Underground Storage Tank 1

[Ezequiel1982]

Hello!,

I want to design an Underground Storage Tank (containing oil) and I would like to know if someone could tell which code should I use to do the calculation.

Thanks a lot for you Help


Ezequiel

 

[chicopee]

Try API, UL or the NB

 

[unclesyd]

I would check with the state agency that has jurisdiction over oil storage tanks. Underground tanks also have to comply with some tough EPA rules. I believe that both agencies dictate the construction code.
We had 6 large, 20,000 gallon, storage tanks built to ASME section VIII due to some possible pressure incursions. These tanks had never been inspected internally or externally. The presence of Metal Carbonyl's precluded any internal inspection. When the State and EPA raised the bar on underground tanks they came down hard on us, insisting on both internal and external inspection. This was going to cost so much it was decided to remove them and we got into trouble with this as we were supposed to get permit and procedure for removing the tanks.

 

[blacksmith37]

For reasons similar to unclesyd's ; most gas station underground storage fuel tanks have been replaced with fiberglas/ epoxy or polyester.

 

[Ezequiel1982]

Hi,

Thanks a lot for your answer!. The tank will contain Gas not Oil (my mistake when I wrote).

I know about EPA rules but what I want to know is which code should I use to design it, to calculate the thickness of the wall (only structural)

I´ve been reading ASME and API and there are nothing about UST.

Best regards

 

[unclesyd]

As posted above you need to check with the EPA or the State Agency that regulates UST's about what code is required. In current enviroment you could design the biggest and baddest UST around and if the design code is not on someones list it is no joy. The UST's I've been around didn't appear to be designed by any code, just happenings, all different.

Addenda:
I had a friend who owned 4 service stations and was one of first locally to have to change out his USTs. On the first two stations there was only one manufacturer of Fiberglass tanks on the States approved list. A monopoly doesn't hurt the bottom line if you're selling tanks.

 

[jamesl]

Try EEMUA 190.

 

[MJCronin]

Suggest that you repost in the "Storage tank Engineering" forum for a different set of eyes..

Are you trying to specify a tank for purchase..... Or are you trying to manufacture and sell these tanks ?

 

[Ezequiel1982]

I`ve never heard about EEMUA 190, I will check it, thanks for the Tip.

In fact I leading a research about the structural behavior of underground storage tank (containing gas)under diferent aptitudes, load case (like the soil pressure above the tank when it`s empty ).For this I`m using FEM codes to simulate the load cases.

 

[lganga]

Ezequiel

In your research.
Did you consider the condition of explosion?

In the tank forum you did the same question and I have answered you, thinking that you buried the tank for protection, in case of explosion.

Tank is totally protected with a reinforcement concrete wall, that avoids the expansion of metal parts after explosion.

We have a vessel with that condition in my job. Is buried vertical an concrete protected.

The vessel is steel made and ASME VIII div1 calculated for pressure and for external loads.

The problem with underground tanks is that you can only do internal inspection . For a new one, we are thinking in double wall vessel.

Another alternative are the GRP tank double wall for storage of gasoline , jet fuel etc.Attention must be piad to high goundwater condition exist
Wall calculation and type of laminate are indicated in BS 4994
regards
Luis

 

[Ezequiel1982]

Hello Luis,

Yes, I made the same question in the other forum and I saw your comments. In this first stage I´m not considering the condition of explotion, only the stress, deformation and buclking coeficient (this is the key). For example, when the tank is buried 2 meters under and is empty, how it´s going to buckle..

The simulation is performed considering that the tank will be buried horizontal and without concrete protected. Just for you know, the longitude of the tank is 23 meters and 3.35 meters for the diameter.

Regarding ASME VIII div1, there is nothing about UST and the epa rules (like double wall) is only for enviromental issues.

I´m going to check BS 4994, thanks for the tips!

Best regards,

Ezequiel