Wine Storage Tank 1

[Mankooo]

Is there a code to design a stainless steel storage tank?
API codes provides thicker tanks than that is common manufactucted.
For instance for 5000 liters tank they use 2mm plates to manufacture
bottoms and 1.5mm for the shell.

 

[JStephen]

I'm not aware of one specifically for storage of wine or food-products in general.
UL-142 includes smaller tanks, I believe it includes stainless steel, but is still set up for petroleum storage.
ASME Section VIII could be used of the configuration of the tank was a pressure-vessel shape (IE, no flat bottom).

 

[MJCronin]

How big is the size that you are interested and where will the tanks be installed ?

Euro standards for purity apply....USA has NSF standards for food products. All of these standards have interior polish requirements.

There are many, many commercial grade 4000-6000L vertical tanks available on the market.

IMHO, neither API-650 nor UL-142 applies....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[bimr]

Wine storage and processing vessels are designed and fabricated per ASME and/or API standards. There are also seismic design standards. Equipment fabricated for sanitary service is constructed using accepted USDA and FDA design and finish standards. When required, all welds are ground smooth and flush and the receivers are designed to minimize crevices and decrease cleaning time

In the interest of saving money, these vessels are frequently supplied non-code.

 

[geesamand]

If API 650 could be applied, you must produce a whole lot of 2-buck-chuck.

I would look to the food handling codes for guidance. If wine spills on the ground it's not a crude oil spill.

 

[bimr]

There are no food handling codes that cover tank construction. For industries that use above ground storage tanks for fertilizer, water, chemicals, food products, etc., there is no federal law requiring the use of an API Standard for building storage tanks. On the state level, some but not all states require the API Standards in building and maintaining above ground storage tanks.

Business owners choose to use the available codes such as the ASME Code and the API code to construct safe tanks and lessen business risks.

http://heartlandtankservices.com/ta...uild-field-erected-tanks-to-api-650-standard/

 

[MJCronin]

Somehow, grapes are frequently grown in arid earthquake prone areas.

Consider spending a few extra bucks for a either a full-skirt tank support or brace the tanks at the top of the shell.

An earthquake analysis by a competent structural engineering consultant can be money well spent ... considering the value of the liquids stored ....

http://www.structuremag.org/?p=8241

http://www.academicwino.com/2014/09/napa-earthquake-learning-from-past.html/

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/blogs...s-journal-napa-wineries-shook-hard-aug-quake/

http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2016/11/earthquake-damages-nz-wine-regions

http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-pos...-Marlborough-wine-industry-likely-to-top-100m

Tell us more about the area that the tanks will be installed !!!

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[MJCronin]

The tank failures shown above are because of the "cheapie" triangular legs commonly supplied by "low-bid" suppliers.

You should keep in mind that wine storage tanks are commonly configured as "tall skinny tanks" ....

This particular shape is particularly susceptible to extreme and expensive earthquake damage.

Some thought should be given to tank anchorage and tank room layout ........

Regards and please tell us more ...


MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[Mankooo]

I have seen a lot of stainless steel tanks that are used for food storing or processing to fail. Like bottom and legs fail (correct MJCronin!). Also a fails in cooling jackets (50t tank) with a solution of propylene glycol inside (!). All these tanks are made with thin sheets of stainless steel. I mentioned an example from a quote of ready made tanks (with various capacities 5t, 10t, 25t). So for a 5000 liters volume with 1,5m diameter and 2,5m height, manufacturer stated that thickness is 2,5 mm (bottom) and 2mm (shell and roof). The bottom and roof are conical (angle 14 degrees).

Ik know that hydrostatic pressure is about 3.5 psi, but I am wondering if was made true design or empirical practice.

Mr MJCronin the country that will be installed is Greece. Frequently in wineries the ullage is pressurized with nitrogen gas, tank blanketing 20mbar.

I know that there is no necessity to design these tanks with a code. But wine spills are costs more than oil.

In the past wine stored in concrete tanks. Later in steel tanks epoxy painted, but there weren't any problems except corrosion (for instance a steel tank of 8000 liters, thickness 8mm).

 

[bimr]

Regarding: I know that there is no necessity to design these tanks with a code. But wine spills are costs more than oil.

It is a business risk of the owner. The Owner's insurance company may have some say in the matter as well.

 

[Mankooo]

bimr,

I agree with you. It's a business risk of the owner. But, should an engineer rely on this? It is enough?

Stainless steel is the upper choice in food industry corresponding corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. Also stainless steel costs. So, manufacturers minimize the thickness as well, sacrificing the quality.

 

[Hoxton]

It was the word wine which attracted me......

If the tank is to be installed in Greece, then Greek regulations will apply which bring in EU directives and regulations.

By use of the words API and code you make me think that you are located in the USA?

If so then working the EU way may result a similar design to that in the USA, but the design process and documentation will be different.

My advice is to take advice!

 

[Mankooo]

Thank you hoxton.

 

[MJCronin]

I only asked about the tank location because of possible earthquake implications, not to argue about codes and standards.

If you are going to purchase expensive, damage prone stainless steel wine tanks, ...PAY ATTENTION TO HOW THEY ARE SUPPORTED AND MOUNTED IN THE BUILDING.

PAY A FEW DOLLARS EXTRA FOR A ROBUST TANK !!!

The value of the wine stored in a full tank can be more than the cost of the tank !!

Does your insurer have any structural requirements for the tank ?

How much pressure will the nitrogen system be set to ? Do you really have a pressure vessel and not a tank ?

Its a good thing that there is no seismic activity in Greece .....

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[metengr]

There sure is on the island of Santorini, the wine capital of Greece. I was there last summer,,,

https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/santorini-earthquakes.html

 

[Hoxton]

Quote from a friend "When all else fails, you have to engineer it!"

My post might have been a bit curt, sorry for that, but you have to design things as a professional engineer, but there are local standards and regulations to guide you.