Fixed roof tanks

Fixed roof tanks are a key component in the oil and gas industry used for storing various liquids, such as crude oil, intermediate products, and finished products. Due to their simplicity, reliability, and low cost, fixed roof tanks are a popular option for storage in the oil and gas sector. These tanks have a roof that is permanently attached to the tank body and protects against pressure and temperature changes inside the tank.

fixed roof tanks

Types of Fixed Roof Tanks in the Oil and Gas Industry

Fixed roof tanks are essential components in the oil and gas industry due to their simple and efficient design. These tanks are generally divided into two main categories: cone roof tanks and dome roof tanks. Each type has its own features and applications, which will be discussed in detail below.

Cone Roof Tanks

Cone roof tanks, one of the most common types of fixed roof tanks, feature a gently sloped roof designed in a conical shape.

Features and Advantages:

  • Simple Design: The conical roof is economically advantageous due to its simple and buildable design.
  • Prevents Rainwater Accumulation: The sloped roof directs rainwater towards the edges of the tank, preventing water accumulation and rust formation.
  • Pressure Resistance: This type of roof can evenly distribute internal tank pressures, preventing deformation and damage.

Applications:

  • Crude Oil Storage: Due to their simplicity and efficiency, these tanks are widely used for storing crude oil.
  • Refined Products Storage: They are also suitable for storing products such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene.

Dome Roof Tanks

Dome roof tanks are another type of fixed roof tank with a hemispherical or dome-shaped roof.

Features and Advantages:

  • High Strength: The dome shape allows the tank to uniformly withstand internal and external pressures, offering high strength.
  • Prevents Snow and Ice Accumulation: The dome shape allows snow and ice to easily slide off the roof, which is beneficial in cold regions.
  • Higher Capacity: Dome roof tanks can store more fluid compared to cone roof tanks.

Applications:

  • Chemical Storage: These tanks are ideal for storing sensitive chemicals that require specific storage conditions.
  • Water and Other Liquids Storage: They are also used for storing water, liquid food products, and other industrial liquids.

Internal Floating Roof Tanks

Internal floating roof tanks (IFRTs) combine features of both fixed and floating roof tanks. These tanks have an external fixed roof and an internal floating roof that rests on the liquid surface.

Features and Advantages:

  • Reduced Evaporation: The floating internal roof contacts the liquid surface, minimizing evaporation.
  • Dual Protection: The combination of the fixed external roof and floating internal roof provides dual protection against weather changes and environmental contamination.
  • Increased Safety: These tanks significantly reduce the risk of explosions and evaporation-related incidents.

Applications:

  • Volatile Material Storage: Suitable for materials with high volatility, such as gasoline and other refined products.
  • Crude Oil Storage: Ideal for storing crude oil due to reduced evaporation and increased protection.
fixed roof tanks

Materials Used in Fixed Roof Tanks Construction

The materials used for constructing fixed roof tanks must possess specific properties to withstand harsh environmental and chemical conditions. Common materials include:

  • Carbon Steel: The most commonly used material for fixed roof tanks. Carbon steel is cost-effective, readily available, and offers suitable resistance to pressure and temperature. It must be coated with protective layers such as paints and anti-corrosion coatings to prevent rusting.
  • Stainless Steel: Used for storing corrosive chemicals or products requiring higher cleanliness. Stainless steel offers high corrosion resistance but is more expensive than carbon steel.
  • Aluminum: Used in applications requiring lighter weight. Aluminum has good corrosion resistance and is easier to transport and install due to its lightweight.

Stored Liquids in Fixed Roof Tanks

As previously mentioned, fixed roof tanks in the oil and gas industry are used to store a variety of liquids. Due to their simple and effective design, these tanks are ideal for storing non-volatile and low-volatile liquids that require protection from evaporation and weather changes. Examples of stored liquids include:

Crude Oil

One of the primary liquids stored in fixed roof tanks. Crude oil is a raw material for many petroleum products and requires safe and reliable storage. Fixed roof tanks help preserve its quality by protecting it from evaporation and contamination.

Water

Stored for various purposes in the oil and gas industry, including cooling, production processes, and fire suppression. Fixed roof tanks help maintain water quality and prevent contamination.

Refined Products

Refined petroleum products such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and jet fuel are also widely stored in fixed roof tanks. These products require specific storage conditions to prevent evaporation and quality changes. Examples:

  • Gasoline: Due to its volatile nature, gasoline needs tanks with fixed roofs to minimize evaporation.
  • Diesel: Another refined product stored in fixed roof tanks, requiring protection against contamination and temperature changes.

Chemicals

A range of chemicals used across industries are stored in fixed roof tanks. Examples include:

  • Acids and Alkalis: Such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide, which require corrosion-resistant tanks.
  • Industrial Solvents: Like toluene and xylene, needing safe storage conditions and protection against evaporation.

Other Liquids

Fixed roof tanks are also used for storing other types of liquids, including:

  • Food and Beverage Products: Such as edible oils and extracts, which require hygienic storage conditions.
  • Industrial Raw Materials: Like industrial oils and lubricants, needing protection from contamination and temperature fluctuations.

Fixed roof tanks, with their simple and effective design, are a suitable option for storing a wide range of liquids in the oil and gas industry and other sectors. They help maintain the quality and safety of stored liquids by protecting them from evaporation, contamination, and weather changes.

Maintenance of Fixed Roof Tanks

Proper maintenance of fixed roof tanks is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Maintenance includes the following steps:

  • Regular Inspections: Periodic inspections to identify leaks, cracks, and corrosion should be carried out. Inspections are usually done visually and with diagnostic equipment such as ultrasonic and radiographic tools.
  • Cleaning: Tanks should be regularly cleaned to prevent sediment and debris accumulation. This helps improve the quality of the stored product and prevents corrosion.
  • Preventive Repairs: Involves replacing worn parts and repairing cracks and leaks. Timely repairs prevent larger, costlier failures.
  • Protective Coatings: Using anti-corrosion coatings and protective paints is essential to prevent rust. These coatings should be regularly inspected and renewed as needed.

Performance of Fixed Roof Tanks

The performance of fixed roof tanks relies on their simple yet effective design. These tanks are used for storing non-volatile and low-volatile liquids. Fixed roof tanks are suitable for storing liquids such as crude oil, water, chemicals, and refined products. The fixed roof helps reduce evaporation and prevent air contamination.

The fixed roof also makes the tank resistant to pressure and temperature changes, aiding in the preservation of the stored product’s quality and reducing maintenance needs. Due to their robust and stable design, fixed roof tanks offer enhanced safety and better resistance to events such as earthquakes and storms.

Dimensions of Fixed Roof Tanks

The dimensions of fixed roof tanks are determined based on storage needs and available space. These tanks are designed and constructed in various sizes to accommodate different volumes of liquids. Some common dimensions include:

  • Tank Diameter: Ranges from a few meters to over 100 meters. The diameter is based on the volume of liquids to be stored and available space at the site.
  • Tank Height: Determines based on required volume and structural limitations. Heights can range from a few meters to over 20 meters. Increasing the height can enhance storage capacity.
  • Tank Capacity: Expressed in volume, ranging from a few thousand liters to several million liters. The capacity is determined by operational needs and the type of liquids to be stored.

Fixed roof tanks are one of the essential and vital components in the oil and gas industry. Using resistant materials and proper maintenance, these tanks can store liquids effectively and safely for years. You can contact Petro Structure company experts for more information about fixed roof tanks.

References

  • “API Standard 650 – Welded Tanks for Oil Storage”
  • “Materials Selection for Fixed Roof Tanks”, Journal of Materials Engineering
  • “Maintenance Practices for Fixed Roof Tanks in the Oil and Gas Industry”, Industrial Maintenance Journal
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