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Table of content
GENERAL INTRODUCTION............................................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 1. LITERATURE REVIEW ............................................................................ 7
1.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 7
1.2. Definition of atmospheric tank ..................................................................................... 7
1.3. Types of atmospheric tank............................................................................................ 7
1.3.1. Open tank ..................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.2. Closed tank ................................................................................................................... 8
1.3.3. Spherical tank ............................................................................................................... 9
1.3.4. Vertical and horizontal tank.......................................................................................... 9
1.4. Atmospheric tank components ..................................................................................... 10
1.4.1. Shell .............................................................................................................................. 10
1.4.2. Roof .............................................................................................................................. 10
1.4.3. Nozzles in atmospheric tank ........................................................................................ 13
1.4.4. Support ......................................................................................................................... 15
1.4.5. Bottom.......................................................................................................................... 17
1.5. Assembly of different components................................................................................ 17
1.5.1. Definition ..................................................................................................................... 17
1.6. Failure in atmospheric tank .......................................................................................... 19
1.6.1. Causes of Failures ....................................................................................................... 20
1.6.2. Types of Failures ......................................................................................................... 20
1.7. Maintenance of atmospheric tank ............................................................................... 22
1.7.1. External inspection ...................................................................................................... 22
1.7.2. Partial inspection ......................................................................................................... 22
1.7.3. Full inspection.............................................................................................................. 22
1.8. Different code for designing the atmospheric tank..................................................... 23
1.8.1. American Standards .................................................................................................... 24
1.8.2. British Standards .......................................................................................................... 24
1.8.3. European Standard ....................................................................................................... 24
1.8.4. The German storage tanks code .................................................................................. 24
1.9. Conclusion....................................................................................................................... 25
CHAPTER 2.ATMOSPHERIC TANK DESIGN.............................................................. 26
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2.1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 26
2.2. The API standard 650 .................................................................................................... 26
2.3. Atmospheric tank design................................................................................................ 27
2.3.1. Components design ...................................................................................................... 27
2.3.2. Joints design ................................................................................................................ 31
2.3.3. Conditions design ......................................................................................................... 33
2.3.4. Design Material ............................................................................................................ 34
2.3.5. Design of loadings......................................................................................................... 34
2.5. Conclusion ....................................................................................................................... 35
CHAPTER 3.CALCUL DE PIQUAGE (application on Excel).36
GENERAL CONCLUSION.. 40
Bibliography41




















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List of figures
Figure.1.1. Atmospheric storage tank .................................................................................... 8
Figure.1.2. Open atmospheric tank ........................................................................................ 8
Figure.1.3. Closed atmospheric tank...................................................................................... 9
Figure 1.4. Spherical atmospheric tank ................................................................................. 9
Figure 1.5. Vertical atmospheric tank .................................................................................... 10
Figure 1.6. Atmospheric tank components............................................................................. 10
Figure 1.7. Conical roof.......................................................................................................... 11
Figure 1.8. Domed roof .......................................................................................................... 11
Figure 1.9. Hanging roof........................................................................................................ 12
Figure1.10. External floating roof tank .................................................................................. 12
Figure 1.11. Internal Floating roof ........................................................................................ 12
Figure1.12. Nozzle in atmospheric tank ................................................................................. 13
Figure.1.13. Nozzle without reinforcement............................................................................. 14
Figure 1.14. Nozzle with integral reinforcement..................................................................... 14
Figure 1.15. Nozzle with external reinforcement ................................................................... 14
Figure 1.16. Nozzle in cylindrical shell .................................................................................. 15
Figure 1.17. Nozzle in domed roof......................................................................................... 15
Figure 1.18. Legs support ....................................................................................................... 16
Figure 1.19. Skirt support ....................................................................................................... 16
Figure1.20. Conical bottom .................................................................................................... 17
Figure1.21. Flat bottom .......................................................................................................... 17
Figure.1.22. The nozzle assembly in atmospheric tank ......................................................... 18
Figure 1.23. Squares-Grooves butt joint................................................................................ 18
Figure 1.24. U and V double Butt joint .................................................................................. 18
Figure 1.25. U and V Single-welded butt joint with backing strip ........................................ 19
Figure 1.26. Single-welded butt joint without backing strip.................................................. 19
Figure 1.27. Double full fillet lap joint .................................................................................. 19
Figure 1.28. Single full fillet lap joint with and without plug welds...................................... 19
Figure 1.29. Explosion in atmospheric tank ........................................................................... 20
Figure 1.30. Collapse of spherical atmospheric tank ............................................................ 21
Figure 2.1. Atmospheric tank design...................................................................................... 27
Figure.2.2. Simple, special and double regular type flanged nozzle...................................... 29
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Figure.2.3. Low type flanged nozzle........................................................................................ 29
Figure.2.4. Diamond and circular reinforcement .................................................................. 30
Figure.2.5. Horizontal shell joint ........................................................................................... 32
Figure.2.6. Bottom to shell joint ............................................................................................. 32

List of tables
Table.2.1. Nominal design thickness of the tank shell ............................................................ 28
Table.2.2. Minimum size of fillet weld .................................................................................... 33























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General Introduction
Proceeding the highest development of oil, power and gas field, pressure vessel, tanks, autoclave, collectors,
heat exchanger and pipes become the most widespread equipment in this sector in order to collect, circulate,
transport and storage the large quantity of fluid and gas.
Thus tanks, vessels represent fundamental components in a large number of industries such as power
generation, nuclear and petrochemical industry.
This type of equipment are often established outside, so they are exposed to corrosive environment and
elevated temperature, as results they can undergo many type of failure such as corrosion, brittle fracture.
This type of failure could increase rapidly when they are accompanied by fatigue due to the presence of
excessive load.
Industrial have been always developing method to analyze all defect that can effects different components
of tanks from hand calculation and empirical curves until computational tools which are based on
industrial standards and finite element analysis to resolve in accurate and quick ways problems related to
fatigue, material and functional condition problem.
The implementation of these different approaches can guaranty the safe and reliable operation of tanks
especially for components which are difficult to analyze by hand such as nozzle, support, and other delicate
area.
American Petroleum Institute is one of the most important design code which deal with the welded steel
tanks for oil storage. This design code gives to the constructer of storage tank all the design parameters to
guaranty the safety of the tank.
Within the frame work of this project, API 650 eleventh edition have been exploited in order to determine
the allowable load and stress that can support nozzle in atmospheric tank without being deformed. As
result industry can undertake that tank will resist to loads and stay for longer period.
Indeed according to the API 650 we have developed Data Sheets by Ms Excel software in order to provide
a platform formed by a capital based decision concerning loading and stress.
After generating the analytic results we will valid them by finite element method using a specific software.
The present rapport is composed of five main parts: In chapter we will present a literature review about
atmospheric tank components and the different type of failure which can affect it. In chapter 2 we will
detail the construction mode and design of the atmospheric tank and present the technical specification of
these equipments. Then, chapter3 will contain the total presentation of the application created on
Microsoft excel.

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Chapter 1. Literature review
1.1. Introduction
Tanks, containers and collector represent essential equipment in many industrial fields due to
their essential and important role in storing all type of fluid and gas.
There are several types of tanks: the atmospheric tanks which are characterized by an internal
pressure equal to the atmospheric pressure, the pressure vessel which presents tanks under a
great internal pressure.
In this section we will focus our study on the atmospheric tanks and we will give all details
about it. First of all we will quote the different types of atmospheric tank. Then we will
present its different components and the method to assemble them. To assemble its
component we use generally welding connections, so we will try to present the characteristics
of the different types of weld. Finally we will quote the different type of failure that can affect
the atmospheric tank, and methods to maintain it.
1.2. Definition of atmospheric tank
Atmospheric tank is a container, usually for holding liquid, under a weakest internal pressure.
The term can be used for reservoirs, and for manufactured containers. Storage tanks have
many configurations depending upon dimensions, orientation, placement, and wall
configuration. The most important parameters to consider when specifying storage tanks are
their capacity and dimensions. The capacity of the storage tank is the internal volume
available for the storage of materials.
Atmospheric tanks are used in a number of industries; for example, the power generation
industry for fossil and nuclear power, the petrochemical industry for storing and processing
crude petroleum oil in tank farms as well as storing gasoline in service stations, and the
chemical industry.[3]
1.3. Types of atmospheric tank
The size and geometric form of atmospheric tank vary greatly from the large cylindrical tank
to the small size. Storage tanks are often cylindrical in shape, perpendicular to the ground
with flat bottoms, and a fixed or floating roof. Some are buried in the ground, positioned on
ground or supported in platforms.
Atmospheric tanks are available in many shapes: vertical and horizontal cylindrical; open top
and closed top; flat bottom and cone bottom. Large tanks tend to be vertical cylindrical, or to
have rounded corners. [3]
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Figure.1.1. Atmospheric storage tank


1.3.1. Open tank
Open tanks are commonly used as surge tanks between operations, vats for batch operations
where materials are mixed and blended, setting tanks, decanters, chemical reactors, reservoirs
and so on.[4]

Figure.1.2. Open atmospheric tank
1.3.2. Closed tank
Combustible fluids, fluids emitting toxic or obnoxious fumes and gases must be stored in
closed tank. Dangerous chemicals, such as acid or caustic, are less hazardous if they are
stored in closed tank. The combustible nature of petroleum and its products associates the use
of closed tanks throughout the petroleum and petrochemical industries.
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Figure1.3. Closed atmospheric tank
1.3.3. Spherical tank
Storage containers for large volume are usually fabricated in the shape of a sphere. Capacities
used in these types of tanks vary greatly for a given mass. The spherical type of tank is more
economical for large volume, low-pressure and storage operation. [4]

Figure1.4. Spherical atmospheric tank
1.3.4. Vertical and horizontal tank
Cylindrical shells are used in nuclear, fossil and petrochemical industries. They are also used
for transporting liquid in lorry. Generally these tanks are easy to be fabricated and installed
and economical to maintain. [4]
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Figure1.5. Vertical atmospheric tank
1.4. Atmospheric tank components

Figure1.6. Atmospheric tank components
The atmospheric tank is divided into the following parts: Shell; head or roof; nozzles, bottom
and support.
1.4.1. Shell
A shell is a curved plate-type structure. The design of the shell is based on the thickness, the
length, the use and the size of the cylinder. When tanks are designed for many external loads,
it is common practice to first determine the shell thickness required for these different loads.
1.4.2. Roof
Atmospheric tanks are usually vertical cylinders with either fixed roofs (conical or domed) or
floating roofs.
1.4.2.1. Fixed roofs
Fixed roofs are used for tanks with low and middle storage volumes. The most of them are for
tanks with diameter D from 6 m to 60 m but there are not any obstacles to be used for bigger
diameters. Fixed roofs could be used in storing all kinds of products (crude oil, gasoline,
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benzene, fuel oil, water, etc.), they are also needed when we have either raised or lower
temperature, when there are serious loads from snow and ice there and when ambient
conditions are very severe. We find three types of fixed roof: Cone roof, Dome roof and
Hanging roof. [1]
1.4.2.1.1. Conical roofs
They can be supported or not supported. Self supported Cone roofs have straight radial
girders, they are not bended. They are the most light and economical type of fixed roof. They
can be used when aluminum is used as material for construction. Supported cone roof can be
accustomed for every kind of tank volumes and dimensions. Roof plates could not be joined
to roof supporting structures; they have to be welded only to top angle. [5]

Figure1.7. Conical roof
1.4.2.1.2. Domed roofs
Dome roof tanks are meant for tanks having slightly higher storage pressure than that of
atmosphere. [3]

Figure1.8. Domed roof
1.4.2.1.3. Hanging roofs
Hanging roofs are very flexible, they have complicated construction details, erection of the
roof is complex and need experience, design of the hanging roofs is complicated and it is not
covered by standards, hanging roofs could not be used when internal pressure become greater
than the atmospheric one.[5]
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Figure1.9. Hanging roof
1.4.2.2. Floating roof
Floating roof tanks provide the most effective and practical means of reducing vapor
emissions from stored volatile liquids. Floating-roof tanks may have an open (external) design
or may include a fixed roof to aid in the protection of the (internal) floating roof.
External floating-roof tank is a vertical cylindrical tank that has a roof which floats on the
liquid product surface. It reduces evaporative losses. The external floating roof, however, is
exposed to snow, ice and rain. [5]


Figure1.10. External floating roof tank
Closed floating-roof tank is similar to an internal floating-roof tank; it uses both a fixed roof
and an internal floating roof.

Figure1.11. Internal Floating roof



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1.4.3. Nozzles in atmospheric tank
1.4.3.1. Definition

Figure1.12. Nozzle in atmospheric tank
A nozzle is a cylindrical component that penetrates in the shell or roof of the atmospheric
tank. The nozzle end are usually flanged to allow penetration of the necessary connections
and to permit easy disassembly for maintenance or access. Nozzles are used for the following
applications:
- Attach piping for flow into or out of the tank.
- Attach instrument connections, (level gauges, thermowells).
- Provide access to the tank interior at manways.
- Provide for direct attachment of other equipment items, (a heat exchanger or mixer).
- For draining or cleaning the tank.
We have nozzles and piping that are attached to the openings, while in other cases there could
be a manway cover plate or a handhole cover plate that is welded or attached by bolts to the
pad area of the opening. Nozzles or openings may be subjected to loads coming from
equipment and piping due to differential thermal expansion and other sources.
The load normally carried by the removed metal must be carried by the wall adjacent to the
openings. This added load increases stresses in the tank wall adjacent to the opening. The
increased stress will produce stresses higher than allowed by the code unless the component
has excess thickness.

1.4.3.2. Types of Nozzle
We can find three types of nozzles geometry a nozzle without reinforcement, with integral
reinforcement and with external reinforcement.
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Figure1.13. Nozzle without reinforcement

Figure1.14. Nozzle with integral reinforcement

Figure1.15. Nozzle with external reinforcement
According to the API standards, the fatigue life is the same for both geometries, the only
difference exist on the material definition. The nozzle with external reinforcement is easier to
produce than the nozzle with integral reinforcement.
In conclusion, the choice of a simply produced nozzle, obtained with a cylindrical tube and a
reinforcement plate, gives good results in terms of stress and fatigue life, as opposed to the
nozzle with integral reinforcement which is more expensive and more difficult to produce. [1]
1.4.3.3. Nozzle attachment
Nozzles, other connections, and their reinforcements may be attached to atmospheric tank by
arc or gas welding. We have different types of attachment:
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Welded Connections: Sufficient welding shall be provided on either side of the line through
the center of the opening parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell to develop the strength of
the reinforcing parts.
Brazed Connections
Studded Connections: Connections may be made by means of studs

1.4.3.4. Nozzles connection in different types of shell
1.4.3.4.1. Nozzle in cylindrical tank
The nozzle was placed in cylindrical shell. It is fixed to a cylindrical shell in such a way that
the nozzle axis forms an angle between 0 and 90.

Figure1.16. Nozzle in cylindrical shell
1.4.3.4.2. Nozzle connections in domed roof
Nozzles can exist in domed roof, their essential role is to escape all gaseous.

Figure1.17. Nozzle in domed roof

1.4.4. Support
The tank support is intended to support the atmospheric tank on the support base. The support
has to be designed to withstand the dead weight and seismic loadings from atmospheric tank
and to limit the heat flow from the tank wall to the base. The atmospheric tank support
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structure should be able to withstand the dead weight of the tank and internals and the
contained fluid without experiencing permanent deformation. The supports for atmospheric
tank can be of various types including leg support and skirt support.
1.4.4.2. Leg support
Legs supports are usually used to support small and medium- size vertical tank, located on the
ground. To allow good access under the tank, even for larger diameter tanks the number of leg
support is held to four. The structural shapes used for leg support are equal leg angles and
Ishapes.
The equal leg angles offer a greater moment of inertia in resisting the external loads on the
tank. For the larger and heavier tanks, I-shapes are used.

Figure1.18. Legs support
1.4.4.3. Skirts support
Most vertical tanks are supported by skirts. These supports transfer the loads from the tank by
shear action. A major problem in the design of support skirts involves the consideration of
thermal stress introduced by the thermal gradient of the skirt in contact with the tank. Fatigue
cracks may appear on the tensile surface of the weld due to alternating heating and cooling
cycles. Some of the features that enter into the design of such supports aim to avoid
attachments with high stress concentrations, to avoid partial penetration welds.

Figure1.19. Skirt support


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1.4.5. Bottom
We have two types of bottom
1.4.5.1. Conical bottom
The conical bottom storage tank is unique in its versatility to suit a vast range of industrial
applications. The tanks are manufactured to handle specific gravities and come complete with
hot dip galvanized stands. Clark Industrial supplies industrial conical bottom tanks for water
treatment plants, settling tanks, liquid fertilizer storage. Industrial conical bottom tank is fast
becoming a leading choice in industrial storage. [2]

Figure1.20. Conical bottom
1.4.5.2. Flat bottom
This type of bottom is the most utilized in storing a huge quantity of liquid. The flat bottom
storage tanks are extremely durable; they are designed for optimum rigidity and strength.


Figure1.21. Flat bottom

1.5. Assembly of different components
1.5.1. Definition
The different component s of atmospheric tank listed in the last paragraph must be assembled
and arranged using welding procedure.
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Figure1.22. The nozzle assembly in atmospheric tank
Tanks and their structural attachments shall be welded by the shielded metal-arc, gas
tungsten-arc, flux-cored arc, and submerged-arc. Welding may be performed manually,
automatically, or semi automatically. The edged of all welds shall merge with the surface of
the plate without a sharp angle.
1.3.2.2. Types of joints
Butt joints: A weld placed in a groove between two abutting members. Grooves may be
square, V-shaped (single or double), or U-shaped (single or double), or they may be either
single or double beveled. [1]

Figure1.23. Squares-Grooves butt joint
Double- butt joints: A joint between two abutting parts lying in approximately the same
plane that is welded from both sides. Its attained by double-welding or by other means which
will obtain the same quality of deposited weld metal on the inside and outside weld surfaces.

Figure1.24. U and V double Butt joint
Single-welded butt joint with backing strip: A joint between two abutting parts lying in
approximately the same plane that is welded from one side only with the use of strip bar or
another suitable backing material. It remains in place after welding. [1]

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Figure1.25. U and V Single-welded butt joint with backing strip
Single-welded butt joint without backing strip [1]

Figure1.26. Single-welded butt joint without backing strip
Fillet weld: A weld of approximately triangular cross section that joins two surfaces at
approximately right angles, as in a lap joint, tee joint, or comer joint.
For bottom and annular plates with a nominal thickness 125 mm (l/2 in.), and less, the
attachment between the bottom edge of the lowest course shell plate and the bottom plate
shall be a continuous fillet weld laid on each side of the shell plate.[1]
Double full fillet lap joint: A joint between two overlapping members in which the
overlapped edge of both members are welded with fillet welds. [1]


Figure1.27. Double full fillet lap joint

Single full fillet lap joint. [1]

Figure1.28. Single full fillet lap joint with and without plug welds
Tack weld: A weld made to hold the parts of a weldment in proper alignment until the final
welds are made. [1]
1.6. Failure in atmospheric tank
There have been numerous catastrophic failures of storage tanks. Atmospheric storage tanks
present an important problem in fact they can explode, when empty. If they have been used to
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hold oil or oil products such as gasoline, the atmosphere in the tanks may be highly explosive
as the space fills with hydrocarbons.

Figure1.29. Explosion in atmospheric tank
1.6.1. Causes of Failures
Improper selection of material or defects in material.
Incorrect design data, inaccurate or incorrect design methods or inadequate testing.
Poor Fabrication quality control: improper or insufficient fabrication procedures including
welding, heat treatment or forming methods
Inexperienced operations or personnel maintenance, upset conditions. Some types of service
which require special attention both for selection of material, design details, and fabrication
methods are as: Lethal, Fatigue (cyclic), Brittle (low temperature), High temperature and High
shock or vibration.
Tank contents: Hydrogen, Ammonia, Compressed air, Caustic, Chlorides
1.6.2. Types of Failures
Elastic deformation, Elastic instability or elastic buckling: The tank geometry, and stiffness
as well as properties of materials are responsible of protection against buckling.
Brittle fracture occurs at low or intermediate temperatures. Brittle fractures have occurred in
tank made of low carbon steel in the 4050F range during hydro-test where minor flaws
exist.
Excessive plastic deformation: The primary and secondary stress limits as outlined in API
standard are intended to prevent excessive plastic deformation and incremental collapse.
Stress ruptures and creep deformation as a result of fatigue or cyclic loading, (progressive
fracture). Creep is a time-dependent phenomenon, whereas fatigue is a cycle-dependent
phenomenon.
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Plastic instability and incremental collapse: Incremental collapse is cyclic strain
accumulation or cumulative cyclic deformation. Cumulative damage leads to instability of
tank by plastic deformation.
Low cycle fatigue is strain-governed and occurs mainly in lower-strength high-ductile
materials.
Stress corrosion: It is well known that chlorides cause stress corrosion cracking in stainless
steels, likewise caustic service can cause stress corrosion cracking in carbon steels. Material
selection is critical in these services.
Corrosion and fatigue occur when corrosive and fatigue effects occur simultaneously.
Corrosion can reduce fatigue life by pitting the surface and propagating cracks. Material
selection and fatigue properties are the major considerations.
As an example of corrosion we consider the severe corrosion of the legs under the concrete
fire protection shown in figure 1.31. The corrosion occurred due to water ingress between the
concrete and the steel legs. Due to the corrosion the steel legs had thickness reductions of up
to 8mm, with pitting holes of up to 10cm2. It is a problem of maintenance because the tanks
last hydro-test was 10 years ago and the last inspection of its legs was 5 years ago.
So it is important to do the maintenance of atmospheric tank regularly to avoid this type of
failure.

Figure1.30. Collapse of spherical atmospheric tank



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1.7. Maintenance of atmospheric tank
Accidents with steel tanks cause big financial loss, the pollution of environment, the risk of
fire and victims. The periodical inspection and diagnosis must be done in order to decrease
the risk of partial or full destruction of tanks and to avoid all the problems which present the
consequences of destruction. There are various ways of tanks inspection:
1.7.1. External inspection
External inspection is very useful, in fact it allow the constructer to predict the type of failure
which can occur and then prevent it.
External examination includes the examination of external surface of tank in order to discover
leaks in bottom, damages and serious deformations in the shell and symptoms of settlement of
the foundation.
Results from external inspection have to be formed as report and written in diary of the tank.
The period between two external examinations depends on real conditions but must not
exceed one month.
1.7.2. Partial inspection
The inspection includes:
Determination of the kind and the degree of corrosion damages upon the accessible surface
of the shell, joint between bottom and the shell supporting joint and tank roof.
Measuring the real thickness of elements of roof and shell.
Measuring the deviations of geometrical form of the shell.
Status foundation Check.
The period between two partial inspections could be smaller of 5 years or 1/4 of residual
corrosion life of the shell.
1.7.3. Full inspection
The following kind of works is necessary to be done:
Gas must be cleaned
Inspection of the surface outside and inside of all constructive elements
Measuring of real thickness of all constructive elements of the tank
Measuring of geometrical characteristic of all constructive elements of tank which measure
exceeds the determined limits
Check the foundations status
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Design calculations of the tank structure and the loss of the shell stability, including
earthquake responsibility.
When the damages are especially serious or irreparable, when the tank has not residual
resource, the exploitation of the tank must be stopped.
The external, partial and full inspections are assured by three principal examination methods:
-Visual examination
The shell shall be visually inspected for external damage and deterioration after a specified
period and at the time of any reinstallation.
The repair weld shall be visually examined for defects, so we should examine welds that
attach nozzles, manholes, cleanout openings, and permanent attachments.
-Magnetic particle inspection
Magnetic particle examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure that
is certified by the manufacturer to be in compliance with the applicable requirements of
Section V of the ASME Code Magnetoscopy allows detecting the default on surface which
cannot be detected visually.
-Ultrasonic examination
Ultrasonic examination shall be performed in accordance with a written procedure that is
certified by the manufacturer to be in compliance with the applicable requirements of Section
V of the ASME Code.
-Radiography
Radiographic inspection is required for shell butt-welds, annular-plate, butt-welds and
flushtype connections with butt-welds. Radiographic inspection is not required for roof-plate
welds, bottom-plate welds, and welds joining the top angle to either the roof or shell, welds
joining the shell plate to the bottom plate, welds in nozzle and manway necks made from
plate, or appurtenance welds to the tank.
An equal number of spot radiographs shall be taken from the work of each welder or welding
operator in proportion to the length of joints welded.
As welding progresses, radiographs shall be taken as soon as it is practicable. The locations
where spot radiographs are to be taken may be determined by the purchaser's inspector.
1.8. Different code for designing the atmospheric tank
The design of the atmospheric storage tank may include many requirements. All the design
parameters shall be respected by the constructer to guarantee the tank safety.
To fulfill this goal, many design codes are interested in this context.
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1.8.1. American Standards
The American Petroleum Institute (API) was formed in 1919 and went to produce two of the
most influential codes in the area of ambient tankage (API 650) and low temperature tankage
(API 620)
The latest edition of the American standards which interest tank designers and builders are
API 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage eleventh edition
API 620 Design and Construction of Large Welded Low Pressure Storage Tank eleventh
edition.
API 620 provides rules for ambient tanks for pressures up to 15 psig and is not restricted to
vertical cylindrical forms.
API Recommended Practice (RP) 651 Cathodic Protection of Aboveground Petroleum
Storage Tanks
API Standard 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
1.8.2. British Standards
Unlike API standard required of the same period the British standard required a design
product specific gravity 1.00 in all cases. For the storage of low temperature of low
temperature products the British standards followed the practice adopted by the API
improving separate rules for temperature down to -50c and temperature from -50 C down to -
196C.
1.8.3. European Standard
A standard for ambient temperature tanks entitled Specification for the design and
manufacture of site built vertical, cylindrical metallic tanks for the storage of liquids at
ambient temperature and above.
A standard for low temperature tanks entitled specification for the design construction and
installation of site built vertical cylindrical, flat bottomed steel tanks for the storage of
refrigerated, liquefied gases with operating temperature between -5C and -165C
1.8.4. The German storage tanks code
The code does not take the same form as the BS, API or European codes as it does not give
specific formula for designing the various elements of the tank.




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1.9. Conclusion
This chapter presented a general literature review about atmospheric tanks including their
types, components, types of failure and methods to maintain it.
We have also presented the different norms and codes for designing the atmospheric storage
tanks.
In our project we will utilize the API 650 standard in order to design the atmospheric storage
tank which deal essential with the welded Steel tanks for Oil storage.
According to the international norm (API650 standard) we will establish the design condition
for each component in order to undertake the safety of the atmospheric tank.































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Chapter 2.Atmospheric Tank Design
2.1. Introduction
Liquid storage tanks are widely used in the petroleum and chemical industries. These tanks
consist of a vertical, cylindrical, above-ground shell, a conical roof and a flat or slightly
conical bottom. The design of this type of tank is based on rules given by the API (American
Petroleum Institute) standard.
We will present this standard then we will give the different steps used for the design of
atmospheric tank.
2.2. The API standard 650
API is a leader in the development of petroleum and petrochemical equipment and operating
standards covering topics that range from drill bits to environmental protection.
The welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage is a set of standards that assures every state of the
safe design and construction of atmospheric tank used within its borders and is used around
the world as a basis for enhancing public health, safety, and welfare. This standard is designed
to provide the petroleum industry with tanks of adequate safety and reasonable economy for
use in the storage of petroleum, petroleum products, and other liquid products commonly
handled and stored by the various branches of the industry.
It establishes minimum requirements for material, design, fabrication, erection, and testing for
vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, closed and open-top, welded carbon or stainless steel
storage tanks in various sizes and capacities for internal pressures approximating atmospheric
pressure (internal pressures not exceeding the weight of the roof plates), but a higher internal
pressure is permitted when additional requirements are met. This Standard applies only to
tanks whose entire bottom is uniformly supported and to tanks in non-refrigerated service that
have a maximum design temperature of 93C (200F) or less.
The API Standard is based on the accumulated knowledge and experience of Purchasers and
manufacturers of welded steel oil storage tanks of various sizes and capacities for internal
pressures not more than 17.2 MPa. It is meant to be a purchase specification to facilitate the
manufacture and procurement of storage tanks for the petroleum industry.
The API standard 650 eleventh edition provides specific guidelines for stresses, how they are
combined, and allowable stresses for categories of combined stresses.
While the Code gives formulas for thickness and stress of basic components, it is up to the
designer to select appropriate analytical procedures for determining stress due to other
loadings.
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The designer must:
Select the most probable combination of simultaneous loads for an economical and safe
design.
Familiarize himself with the various types of stress and loadings in order to accurately apply
the results of analysis.
Consider some adequate stress or failure theory in order to combine stresses and set
allowable stress limits
compare and interpret stress values.[1]
2.3. Atmospheric tank design
To design the atmospheric tank we must specify the components, joints, conditions, material,
and loads design. Many conditions and criteria should be established to carry out this process.
The following diagram presents the different required design parameters of the atmospheric
tank.









Figure2.1. Atmospheric tank design
2.3.1. Components design
2.3.1.1. Shell design
The required minimum thickness of shell plates shall be the greater of the values computed by
the following formula:

Where:
D: Nominal tank diameter
Atmospheric tank design
Material design
Conditions design
Joints design
Components design
Load design
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H: Design liquid level
G: Design specific gravity of the liquid to be stored
CA: Corrosion allowance en mm
Sd: Allowable stress for the design condition
The shell thickness shall be the greater of the design shell thickness, including corrosion
allowance, but the shell thickness shall not be less than the following values:

Table.2.1. Nominal design thickness of the tank shell

Nominal Tank Diameter (m) Nominal Plate Thickness (mm)
<15 5
15 to <36 6
36 to 60 8
>60 10

The design shell thickness shall be computed on the basis that the tank is filled to a level H
with a liquid that has a specific gravity specified by the purchaser.
The shell plates shall have a minimum nominal width of 1800 mm (72 in.). Plates to be joined
by butt welding shall be matched accurately and retained in position during the welding
operation.[1]
2.3.1.2. Nozzle design
The details and dimensions specified in this Standard are for nozzles installed with their axes
perpendicular to the shell plate. A nozzle may be installed at an angle other than 90 degrees to
the shell plate in a horizontal plane. Since the opening is changed from circular to elliptical
for the angular installation, the width of the reinforcing plate is increased by the amount that
the horizontal chord of the opening cut in the shell plate increases.
The minimum thickness of nozzle neck to be used shall be equal to the required thickness as
identified by the term tn.
Sheared or oxygen-cut surfaces on manhole necks, nozzle necks, reinforcing plates, and
shellplate openings shall be made uniform and smooth, with the corners rounded except
where the surfaces are fully covered by attachment welds.
Openings near the bottom of a tank shell will tend to rotate with vertical bending of the shell
under hydrostatic loading.
Shell openings in this area that have attached piping or other external loads shall be reinforced
not only for the static condition but also for any loads imposed on the shell connections by the
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restraint of the attached piping to the shell rotation. The external loads shall be minimized, or
the shell connections shall be relocated outside the rotation area.
We have three type of flanged nozzle:

Figure.2.2. Simple, special and double regular type flanged nozzle
We can have also low type flanged nozzle: Low type flanged nozzle are nozzle where
reinforcement reach the bottom.

Figure.2.3. Low type flanged nozzle
Where:
T: Thickness of the reinforcement
t: Thickness of the shell
J: Minimum Distance from Shell-to-Flange Face
OD: Outside Diameter of Pipe
C: Minimum Distance from Bottom of Tank to Center of Nozzle (for low type)
HN: Minimum Distance from Bottom of Tank to Center of Nozzle (for regular type)
Dp: Maximum Diameter of Hole in Shell Plate
Q: Minimum Thickness of Flange
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These different parameters are presented in Appendix 3(table 3.1, table 3.2, table 3.3)
The flange facing shall be suitable for the gasket and bolting employed. Gaskets shall be
selected to meet the service environment so that the required seating load is compatible with
the flange rating and facing, the strength of the flange, and its bolting.[1]
2.3.1.3. Reinforcement design
The reinforcement added to an opening may be a reinforcing plate or an increased thickness
of the cover plate. The reinforcement can be attached at nozzle or at the shell.
All shell opening connections that require reinforcement shall be attached by welds that fully
penetrate the shell; however, the partial penetration for insert-type reinforcement is permitted.
The minimum cross-sectional area of the required reinforcement shall not be less than the
product of the vertical diameter of the hole cut in the shell and the nominal plate thickness.
We have two type of reinforcement:

Figure.2.4. Diamond and circular reinforcement
Where:
W: Width of Reinforcing Plate
DR: Diameter of Hole in Reinforcing Plate
L = Do: Length of Side of Reinforcing Plate or Diameter
The different parameters presented in the previous figures are specified by the designer of the
storage tank which is presented in Appendix 3 Table 3.1.
Material used for reinforcement shall have an allowable stress value equal to or greater than
that of the material in the tank wall, except that when such material is not available, lower
strength material may be used, provide the area of reinforcement is increased in inverse
proportion to the ratio of the allowable stress values of the two materials to compensate for
the lower allowable stress value of the reinforcement.[1]

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2.3.1.4. Bottom plate design
All bottom plates shall have a minimum nominal thickness of 6 mm exclusive of any
corrosion allowance specified by the purchaser for the bottom plates. Unless otherwise agreed
by the purchaser, all rectangular and sketch plates (bottom plates on which the shell rests that
have one end rectangular) shall have a minimum nominal width 1800 mm (72 in.).
Bottom plates shall be welded to the shell by lap welded bottom joints
The welding of the shell to the bottom shall be practically completed before the welding of
bottom joints that may have been left open to compensate for shrinkage of any welds
previously made is completed. Shell plates may be aligned by metal clips attached to the
bottom plates, and the shell may be tack welded to the bottom before continuous welding is
started between the bottom edge of the shell plate and the bottom plates.[1]
2.3.1.5. Roofs design
Roof plates shall have a minimum nominal thickness of 5 mm. Thicker roof plates may be
required for self-supporting roofs. Any required corrosion allowance for the plates of self-
supporting roofs shall be added to the calculated thickness unless otherwise specified by the
Purchaser. Any corrosion allowance for the plates of supported roofs shall be added to the
minimum nominal thickness. For frangible roof tanks, where a corrosion allowance is
specified, the design must have frangible characteristics in the as-built condition.
Roof plates shall be attached to the top angle of the tank with a continuous fillet weld on the
top side only.[1]
2.3.2. J oints design
Vertical Shell Joints
Vertical shell joints shall be butt joints with complete penetration and complete fusion
attained by double welding or other means that will obtain the same quality of deposited weld
metal on the inside and outside weld surfaces to meet the requirement.
Vertical joints in adjacent shell courses shall not be aligned, but shall be offset from each
other a minimum distance of 5t, where t is the plate thickness of the thicker course at the point
of offset
Horizontal Shell Joints
Horizontal shell joints shall have complete penetration and complete fusion; however, as an
alternative, top angles may be attached to the shell by a
double-welded lap joint.
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Figure.2.5. Horizontal shell joint
Lap-Welded Bottom Joints:
Lap-welded bottom plates shall be reasonably rectangular. Additionally, plate may be either
square cut or may have mill edges. Lap welded plates on sloped bottoms shall be overlapped
in a manner to reduce the tendency for liquid to puddle during draw down.
Unless annular bottom plates are used, the bottom plates under the bottom shell ring shall
have the outer ends of the joints fitted and lap-welded to form a smooth bearing surface for
the shell plates

Figure.2.6. Bottom to shell joint
Shell-to-Bottom Fillet Welds
For bottom and annular plates with a nominal thickness 12.5 mm (1/2 in.), and less, the
attachment between the bottom edge of the lowest course shell plate and the bottom plate
shall be a continuous fillet weld laid on each side of the shell plate. The size of each weld
shall not be more than 12.5 mm (1/2 in.) and shall not be less than the nominal thickness of
the thinner of the two plates joined or less than the following values:




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Table.2.2. Minimum size of fillet weld

Nominal Thickness Of Shell Plate (mm) Minimum Size Of Fillet Weld (mm)
5

5
>5 to 20

6
>20 to 32

8
>32 to 45 10

Joint restriction
Tack welds shall not be considered as having any strength value in the finished structure.
-The minimum size of fillet welds shall be as follows:
On plates 5 mm (3/16 in.) thick, the weld shall be a full-fillet weld, and on plates more than 5
mm (3/16 in.) thick, the weld thickness shall not be less than one-third the thickness of the
thinner plate as the joint and shall be at least 5 mm (3/16 in.).
-Single-welded lap joints are permissible only on bottom plates and roof plates.
-Lap welded joints, as tack-welded, shall be lapped at least five times the nominal thickness of
the thinner plate joined; however, with double-welded lap joints, the lap need not exceed
50 mm (2 in.), and with single-welded lap joints, the lap need not exceed 25 mm (1 in.).[1]
2.3.3. Conditions design
The design condition took into account the design metal temperature, the design specific
gravity, the corrosion allowance, and maximum allowable tank filling height.
2.3.3.1. Design temperature
The design temperature of the atmospheric tank is the maximum fluid temperature that occurs
under normal operating conditions, plus an allowance for variations that occur during
operation. The fluid temperature is a fundamental requirement. The maximum and minimum
values as well as the history of temperature variation need to be known.
Some tanks are designed to carry noncorrosive fluids; while others are designed to withstand
harsh corrosive and highly radioactive environments.
2.3.3.2. Maximum allowable tank filling height
Tank, may have liquid in them during normal operation. The maximum height of this liquid
normally does not reach the top of the tank. The liquid level that is required for design is
specified by the process design engineer. Further requirements might involve environmental
characteristics such as corrosion, erosion, and irradiation.

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2.3.3.3. Corrosion allowance
Excluding nozzle necks, corrosion allowances for nozzles, flush-type cleanouts, manholes,
and self-supporting roofs shall be added to the design calculated thickness, or to the minimum
specified thickness. For nozzle necks, any specified nozzle neck corrosion allowance shall, by
agreement between the Purchaser and the Manufacturer, be added to either the nominal neck
thickness or to the minimum calculated thickness required for pressure head and mechanical
strength.[1]
2.3.4. Design Material
Knowledge of the material behavior is necessary not only to ensure that the tank can with
stand the loading but also to make sure that the material has been chosen and utilized in an
optimum manner.
The purchaser should consider limits on the content material of the base and weld metals as
well as appropriate quality control procedures in plate and tank fabrication.
The materials used in storage tank construction are:
-Steels
-Nonferrous materials such as aluminum and copper
-Specialty metals such as titanium and zirconium
-Nonmetallic materials, such as, plastic, composites and concrete
-Metallic and nonmetallic protective coatings. [1]
Every type of material has its specific value of design stress Sd. (see Appendix 3 table 3.5)
2.3.5. Design of loadings
All storage atmospheric tanks must be designed for the most severe conditions and loading
that is expected during normal service.
It is necessary to specify the magnitude and direction of external loads for which the shell or
shell connections must be designed.
2.3.5.1. General loads
They are applied more or less continuously across a tank section.
Pressure loads: The operating pressure must be set based on the maximum internal or external
pressure that the atmospheric tank may encounter.
Generally, design pressure is the maximum internal pressure that is used in the mechanical
design of an atmospheric tank. The design pressure is applied externally and is the same
pressure that can occur inside the tank which is equal to the atmospheric pressure.
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The hydrostatic pressure that is exerted by the liquid must be considered in the design of tank
components upon which it acts. Therefore, the pressure that is used to design a tank
component is equal to the design pressure at the top of the tank, plus the hydrostatic pressure
of the liquid in the tank.
2.3.5.2. Local loads
Due to reactions from supports, internals attached piping, attached equipment, platforms,
mixers, etc.
Radial load
Shear load (Longitudinal or circumferential).
Torsional load.
Tangential load.
Moment load-Longitudinal or circumferential.
Thermal load
2.3.5.3. Other type of loading
Wind, snow, and seismic reactions.
Cyclic and dynamic reactions that are caused by pressure or thermal variations, or by
equipment that is mounted on a tank, and mechanical loadings.
Test pressure combined with hydrostatic weight.
Impact reactions such as those that are caused by fluid shock.[1]


2.5. Conclusion
The design of the atmospheric tank presents the most important step for any industrial to
understand the required specification of the tank and to have a good idea about all the
components of the tank. In fact these design parameters shall be respected in order to
guarantee a longer life time for the atmospheric tank without being deformed or attacked by
any type of failure.
The design requirements will be an important parameter in the analytic modeling to guarantee
accurate and exact results.



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Chapitre 3: Application on Microsoft Excel calcul de piquage


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General conclusion
This training course presents a good experience for me. In fact during this project I get the opportunity to
closely contact the professional life, to reinforce and improve my theoretical knowledge with practice, to get
an idea about the method of work and the sorts of studies achieved in an industrial enterprise.
I worked on Microsoft excel to create an application that ultimately serves to calculate nozzle. It was a
very good opportunity to develop my knowledge of tanks, pipes, their reinforcement and also stitching
design. In particular I learned how to practice excel and discover so many things and tricks.
















Bibliography
[1]: API STANDARD 650 ELEVENTH EDITION, JUNE 2007, Welded Steel
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Tanks for Oil Storage
[2]: Industrial conical bottom tank
[3]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storage_tank
[4]: http://engineeringprojecttopics.blogspot.com/2008/03/pressure-
vesseldesign-
design-of.html
[5]: http://www.astanks.com/EN/Fixed_roof_EN.html