in meters (feet)
h
= Height of the tank, m (ft.)
st = Weight density of steel, 77 kN/m3 (490 lb./ft.3)
4.
If not already known, estimate the weight of the tank roof(s) using the appropriate
formula(s) from the following:
For a flat roof:
Wr = 4 d2tr st x D.F.
(Eqn. 10a)
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where:
Wr
d
tr
st
D.F.
=
=
=
=
=
W r = dtr st
+ h 2r
4
2
1/2
D.F.
(Eqn. 10b)
where:
Wr
d
tr
hr
st
D.F.
5.
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
(Eqn. 11)
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6.
Using the following formula, calculate the tank dead weight empty.
W D = Ws + Wb + Wr + Wa + Wi
(Eqn. 12)
where:
WD
Ws
Wb
Wr
Wa
Wi
7.
=
=
=
=
=
=
Using the following formula, calculate the total hydrostatic test weight.
W T = WH + WD
(Eqn. 13)
where:
WT = Total hydrostatic test weight
WH = Hydrostatic test water weight
WD = Tank dead weight empty
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2.
where:
PH
=
=
h
C.F.
=
=
(Eqn. 14)
(Eqn. 15)
where:
PT
PH
PV
3.
=
=
=
(Eqn. 16)
where:
PT
C.F.
=
=
=
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LRLL = 4 d2 RL
where:
(Eqn. 17)
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Work Aid 1D: Procedure and Database for Calculating Wind Loads
1.
(Eqn. 3)
= Lowest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.)
Kh
(evaluated at
midpoint of range)
G
(Evaluated at top of
range)
0-5 (0-16)
.8
1.32
5-10 (16-32)
.92
1.26
10-15 (32-48)
1.06
1.23
15-20 (48-64)
1.17
1.20
20-25 (64-80)
1.25
1.18
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2.
h + hl
DGCfqr
Mw = Kh (hh hl ) h
2
where:
3.
(Eqn. 4)
Mw =
Kh =
hh =
Highest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.)
hl
Lowest point on the tank shell or roof within the height range, m (ft.)
Cf =
qr
(Eqn. 5)
where:
Lw
d
Kh
GxCp
qr
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Work Aid 1E: Procedure and Databases for Calculating Earthquake Base-Overturning
Moment
1.
Calculate the value of d/HL (d = diameter of the tank, HL = the design maximum height
of the liquid contents) and determine the value for factor k from Figure 40.
1.0
0.8
k
0.6
0.5
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
d/H L
Source:
Based on ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993,
Fig. E-4.
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2.
Determine the values for the weight coefficients Kw1 and Kw2 from Figure 41.
1.0
Kw 1
0.8
0.6
0.4
Kw 2
0.2
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
d/HL
Source:
Based on ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993,
Fig. E-2.
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3.
Determine the value for the site amplification factor S from Figure 42.
Soil Characteristics
S1
Either:
Site
Amplification
Factor
S
1.0
1.2
S3
1.5
S4
2.0
1.5
Unknown
Source:
Based on ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993,
Table E-3.
SI Note: The site amplification factor is dimensionless. To convert feet to meters multiply 1 m/ 3.28 ft.
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4.
Determine the value for the height coefficients K1 and K2 from Figure 43.
or K
1.0
0.8
K2
0.6
K1
0.4
0.2
0
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
d/HL
Source:
Based on ANSI/API Standard 650, Ninth Edition, Washington, D.C., American Petroleum Institute, July 1993,
Fig. E-3.
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5.
where:
ME = Earthquake base-overturning moment, N-m (ft.-lb.)
(Eqn. 6)
Ht
KW1 = Weight coefficient, based on the ratio of the tank diameter, d, to the maximum
design liquid height, HL, from Figure 41
Wc = Weight of the tank liquid contents equal to the hydrostatic test water weight,
WH, multiplied by the specific gravity of the tank contents, N (lb.)
K1
= Height coefficient, based on the ratio of the diameter of the tank, d, to the
maximum design liquid height, HL, from Figure 43
HL
= Factor, based on the ratio of the diameter of the tank, d, to the design maximum
liquid height, HL, from Figure 40
KW2 = Weight coefficient, based on the ratio of the tank diameter, d, to the maximum
design liquid height, HL, from Figure 41
K2
= Height coefficient, based on the ratio of the tank diameter, d, to the maximum
design liquid height, HL, from Figure 43
K3
= Coefficient which is a function of the first sloshing mode of the tank and equal
to 0.411 in SI units and 1.35 in US units.
SI Note:
All constants and coefficients are suitable for use in either SI or US units except
for K3.
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Work Aid 1F: Procedure for Calculating Live Loads for Appurtenances
Platforms, ladders and their attachments to the tank should be designed to support their own
weight plus a live load equal to the greater of 4450 N (1,000 lb.) or 2.4 kPa (50 lb./ft.2) on the
floor and tread areas, A, unless otherwise specified.
when A < 1.85 m2 (20 ft.2):
LLL = 4450 N (1,000 lb.)
(Eqn. 18)
(Eqn. 19)
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Work Aid 2:
1.
Obtain the data on the original elevation readings of the tank shell.
2.
Subtract the actual settlement readings from the corresponding original elevation
readings.
3.
The minimum difference between an original elevation reading and the corresponding
actual settlement reading is the amount of uniform settlement.
4.
Subtract the uniform settlement from the maximum difference between the original
elevation reading and the corresponding actual settlement reading. The result is the
amount of planar tilt settlement.
5.
Plot the actual settlement readings around the circumferences of the tank starting with
the highest point at 0. Figure 44 provides a graph that can be used for plotting the data.
Elevation
Angle
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6.
Plot a cosine curve that most closely matches the actual settlement readings. Figure 45
shows an example of a plot of data.
Planar tilt
Elevation
Deviation from
planar tilt
30
60
The vertical difference between the best-fit cosine curve and the plot of actual settlement
readings is the deviation from planar tilt and represents the differential circumferential
settlement.
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GLOSSARY
ANSI
API
ASCE
ASTM
crown
CSA
design metal
temperature
frangible joint
Weak welded joint at the top of a tank that fails if the tank is
overpressured.
ISO
km/h
ksi
maximum operating
temperature
mph
periphery
psi
slosh
Specific Gravity
small tank
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