CONTENTS

1. GENERAL

2. TYPES OF TANKS
2.1 Atmospheric Tanks
2.1.1 Floating Roofs
2.1.2 Cone Roofs
2.1.3 Dome Roof 
2.1.4 Double Wall
2.1.5 Bolted Tanks
2.1.6 Small Welded Tanks
2.1.7 Large Welded Production Tanks

2.2 Pressure Storage

3. TABLES OF DIMENSIONS

4. TANK ACCESSORIES

5. INSTRUMENTATION

6. SIZE AND CAPACITIES

7. TANK STRAPPING

8. PUMPING AND SIZING OF TANK

9. TANK GRADES AND FOUNDATION

10. STORAGE CAPACITY

11. RETENTION TIME

12. LOSSES

13. VESSEL SKETCH

13.1 Illustration
13.2 Table of Process Connections
13.3 Process Data
13.4 Notes

14. LOAD SHEET

15. VESSEL CONNECTION SUMMARY

16. TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

17. PROCESS ENGINEERING FOLLOW UP

18. REFERENCES

19. APPENDIX I - FIGURE AND TABLES

Figure 5.1 - Cone Bottoms of API

API Bolted Production Tanks
Figure 5.2 - Dimension
Dimen sion of an API Small Welded Tank
Figure 5.3 - Cone Bottom Types of API Small Welded Production Tank
Figure 5.4 - Typical Tank Grade
Figure 5.5 - Recommended Foundation For Large
Large Tanks
Tanks Supported
Supported By
By Soil
Figure 5.6 - The Floating
Floating Roof by Minimizing
Minimizing Vapor Space Eliminates
Elim inates Filling
Filling Loss
Figure 5.7 - Both Types of Hortan Floating Roofs Meet Requirements In API
Standard 650 Appendix C
Figure 5.8 - Roof Support
Figure 5.9 - Automatic Float Gauges
Figure 5.10 - Floating Roof Accessories
11. RETENTION TIME

12. LOSSES

13. VESSEL SKETCH

13.1 Illustration
13.2 Table of Process Connections
13.3 Process Data
13.4 Notes

14. LOAD SHEET

15. VESSEL CONNECTION SUMMARY

16. TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

17. PROCESS ENGINEERING FOLLOW UP

18. REFERENCES

19. APPENDIX I - FIGURE AND TABLES

Figure 5.1 - Cone Bottoms of API

API Bolted Production Tanks
Figure 5.2 - Dimension
Dimen sion of an API Small Welded Tank
Figure 5.3 - Cone Bottom Types of API Small Welded Production Tank
Figure 5.4 - Typical Tank Grade
Figure 5.5 - Recommended Foundation For Large
Large Tanks
Tanks Supported
Supported By
By Soil
Figure 5.6 - The Floating
Floating Roof by Minimizing
Minimizing Vapor Space Eliminates
Elim inates Filling
Filling Loss
Figure 5.7 - Both Types of Hortan Floating Roofs Meet Requirements In API
Standard 650 Appendix C
Figure 5.8 - Roof Support
Figure 5.9 - Automatic Float Gauges
Figure 5.10 - Floating Roof Accessories
 Table 5.1 - Sizes And General Dimensions of API Bolted Prodution Tanks
Table 5.2 - Details of Bottoms, Shells, and Docks of API Bolted Production
Tanks
Table 5.3 - Dimensions of an API Small Welded Tanks
Table 5.4A - Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank
Table 5.4B - Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank
Table 5.4C - Dimensions
Di mensions of an API Welded Production Tank
Table 5.4D - Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank
Table 5.5 - Flat Bottom Storage Tank Capacities
Table 5.6 - Spherical Tank Liquid Capacities
Table 5.7 - Spherical Tank Gas Capacities
Table 5.8 - Bullet Tank Capacities

20. APPENDIX II - EXAMPLE CALCULATION

21. APPENDIX III - DATA SHEET

1. GENERAL

In the processing of petroleum, sizeable inventories of crude, semi-finished

and finished hydrocarbons are required. Both atmospheric and pressure
storage vessels are used. A major refinery offsite cost is represented by
storage facilities and related piping, access roads, dikes, and fire and safety
equipment.

The major portion of oil, water and other liquids stored in refineries is
contained in atmospheric storage tanks. These are normally steel vessels
which operate at or only slightly above atmospheric pressure. The capacity of 
various storage tanks is set by processing, blending,
blending, shipping and marketing
requirements, shipment/transportation periods.

The design of storage facilities for feedstock, intermediate, and final product
liquids is one of the responsibilities of Offsites Systems. A brief description
of the types of storage tanks normally used is given in this subject, divided
into atmospheric and pressure storage. A listing of tankage accessories and
instrumentation commonly required follows, along with a brief decription.
Finally, the subject outlines the procedure for completing a vessel sketch and
corresponding vessel connection summary and a vessel load sheet, along
with an example of each.

2. TYPES OF TANKS

Tanks for storing liquids as atmospheric pressure or low pressure are built in
two basic styles, floating roof design where the roof floats on top of the liquid,
rising and falling with level, and the cone roof design the roof is fixed.

The most frequently used storage tanks are welded steel thanks fabricated in
accordance with the API 650 Specification. Small tanks generally conform to
 API 12F specifica
specification
tion for Small
Small Welded
Welded Production
Production Tanks. Other API tank
specifications are for tanks which
are considered portable and are employed in producing fields. These
include bolted tanks (API 12B) and prefabricated welded production tanks
(API 12D). Tanks for water storage should be fabricated in accordance with
the AWWA specification which takes account of the greater weight of water 
and the need for a corrosion allowance.

The main distinguishing feature of atmospheric oil storage tanks is the type
of roof employed. The two basic types of roofs are fixed and floating.

The choice between types of roof should be preicated on 1) evaporation

loss, 2) fire risk, 3) product contamination from atmosphere and 4)
maintenance cost resulting from corrosion.

Evaporation losses vary with the type of material stored and the tank
operating cycle. The two causes of evaporation losses are tank filling and
breathing. Filling losses are influenced by the throughput of the plant and
methods and frequency of shipping. Breathing losses are caused by
variations of ambient atmospheric conditions and depend on the vapor 
pressure of the material and the volume of vapor space in the tank.

When the stored material is subject to ready ignition, a floating roof is

desirable to reduce the risk of fire. Such materials, for which the tank vapor 
space is usually in the explosive range, include crude petroleum, gasoline
components, jet fuels, heavy naphtha and kerosines with flash points below
about 80? F.

Some water soluble solvents, lubricating oils and materials adversely

affected by air are occasionally stored in floating-roof tanks. Alternatively,
fixed-roof tanks with inert gas blankets are also used to protect air-sensitive
products.

Materials that can evolve corrosive vapors, such as crude petroleum and
some gasoline components, often require special types of floating-roof tanks
to reduce the effects of such corrosive vapors.
 Fluids that are vapors at ambient temperatures also can be stored in
atmosperic tanks as liquids at low temperatures. These tanks normally
operate at low pressure (measured in inches of water) and are therefore
constructed in accordance with API Standard 620. Proper insulation of low-
temperature atmospheric storage tanks is important.

2.1 Atmospheric Tanks

So called because they operate at or slightly above atmospheric pressure (1

~ 2 PSIG), these tanks can be sub-divided into three smaller groups; floating
roofs, cone roofs,and dome roofs, according to their characteristic design. A
fourth category will examine the various types of "double wall" design.

2.1.1 Floating Roofs

 As the name implies, these tanks have a roof that literaly floats on the surface
of the liquid. The roof is fitted with a seal to close the gap between the roof 
and shell and pantograph hangers (or similar mechanisms; to accomodate
variations of the rim space and to center the roof in the tank. The tank is
equipped with "stops" to held the roof off the bottom when the tank is
emptied. There are three basic types of floating roofs:

• Pan roofs - Unstable and dangerous, there are rarely used.

• Pontoon roof - These consist of a deck plate supported by one or 
more pontoons. Referred to as high-or low-deck pontoon roof 
depending upon whether the deck is above the liquid or in contact
with it, respectively. The number of pontoons required is determined
by vendor.
• Double deck roofs - These consist of two deck plates with suitable
structural support between them, resting on one or more pontoons.
The space between the plates serves as insulation.
  A fourth type, the covered floating roof tank, is just the addition of a truss
supported roof over any of the above types of floating roofs. Floating roofs
are used in situations where, for economic or safety reasons, vapor 
generation must be minimized or atmospheric contamination avoided. Water 
soluble solvents and naptha are two examples of products often stored in
floating roof tanks.

Floating roofs for storage tanks have long been justified largely on rounds
vapor losses. As more stress in placed on environmental protection, there is
increased interest in floating roofs to reduce hydrocarbon emissions. Most
floating roof give long service and perform their function with difficulty and
with minimum attention. However, when problems do occur, they may be
annoying and costly.

Development of early floating roofs involved many empirical relationships

and confirming tests, experience pointed out basic essentials, but with
demand for larger roofs, more refined methods of analysis were needed to
 justify extrapolation of design.

Normally, pontoom and double-deck roofs meet the requirements of 

 Appendix C of API Std 650, Covered floating roofs are designed to meet
 Appendix H of API Std 650 for pontoom roofs, the governing design
condition from 50 to 150 feet diameter is the rainfall condition again governs.

When either the ruptured-deck condition or sag-full condition governs,

pontoom roofs have reserve strength. This strength enables them to carry a
load somewhat greater than that equivalent to 10 in of rainfall over the tank
area.

2.1.2 Cone Roofs

These roofs are made of a series of columns and supporting beams,onto

which the roof plates are placed and lap welded to each other (but not to the
support beams). Obviously, these tanks cannot take any internal pressure,
and are therefore limited to low vapor pressure liquids. In addition, great care
must be taken to adequately size breathing vents to handle all input and
drainage rates that the tank may see.

The cone bottom in either the bolted or the welded tank offers a means of 
draining and removing water, or water-cut oil, from only the bottom of the
tank, leaving the merchantable oil above. With a flat-bottom tank some of the
merchantable oil must be removed if all of the water is removed from the
tank. Corosion on the tank bottom is kept to a minimum by keeping all water 
removed.

The cone-bottom tank can be cleaned without a man entering the tank. A
water hose, handled just outside the cleanout opening, is used to flush the
solids to the center of the cone and drain connection.

Welded tanks offer cone bottoms in two basic patterns; (1) the bottom of the
tank is cone-shapped and must set on a cone-shaped grade; (2) the cone
bottom is placed up in the shell of the tank, leaving a base ring or flat bottom
to rest on a flat tank grade. In the latter pattern the producer may select a
standard-height tank which will have less capacity than a flat-bottom tank but
of necessity of slightly greater height.

The cone bottom adds approximately 12 percent to the cost of a welded

tank, depending on which pattern is selected. It adds approximately 3 to 4
percent to the cost of most popular sizes of bolted tanks.

Proper grade preparation can also have an important bearing on bottom

corrosion. Tanks erected on poorly drained grades, directly contacting
corrosive soils or on heterogeneous mitures of different types of soils, are all
subject to electrolytic attack on the bottom side. Typical tank grade is shown
on Fig. 5.4.

In selecting the proper type of foundation, the bearing power of the soil is the
primary factor. Where no previous experience in the same area is available,
soil booring to determine existing conditions are usually cheap insurance
 against future trouble. We have seen a number on instances where tank sites
were judged solely from surface conditions only to have the empty tank settle
so seriously during construction that the water test could not be performed
until the foundation was rectified. With the tanks already erected, this could
only be accomplished at great expense.

While this are extremes, they serve to illustrate the importance of first
knowing the nature of the foundation base. Knowledge of gelogical formation
or experience with other heavy structures in the same vicinity will often
suffice, but if such knowledge is absent, soil borings are the safest means of 
investigation.

The grade for the tank should preferably be elevated slightly above the
surrounding terrain to insure drainage. Sufficient berm should be provided to
prevent washing and weathering under the tank shall. The berm width should
be at least 5 feet. Wastering can be minimized if the berm is subsequently
protected with trap rock, gravel, or an apshaltic flashing.

The sand pad should be at least 4 in. deep. The sand should be clean and
free from corrosive elements. Care should be taken to exclude clay or lumps
of earth from coming into contact with the bottom. Frequently the difference in
potential between two types of earth will set up an electrolytic cell with
resultant pitting.

Drainage is important both from the standpoint of soil stability and bottom
corrosion. Good drainage should be provided not only under the tank itself,
but the general area should preferably be well drained. Where the terrain
does not afford atural drainage, proper ditching around a group of tanks may
help to correct the deficiency. Where suitable bearing soil is not available at
the surface, but is available a reasonable distance below the surface, a ring
wall foundation is indicated. The purpose of the ring is to confine the soil and
prevent lateral movement.

2.1.3 Dome Roof

 Similar to cone roofs, except in this case trusses extend from the shell to
support the roof beams, and the roof plates are welded to the shell. These
tanks can operate at slight positive pressures, approximately 1.0 to 2.0 PSIG
and are therefore used extensively for storage of high vapor pressure liquids
at below-ambient temperatures, since the variance in internal pressure
necessary to operate most refrigeration packages is necessary.

2.1.4 Double Wall

 A double wall tank is actually a tank-within-a-tank. The inner tank contains the
liquid product, while the outer tank maintains pressure and serves as
protection for the insulation placed between the inner and outer tank walls.
The outer tank has a dome roof with an insulated suspended deck that fits
 just inside the inner tank walls. This deck is not vapor tight, allowing the inner 
tank to be designed only for hydrostatic loads. Initially inert gas (nitrogen) will
fill the void between the inner and outer tank but during operation product
vapor will flow to the space over the suspended deck and will mix with the
inert gas. Continuous inert gas purging is not required all lines pressure
vacuum protection blanker gas, and initial purge connection should be
extended through the suspended deck.

 A further refinement of the double wall tank is the "double integrity" tank.
Since in a standard double wall tank the outer wall is always at ambient
temperature and only maintains vapor pressure, it is made of standard
carbon steel and is not designed for the liquid temperature. Therefore,
should the inner tank evelop a leak, the outer tank would likewise fail. In a
double integrity tank, however, the outer tank wall is made of the appropriate
materials of construction for the liquid contained, and is designed to hold the
maximum level, along with any thermal shock. Also, relieving devices must
be provided to protect the tank from overpressure upon failure of the inner 
tank due to the vapor generated with the cooldown of the outer tank.
2.1.5 Bolted Tanks

Table 5.1 gives sizes and geneal dimensions and Table 5.2 gives details of 
bottoms, shells and decks as given in API Std. 12 B. Eleventh Edition, May,
1958, " API Specification for Bolted Production Tanks."

For the flat-bottom elements, Standard 12 B gives detailed specifications to

assure interchangeability between different makes of tanks. This is
indicated by references in Table 5.2 to certain figures in Standard 11 B. The
requirements for cone bottoms, for tanks 29 ft. 8 5/8 in. in diameter or 
smaller, are shown in Figure 5.1.

In regard to practice for relief valves for bolted tanks the Standard gives the
following recommendations.

B-1 For tanks 21 ft. in diameter and smaller, the maximum setting of 
pressure-relief valves should be 3 oz. per sq.in; relief valves should be
of such a size that the pressure in the tank will not exceed 4 1/2 oz.per 
sq.in.

B-2 For tanks larger than 21 ft. 6 in. but not larger than 29 ft. 8 5/8 in. in
diameter, the maximum setting of pressure-relief valves should be 2
oz. per sq.in; relief valves should be of such a size that the pressure in
the tank will not exceed 3 oz.per sq.in.

B-3 For tanks larger than 29 ft. 8 5/8 in. in diameter, the maximum setting
of pressure-relief valves should be 1 oz. per sq.in; relief valves should
be of such a size that the pressure in the tank will not exceed 1 1/2
oz.per sq.in.

B-4 The venting capacity of vacuum relief valves should be such that the
internal vacuum will not exceed 3/4 oz. per sq.in. at the maximum
setting of the valve opening.
2.1.6 Small Welded Tanks

Table 5.3 and Figure 5.2 show dimensions for small welded production tanks
as given in API Std. 12 F, fifth edition, March 1961, "API Specification for 
Small Welded Production Tanks".

The bottom of the tank is to be flat or of Type A (unskirted) or Type B

(skirted) design (Figure 5.3).

The thickness of bottom plates is to be 1/4" (10.20 lbs. per sq. ft.) nominal
except that the thickness of the sump of the Type A cone bottom is to be 3/8"
(15.30 lbs. per sq.ft.) nominal.

The thickness of the shell plates can be either 3/16" (7.65 lbs. per sq.ft.)
nominal, or 1/4" (10.20 lbs. per sq. ft.) nominal, as specified. The standard
gives detail welding requirements.

Regarding relief valves the Standard recommends the following :

B-1 The maximum setting of pressure relief valves should be 16 oz. per 
sq. in; relief valves should be of such a size that the pressure in the
tank will not exceed 24 oz. per sq. in.

B-2 The venting capacity of vacuumrelief valves should be such that the
internal vacuum will not exceed 3/4 oz. per sq. in. at the maximum
setting of the valve opening.

2.1.7 Large Welded Production Tanks

Table 5.4. shows dimensions of the tanks, as given in API Std. 12 D/650.

The plate thickness of these tanks are the same as those of small welded
production tanks. The bottom can be flat or the Type A cone design (Figure
5.3).
 Regarding the relief valves, the standard recommends the following:

B-1 For tanks 15 ft. 6 in. in nominal diameter, the maximum setting of 
pressure-relief valves should be of such a size that the pressure in the
tank will not exceed 18 oz. per sq.in.

B-2 For tanks 21 ft. 6 in. and 29 ft. 9 in. in nominal diameter, the maximum
setting of pressure-relief valves should be 8 oz. per sq.in.; relief valves
should be of such a size that the pressure in the tank will not exceed
12 oz.per sq.in.

B-3 The venting capacity of vacuum relief valves should be such that the
internal vacuum will not exceed 3/4 oz. per sq. in. at the maximum
setting of the valve opening.

2.2 Pressure Storage

Spherical vessels are used to store liquids at high pressure; common uses
include the storage of butane, ethylene and refinery stocks of similar volatility.
 A "bullet" storage tank is a horizontial, saddle supported cylindrical vessel
with the hemispherical or elliptical heads. Bullets are often used at higher 
pressures than spheres.

3. TABLES OF DIMENSIONS

Tables 1, 2, and 3 at the end of this manual subject list some approximate
dimensions for flat bottom atmospheric tanks, spheres, and builets,
respectively. These values are to be used only during the preliminary stages
of a job; the final dimensions are determined by the tank vendor. This is
especially important for the atmospheric storage tanks.

4. TANK ACCESSORIES
The following are items that Offisites Systems might require and that can be
specified as accessories to be provided by the tank vendor:

a. In-tank pumps - These pumps, along with their motor drivers, sit on the
bottom of the tank, their discharge lines extending up through the roof.
Their primary advantage is one of safety, since their use can eliminate
bottom and side penetrations of the tanks. The necessary pump data
sheets should be sent to Vessel mechanical along with all necessary
vessel data, so that the tank vendor can design the tank to
accommodate the pump(s).

b. Relief valves/vacuum breakers - These are used to prevent over-

pressure/vacuum in tanks that cannot be allowed to vent freely. Sizing
of these valves is critical, so care must be taken to accurately
determine the combination of situations that results in the maximum
flow for both occurances. For relief valves, some of the sources that
should be considered are maximum-boil-off, blocked vapor outlet,
maximum rundown, barometric pressure drop, flashing of equilibrium
fluid, heat gain of liquid rundown and recirculating lines, and roll-over 
due to stratification. For vacuum breakers, some considerations are:
minimum boil-off, blocked vapor inlet, maximum liquid withdrawl rate,
and barometric pressure rise. Inlet piping pressure losses to relief 
valves on atmospheric tanks should be limited to 3% of set pressure
at design flowrate. This may be very difficult with large, low pressure
tanks. If the pressure drop exceeds 3%, remote pilot operators should
be added and the following capacity through the valve must be
reduced accordingly. A minimum of one spare relief valve and
vacuum breaker shall be installed. The relief valves shall have inlet
block valves such that a relief valve can be serviced without
 jeopordizing the tank. Appropriate locks or seals should be added. In
addition, some clients may require interlocks to ensure that if one
relief valve block is closed, the other is open.

c. Floor valves (also called internal tank valves) - For bottom nozzles in
low pressure tanks, these serve as emergency manual shut-off valves
 in the event of a line breaking. In pressure storage tanks, these valves
are called excees flow valves, and close automotically on high flow.

d. Roof drains - For floating roof tanks. Require pipe with swivel joints or 
flexible hose drains.

e. Automatic bleeder vents - On pontoon roofs, allow air to be vented

during filling and emptying when roof is resting on "stops".

f. Weather caps - All open vents require weather caps or goosenecks

with bug screens. Flame arrestors may also be necessary.

g. Rim vents - These are used on floating roofs equipped with metallic
seals to allow release of excess pressure due to expansion of vapor 
in the rim space.

h. Cooldown system - Storage tanks taht will contain products at a

temperature significantly below ambient (ammonia, LPG, etc.) should
be brought into service by having their internal temperature lowered in
a controlled manner. Care must be taken to ensure that the cooling of 
the tank is uniform; the formation of cold and hot spots in the tank
material could lead to excessive thermal stresses. For this reason, the
vendor should supply a spray ring near the top of the tank with a line
extending outside the tank to allow connecting a product source for 
the tank cooldown. The high pressure drop across the spray ring
nozzles results in even distributions of small diameter droplets,
yielding uniform temperature distribution. The vendor should also
supply a recommended "cooldown" procedure, including amount,
pressure, and temperature of cooldown liquid necessary and the time
required to reach a tank temperature at which the product rundown
can begin. (For information on cooldown of LNG storage tanks, refer 
to LNG Systems Manual Subject.

Vessel Mechanical will specify those items that are normally required on
tanks, regardless of service.
5. INSTRUMENTATION

The Instrumentation Division determines the type and quantity of 

instrumentation required throughout the plant. Storage tank instrumentation is
usually purchased as an accessory from the vendor. Rules of thumb are as
follows:

• Two separate, and preferably different, level detection circuits with low
and high level alarms (usually two stages for each) and both local and
remote indicators.

• Pressure detection circuit, with high and low alarms (again, will
probably require more than one stage) and indicators, local and
remote. Not required on vented cone roof tanks and floating roof 
tanks.

• Temperature circuits, if product temperature must be controlled.

6. SIZE AND CAPACITIES

Following formulas are seful in estimating tank capacities when exact

accuracy is not required:

Capacity of cylindrical tanks in barrels of 42 gallons is :

Per inch of depth = A² x .00118115 (5-1)
Per 1/4 inch of depth = A² x .00029529 (5-2)
Per foot of depth = A² x .01416 (5-3)

Where

 A = Inside circumference in feet

B² x D
 7.15307

Where :

B= Inside diameter in feet

D= Depth in feet

The inside circumference is found by making deduction for the thickness of 
wall from the measured outside circumference. These deductions for 
different thicknesses of steel plates will be as follows:

STEEL TANKS
Gauge Thickness Deduction
Inches
11 1/8 .0653
10 9/64
9 5/32 .0817
8 11/64
7 3/16 .0983
6 13/64
5 7/32 .1147
4 15/64
3 1/4 .1310
2 17/64
1 9/32 .1473
0 5/16 .1637
00 11/32 .1800
000 3/8 .1963
0000 13/32 .2127
00000 7/16 .2290
000000 15/32 .2454
0000000 1/2 .2617

7. TANK STRAPPING

Strapping is a procedure for measurment of tanks to provide dimensions

 necessary for computing the gage tables to show the quantity of oil in a tank
at any given depth. Tank strapping involves measurment of 1) depth, 2)
thickness of tank walls, 3) circumference and 4) deadwood. The "working"
steel tapes, used in strapping have to be calibrated against "standard"
tapes. Field production tanks may be measured any time after they have
once been filled.

 API Std. 2501, Second Edition, July 1961, "Crude Oil Tank Measurement
and Calibration", covers, among others, the tank strapping requirements.

Table 5.3 Dimensions of an API Small Welded Tank (see Figure 2)

Table 5.4A Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank.
Table 5.4B Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank.
Table 5.4C Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank.
Table 5.4D Dimensions of an API Welded Production Tank.

8. PUMPING AND SIZING OF TANK

The average size of storage tanks has been increasing steadily, With the
advent of the supertanker, there has been a dramatic jump in the size of 
tanks being built. And there is a even sharper increase in pumping rates.

 API RP 2003 indicates that it is common practice to limit velocity of incoming

liquid initially to 3 fps until a floating roof becomes buoyant. Velocity may be
limited to 3 fps until the roof is floating of the lower ends of the pipe supports
about 1 feet above the tank bottom. The automatic bleeder vent will then be
closed. Pipeline velocities in large diameter tanks, can likely be increased to
about 20 fps. This could be done without causing enough turbulence beneath
the roof to be of concern. Initially inlet pipe velocities

higher than 3 fps may be used. If so, the designer must consider 
slotted inlet pipe extensions or flared low-type inlets to limit the velocity.

Pumping rates should be reduced as the floating roof nears the top of the
tank. This is important in the case of the covered floater. There the roof could
 be sunk if pumping is continued after the tank is full. Consider a pumping rate
of 10.000 bbl/hr in a 150 feet diameter tank equipped with a covered floating
roof. Only about 10 second would be required to fill the rim space if the
floating roof contacted the fixed roof. Product would then be forced past the
seal and through deck openings, sinking the roof.

To determine size of the tanks, designer needs to know :

- Liquid speed of tank suction ..................fps

- Liquid speed of pump suction ..................fps
- Liquid speed of pump discharge ................fps
- Capacity of ship/road tanker/barge.............BBLS
- Periods of ship ...............................Hrs
- Loading time

Normally, API 650 or BS 2654 is used as a reference in calculating the

welded steel tanks for oil storage at atmospheric pressure (+ 38 mm
 Aqua)< API Std 620 for low pressure (between 38 mm aqua to 15 psig), and
so ASME Code Section VIII Division I is used as a reference in calculating
the pressure vessel, where the pressure of tank above 15 psig. Figure B
gives typical Standard is used as a reference in calculating the low pressure
tanks, with variable pressure of tank and flash point. Tangent value of cone
roof between 1/6 to 1/3.

9. TANK GRADES AND FOUNDATION

Selection of the proper location on the lease for storage tanks is of prime
importance. The location should provide good drainage and be on well-
packed soil, not a fill, if possible. The tank foundation or grade should be
slightly elevated, level, and some-what larger in diameter than the tank itself.
For steel tanks, either bolted or welded, the best grade is one made of small
gravel, crushed rock, etc., held in place by steel bands 8 in high. This type of 
grade allows no water to stand undernearth the tank and provides air 
circulation. If the tank is to be set directly on the ground, felt tar paper should
 be applied to the grade first and the tank set on this. If concrete is used for 
the grade, it should be sligthly larger in diameter than the tank and have
shallow grooves on the surface to provide air circulation.

If the grade is not level in the beginning, or if it later settles unevenly, the tank
will inevitably have a distorted shell. Often the tank builder is blamed for a
poor shell that should properly be charged to a poor foundation. In order to
obtain good tanks, good foundations must be provided.

10. STORAGE CAPACITY

Q x 60 x T
V = ------------- Barrels
42

Where : V= Storage Capacity, barrels

T= Retention Time, hours
Q= Liquid Flow Rate to be Storaged, gpm.

11. RETENTION TIME

 An empirical equation for estimating retention time :

u
T=A -------- Hrs
Sw - So

Where : u = Oil viscosities, Cp

 So = Specific Gravity of Oil
 A = Constant which varies from 0.05 - 1.0

12. LOSSES

Oil may be stored in a fixed roof tank of constant volume or a floating head
(variable volume) tank. The latter is used to minimize breathing losses and
those losses which occur by virtue of the filling method. If the fixed volume
tank is filled from the bottom some stripping of the liquid already there accurs
as gas "breaks out" of the entering oil. If the tank is filled at the top some
splashing or agitation may occur to cause excess liquid entrainment.

 A type of breathing also occurs when the tank is being emptied. Air or gas
must be admitted to keep the tank from collapsing. Some of the oil must be
vaporize to maintain an equilbrium mixture.

If this loss is too great some alternative to a simple fixed volume tank is
indicated. One modification uses a layer of small spheres which float on the
surface of the oil to from a barrier between the oil and gas. Another 
alternative is a vapor recovery system. This usually is a refrigeration system
operating on the very rich effluent tank vapors. A floating head tank is used
for most large storage volumes.

The process of loss involves several mechanisms and thus use of vapor-
liquid theory is limited to predict said loss. An API study committee has
developed some empirical correlations for predicting oil tank losses from
fixed volume tanks.

The actual loss will depend on prior conditioning of the oil, the method and
rate of filling and the ratio of liquid surface area to liquid volume. The
calculation of losses involves many factors but the two equations which follow
are useful approximations of the breathing loss and filling loss for fixed, cone
roof tanks.

Breathing Loss The basic equation is :

 1.8
(P) (D)
B = ------------- (F o)(F p)
 A

Where : Metric English

3
B= Annual Breathing loss m API bbl
D= Tank Diameter Meters Feet
P= TVP at avg. Liquid
Temperature KPa (g) psig
 A = Unit Factor 74 14.5
Fp = Paint factor = 1.0 fro aluminium; 0.75 for chalking white; 1.1 for light
gray; 1.25 for black, no paint and tank needing repainting.
Fo = Outgate factor based on the average distance to the top flange of the
tank found from the table below.

Outgate Fo
m Ft

0.31 1 0.39
1.53 5 0.55
3.05 10 0.72
4.58 15 0.87
6.10 20 1.00
7.63 25 1.12
9.15 30 1.23
10.68 35 1.33
12.20 40 1.43
13.73 45 1.53
15.25 50 1.62
 Above equation is based on a tank being about half full on the average, when
storing a 65 KPa (9.5 psia) RVP product. Unfortunately, predicting breathing
losses may show a 25% variation because of the many factors that cannot
be accounted for in a quantitative manner. (RVP : Reid Vapor Pressure)

Filling Losses. The filling loss prediction is more reliable than that for 
breathing loss.
The basic cause of loss is the displacement of the air-vapor mixture by the
incoming liquid. Once again, the experience varies with the company and the
location. The recommended equation is :
PV
F = ----- (K f )
 A

Where : Metric English

P= True Vapor Pressure kPa (g) psig
3
V= Volume of liquid in m bbl
3
F= Filling Loss m bbl
 A = Conversion constant 22 740 3300

The value for K f  is found from the table below :

Kf 

Tank Turnovers Fields and

Per year Refinery Terminals

0 - 10 1.00 1.00
12 0.91 1.00
15 0.75 1.00
20 0.59 1.00
25 0.50 1.00
30 0.47 1.00
40 0.44 1.00
40 - 60 - 0.80
60 -100 - 0.50
Conservation type (floating head) tanks are used to reduce losses. The Pan
Type floating head tank is primarily of historical interest. The two other 
common types, pontoom floating roof and double deck, each has its own
parricular advantages.

Filling losses are usually negligible. To estimate total losses the following
rule-of-thumb may be used :

3
3.8-4.6 m per meter of diameter per bar of TVP per year.
0.5-0.6 API bbl per foot of diameter per psi of TVP year.

 Accurate value of the proposed pumping rates in and out of a tank should be
specified so that bleeder vents can be proearly sizes. Normally, API Std.
2000 is used as a reference in calculating the required vent capacity. For 
filling, the vent capacity is based on flow of a mixture of hydrocarbon vapour 
and air and a pressure differential equal to the weight of the roof. For 
emptying, the capacity is based on the flow of air and a pressure differential
equal to the specified live load.
 Allowable vacuum on the roof is assumed to be equal to the specified live
load. So, floating roof should not be landed on their supporting legs while
carrying any live load.

Filling an emptying venting

a. Out breathing at maximum filling rate

if flash point below 100 ?F ------- Q = 1200 SCFH for each
100 BBLS/Hr 
Flash point above 100 ?F ------- Q = 600 SCFH for each
100 BBLS/Hr 

b. In breathing at maximum emtying rate

Q = 600 SCFH for each 100 BBLS/Hr 

VESSEL SKETCH
  All offsite storage tanks that do not involved liquid-gas separation or a similar 
process will have a vessel sketch prepared by Offsite System, to be sent to
Vessel Mechanical.

13.1 Illustration

The blank upper half of the form is used to illustrate the type of storage tank
and the approximate locations of the various nozzles. The nozzle connection
should be flagged and assigned a letter symbol; care should be taken to
show the connections as accurately as possible (bottom penetrations should
be from bottom of tank sketch, relief valve inlet extending through suspended
deck, etc.). Height and diameter should be indicated as being determined by
vendor.

13.2 Table of Process Connections

Under this heading, list all the nozzle connections flagged out on the tank
sketch above, indicating both the letter symbol used (A,B,etc.) and the
service for that particular connection (top liquid inlet, steam inlet for heating
coil, RV connection, etc.). The third column, REMARKS, should be used to
point out any pertinent information concerning that particular connection.
Some examples would be "w/floor valves" for bottom penetration liquid
inlets/outlets, "w/splash plates" and/or "slug flow" for top loading of liquid and
"emergency blankes" for inlet gas line.

13.3 Process Data

This portion of the vessel sketch gives two very important pieces of 
information: the working (or normal) temperature and pressure of the tank.
For refrigerated storage, working pressures will usually range between 0.5
and 1.5 PSIG. Cone and floating roof tanks should be listed as "ATM".
Bullets and spheres are determined by process requirements. The
temperature listed should correspon to the highes (for ambient and heated
 operating conditions. A note of caution: clients will sometimes request that a
tank be capable of handling more than one product (not simultaneously). The
working temperature shown should be that corresponding to the product with
the highest or lowest temperature. In the case of double wall tanks, with
suspended decks, the working pressure applies to the outer tank, the
working temperature applies only to the inner tank. For double integrity tanks,
the working temperature applies to both inner and outer tanks. The outer tank
must also be capable of handling the thermal shock due to inner tank rupture.
The line "PRESSURE DROP THROUGH INTERNALS" is left blank.

13.4 Notes

This section is used to supply additional information about the storage tank
and its contents and operation. Certain items should be considered as
mandatory:

• Tank type (cone roof, double wall, etc.)

• Tank capacity (cubic meters and/or barrels)
• Product (s)
• Maximum specific gravity
• Number of tanks required

 Additional pieces of information that should be included if applicable are:

• Maximum liquid rundown to tank and maximum liquid withdrawl

from tank
• Maximum heat leak or gain allowable (heat leak is sometimes
phrased as a percentage of tank capacity allowed to boil-off).
• When the liquid rundown is superheated and it will flash when it
reaches the tank, then the flashing conditions should be
specified.
• In complex cryogenic storage tanks, i.e LNG, LPG, a battery
limit summary will be prepared by Offsite Systems.
• All vendor supplied accessories
All special features unique to the job service involved
 • Operating temperature range of other product(s) stored
• Simultaneous operation of top inlet and vapor outlet (there is a
danger of excessive liquid carryover)

14. LOAD SHEET

Vessels involving liquid-gas separation, such as knock-out drums, will have

minimum dimensions and selected nozzle locations determined by Vessel
 Analytical. Offsites System will prepare a load sheet with the following format
and information:

1. At the top of the page, the drum name and equipment number.

2. The upper half of the page should contain a rough sketch of the
drum with lines indicating incoming and exiting flowrates, along
with the sources and destinations of all the streams. The
sketch should also show all major internal stuctures (demister 
pad, spray rings, etc.)

3. A section of notes should follow, with a minimum of the

following information:

• Products contained (composition(s) if available)

• Operating pressure
• Any special operating procedures
• Operating temperature(s)
• Maximum allowable pressure drop.
For compressor knockout drums with demister pad,
use 0.2 PSIG. This does not include velocity head
loss.
• All vapor and liquid stream densities
• If applicable, note vacuum condition
• If drum any have operating liquid level, note what
lines must enter above this level, both in the notes
 and on the sketch.

Offsites system will also prepare a Vessel Connection

Summary based on the vessel sketch received from Vessel
 Analytical.

15. VESSEL CONNECTION SUMMARY

This from gives detailed information about the nozzle connections indicated
on the corresponding vessel sketch. In the upper left hand corner, there are
four lines of information necessary.

a. Vessel type - Cone roof, double integrity, etc. Usually specified by

Project Plan or Client.

b. Design pressure - Normally ranges from atmospheric to 2.0 PSIG for 

atmospheric tanks. Spheres shall have a minimum design pressure
of 110% of the maxium normal operating pressure or 10 lbs above
maximum normal operating pressure, whichever is greater. Bullets
shall have a minimum design pressure of 100 PSIG or 100% of the
maximum normal operating pressure, whichever is greater. If not
specified by Project Plan or Client, consuit with Process before
deciding upon a design pressure.

c. Max. operating temperature - Important. This should correspond to the

highest temperature that the product is expected to attain. For 
refrigerated storage, the word "maximum" should be scratched out,
and two temperatures shown in the space provided separated by a
"/". One should correspond to the warmest temperature the tank will
see when pressurized; this would normally be during dryout and
purge. The outer should be the lowest temperature the product will
reach.

d. Minimum flange rating - This is determined by consulting the Class

"M" specifications for the particular job, and checking the flange
 ratings for all pipe specs that will flange up to the tank.

16. TABLE OF CONNECTIONS

Each connection shall be listed in the table, the symbol designating the letter 
used to flag out that particular nozzle on the vessel sketch. If the connection is
flanged, note the rating and facing as dictated for that line spec in the Class
"M" specifications. If the connection is welded, note the schedule and style
(Ref. Kellogg Standard 4-63). remarks should correspond to those given on
the appropriate vessel sketch. If drum may be placed in vacuum condition,
this should be noted also.

17. PROCESS ENGINEERING "FOLLOW-UP"

The responsibility of the Process Engineer with regards to the design of 
storage tanks does not end with the issue of the vessel sketches and
connection summaries. He should work closely with vessel mechanical to
confirm the accuracy and adequacy of vendor calculations of heat leaks and
gain, relief valves, and vacuum breakers. He should also check relative
nozzle locations for possible operating conflicts (e.g. vapor outlet adjacent to
top liquid fill) and effect on previous hydraulic calculations (pump calcs,
battery limit summaries, etc.)

18. REFERENCES

th
1. API 12 B "Bolted Tanks For Storage of Production Liquids" 12
edition, 1977.
2. API 12 D "Field Welded Tanks For Storage of production
th
Liquids"' 8 edition, 1977.
th
3. API 12 F "Small Welded Production Tank", 10 edition, 1988.
th
4. API 650 "Welded Steel Tanks For Oil Storage. 8 edition,
1988.
5. API 620 "Recommended Rules For Design And Construction of 
th
Large, 7 edition, 1985.
 Second Edition, Juli 1961.
7. API RP 2003 "Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out Of Static,
th
Lightning, and Stray Currents, 4 edition, 1982.
 APPENDIX I
FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 5.1. Cone Bottoms of API bolted production tanks
( API Fig.I)
Figure 5.2. Dimension of an API small welded tank.
(From API Fig.1)
Figure 5.3. Cone Bottom types of API small welded
production tank (API Fig.2 and 3)
Figure 5.4. Typical Tank Grade
Figure 5.5. Recommended Foundation For Large Tanks
Supported By Soil
 Table 5.5
FLAT BOTTOM STORAGE TANK CAPACITIES

Capacity Tank Dimensions Capacity Tank Dimensions

In In Feet and Inches In In Feet and Inches
Barrels Barrels
Exact Exact
Diameter Height Diameter Height
505 15-0 16-0 15,470 48-0 48-0
1,010 21-3 16-0 15,130 52-0 40-0
1,515 21-3 24-0 15,060 58-0 32-0

1,512 26-0 16-0 16,785 50-0 48-0

2,020 21-3 32-0 20,140 60-0 40-0
2,100 25-0 24-0 24,170 60-0 48-0

3,025 26-0 32-0 25,120 67-0 40-0

3,020 30-0 24-0 27,415 70-0 40-0
3,765 33-6 24-0 30,140 67-0 48-0

4,030 30-0 32-0 30,100 73-4 40-0

5,040 30-0 40-0 32,905 70-0 48-0
5,020 33-6 32-0 35,810 80-0 40-0

5,485 35-0 32-0 40,425 85-0 40-0

6,040 30-0 48-0 42,970 80-0 48-0
6,855 35-0 40-0 45,320 90-0 40-0

6,010 36-8 32-0 44,760 100-0 32-0

7,160 40-0 32-0 54,390 90-0 48-0
7,515 36-8 40-0 54,165 110-0 32-0

8,950 40-0 40-0 55,950 100-0 40-0

10,100 42-6 40-0 67,140 100-0 48-0
10,315 48-0 32-0 67,705 110-0 40-0

11,330 45-0 40-0 81,245 110-0 48-0

12,100 42-6 48-0 80,580 120-0 40-0
12,100 52-0 32-0 96,690 120-0 48-0

12,890 48-0 40-0 100,470 134-0 40-0

13,595 45-0 48-0 109,700 140-0 40-0
13,985 50-0 40-0 120,563 134-0 48-0
 Capacity Tank Dimensions Capacity Tank Dimensions
In Feet and Inches In Feet and Inches
Barrels Barrels
Exact Exact
Diameter Height Diameter Height
125,895 150-0 40-0 325,000 270-0 48-0
231,600 140-0 48-0 387,000 240-0 48-0
143,200 160-0 40-0 453,500 260-0 48-0
526,000 280-0 48-0
150,995 150-0 48-0 604,000 300-0 48-0
171,900 160-0 48-0 687,500 320-0 48-0
181,300 180-0 40-0 776,000 340-0 48-0
789,800 343-0 48-0
217,500 180-0 48-0
223,800 200-0 40-0
268,600 200-0 48-0
 Table 5.6
SPHERICAL TANK LIQUID CAPACITIES

NOMINAL DIAMETER* PRESSURE  ACTUAL INSIDE SURFACE

CAPACITY (FT-IN) + VOLUME  AREA
3 3
(BBLS) (PSI) ......(FT ) (FT )

1000 22-3 380 5770 1555

1500 25-6 326 8680 2043
2000 28-0 299 11490 2463
2500 30-3 274 14490 2875
3000 32-0 260 17160 3217
4000 35-3 234 22930 3904
5000 38-0 215 28730 4536
6000 40-6 202 34780 5153
7500 43-6 136 43100 5945
10000 48-0 167 57910 7238
12000 51-0 157 69460 8171
15000 54-9 144 85930 9417
20000 60-6 123 115950 11500
25000 65-0 117 143790 13270
30000 69-0 109 172010 14960
40000 76-0 96 229850 13150

SPHERICAL TANK LIQUID CAPACITIES

* Provides at least two percent vapor space above top liquid capacity line.

+ Approximate maximum pressures based on maximum shell thickness of 1½ inches,

an allowable stress of 17,500 psi. A steel having a shell tensile strength of 70,000
psi, 100% radiography of welded shell seams for a joint efficiency of 1.0, and for a
3
liquid having a product density of 32 lb/FT . Higher presures may be obtained by
using higher strength steels, or using codes and specifications that allow a higher 
allowable design stress for design. Field postweld heat treating the completed
vessel will permit greater shell thickness and, consequently, higher pressures.
 Table 5.7
SPHERICAL TANK GAS CAPACITIES

DIAMETER INSIDE SURFACE VOLUME PRESSURE FREE GAS

2 3 3
(FT - IN)  AREA (FT ) (FT ) (PSI) (FT )

25-6 2043 8680 20 11800

30 17700
40 23600
50 29500
60 35400
75 44300
100 59000
125 73800
150 88600
200 118100
250 147700
336 198400

32-0 3217 17160 20 23300

30 35000
40 46700
50 58300
75 70000
100 87500
125 116700
150 145900
200 233400
266 310500

Table 5.8
BULLET TANK CAPACITIES
(GALLONS) (IN.) (FT. - IN.)

2000 46 23 - 10 3/8
3000 46 35 - 5 3/8
4000 65 24 - 11 1/2
5000 65 31 - 4 1/2
6000 72.4 30 - 3 1/4
8000 72.4 38 - 11 1/4
10000 93.5 29 - 8 7/8
12000 93.5 37 - 1 1/4
15000 93.5 44 - 5
18000 108 41 - 4 5/8
26000 108 57 - 7 1/2
30000 130 47 - 2 3/8
35000 130 54 - 6 1/8
40000 130 61 - 9 7/8
45000 130 69 - 1 5/8
50000 130 76 - 5 3/8
55000 130 83 - 9 1/8
60000 130 91 - 7/8
70000 130 98 - 4 5/8
75000 130 105 - 8 3/8
80000 144 92 - 7 1/4
85000 144 98 - 6
90000 150 96 - 10
95000 150 107 - 8
100000 150 113 - 2
 APPENDIX II

EXAMPLE CALCULATION
Field Production 6,500 BOPD (Real)
Production field 10,000 BOPD (Assumed)
Capacity of tanker 30,000 BBLS (Contact to shipping agency)
Loading time 8 Hrs (Based on pump rate type)
Period of loading once/3 day (Contact to shipping agency)
Capacity of storage/terminal tank form 31,500 BBLS
Number of tank 3 Pcs
Tank volume 31,500/3 = 10500 BBLS

 According API 650 welded oil storage tanks

Capacity of tank 11,330 BBLS :
Diamater of tank ( ? ) 45 ft
Height of tank (H) 40 ft

Flow rate of tank inlet : 10,000 BOPD

: 0.116 BBLS/S
: 4.86 gps
3
: 0.65 ft /S

From figure A, liquid speed of tank inlet : 3 fps

Header diameter of tank inlet :

0.65.4
 ft = 0.8x0.525f t 
3.?

= 6.3 "

Header use 8" ? pipe ASTM 106 TS STD WT

2/3
3 Tanks ? each tank inlet diameter (6.3") assumed ? 4"
Flow rate of tank outlet : 30,000 BBLS
----------- = 1250 bbls/hr 
3 x 8 Hrs
3
= 1.95 ft /S
 From figure A, liquid speed of tank outlet 4 tps

Diameter of tank outlet :

1,95.4
= 0.79ft 
4?

= 9.46"

Use 10"? pipe ASTM 106 B STDWT

- For header diameter :

3.1,95.4
= 1,36ft 
4.?

Use 18 " ? pipe ASTM 106B STDWT.

- Capacity of pump : 14,69 gps = 876 gpm

3
flow rate of pump outlet : 14,6 gps = 1,95 ft /S

from figure A, liquid speed 4 pump

discharge 10 fps

diameter of pump discharge :

1,95.4
= 0,49ft 
10?

= 5,96"

Use 6"? pipe ASTM 106B STDWT.