Wine Storage Tank
Wine Storage Tank
(OP)
Is there a code to design a stainless steel storage tank?
API codes provides thicker tanks than that is common manufactucted.
For instance for 5000 liters tank they use 2mm plates to manufacture
bottoms and 1.5mm for the shell.
API codes provides thicker tanks than that is common manufactucted.
For instance for 5000 liters tank they use 2mm plates to manufacture
bottoms and 1.5mm for the shell.





RE: Wine Storage Tank
UL-142 includes smaller tanks, I believe it includes stainless steel, but is still set up for petroleum storage.
ASME Section VIII could be used of the configuration of the tank was a pressure-vessel shape (IE, no flat bottom).
RE: Wine Storage Tank
Euro standards for purity apply....USA has NSF standards for food products. All of these standards have interior polish requirements.
There are many, many commercial grade 4000-6000L vertical tanks available on the market.
IMHO, neither API-650 nor UL-142 applies....
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: Wine Storage Tank
In the interest of saving money, these vessels are frequently supplied non-code.
RE: Wine Storage Tank
I would look to the food handling codes for guidance. If wine spills on the ground it's not a crude oil spill.
RE: Wine Storage Tank
Business owners choose to use the available codes such as the ASME Code and the API code to construct safe tanks and lessen business risks.
http://heartlandtankservices.com/tank-tidbits/thre...
RE: Wine Storage Tank
Consider spending a few extra bucks for a either a full-skirt tank support or brace the tanks at the top of the shell.
An earthquake analysis by a competent structural engineering consultant can be money well spent ... considering the value of the liquids stored ....
http://www.structuremag.org/?p=8241
http://www.academicwino.com/2014/09/napa-earthquak...
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/blogs/winemakers-jou...
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2016/11/earthquake-...
http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/national...
Tell us more about the area that the tanks will be installed !!!
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: Wine Storage Tank
The tank failures shown above are because of the "cheapie" triangular legs commonly supplied by "low-bid" suppliers.
You should keep in mind that wine storage tanks are commonly configured as "tall skinny tanks" ....
This particular shape is particularly susceptible to extreme and expensive earthquake damage.
Some thought should be given to tank anchorage and tank room layout ........
Regards and please tell us more ...
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: Wine Storage Tank
Ik know that hydrostatic pressure is about 3.5 psi, but I am wondering if was made true design or empirical practice.
Mr MJCronin the country that will be installed is Greece. Frequently in wineries the ullage is pressurized with nitrogen gas, tank blanketing 20mbar.
I know that there is no necessity to design these tanks with a code. But wine spills are costs more than oil.
In the past wine stored in concrete tanks. Later in steel tanks epoxy painted, but there weren't any problems except corrosion (for instance a steel tank of 8000 liters, thickness 8mm).
RE: Wine Storage Tank
It is a business risk of the owner. The Owner's insurance company may have some say in the matter as well.
RE: Wine Storage Tank
I agree with you. It's a business risk of the owner. But, should an engineer rely on this? It is enough?
Stainless steel is the upper choice in food industry corresponding corrosion resistance and easy cleaning. Also stainless steel costs. So, manufacturers minimize the thickness as well, sacrificing the quality.
RE: Wine Storage Tank
If the tank is to be installed in Greece, then Greek regulations will apply which bring in EU directives and regulations.
By use of the words API and code you make me think that you are located in the USA?
If so then working the EU way may result a similar design to that in the USA, but the design process and documentation will be different.
My advice is to take advice!
RE: Wine Storage Tank
RE: Wine Storage Tank
If you are going to purchase expensive, damage prone stainless steel wine tanks, ...PAY ATTENTION TO HOW THEY ARE SUPPORTED AND MOUNTED IN THE BUILDING.
PAY A FEW DOLLARS EXTRA FOR A ROBUST TANK !!!
The value of the wine stored in a full tank can be more than the cost of the tank !!
Does your insurer have any structural requirements for the tank ?
How much pressure will the nitrogen system be set to ? Do you really have a pressure vessel and not a tank ?
Its a good thing that there is no seismic activity in Greece .....
MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer
RE: Wine Storage Tank
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/santorini-earthqu...
RE: Wine Storage Tank
My post might have been a bit curt, sorry for that, but you have to design things as a professional engineer, but there are local standards and regulations to guide you.