Reuse Pressure Vessel as Storage Tank

[McEng29]

A client is wanting to reuse an existing vertical pressure vessel as a atmospheric storage tank. What are some consideration that needs to be looked at for something like this? The product is COS Solvent and tank will have a nitrogen blanket. Thank you.

 

[mk3223]

Similar to the tank design, the design should be considered to protect the vessel, such as a proper pressure and vacuum protection, adequate chemical spill containment, etc.

 

[chicopee]

To add to mk3223 with regard to spill containment, a high liquid level alarm is advisable as well product labeling, hazard identification consistent with hazcom, and instructions for product loading, unloading, etc... Make an internal inspection, if possible, to determine if it free of debris, has no serious pits, no scale etc... external piping should be in good condition, properly supported and any welded attachment structurally sound.

 

[McEng29]

Thank you both for the replies.

 

[LittleInch]

other than material and corrosion issues, not a lot IMO. Clearly you will have a lot more metal than you need and the nozzles might be in the wrong locations for say emptying the tank or being able to monitor liquid level, but depends on what the vessel was used for and now.

E.g. outlet nozzle on a PV is often off the bottom of the vessel so if you've got any debris you will get it in the outlet when using it as a tank.

On the plus side you won't have to worry much about pressure or vacuum collapse...

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[JGard1985]

Just thinking, anybody wonder what impact the re-purposing will have on the vessel nameplates?

-Will your changes affect the rated design pressure (e.g. not greater than 15 psi?)

-What about contacting the manufacturer and informing them of changes to their pressure vessel. Can you get a revised vessel nameplate re-rating the design pressure to atmospheric storage tank pressures?


Just thinking....slow day...


Jeff
Pipe Stress Analysis Engineer

http://www.xceed-eng.com

 

[mk3223]

what impact the re-purposing will have on the vessel nameplates?

It's the engineer's decision. But, it isn't required to re-rate the vessel to the lower pressure just because of the operation condition changed.
Yes, the vessel can be re-rated with a new name tag, if needed.

 

[McEng29]

Thanks for all the input. The operating pressure will be much lower than what it is rated for. And mk3223 you answered my question that i was going to ask about the nameplate .

 

[europipe]

Why rerate, your vessel has a higher designpressure?

 

[chicopee]

I would leave the original nameplate in place so that in the future when personnel changes as time goes and there is no one else from the time the change took place, there will be inquiries about the rating of the tank.

 

[McEng29]

Re-rating the vessel is due to thinning of the vessel shell and heads. Going to keep it an ASME vessel but no require a code stamp.