TAM700 Appurtenance Design
TAM700 Appurtenance Design
TAM700 Appurtenance Design
Abstract
This section provides guidance in the selection and design of appurtenances for all
aboveground atmospheric storage tanks that have cone roofs or floating roofs. It
includes internal and external tank features required to operate tanks in typical
services, and provides guidelines on the installation of appurtenances. It excludes
appurtenances on underground, refrigerated and pressure storage tanks.
Contents Page
API Standards
Section 3 of API Standard 650 includes design data for most tank appurtenances.
Except as modified in this manual, the Company uses API 650’s design data for the
appurtenances listed below. The numbers in parentheses refer to paragraphs in
API 650.
• Shell manways (3.7.5)
• Shell nozzles and flanges (3.7.6)
• Flush-type cleanout fittings (3.7.7)
• Flush-type shell connections (3.7.8)
• Roof manways (3.8.4)
• Roof nozzles (flanged and threaded) (3.8.5)
• Draw-off sump (3.8.7)
• Scaffold cable support (3.8.8)
• Under-bottom connections (Appendix O)
Manufacturers’ Standards
Some manufacturers have developed certain tank appurtenances that are accepted as
standards by the industry. Examples are gauging devices (gauge hatches of various
types, automatic gauges), breather valves and floating roof fittings.
In the selection of any accessories, the user’s desires must also be considered. The
availability of maintenance, spare parts or simply operator preference may dictate
the selection of some items.
Layout Considerations
In addition to listing all the components to be provided with a given tank,
TAM-DS-967 and TAM-DS-968 also provide space for laying out the
appurtenances. Although each tank job is different, the relative locations of most
appurtenances with respect to each other is standard. Figures 700-1 and 700-2
provide guidance with layout.
Fig. 700-1
External Floating Roof Tank, Typical Relative Location of Appurtenances (of use with TAM-DS-968)
35(9$,/,1* :,1'
:,7+ 5(63(&7
:,1' *,5'(5 127 6+2:1 522) 72 67$,56 9(176
9$&880
%5($.(5 ),567 0,;(5 +(5( 27+(56
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3217221 ,163(&7,21
0$1+2/(6 *$8*(56 3/$7)250
),567 522) 0$1+2/( +(5( *$8*( +$7&+
&/26( 72 /$''(5 27+(56 $&&(66,%/( )520
/2&$7(' 1($5 6+(// 0$1+2/(6 *$8*(56 3/$7)250
52//,1* /$''(5
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/2&$7(' $7 *5281'
/(9(/ )25 ($6< $&&(66
&,5&8/$5 67$,5:$<
0,1,080 3(5 $3,
Fig. 700-2 Internal Floating Roof Tank, Typical Relative Location of Appurtenances (of use with TAM-DS-968)
),567 522) 9(17 ,1 &(17(5 35(9$,/,1* :,1'
$/,*1 27+(56 :,7+ *$8*(56 3/$7)250 :,7+ 5(63(&7
72 0,1,0,=( /,)7,1* 2) 6&$))2/' 72 67$,56 9(176
&$%/( '85,1* 0$,17(1$1&(
),567 0,;(5 +(5( 27+(56
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$872 *$8*(
:$7(5 '5$: $7
/2: 32,17
),567 0$1+2/( +(5(
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3(5 $3,
Chevron recommends at least 1 - 24" x 36" shell manway be installed on any tank
over 30’ in diameter (additional shell manways can be 24"). This will allow tools
and equipment, especially swing pipe joints, to be moved through the shell. (Up to
8-inch joints can be conveniently moved through this size manway.) This manway is
used also on cone roof tanks when a larger shell accessway is required. See Stan-
dard Drawings GB-D1285 and GB-D1286.
722 Nozzles
Shell Nozzles
Nozzle Types. The Company uses API standards for shell nozzles (see Figure 3-5 of
API 650). Nozzle sizes ¾ inch to 2 inches are normally made from standard
threaded half or whole couplings. Nozzles over 2 inches are normally flanged.
Nozzle Placement. API 650 provides for two nozzle heights, regular and low (see
Table 3-6 of API 650). Generally, nozzles should be placed as low as possible to
allow maximum tank operating capacity and yet provide sufficient height for rein-
forcing pads. Nozzles 3" and above shall have re-pads. All nozzles 2 inches and
larger should be flanged.
The API standard nozzle dimensions provide minimum clearance between the tank
shell and nozzle flange faces. This clearance may not be enough in some cases. For
example, on insulated tanks enough clearance is needed between the insulation
jacket and valve handle to allow safe operation of the valve. As an absolute
minimum, all nozzle projections must be sufficient to permit removal of a standard
length stud bolt from the backside of the flange. Additional projections are required
on some nozzles to allow for a weld-o-let for Thermal Relief Connection (see
“Thermal Relief Connections” on the next page).
Bottom Nozzles
Bottom nozzles are used when oil/water separation is not expected, as with product
surge tanks; or not desired, as with some crude oil transfer tanks.
API 650, Appendix O, “Recommended Practice for Under-Bottom Connections,”
gives recommendations to consider for the design and construction of under-bottom
nozzles. They are offered as an outline of good practice and to point out certain
precautions to consider with foundations, subgrades, and tank settlement.
Standard Drawings GD-D1070 and GC-D1074 give design details for large
diameter bottom inlet/outlet nozzles that can operate at high flow rates without
vortex formation.
The sump and nozzle flush with tank bottom, on GC-D1074, is advantageous with
floating roof tanks.
Where maximum separation of stock and water is desired, such as in custody
transfer tanks, a sludge dam can be installed to hold back bottom sediment and
water. This dam is shown as a detail on Standard Drawing GD-D1070. However,
this design must include a separate water draw to de-water the area outside the dam.
Water Draws
Syphon-type Water Draw. The separation of stock and water in most tanks
requires a means of periodically removing bottom water. Standard Drawing
GC-D31732 illustrates siphon-type water draws mounted in the tank shell. This
method is used where it is not necessary to have a permanent connection in the tank
bottom for water draw or cleaning (marketing tanks are an example). The syphon-
type water draw has the advantage of being non-freezing since the draw-off pipe
and valve contain product after water is drawn. It also eliminates the need for a
catch basin inside the tank.
Draw-off Sump. API 650, Figure 3-18, provides a standard for draw-off sumps
located near the edge of tanks. This type has some advantage where it is desired to
use larger lines than are offered by Standard Drawing GC-D31732. Marketing has
modified the draw-off sump to accept the gauge ladder. (See Standard Drawing
GB-D1321.)
Bottom-mounted Water Draw. Standard Drawing GC-D1049 provides design
details for a bottom mounted water draw. This drawoff is satisfactory for tanks in
which there is little sludge accumulation. Generally, a 6-inch or 8-inch draw is used
on 40-foot-diameter tanks and larger, and a 4-inch or smaller draw on tanks under
40 feet. Where heavy sludge is expected, the minimum recommended size is
8 inches. The elbow should be protected by a concrete catch basin, similar to
Standard Drawing GB-S78986 or GC-Q78677.
Where a bottom cleanout is needed for a tank, the combination cleanout and water
draw shown on Standard Drawing GC-D1132 can be used. Again, a concrete catch
basin is required.
Other Uses for Water Draws. Tank water draws can have uses other than periodic
removal of water. Where buildup of static electricity during the initial filling of an
empty tank is of concern, the stock can be started into the tank through the water
draw nozzle. This reduces the turbulence of the stock. This is usually only effective
on smaller diameter tanks. Velocity of incoming product needs to remain below
3 ft./sec. until the liquid level is above the stock inlet nozzle, then it can then be put
into service with only the stock inlet nozzle.
The water draw can also be used for removal of the last stock from a tank that is
being completely emptied. When the tank is opened the stock level will be lower
than it would be if the tank were emptied through the discharge nozzle. This can
also be performed by using a separate low pump-out nozzle.
723 Cleanouts
Nozzles
Figure 3-9 of API 650 gives design details for flanged tank cleanout nozzles
installed flush with the tank bottom. Large flush-type cleanouts are expensive and
should be installed only when frequent cleaning of heavy sludge deposits is
anticipated. For this purpose either Standard API 36-inch × 48-inch or 48-inch × 48-
inch cleanouts should be used. Note that these larger API cleanouts may not
conveniently serve the function of a manway because of the large number of bolts
and extreme weight of the cover.
For most services, the combination cleanout and water draw-off shown on Standard
Drawing GC-D1132 will serve just as well as Standard API 8-inch × 16-inch and
24-inch × 24-inch flush cleanout nozzles and is more economical. A concrete catch
basin is required to protect the cleanout/draw-off nozzle.
Note that in areas where vacuum equipment which operates through a tank nozzle or
manway is available, cleanout nozzles may not be required.
Door Sheets
A door sheet is used when large equipment is required for cleaning operations or
when tank is undergoing major repairs (bottom, floating roof, etc.). This is an
expensive item because of high first cost and maintenance, and should be used only
when justified by a particular cleaning problem. It consists of a large hole in the
bottom course of a tank covered by a larger sheet of the same thickness as the
bottom course and bolted in place. This is practical only with small to medium size
tanks that require frequent cleaning. The reinforcement required for a door sheet in
large tanks would be prohibitive. If the door sheet is flush with the tank bottom,
small leaks may be a potential problem.
On large tanks that seldom require cleaning, or for extensive tank repair or
modifications, door sheets can be cut from, and rewelded into, the tank bottom
course. This method is discussed in Specification TAM-MS-2, Doorsheet Removal
and Reinstallation. When door sheets are installed, you need to ensure that the
criterion for API 653 are adhered to.
Window Sheets
A large roof opening (up to 5-foot × 8-foot) called a window sheet is sometimes
used. It permits lowering of large equipment through the roof and allows a large
amount of natural light and ventilation. Its construction is similar to the 24-inch ×
36-inch roof manway with a 4-inch angle frame for additional reinforcement.
On tanks that will seldom be opened, cold cutting and patching of the roof may be
an economical alternative.
Manways
Pontoon Inspection. These manways are required to provide access for inspection
of each pontoon interior. The 20-inch diameter manways should be provided with
covers that are gasketed to be liquid tight and held in place by bolting or, preferably,
other means suitable for quick removal without tools.
Covers should be equipped with a welded vent pipe no less than 1-inch nominal
diameter, extending to the same height as the leg sleeve (allows for maximum fill
height) and terminating in a manner to prevent the entry of rain. Manways are some-
times provided with higher trunks as an added precaution against flooding of
pontoons in case the roof is flooded. An acceptable design developed at El Segundo
is included in the OPCO Drawings section (SD-121856).
Tank Access. API 650, Figure 3-13 illustrates 20-inch and 24-inch diameter roof
manways. Larger manways (30-inch or 36-inch diameter) can be specified to
provide better access for crew and equipment. Floating roofs need the same number
of manways as cone roofs. See Figure 700-5.
Manways should be evenly spaced around the tank periphery except, with three or
more manways, one of them should be located close to the center of the roof.
One manway should always be at least 36 inches in diameter and be provided with
brackets that will allow a portable wooden ladder to be tied off while the tank is
open for inspection or maintenance.
If there is no rolling ladder access to the floating roof, at least one manway should
have a 30-inch diameter two-way cover that can be opened from the top or bottom.
Details of the cover connection are shown in Figure 700-6.
An additional option for convenience and safety is to provide the 36-inch manway
with a permanently installed steel ladder that will reach to within 6 inches of the
tank bottom when the roof is on low legs. An El Segundo Refinery drawing
(SA-121158) is included in the OPCO Drawings section. This option will not work
if the floating roof has multiple leg settings.
Shell “Seal” Plates for Manways. When pontoon notches are used on floating
roofs equipped with wax scrapers, the cutting edge of the scrapers or the roof seal
may come below the top of shell manways when the roof is in its low position. This
arrangement can cause the scraper to get caught in the manway opening or the seal
to be damaged. The use of shell seal plates will eliminate this possibility.
Seal plates are light plates bent to the shell curvature to fill the upper portion of the
manway opening. They are attached to the manway cover with gusset plates.
The manway cover should be marked on its outer surface so that the position of the
seal plate is correctly indexed when the cover is bolted up.
Roof Drains
Open-type. Open ended emergency drains and open siphon drains may be used
only on double-deck or high deck roofs where the lowest point of the roof is always
above the stock level. Both types of drain permit rainwater to drain into the stock
and drop to the tank bottom; hence, contact between water and stock must be
permissible.
Proper functioning depends upon difference in specific gravity; stock with a density
very close to or greater than that of water cannot be stored with an open drain.
Before choosing these types of drain, the engineer should consider the possibility
that the tank may hold different types of stocks during its life.
Open emergency drains (Figure 700-7) for double deck roofs are insurance against
the sinking of roofs due to plugging of closed roof drains. A minimum of three
should be installed, and should be evenly spaced on the roof. The top of the drain
should be approximately 6 inches above the lowest point on the roof surface and the
open end should extend at least 6 inches into the stock.
To minimize stock evaporation the drains can be fitted with a removable flexible
seal that allows accumulated rainwater to drain while preventing vapor loss.
Fabrication details are shown on Standard Drawing GB-D1131.
Do not install siphon-type drains. They are designed to be an alternative to closed
pipe drains. Two types are currently in use by the Marketing Department in gasoline
service—mercury seal and water seal. Neither gives truly satisfactory performance
and they are being replaced with closed roof drains. The mercury seal is subject to
loss of mercury during heavy rainfall and the water seal must be regularly attended.
Loss of the seal in both cases results in the tank venting to the atmosphere and
possible deck flooding on single deck roofs.
Closed-type. Closed drains are required on all external floating roofs. Two types are
in common use; flexible pipe and swing jointed pipe. Both the swing-jointed and
flexible pipe drains are acceptable for closed drain systems where the stock temper-
atures do not drop below 32 F. The minimum recommended size is 3-inch diameter.
Generally the swing-jointed pipe drains are more expensive than the flexible pipe
drains in the smaller sizes. A rule of thumb for flexible pipe is: for pipe sizes less
than or equal to 4 inches, flexible pipe will be less expensive than the comparable
carbon steel pipe. For sizes greater than 4 inches, the flexible pipe is more
expensive than the comparable carbon steel pipe.
For tanks over 120 feet in diameter, multiple drains (3 minimum) should be used to
alleviate ponding on the roof caused by spot loading of the roof ladder (one drain
must be provided below the rolling ladder), or natural warpage.
Closed Flexible Pipe Drains. Flexible pipe drains have gained wide acceptance in
the industry and are used extensively. The Company has had good experience with
Coflexip flexible pipe. This system has a woven stainless steel carcass covered by
an outer nylon or other elastomer sheath. The Coflexip literature notes that the
nylon swells slightly in benzene at temperatures above 100°F. This swelling can
lead to attack by aldehydes, which will deteriorate the outer sheath. Hoses should
have a fluoro-elastomer cover to protect against aromatic deterioration.
Manufacturer should provide drawings that show layout and details of flexible pipe
roof drains. Standard Drawing GD-D1072 shows layout and details for a Mesa
Industries system, but Chevron has experienced problems with this type of system.
A possible variation of flexible pipe roof drains that can be considered for severe
services in tanks larger than 70 feet in diameter is the flexible solid steel pipe drain
patented by Pittsburgh-Des Moines, Inc. for use primarily in the pipeline industry.
However, the Company has no experience with this design at the present. The
engineer should investigate industry-wide experience before adopting this design.
Potential advantages are the elimination of chemical incompatibility, complete
system drainage and possible lower cost.
Closed Swing Jointed Pipe Drains. Joints can be of the central or offset type.
Standard Drawing GD-D1130 shows two designs using ball bearing swivel joints.
Vendor details for the connection of the drain line to the roof drain basin should be
carefully reviewed. Richmond had a roof drain nozzle failure on a 750,000-barrel
tank due to a poorly designed support.
Swivel joints require careful alignment during installation to ensure that the joint
will not leak after the tank is in service. Also, the roof should be centered to avoid
subjecting the assembly to forces during normal operation.
A disadvantage of rigid pipe drains is that as the roof elevation changes a nominal
side thrust is always imposed, which tends to move the roof off center.
An acceptable manufacturer of central-type swivel joints is Chicksan with Brundage
external seals. There has also been good experience with the Shand & Jurs offset
swivel joints in 3-inch to 24-inch sizes.
Swivel joints should always be purchased with Ni-Resist bushings. The standard
brass and bronze bushings are eventually attacked by any NaOH in the stock,
become difficult to operate and develop leaks.
deck sections of the roof should be reinforced with gusset plates. For details of leg
sleeve reinforcement, see drawing SB-121488 in the OPCO Drawings of this
manual. All removable legs should be identical and should be fitted with a stop to
prevent their dropping through the sleeves during installation.
In all cases, both the high and low legs should rest uniformly on the tank bottom.
The bottom should be protected by minimum 14-inch round, 3/8-inch thick pads,
welded all around to the bottom plate with ¼-inch fillet welds.
Adjustable Support Legs. The support legs are adjustable through short sleeves
from the top side of the roof to either the low operating position or the high
maintenance position. The legs are always in place within the sleeves. The
necessary clearance between the leg and the sleeve is an uncontrollable source of
evaporation unless taped or temporarily sealed. This design is less costly than the
fixed low leg design. However, corrosion in the annular space between the sleeve
Rolling Ladders
All external floating roofs greater than 30 feet in diameter or 20 feet in height
should be equipped with a rolling ladder. The maximum angle between the rolling
ladder stringers and the horizontal when the roof is on its low legs should be 65
degrees. If this angle limitation cannot be met due to the diameter-to-height ratio,
the roof should be equipped with an elevated rolling ladder track and platform, with
a stairway from the platform to the roof deck. See Section 790 for specific design
information.
• A clean space separating the scraper blade and the bottom edge of the seal
assembly. This space permits the wax scraped from the shell to fall back into
tank stock.
• The capability of absorbing radial, circumferential, and vertical movements of
the roof without detriment to the wax scraping operation, roof or wax scraper
equipment.
• Resistance to potential mechanical damage when the wax deposit is too hard or
too thick for the scraper to remove.
Internal tank surfaces that could damage or prevent efficient operation of the wax
scraper system include:
• Protrusions such as clips, rivet heads, lapped seams, nozzles, manway openings
without false faces flush with the shell, shell mounted nozzles, clips and
supports.
• Thick encrusted wax buildup not removed before the scraper is installed.
Manways
Manway requirements for fixed roofs on internal floating roof tanks are similar to
those for cone roof tanks. API 650, Appendix H specifies at least one 24-inch diam-
eter manway is to be supplied. A larger manway is required for ladder access to
internal floating roofs.
The floating roof should have at least one 24-inch manway installed. On steel roofs,
a 30-inch manway is preferred. Good practice is to install a roof manway near each
shell manway for ease of roof top access. At least one manway should be designed
to be removable from below. Loose manway covers are acceptable if the height of
the neck is sufficient to prevent stock from flowing onto the roof.
Drains
At least one roof drain on steel roofs and one per section of aluminum roof should
be installed to handle condensation and stock blown past the seal system. Roof
drains should extend at least 4 inches into the stock. These drains are similar to
emergency drains on external floating roofs.
Vents
Floating Roof. The roof must be supplied with vacuum-only breather vents. These
vents must be adequate to relieve any vacuum created underneath the roof after it
settles on its supports during withdrawal operations.
Fixed Roof. API 650, Appendix H Paragraph 6.2.2 lists specific requirements for
circulation vents.
With the use of removable weather shields, the tank circulation vents that are open
to the atmosphere can double as inspection hatches for the internal floating roof
and seal.
For new tanks air circulation vents are generally mounted on the roof. Older tanks
had roofs supported on stilts above the shell (similar to a chimney cap) providing
approximately an 8-inch to 10-inch gap between roof and top of shell. This gap was
used for both air circulation and protection against overfilling.
Grounding
To avoid static buildup, the internal floating roof should be electrically bonded to
the tank by flexible cables from the tank fixed roof, or bottom. All movable metal
parts, such as column sliding cover plates and loose manway covers, should be
bonded to the floating roof. Grounding is discussed in more detail in Section 800 of
this manual, and in Section 900 of the Electrical Manual.
Support Legs
The internal floating roof is normally supplied with adjustable support legs of
carbon steel. The legs should be high enough so the bottom edge of the roof or seal
assembly clears the top of the shell manways, or, if height is not adequate, shell seal
plates can be installed in the manway.
Requirements for reinforcement, sealing and clearance from internal appurtenances
are the same as for external floating roofs.
Shell Overflow
The shell should have one or more overflow openings to prevent the internal roof
from touching the fixed roof. The openings should be sized to handle the maximum
tank filling rate, and be provided with wire mesh screen and rain hoods.
Anti-Rotation Devices
Tanks with only one roof column should be supplied with a means to keep the
internal floating roof from rotating. This can be the gaugewell pipe for small steel
internal floating roof or aluminum IFR, or a vertical ¼-inch stainless steel aircraft
cable secured to the fixed roof and bottom. The cable should pass through a
stainless steel sleeve mounted in the internal floating roof.
maintenance. Tanks have been damaged due to thermal contraction by blinding off
roof breather vents during tank maintenance work.
During filling, tanks need to be vented to insure that the internal pressure does not
exceed the design pressure of the tank. The breather valve pressure setting should be
set between 0.865"wc(0.5oz.) to a maximum of 1.75"wc(1.0oz) depending on the
design pressure of the tanks. We suggest the pressure settings be low enough to
prevent the roof plates from lifting off the rafters which would typically be about
0.865"wc(0.5oz) for a roof with a 3/16" plate. If the tank is gas blanketed the
pressure setting would have to be adjusted to approximately 1.75"wc(1.0oz.) to
accommodate an inert gas system pressure with a setting of approximately
0.865"wc(0.5oz.).
During draining, tanks need to be vented to insure that the internal vacuum does not
exceed the design of the tank. The breather valve vacuum setting should be set at
0.865"wc(0.5oz.). The tank breather valve vacuum settings should be set as low as
possible, typically 0.865"wc(0.5oz.) for most brands of breather valves.
For normal venting on fixed roof tanks, we use open vents or breather valves. These
are discussed in detail in Sections 742 and 743 respectively. For emergency venting,
we recommend that all new fixed roof tanks be constructed with frangible roof
joints. See Section 744 for a discussion on frangible roof joints and other types of
emergency venting equipment. See also Section 420 for design information.
Multiple Vents
Multiple vents should be avoided. If the venting capacity requires multiple vents,
they must be located adjacent to and within 6 feet of each other to prevent cross
venting. Cross venting is the circulation of air from one vent to another. It occurs
when vents are located far apart from each other and wind blows across them
creating a differential pressure across the tank. It should be prevented because it will
draw an excess amount of air into the tank and may dilute the hydrocarbon vapor
space to within explosive limits.
Single Vents
Single vents should be mounted on the highest point of a tank. This will minimize
stock loss due to venting since hydrocarbon is heavier than air. It will also reduce
vapor space corrosion at the center of the roof. Mounting the vent near the
gauging platform, to make it more convenient for maintenance access, should
be avoided. Installing a horizontal baffle below the vent nozzle provides a barrier
between the incoming air and the hydrocarbon vapor reducing the vapor loss.
Drawing GA-D1026 shows a typical baffle design.
Where vapor emission standard permits, open vents can be used for tanks that
handle high flash point stocks (flash point > 100°F), for heated tanks where the oil
storage temperature is below the oil flash point, for tanks with a capacity of less
than 59.5 bbl (2500 gal) used for the storage of any product, and for tanks with a
capacity of less than 3000 bbl (126,000 gal) used for the storage of crude oil.
Per API 2000, open vents with a flame-arresting device may be used in place of
p/v (pressure/vacuum) valves on tanks in which oil with a flash point below 100°F
is stored and on tanks containing oil which is heated above the flash point of the oil.
In sizing the vent nozzle on the tank, assess whether the tank may change its service
to handle lower flash point stocks (below 100°F) in the future. If so, the vent nozzle
should be sized for the larger vent size required. Consult vendor catalogs to size
open vent nozzles.
Open vent designs are simple. Figure 700-10 shows two versions. Open vents are
most susceptible to cross venting. If you must use multiple open vents, follow the
guidelines for multiple vents in Section 741.
They minimize the amount of venting and therefore reduce the vapor loss. P/v
valves are the preferred method of venting cone roof tanks storing oils within 20°F
of the oil’s flash point, or where fire and vapor-emission standards do not allow
open vents. They are usually set to begin opening at ½ ounce per square inch and be
fully open at 1½ ounce per square inch pressure or vacuum. Smaller tanks can
usually safely withstand higher working pressure and vacuum because of the use of
minimum-thickness materials normally specified for rigidity and other
considerations.
There are three types of p/v valves commonly available: solid/diaphragm pallet,
pilot-operated, and liquid seal valves. All p/v valves require periodic inspection and
maintenance.
• The solid pallet and diaphragm pallet valves are the recommended types of p/v
valves. They are very similar in design. They are available in either a side-by-
side pressure-vacuum arrangement or a stacked arrangement. Figure 700-11
shows a simplified sketch for each design. There is a throttle action on these
types of vents due to the valve design. They will begin to vent at the set point
and their venting capacity will increase as the differential pressure increases
and lifts the pallet higher. Therefore, in selecting these valves make sure that
the valve will achieve its designed venting capacity before the tank is over-
pressurized.
• Pilot operated valves are not recommended because the pilots can plug up.
• Liquid seal valves are not recommended. Mercury and water are the common
seal liquids used. With mercury seals, the loss of mercury can contaminate the
stock. With water seals, the seal level requires continuous maintenance. Both
require careful operation and upkeep without any significant improvement in
performance over the pallet-type valves.
Winterization
In locations where winter weather is severe, the design should specify freeze
resistant p/v valves. For existing facilities where valve modification is not feasible,
the operator can remove the pallet of the valves during winter. If there is more than
one valve on a single tank and they are within 6 feet of each other, remove all
pallets. Otherwise, remove the pallet from only one of the valves to prevent cross
venting. If ice fog is a concern, the operator should remove the suction and
discharge screen from the p/v valves to prevent plugging. This winterization should
be done before the onset of the freezing weather and then reversed in the spring
season.
Leakage
As with any other equipment, p/v valves must be periodically checked to ensure
their proper operation. Simple methods such as audio and visual observations and
odor (during warm days) can only detect gross leakage from a p/v valve. Per API
2521, a more meaningful test would be to cover the vent outlet with a deflated
plastic bag of known volume and then measure the leakage rate. In general, a p/v
valve is acceptable if the leakage is less than ½ cubic foot per hour for 6-inch and
smaller vents and 5 cubic feet per hour for 8-inch and larger vents. However, the
plastic bag method is hard to conduct on windy days.
Commercial units are also available for testing vent leaks and set points. Call
vendors for the latest technical details.
case of over-pressurization, the roof-to-shell seam will part and thereby relieve the
internal pressure. API Standard 650 specifies the design requirements for a frangible
roof connection. The Company recommendation is described in Section 420. The
operator or tank inspector must check the tank bottom-to-shell joint regularly to
ensure that corrosion has not weakened that joint enough to cause it to become the
first joint to fail under excessive internal pressure.
If a tank is built inside a building or enclosure, a frangible roof joint is NOT an
acceptable means of providing emergency venting. Also, recognize that some
operating management philosophy and local ordinances do not consider a frangible
roof to be a means of emergency venting for 20-foot diameter or smaller tanks.
For tanks in hot service or service where it is possible the tank will be filled with a
lighter than normal stock, a dry-type pressure/vacuum manway cover should be
provided in addition to the frangible roof joint. Depending on size of tank, several
may be required.
Fig. 700-12 Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Manway Cover Courtesy of Emerson
Electric Co., Varec Div.
The hatches are usually 20 or 24 inches in diameter and are normally set to begin
relieving at the same pressure that fully opens the breather valve.
751 Diffusers
Diffusers are internal lines connected to the fill nozzle with multiple openings along
the sides to reduce stock velocity as it enters the tank and distribute it with a
minimum of mixing or disturbance of the tank bottom sediment or water. By
keeping the product velocity to 3 ft./sec. or less, static electricity buildup and
mixing are minimized. Diffusers are used in tank services such as crude receiving,
effluent storage or wherever it is undesirable to mix tank contents during the filling
operation. Drawings GC-D1283, GB-D1314, GB-D1315, and GB-D1316 are
examples of different diffuser designs.
standards for the installation of swing pipes in both cone roof and floating roof
tanks. The maximum uplift in floating roofs under normal operation should be less
than 900 lbs and less than 1600 lbs for hydrotest. The uplift is greatly affected by
specific gravity and should be checked any time there is a product change.
Design Details
Swing Joints. Standard Drawing GD-D99770 provides details for supporting the
swing joints. Balanced or central-type of StayTite swing joints are the industry
standard and are recommended for use on all swing pipes. The joints should be
supported from the shell. Manufacturers’ standard supports will be satisfactory if
they meet the criteria shown on the drawing. Swing joint bushings should be Ni-
Resist and not the standard brass or bronze, which is attacked by NaOH. The
pressure drop of the swing joint needs to be reviewed to ensure it is acceptable.
Cable. Cable must resist corrosion (from atmosphere and stock) and be serviceable
beyond the period between cleanouts (at least seven to ten years). In most cases,
galvanized plow-steel cable should be adequate. Corrosion is normally not a
problem in heavy oil service since oil coats and protects the cable. However, the
engineer must consider the corrosion potential for the section of the cable that is not
normally wetted by the stock. In gasoline or other light oil service, or if the cable is
subject to a humid or salt atmosphere, stainless steel cable may be warranted.
Winches. Winches should not be selected too close to their working limit. The
difference in cost between a 500-pound and a 2500-pound winch is minor. An
ample allowance should be made for frictional resistance. For small swing pipes that
might be handled by a 500-pound winch, or smaller, doubling the direct load to
allow for friction is not unreasonable. Larger winches are necessarily slower
operating. For very small swing pipes, a simple hand line and cleat may be used.
Position indicators may be obtained on winches at little extra cost and should be
calibrated in the field. Acceptable vendors are StayTite and Shand & Jurs.
Pontoons. Use judgement in sizing the pontoon floats on swing pipes. Pontoon size
is affected by the specific gravity of the tank stock, and changes in tank service
must be considered. Pontoons can be provided with proper buoyancy for more than
one service by partly filling them with ballast liquid when they are used with high
specific gravity stocks and draining them when low gravity stock is stored.
Form TAM-EF-901 gives a method for calculating the size and buoyancy of
pontoons.Vendor should also provide calculations for sizing pontoons. Note that in
floating roof tanks, the swing pipe generally dictates the lowest possible roof
position. Pontoon diameters should be kept to a minimum.
Cone roof cable sheave assemblies are required to pass cable through the roof and
down the side of the tank. These assemblies are available as prefabricated units.
Acceptable vendors are StayTite and Shand & Jurs.
In some situations (i.e., to reduce need for operator attention) floating swing pipes
may be preferred. Installation details are included on Standard Drawing GB-D78881.
The initial cost of running the cable outside the tank is greater, but the integrity of
the roof seal is maintained. Also, cable loss due to wear and corrosion has been the
experience with older tanks that route the exposed cable up the inside of the tank.
Counterweights
Counterweights keep slack out of the cable and eliminate chances of fouling as the
roof is lowered. Whenever the bottom of the counterweight track is less than 7 feet
from the ground or working level, a guard is required per Standard Drawing
GC-D99795.
Experience has shown that cable counterweight assemblies are not needed in most
cases. The floating roof tanks in service without counterweights simply allow the
cable to coil loosely on the tank bottom as the roof is lowered. No problems have
been experienced to date with kinked or fouled cables.
Floating Roof Tank—Elevation of Swingline Pull-down Cable Assembly for Floating Pipe
Baffles are typically attached to the tank shell. Supports also extend to the roof and
floor as shown in Figure 700-17.
The baffles are generally fabricated from plate steel. In the past, the tank interior,
including baffles, was usually epoxy coated at the fabricator’s facility. Recently,
however, precoated tanks have been accepted. In this case, the baffles are generally
precoated in a paint shop and bolted inside the tank. Coated baffles are more expen-
sive and will increase lead and erection time.
For a representative drawing of this baffle design, see Drawing E-SF-073-1 “Guide
for Baffle Installation in API Bolted and Welded Tanks, 250 bbl. to 10,000 bbl.”
This drawing is in the OPCO Drawings section of this manual.
Piping Layout
Careful layout planning can normally provide adequate flexibility through torsion
and bending of pipes and fittings. Advantages of such a system include:
• Reduced possibility of leakage,
• Less maintenance,
• Lower cost, and
• Increased fire resistance.
The engineer should refer to the Piping Manual for details on the piping design. For
typical use the layouts shown on Figure 700-18 provide adequate flexibility to
absorb 3 inches of differential movement. The figure also gives a factor to adjust the
given pipe lengths if the anticipated movement is greater than 3 inches. If the
system layout does not conform to those shown on the figure or if the anticipated
Flanged valves and fittings are usually the weak links in a piping system and they
must be considered in analyzing overall system flexibility. Such analysis should also
consider the moment loads on flanges and tank nozzles. In general, a weld neck
flange is stronger than a slip-on flange and is preferable from a piping stress
standpoint. However, slip-on flanges are generally less expensive for larger sizes
and are commonly used for tank nozzles. They are also commonly used in locations
where available space restricts the use of weld neck flanges. Please refer to the
Piping Manual for details.
Reduced size valves are commonly used because of cost savings. However, the
engineer should check to make sure that the smaller valve can carry the moment of
the piping system. ANSI 150 class steel flanges (most commonly used flange rating
on atmospheric storage tanks) smaller than 12 inches are relatively weak compared
to same sized pipes and fittings. Therefore, reduced size valves 10 inches and
smaller are not recommended.
Flanged connections under bending can develop leaks and lead to gasket failures.
ASTM A-193, Grade B-7, (SAE 4140) alloy studs and bolts are recommended for
making up steel flanges. In sour services, ASTM A-193, Grade B7M bolts should
be used. The alloy bolts have adequate strength to take advantage of the full
allowable stress in the flange. However, the pipe fitters must exercise care during
installation not to overstress the flange. Use only one gasket in any flanged
connection. Under cyclic bending, multiple gaskets tend to loosen, leak, and
possibly blow out. This can cause major hazards during a fire. Refer to the Piping
Manual for details on bolts and gaskets.
Forged steel fittings are recommended over field-fabricated tee’s and mitered
elbows. The fabricated fitting intensifies the stress and reduces the system
flexibility. Refer to the Petroleum Refinery Piping Code ANSI B31.3 for typical
stress intensification factors. Forged steel fittings should have similar wall thickness
as the pipe to develop maximum flexibility in the joint.
Do not use cast iron valves in hydrocarbon services. Cast iron cracks easily when
quenched with water or when overstressed. This can cause significant fire hazards.
Always mount carbon or stainless steel valves on tank nozzles.
Avoid using rigid pipe supports between the first elbow and the tank. If a support
is necessary, consider using a height-adjustable support similar to that shown on
CIV-EF-799A, detail S7 in the Civil and Structural Manual.
Flexible Joints
Flexible joints should NOT be used in hydrocarbon service. If adequate flexibility
cannot be achieved by the piping layout, flexible joints can be considered as a last
resort. However, most of those joints rely on elastomers for sealing and are
vulnerable in a fire. Do not place them adjacent to a tank where they cannot be
safely isolated in an emergency. Prior to finalizing a design that uses flexible joints,
the engineer must review it with the Health, Environment and Safety group.
Standard Drawing GA-L1111 found in the Piping Manual shows the construction of
a lap-joint (or rotational) flange. This device is designed to allow the jointed pipes
to rotate relative to each other. A common design is to install a pair of joints as
shown on the drawing. The distance between the joints minimizes the angle of
rotation for a given displacement and minimizes the need for loosening and
re-tightening the joint frequently.
The allowable vertical loads given on the drawing are limited by the corresponding
radial loads on the shell. For supports with geometry different from those shown on
GD-D1070, the engineer must confirm that imposed radial loads do not exceed the
listed radial loads for a given tank shell thickness.
Appendix P of API 650 will allow you to check loads applied to shell nozzles for
large diameter tanks. For smaller diameter tanks WRC 297 should be used for the
shell nozzle. If limits are exceeded, Chevron recommends modifying piping
supports to reduce the applied loads so that it meets or exceeds Appendix P or
WRC 297 requirements.
Method
Note It is most important to ground the tape throughout the gauging procedure to
avoid static electricity sparks.
The operator applies a hydrocarbon-soluble paste along the length of the tape where
liquid level is anticipated (1 foot). The tape is then lowered into the tank and the
entire section where the paste changes color is measured. This section is known as
“cut.” The difference between “cut” length and tape length lowered into the tank is
subtracted from the hold off distance to give stock level. This measurement is
accurate to within 1/8 inch.
The same procedure is used to measure water level, with a water soluble paste
applied to the end of the tape instead.
In both cases, the operator obtains the volume of stock via a level-volume table for
the tank. This table is provided by the tank calibrator.
Fig. 700-19 Target Board Liquid Level Indicator Courtesy of the Protectoseal Company
floating roof tanks. They are also required on tanks where accurate (¼-inch) level
readings are necessary and for tanks ≥20 feet high. The gauge well helps to keep the
gauging tape vertical and can help prevent horizontal movement and rotation due to
internal stock movement or external forces.
emission was a concern. However, experience has shown that they are not always
accurate. In instances where the gravity of the liquid in the tanks varies, the lighter
product will not be able to flow into a solid gauge well. Instead, it will displace
some heavier product into the gauge well. Due to the hydrostatic gradient, the liquid
level inside the gauge well will be lower than the true tank level. Operators have
over-filled tanks due to this. Refer to the following drawings for gauge well design:
Cone roof tanks GC-D99763
Floating roof tanks GF-D1133
780 Mixers
Fluids in tanks are mixed to prevent stock stratification and during tank
maintenance to clean the tank. This section discusses the various means of mixing
fluids in tanks. Discussions include:
• Propeller-type mixer
• Driver horsepower determination for propeller-type mixer
• Mixer specifications and data sheets
• Mixing nozzles
• Miscellaneous mixing methods
A mixer will induce high stock velocity and may result in erosion (or abrasive wear
where particulate is present in the product) of the steel plate around it. Using a
deflector stand (for fixed angle mixers) or wear plates on the bottom (for variable
angle mixers) and on the shell behind the propeller for both types of mixers, can
provide some protection to the tank shell and bottom. Standard Drawing GD-D1135
shows typical deflector plate and wear plate designs for both fixed and variable
angle mixers.
Mixers and internal nozzles may limit the low position of a floating roof. To relieve
this situation pontoon notches/indentations may be fabricated into the underside of
the roof. Larger (wider) roof cutouts are required for variable-angle mixers than for
fixed angle mixers. See Standard Drawing GD-D1071.
Limitations
Obtain horsepower requirements from mixer suppliers instead of the figures if:
• Viscosity of blend at mixing temperature is above 200 cs for Figure 700-20 and
above 1000 cp for Figure 700-22
• Tank size is above that shown on the figures
• Diameter-to-height ratio of tank is greater than 4 or less than 0.8
• Liquids are immiscible or have high density differences
• Slurries are to be mixed
• Vertical mixers are required
In addition, if the resultant horsepower from the figures is less than 0.2 HP per
1000 bbl of tank capacity, use 0.2 HP per 1000 bbl instead. If tank cleaning or
BS&W service is anticipated, the minimum horsepower should be 0.25 HP per
1000 bbl of tank capacity.
Fig. 700-20 Horsepower Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 420 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service (1 of 2)
cs
HP ( viscous ) = HP ( gaso. ) 1 + --------
400
(Eq. 700-1)
where:
HP(gaso.) = HP from chart for gasoline service
cs = Viscosity of blend at mix temperature in centistokes (should be <200 cs to use this chart)
HP(viscous) = Total HP required at the blend viscosity
Asphalt Service. Refer to mixer supplier for HP recommendation.
Fig. 700-20 Horsepower Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 420 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service (2 of 2)
Example Problem. Two example problems are solved below for a 20,000-barrel tank.
1. Given: diameter = 60 ft.; height = 41 ft.
Liquid mixed is gasoline, mixing time is two hours.
Find: HP requirement for 2-hour 420 RPM mixing.
Solution: Read 16 HP from two-hour line on the chart, select 20 HP mixer or use 15 HP mixer if 2¼ hour mixing
time is acceptable.
200
HP ( viscous ) = 16 HP 1 + --------- = 24 HP
400
(from Eq. 600-1)
Select a 25 HP mixer.
Discussion of Figure 700-21
This figure shows the driver horsepower requirements for 280 RPM mixers for
services in which the tank is filled with the gasoline components prior to mixing.
This figure assumes a component density difference of no more than 7 degrees API. If
the density difference is higher, the engineer can use the insert graph to adjust the results.
Fig. 700-21 Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 280 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service
Fig. 700-22 Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 280 RPM, Oil and Viscous Service
HP = M × ( 1 ± Cv∆V ) CD
where:
M = Mixer horsepower at 400 CP viscosity
Total Mixer Horsepower (1)
This figure shows the horsepower requirement for crude and other viscous service.
The following are assumptions incorporated into this figure:
• Component viscosity of 400 centipoise and a component density variation of no
more than 10 degrees API. The correction formula given in the figure can be
used to adjust the horsepower requirement if viscosity and/or density are
different. However, if any component viscosity is higher than 1000 centipoise,
the engineer should consult vendors on the horsepower requirement.
• Mixers are operated during tank fill and continue after filling for the specified
blend time. If mixers are only turned on after the tank is filled, use half of the
specified blend time to determine the horsepower requirement.
• A tank height (H) to tank diameter (D) ratio of the following:
Tank Capacity Maximum H/D Ratio
10,000 1.0
20,000 0.80
30,000 0.70
40,000 0.60
50,000 0.55
60,000 0.50
80,000 0.45
100,000 0.40
140,000 0.37
180,000 0.35
220,000 0.33
260,000 0.31
300,000—500,000 0.30
If the tank has a higher height-to-diameter ratio, the engineer should consult vendors
on the horsepower requirement.
Vendor Recommendations
Horsepower recommendations per Figures 700-20, 700-21, and 700-22 are given
only for side-entering propeller-type tank mixers and for viscosity ranges normally
encountered in refinery services. Mixer speeds other than 420 or 280 RPM are not
covered. For cases beyond the limitations of our data, we must rely on mixer
suppliers for their horsepower recommendations. In special cases such as heavy
slurry mixing, grease blending, etc., tests may be justified to determine the
horsepower required.
To ensure that the mixer will perform as expected, follow the vendor’s
recommendations for installation and operation. Areas where the recommendations
should be closely checked are:
• Grouping of mixers when more than one is used in a tank (internal obstructions
such as heaters and swing lines may influence mixer locations)
• Mixer shaft offset angle (usually 10 degrees and should complement the natural
circulation of the tank)
• Minimum gap between propeller and tank shell or bottom (minimum gap is
usually 3 to 8 inches)
Number of Mixers to Use. The number of mixers to be used in a given application
is a function of:
• Total mixing horsepower required
• Tank geometry
• Load carrying capabilities of tank manways
• Number of manways available
• Maximum horsepower of available mixers
In general, the advantage of using multiple smaller mixers versus one larger mixer
is that a lower pump-out level (i.e., less unavailable stock in tank) can be achieved.
This is because propeller diameter is smaller in the smaller mixers.
The advantage of using one mixer is that it is less expensive since fewer manways
will be required on the tank. For variable angle mixers, the advantage of using one
mixer versus multiple mixers is that an activator can be used. The activator
continuously changes the angle of the mixer while it is in operation. Two or more
activators could counter the mixing effectiveness.
Air Injection. Air injection will agitate the product and result in mixing. However,
the operator must be careful not to over-pressure the tank and cause tank failure.
Hydrocarbon emission is also a major concern that may prevent the operator from
using this method. This method is a common technique in the asphalt airblowing
process. It is also used in lube oil tanks.
On tanks that are to be insulated, circular stairs should not be attached to the tank
shell at every tread. The stairs should be constructed with stringers on both sides
and periodic attachments of support to the tank shell. Enough clearance should be
provided for the installation of the insulation. If the clearance is more than 6 inches,
a handrail on the inside of the stairs will be required.
Specification TAM-MS-967 requires that on tanks of higher strength material the
stairs may be intermittently supported from the tank shell or supported from grade.
This allows for additional movement of the tank shell and requires special attention
to layout and construction of circular stairs.
Bottom Landings
The bottom landing of circular stairs must be a clear 30 inch-square area. This is
usually a problem because of the ringwall on tanks with a ringwall foundation. To
solve this, the layout should locate the bottom landing level with the top of the
ringwall, and the first stair step should be 6 to 12 inches (preferably 7¾ inches)
above the landing. Stair spacing is usually worked out by starting at the top of the
tank and working down to the bottom step. Drawing GF-D99639 shows typical
landings at the top of tanks. The step at the bottom of the stairs can be used for any
required adjustment. To minimize rework, it is best to construct the bottom pad after
tank erection and initial foundation settlement. Please consult the Safety In Designs
Manual for more details.
Intermediate Landings
Circular stairs on tanks do not require an intermediate landing (See Figure 3.18 of
the Safety and Designs Manual). Where the stair passes a wind girder, a landing
should be provided to allow access to the wind girder and to provide an interme-
diate landing. Specification TAM-MS-967 gives the design requirements for stair
and platform design.
Handrails
Handrail details are given on Standard Drawing GF-M99645 which can be found in
the Civil and Structural Manual. Handrails are required on the exterior side of
circular stairs and on the inside when the gap between the tank and the stairs
exceeds 6 inches.
interferences. For example, the wind girder must be expanded around the area
where the main stairs penetrate it. Also allowances need to be made for the top
angle on the tank and the location of the handrail. Figure 3.18 in the Safety in
Designs Manual shows a good layout.
This also means that any appurtenances penetrating into the wind girder area such as
dry risers, gauging devices, etc. cannot just be placed into the walkway. All wind
girder attachments must be seal welded to avoid rust streaks. Standard Drawing
GF-M99645 shows typical handrail details. This drawing can be found in the Civil
and Structural Manual.
If a painter’s trolley is needed on the outside edge of the wind girder, the handrail
should be set back from the edge of the wind girder. It is important to state these
requirements when bidding a tank and to check these clearances during tank design.
Sometimes water puddles form where the ladder lands on the floating roof. This
needs to be considered and drainage provided, a slightly elevated walkway
provided, or additional buoyancy in the roof provided. The additional buoyancy can
disturb the tank roof drainage pattern so it must be done considering the different
locations of the rolling roof ladder.