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Common Platform at Roof height between two tanks

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abhussain

Mechanical
Jul 11, 2013
15
Hi Guys,

We are erecting two tanks about 6450 mm (254 in) high at the top of shell (i.e top rim, not roof height), edge to edge distance about 1.9 m (75 in) b/w the two tanks. So we have 2 independent rest platforms rectangular at the top of shell on the outside of the tank (i.e not on the roof, but at the edge of the top of topmost strake of tank). There is a gap of 300 mm b/w the two platforms. A stairway leads up one of them. To make the platforms common we will overlay a 5mm chequered plate about 500mm long between the two platforms and over the gap. It (plate) is to be bolted down at both ends. The design has been certified by a senior engineer.

But I have my reservations. For one the tanks are in a cyclonic region. Another even if the tanks deflect within design limits want they basically pull each other due to the common linkage thru the common platform.

So could someone shed some light on this design, like does it appear to be safe, or give some alternative suggestions. I am thinking of just not bolting one end of the chequered plate. Is that a good solution.

Look forward to your replies.

Arshad.
 
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API-650 recommends a sliding connection at one end so the tanks can move independently.
 
yes, let one end slide...you may also want to chamfer the edge of the checkered pl if it looks like a tripping hazard.....one other concern, if one tank grows vertically when in use while the other is unused it may cock the x-over chk pl....
 
Hi Guys,

Thanx for the prompt replies. I aint a very experienced design engineer. Would anyone have any standard or e.g on how to make a sliding connection.

Regards,

A.
 
Hi

Would this be a solution. What if I had a 100mm overlap of the chequered plate over the other platform and left it unbolted at that end and bolted at the other (say 500mm long laying on the first platform bolted down with 4 M12). So basically it would be like a cantilever (bolted at one end and freely supported at the other)

The tanks are water tanks by the way, hence my unfamiliarity with Oil tank standards

Would this work

A.
 
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