Tank Configuration

In addition to previous responses, and thinking more from a process application than chem/petro-chem application. I tend to consider the following:

Process tanks tend to have a greater hight to diameter ratio than storage tanks creating more dynamic loads, so with this in mind, you may want to look at side by side and in groups of four or six. What you will find is significant advantages in the foundation requirements when building in groups versus in line.

Other Considerations:

1. Top access and lower access via catwalks and such are more cost effective in groups versus linear.
2. Product abuse is obviously greater when traveling at greater distances.
3. Product loss. Pushing product with water etc.
4. Temperature drops/gains.
5. CIP Loops.
6. Pump sizes and pressure drops.
7. Product and Utility piping runs.
8. Control wiring and cable.

All these and more should be considered. Bundles of tanks tend to decrease overall investment and costs of installation during the construction phase versus linear alignment of vessels.

Hi Atul,

First, separate solvent containing materials, flammables in an explosion-proof room with dike around directing eventual spills to a containment tank under the floor, around 60 to 65% of the total volume of all tanks. For liquids, solvents and resin solutions use round vertical for small volume and horizontal tanks for large volumes as high as possible to use gravity to empty them without using pumps. Layout is convenience and less piping is the best. For piping use two 45* elbows with pipe in between but never 90* elbows.

For waterbourne system use stainless steel tanks the same way as for solvent based.

In both cases, you have to predict spills at 60 to 65% by volume of the total tank capacity, and dike the storage room. While not 100%, because all tanks are never full of material at the same time. This is accepted but you have to consult with your local government and fire department to confirm what I said.

I already build an explosion-proof tank farm with a paint manufacturer, around 56,000 imperial gallon capacity. It was approved by everyone, and served as an example for future fire inspectors. My friend was the fire department chief and teacher of future inspectors. He explained to me what to do to be the best! Thanks for the teaching!

If need more info, let me know, Gil.

Dear all,

i am looking for the answer of " how do we choose different configurations" i.e. tanks in straight line or zig zag configuration, because rest of the things are clearly mentioned in OISD 118.

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It's a three-dimensional problem based upon various internal design criteria, to which the rest of the forum has no access, and the available footprint, which the rest of the forum cannot see.