TYPES OF
STORAGE TANKS
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
WHAT ARE STORAGE TANKS
➥ They are widely used in industries to meet specific operational and
safety needs, ensuring efficient storage and handling of liquids, gases,
and vapors.
➥ Storage duration varies from short-term to long-term periods,
serving purposes ranging from temporary containment to long-term
preservation.
ESSENTIAL FEATURES
WHY ARE THEY REQUIRED ?
WHY THEY ARE REQUIRED ?
PARTS OF A STORAGE TANK
PARTS OF A STORAGE TANK
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TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
1. BASED ON ROOF DESIGN
The roof design is critical for controlling emissions, maintaining
pressure, and ensuring safety.
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
1. BASED ON ROOF DESIGN
➥Key Selection Criteria:
Volatility: Choose floating roofs for volatile liquids (TVP >10.3 kPa)
Regulations: Internal/dome designs for strict emission controls
Climate: Covered roofs for extreme weather areas
Budget: Fixed-roof for non-volatile, cost-sensitive applications.
➥Maintenance Priorities:
Floating roofs: Seal/fitting inspections
Fixed roofs: Vent checks
Hybrids: Dome structural integrity
Fixed Roof Tank
External Floating Roof Tank
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
2. BASED ON DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
The design and installation of storage tanks depend on the stored
material, space constraints, and operational requirements.
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
2. BASED ON DESIGN AND INSTALLATION
Key Selection Guidelines:
1. Space Constraints:
Choose horizontal for tight spaces or underground needs.
Opt for vertical to maximize capacity in limited footprints.
2. Material Compatibility:
Transformer tanks require stainless/mild steel for oil purity.
Vertical/horizontal tanks use carbon steel, FRP, or coated
variants.
3. Operational Needs:
Frequent access: Horizontal tanks offer easier maintenance.
Bulk storage: Vertical tanks are more scalable.
4. Regulatory Compliance:
Underground horizontal tanks need cathodic protection.
Transformer tanks require API/IP standards for oil quality.
Horizontal Tanks
Vertical Tanks
Transformer Oil Tanks
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
3. BASED ON MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
The material of construction is chosen based on the chemical
compatibility, temperature, and pressure requirements of the stored
substance.
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
3. BASED ON MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA BASED ON
MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION
1.Corrosion Resistance
SS Tanks: Mandatory for chlorides/caustics (e.g., SS 316L for
saltwater exposure).
FRP Tanks: Superior for mixed acids (e.g., sulfuric + nitric acid
blends).
2. Regulatory Compliance
Pharma/Food: Must meet FDA 21 CFR or EHEDG standards.
Fuel Tanks: Require UL 142/API 650 certification + local fire
codes.
3. Temperature/Pressure
MS Tanks: Suitable for high-pressure steam/compressed air.
HDPE Tanks: Limited to 60°C (140°F) unless reinforced.
4.Lifecycle Cost
SS: Higher upfront cost but lower maintenance.
Coated MS: Economical but requires recoating every 5–10 years.
5.Safety Add-Ons
Explosive Atmospheres: ATEX-rated accessories for petrol tanks.
Earthquake Zones: Seismic bracing for vertical SS/FRP tanks.
Acid Storage Tank
SS Storage Tank Diesel Storage Tank
MS Storage Tank
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
4. BASED ON PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
Storage tanks are designed to operate at different pressure levels.
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
4. BASED ON PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
Key Selection Guidelines:
Schematic of a pressure tank.
Schematic of Variable Vapor Space tanks
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
5. SPECIALIZED TANKS
These tanks are designed for specific applications or unique operational
requirements.
TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS
5. SPECIALIZED TANKS
Key Selection Guidelines:
Cryogenic & refrigerated tanks
High-purity chemical tanks
Molten salt thermal storage tank
INSPECTION & MAINTENANCE
Tank maintenance, compliance, and inspection are crucial for safe, efficient, and
legal operation across various industries. Maintenance involves routine servicing and
repairs to prevent failures and extend tank lifespan. Compliance ensures adherence
to regulations and industry standards to avoid penalties and maintain licenses.
It prevents catastrophic failures, protects the environment and public health, reduces
downtime, and ensures regulatory adherence. Neglecting it could lead to fines,
shutdowns, environmental damage, and reputational harm. For example, the oil
industry focuses on leak prevention to protect soil/water, while pharmaceuticals
prioritize sterile storage compliance.
The given below table is important for Tank Maintenance & Compliance:
DESIGN & SPECIFICATION/CODES
FOR STORAGE TANKS
API STANDARDS
API standards that are relevant to the design, manufacture,
installation, inspection, operation of storage tank for petroleum
products.
1.API-620 – Design standard for large, welded, low-pressure
storage tanks (≤15 psig).
2.API-650 – Construction standard for welded steel oil storage
tanks (≤2.5 psig).
3.API-651 – Guidelines for cathodic protection of aboveground
petroleum storage tanks.
4.API-652 – Standard for lining steel storage tank bottoms to
prevent corrosion.
5.API-653 – Inspection, repair, and reconstruction guidelines for
aboveground storage tanks.
6.API-2000 – Venting requirements for atmospheric and low-
pressure storage tanks (≤15 psig).
7.API-2015 – Safety procedures for cleaning petroleum storage
tanks (flammable/toxic materials).
8.API-2517 – Methodology for estimating evaporation losses from
external floating roof tanks.
9.API-2519 – Performance and operational guidelines for internal
floating roof tanks.
10.API-2350 – Overfill protection standards for petroleum storage
tanks (flammable/combustible liquids).
11.API-2550 – Procedures for measuring and calibrating upright
cylindrical petroleum storage tanks.
SUMMARY
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