Spherical storage tanks

What is a pressurized spherical tank? These types of tanks are used to store gases in liquid form under pressure, in high storage volume. A spherical tank has good strength in its structure; Because the stress distribution is uniform on the inner and outer surface of the sphere.

The stress distribution makes these types of tanks stronger and makes them useful for various applications such as storing liquids and carrying out chemical processes

Design and construction of spherical tanks

The design and construction of atmospheric storage tanks is used to store gaseous materials and liquids that are under normal (atmospheric) atmospheric pressure. These types of tanks are usually used to store gases such as natural gas, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, as well as liquids such as oil and gas. In the design and construction of atmospheric storage tanks, the following points should be considered:

  • Selection of materials: For the construction of atmospheric storage tanks, pressure and temperature resistant steels are usually used. Materials must have sufficient mechanical strength and chemical resistance against stored materials. Also, it is necessary that the materials used have proper anti-rust and anti-corrosion properties.
  • Structural design: The structural design of atmospheric storage tanks must be such as to guarantee internal and external pressure tolerance. This includes choosing the right dimensions for the diameter, wall thickness and overall structure of the tank. Also, the structure must be able to withstand lateral forces such as wind and earthquake.
  • Standards and regulations: The design and construction of atmospheric storage tanks must be compatible with the relevant standards and regulations.
  • Safety: In the design and construction of atmospheric storage tanks, safety is very important. Safety systems such as fire extinguishing systems, cooling systems and pressure relief systems should be considered. Also, safety in the operation of loading, unloading and maintaining the tank must be carefully observed.
  • Periodic maintenance and inspections: Atmospheric storage tanks must be checked and maintained periodically to ensure their health and proper functioning. This includes periodic inspections and repairs, inspection of anti-rust and anti-corrosion layers, inspection of safety systems and monitoring.

 

Atmospheric storage tanks are used as a sustainable and economical solution for storing gaseous and liquid materials under normal atmospheric pressure. Also, according to the security and environmental needs, the relevant standards and regulations should be adhered to in the design and construction of atmospheric storage tanks and their safety and stability should be ensured.

The use of a spherical tank under pressure

Spherical pressure tanks are known as one of the important developments in the field of fluid storage in conditions of high pressure and volume and in various systems due to their unique geometric and integrated structure.

In other words, spherical tanks are used in various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical industries, and even in energy storage facilities due to the many advantages they offer.

In addition to liquid gases and petroleum gases, these tanks can be used to store liquids such as butane, propane, ammonia, coolant, hydrogen, nitrogen, and also types of liquid gases (LPG).

spherical tank under pressure

Advantages and disadvantages of spherical tank under pressure

Advantages

Due to the reasonable price of atmospheric storage tanks compared to pressure tanks and their efficiency to store fluids for a short or long time, they are an integral part of refineries or factories producing chemical products.

Disadvantages

Two very important points during the operation of this type of tanks are to prevent the excessive increase of pressure inside the atmospheric tanks and also to prevent the excessive decrease of the pressure inside the tanks and to pay attention to the safety requirements.

Why entrust the construction of pressurized spherical tanks to Petrosazeh?

Petro structure Engineering Company is the first private company in the field of EPC construction of pressurized spherical tank in the country. This company is equipped with the heaviest hydraulic press in the country with a capacity of 3000 tons and a working opening of 6 meters to form a spherical tank up to a sheet thickness of 120 mm.

Providing full design and engineering services, procurement, construction and installation of tanks, full implementation of contracts on time and sometimes earlier than the estimated completion date, with full compliance with HSE principles, welding according to ASME standard and also setting a record for the lowest amount of welding from The distinguishing features of this company are compared to other competitors.

The construction of spherical tanks is the core business of Petrosazeh and this company has many records in the field of EPC implementation of these tanks during domestic and international projects with petrochemicals and refineries. Call our experts for more information .

Advantages of spherical tank

Previously, we talked about the benefits of spherical tanks briefly and headline-wise, here we give detailed and more complete explanations about each one:

Reduce heat transfer rate

Due to the spherical structure of the spherical tank, there is less contact surface between the fluid inside the tank and its wall, which reduces the heat transfer rate. This feature in the spherical tank causes better temperature and pressure management and prevents pressure increase due to temperature increase.

Reduce the need for maintenance

The integrated design of the spherical tank requires less maintenance than other tanks. This is especially effective in the case of periodic and visual inspections, which greatly reduce the cost and time required for maintenance by reducing inspection points.

Acoustic tests to identify requirements

The use of acoustic tests as common inspection tests allows the identification of possible cracks and fractures. These tests measure the amount of sounds produced in vulnerable points and identify weak points by creating maximum stresses in the structure of the spherical tank and connecting acoustic sensors to the tank wall.

Integrated structure and uniform distribution of pressure and stress in spherical tanks

One of the unique features of the spherical tank is its integrated structure and uniform distribution of stress in all directions. This feature means that the stresses caused by fluid pressure are distributed homogeneously and uniformly in all parts of the tank. This increases stress tolerance and reduces vulnerable points. The spherical shape of the tanks helps to distribute the pressure inside it more evenly. This important feature helps to reduce the risks caused by sudden changes in pressure and temperature.

Less shell thickness

If the design conditions are the same as other tanks, the shell thickness of spherical tanks is almost half of the thickness of ordinary cylindrical tanks. This feature reduces the overall weight of the spherical tank and also significantly reduces the cost of manufacturing and transportation.

Compliance with standards

Spherical tanks are usually well aligned with standards and regulations for the storage and transportation of pressurized materials. This compliance with standards in terms of safety and performance assures users.

Better storage of liquids and gases

Due to its geometric shape, the spherical tank improves the storage capacity. This structure, which is spherical, provides more volume of liquids compared to other structures.

Structural stability in spherical tanks

The spherical shape of the tanks gives them more structural stability. This feature helps to resist external pressures and internal pressure drop.

Compatibility with the environmental conditions in the spherical tank

Spherical tanks are well adapted to environmental conditions. This shape prevents the accumulation of ice and sediments and protects the tanks against different weather conditions.

Safe storage in spherical tanks

It is very safe to use the spherical tank under pressure in the storage of dangerous and flammable materials. These tanks are equipped with safety methods, such as protection and pressure reducing systems.

Efficiency in transportation

Due to the larger volume of liquid that they are able to store, the spherical tank creates higher efficiency in the transportation of pressurized materials and gases. This means a reduction in the number of trips and costs associated with transportation.

Wide applications

Spherical tanks are used in various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemical, chemical industries, and even in energy storage facilities due to the many advantages they offer.

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