Industrial storage tanks come in various shapes, sizes, and settings so they can accommodate the different substances your business must store. Atmospheric and pressure tanks are the two main types of storage tanks. But what is an atmospheric storage tank?
Atmospheric storage tanks are vented to the outside environment, so that no pressure is present inside the vessel, other than the static pressure of the material being stored. At Savannah Tank, we are happy to help answer any questions about manufacturing a stainless steel or carbon steel tank for your business.
How Does an Atmospheric Storage Tank Work?
An atmospheric tank is a tank manufactured specially designed storage tank that operates under low pressure. It ranges from atmospheric pressure to 0.5 pounds per square inch gauge (psi) or 3.45 Kpa.
We make the best atmospheric storage tanks with vents that prevent storage pressure changes. This is crucial, because these types of storage tanks are frequently filled and emptied, which can cause variations in the ambient atmospheric temperatures and pressure fluctuations.
Therefore, it is a common practice to make the storage tank vent directly to the atmosphere. This venting prevents the tank from collapsing or overpressurizing, because it allows the tank to breathe.
Atmospheric tanks are typically thin-walled and have different storage capacities, generally between 5,000 gallons (20 cubic meters) and 5,000,000 gallons (19,000 cubic meters). We can build them to your specification at various heights and diameters.
What is an atmospheric storage tank used for?
Now that you know the definition of an atmospheric storage tank, we will move on to their common uses. Atmospheric storage tanks are used for industrial storage of various substances that must be stored at atmospheric or low pressures.
Typically, atmospheric storage tanks store flammable and nonflammable liquids, such as petroleum, chemicals, crude oil, water, and hydrocarbons. Atmospheric tanks are primarily designed to store liquids that require ambient pressure.
Atmospheric tanks are vital storage equipment in many industries. This includes biofuels, chemicals, paper, bioenergy, thermoelectric, fire fighting, and food amongst other industries.
What is an example of an atmospheric storage tank?
You may be wondering, what is an atmospheric storage tank called that is used for storing crude oil and refined petroleum products? The naming convention depends on the liquid that will be stored inside. For instance, two of the most common examples are fuel tanks and oil tanks.
One of the many applications for atmospheric storage tanks includes storing gasoline, kerosene, and petroleum for the gas industry.
To expand further on the design and fabrication code, API-650 is most commonly referenced to design and build atmospheric storage tanks.
Types of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
There are many different types of roofs for atmospheric storage tanks. Here is a sampling below:
- Fixed roof
- Dished roof
- Conical roof
- Flat roof
- Open-top roof
- Rafter-style roof
Components of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
All atmospheric storage tanks have several basic components: bottom, side, roof, and nozzles. In addition, an atmospheric storage tank can have components such as maintenance holes, drains, and overflow lines.
Floor
The bottom, also known as the floor, is the tank’s base. Its role is to provide stability and support to the tank. There are several types of floors, and we pick them according to the atmospheric storage tank type.
Side
The sides or shells of the atmospheric tank can be cylindrical. They form the body that holds the contents inside and can be made from various materials. We offer a stainless steel body as one of the most durable options, however other options are also available.
Roof
The roof of the atmospheric storage tank plays a crucial role. We will help you pick them according to the type of tank you need and the product you will store inside. The two main types, divided into subcategories, are fixed roofs and floating roofs.
Nozzles
The nozzles can be installed on the atmospheric tank for different purposes. Generally, they can be used for inlet, outlet, or venting. The nozzles are important because they control the fluid flow.
Maintenance holes
Storage tanks must be regularly inspected and maintained. In most cases, that won’t be possible without a maintenance hole. We install access doors and manways as indicated by our customers’ specifications, so that a person can easily access the tank for inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. Often, these are placed in the shell and in the roof.
Drains
Drains are an integral component of many tank designs, especially for the ones that are for storing water. The drain is typically located at the low points of the tank. The drains must be installed and designed to not disrupt the pressure inside the tank.
Overflow lines
Overflow lines are one type of safety measure to prevent overflowing. They can be pipes or channels, which safely direct the excess liquids out of the tank. Overflow lines aren’t installed on tanks for hazardous substances.
Maintenance and Inspection of Atmospheric Storage Tanks
Maintenance and inspection of atmospheric storage tanks are crucial if you want to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents. There are also certain government regulations that require regular inspections.
The inspections of the storage tanks can be both visual and functional. The visual inspections include checking for signs of damage, corrosion, leaks, and any other issues that might impose a safety hazard.
In addition, we recommend implementing a maintenance schedule to address any issues that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Some important maintenance aspects include cleaning, repairing corrosion, and replacing all components that are damaged or worn off.
Safety Considerations for Atmospheric Tank Applications
When building the atmospheric tanks we take into consideration many safety measures. One of the greatest safety considerations about atmospheric tank applications is fire.
That is the most significant challenge to storage tanks that are used for storing oil or other hazardous chemicals. Some of the most frequent causes of fires and similar incidents in atmospheric storage tanks are damaged rim seals and other factors, such as environmental, operational, and maintenance related.
Another safety consideration about atmospheric tanks is the pressure fluctuations. As the liquid levels inside the tank change, so does the pressure. Overpressure and underpressure inside the tank can damage the tank and cause it to fail.
Atmospheric tanks are vented to the outside environment. We build tanks to our customers’ specifications and enable them to specify the size and type of vent they need for their particular application.
Where Can I Order an Atmospheric Tank?
If your business needs a new atmospheric tank, our expert team at Savannah Tank can help you. We can build a durable atmospheric tank from stainless steel according to your needs. Our experts can assist you in determining the optimal design according to your preferences, including your storage capacity needs and space limitations.
We build the atmospheric tanks according to the latest API 650 and EPA regulations. If you choose Savannah Tank, you will benefit from in-house vessel fabrication services and various customization options.
Conclusion
What is an atmospheric storage tank? As discussed, it’s a specifically built storage tank that works at low pressure. Understanding this will bring you one step closer to deciding what type of tank you need for your business. If you need to store substances at low pressure, feel free to contact us, and we can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.
