ASME VIII storage tanks 2

[MIKEY101DOH]

I have a client spec asking for an atmospheric storage tank to be designed to ASME VIII div 1.
I understand this code is for pressure vessels not atmospheric tanks - any advise please ?

 

[BigInch]

Seems like some client education is in order. Call a vendor and get two ball park prices, then tell your client how much money you can save him if he drops his rediculous spec.

"If everything seems under control, you're just not moving fast enough."
- Mario Andretti- When asked about transient hydraulics

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.msn.com

 

[EGT01]

On the other hand, maybe it's the service provider that needs some education... seems that is why he's here. Could be that the client has mistakenly chosen the wrong spec. Could be you don't know the full story why the client has chosen what they did. Be sure you know the full story before trying to convince your client otherwise.

 

[JStephen]

I've seen similar specifications. One question to ask is whether it actually needs an ASME code stamp, or whether it is just to be designed per Section VIII.

 

[MJCronin]

Mikey....

It has been my experience that shape plays a factor.

If it is large flat-bottomed atmospheric tank,then the rules of API-650 are typically used.

If it is a smaller, atmospheric tank with rounded "heads", then the tank is typically "designed, fabricated and inspected" to ASME VIII, but no code stamp is required.

Many tank fabricators hve been operating this way for many years.......The lack of clear standards for smaller quality tanks operating at a pressure of 2.5 to 15 psig is a hole in the tank rules, as far as I am concerned.

The Europeans have an ISO standard for this particular category of tanks.

-MJC

 

[JStephen]

Actually, there's a lot bigger hole in the tank rules. API-650 is for oil storage, AWWA D100 is for water storage. Pretty much anything else in a flatbottom tank is not covered by any standard. My idea is for a standard for "Genereal Industrial Tanks". Horizontal tanks for non-flammable products and silos would be other applications.

 

[MJCronin]

JStephen....

Your idea for a new, badly needed standard has been around for a long, long time. It will never happen in the USA.....

Neither API, ACHie nor ASME wants to take on any possible liability for a new standard, since this kind of standard could show up in a courtroom some day.

Yes, I am aware that API650 is titled "Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage" but it is used throughout the process plant chemical industry, the power industry as well as many others.

It is good, complete and well written code

-MJC

 

[BillBirch]

MJCronin,
I agree with you on the shape issue. I also have specified ASME VIII for tanks simply because it is a contractually neat way to define the quality and anticipate the resultant design. It also ensures suffciently robust nozzles or saddle (or even shell). Unfortunately the expensive features such as manways are grossly overdesigned.

By contrast, when faced with rectangular tanks, loose steel design manuals, Codes and "industry practice" are often specified, with the end result a mystery.

I have often used API 12F for shop fabricated tanks, but that generally implies vertical, flat bottomed tanks - typically oilfield "frac" tanks. Perhaps this standard could be the basis for a more generic tank standard?
Regards,
Bill

 

[carthago]

A symmetrical steel tank (any shape) with an internal pressure equal or higher then 2.5" inch water..
could be designed according to API 620 and not 650