How to handle tank-bottom and foundation problems
Esso Research and Engineering Co.'s experience with tank failures fall into 2 principal categories: (1) failure of the shell by brittle fracture; and (2) instantaneous failure of a segment of the foundation to create a major spill. It has been established by research that there are 2 possible criteria for the prevention of brittle fractures: prevention of crack initiation and prevention of crack propagation. If the first criterion is used, brittle fracture is possible. But its likelihood is extremely low. Under the second criterion, brittle fracture simply cannot occur. Latest Esso practices for design and construction of storage tanks may be summarized as follows: (1) overall design closely parallels the alternate design basis given in API Standard 650 modified and extended as indicated. (2) Tabular data give the impact requirements that are observed to prevent brittle fracture of the tank steel and connecting lines. (3) Annular bottom plates for Esso tanks are thicker than prescribed by API. These thicknesses are in line with requirements of British and various European codes. (4) A data table gives requirements for tank bottoms in the various categories of tank settlements within which settlements can be predicted to fall. (5) The foundation immediately underneath the tank is designed in general accordance with the new Appendix B of API Standard 650.
- Research Organization:
- Esso Research and Eng Co
- OSTI ID:
- 5824345
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 69:27; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
024000* -- Petroleum-- Storage-- (-1989)
BRITTLENESS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONSTRUCTION
CONTAINERS
CORROSION
CRACKS
DEFECTS
DESIGN
EMBRITTLEMENT
ENERGY SOURCES
FAILURES
FOSSIL FUELS
FOUNDATIONS
FRACTURES
FUELS
IMPACT STRENGTH
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL STRUCTURES
PETROLEUM
PIPELINES
RUPTURES
STORAGE FACILITIES
SUPPORTS
TANKS