Winterizing tank appurtenances
Winterizing tank appurtenances
(OP)
(Not sure if this is the right forum)
Are there any guidelines for appropriate winterizing of components (seals, leak collection tanks, etc) attached to an API storage tank? I'm imagining a combination of insulation and heat tape to keep crude / tank product from solidifying.
Also, I'd be happy to consider vendors who are known for providing such products appropriate for an oil storage facility.
Thanks, David
Are there any guidelines for appropriate winterizing of components (seals, leak collection tanks, etc) attached to an API storage tank? I'm imagining a combination of insulation and heat tape to keep crude / tank product from solidifying.
Also, I'd be happy to consider vendors who are known for providing such products appropriate for an oil storage facility.
Thanks, David





RE: Winterizing tank appurtenances
API RP 551 appears to have some content on this subject - is this considered the best practice for this question in this environment?
RE: Winterizing tank appurtenances
If it gets cold and freezes or won't work then protect it or heat it to keep it so it doesn't get too cold.
If the product solidifies or gets too viscous to pump then you need heating coils.
This doesn't change from any other facility just because it's a tank.
Just go through everything associated with you're system and see if your local minimum ambient conditions result in loss of function or operation below min design temp. If you've got water drop out anywhere that's your biggest concern.
Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.
RE: Winterizing tank appurtenances
"Engineering judgment" is a term that is valid in the context of relevant experience. Neither I nor anyone on my team has relevant experience with this kind of add-on. My engineering judgment led me to seek outside help. If the leak detector doesn't detect a leak in all conditions, we will have an even bigger problem.
RE: Winterizing tank appurtenances
http://www.insulation.org/mtl/pdfs/000256_494.pdf
RE: Winterizing tank appurtenances
Gasket typically is not part of winterizing plan since the material shall be good for MDMT.