Heating coils & Column supported roof for Liquid sulphur storage tank 1

[Rahulvaland]

I am handling a Liquid sulphur storage tank (42 m Dia x 9 m Ht) for which operating temperature is 137 deg. C & design pressure is Atmospheric. I have following queries.

1) For above tank, is it adequate to provide heating coils on Tank roof & bottom only ?
OR
Are the coils required on Tank shell also, in addition to tank bottom & roof ?

2) Can I provide column supported roof for this tank ?

 

[Duwe6]

#2 -- Yes, but do not use pipe [traps sulfur], use I-beams

#1 -- ?? With sufficient heat input and good insulation, tank bottom only is sufficient.

 

[Tubalcain]

What design code are you using, such as API-650, API-620?

 

[Rahulvaland]

Thanks Duwe6 for reply.

However,if you have any past experience of Liquid sulphur storage tank with column supported roof, than kindly share the same.

 

[Rahulvaland]

The tank is API 650 Atm. pressure storage tank

 

[Duwe6]

Also, based on experience, use only non-wicking, non-porous insulation for the first meter or so up from your tank bottom. Molten sulfur is just the right temperature to cause rapid, massive Corrosion-under-Insulation; CUI.

The roof vent will need to be heat-traced to keep sulfur fumes from consension on the flame arrestor grid-plate. And do not try to rum your tank without a vent with a flame arrestor. Flaming sulfur tanks are ugly.

 

[MJCronin]

Molten sulfur storage tanks are extremely dangerous and pose unique threats of explosion and vent fires.

http://www.sulfurunit.com/Safety/Sulfur_Incident.shtm

Aggressive interior and exterior corrosion is also a major concern

http://www.stocexpo.com/pdf/press/PreventingCorrosion.pdf

It is unfortunate that neither the AiCHe not any sulfur producing industry member has developed a guidline for molten sulfur storage and handling.

It is unfortunate that those who are charged with making important (and expensive) design decisions do not have such a guideline to rely upon.

Its not like we haven't been dealing with sulfur for thousands of years...

My opinion only

 

[blacksmith37]

Yeah, what Duwe6 said; the roof will be a bit-h. If water condenses ,H2S,SO2 and SO3 gasses will be absorbed and destroy the roof.