chemical tank requirements?

[StoneCold]

Does anyone know of any codes that detail the requirements for chemical tanks? I am in the US and in the chemical industry. Our tanks are currently either carbon steel or stainless holding bulk solvents. Ethyl Ether, Toluene, Hexane, Methylene Chloride. What I am wondering is if there are specific guidelines that set the requirements for containment, such as no bottom outlet (dipleg only), NACE valves required. Things like that. Should we be following API guideline?

Thanks for your help

 

[MJCronin]

Bradstone,

No, I do not believe that there is any US guideline for "chemical duty tanks". Process tanks are typically constructed to API-650 or ASME VIII with application specific addenda, clarifications and modifications. I think AICHe should take a solid position on tank design and issue a structured design guideline. The guideline should have design/inspection/testing/application details for various classes of process storage tanks

There definitely should be a set of process tank guides.......the closest document that I have seen to a national guideline on tank construction, maintenance, inspection and placement is NFPA-30.

Most US chemical companies end up with some kind of internal guideline based upon thier particular products and experiences.

Some professional organizations like NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers)publish a "Recommended Practice" containing design recommendations......NACE publishes a very good guideline on sufuric acid tanks.

Anybody else out there have a strong opinion on this important subject ???


MJC