Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
(OP)
Hi All,
I need to calculate evaporation losses for an non-insulated Naphtha storage tank in a climate where temperatures can be 35-40C throughout summer. Significant proportion of n-pentane and iso-pentane in the fuel. Would preferably like to use HYSYS for this, the current model I've done models steady state with inflow and outflow and the level in the tank makes no difference. I'd like to model a static tank with no in/out flow and get a vapour loss rate at different fill levels and ambient temps. Any ideas?
Thanks,
PR
I need to calculate evaporation losses for an non-insulated Naphtha storage tank in a climate where temperatures can be 35-40C throughout summer. Significant proportion of n-pentane and iso-pentane in the fuel. Would preferably like to use HYSYS for this, the current model I've done models steady state with inflow and outflow and the level in the tank makes no difference. I'd like to model a static tank with no in/out flow and get a vapour loss rate at different fill levels and ambient temps. Any ideas?
Thanks,
PR
The scientist describes what is; the engineer creates what never was.





RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
you can simply adopt the described procedures,
also API, EPA etc. distribute free software and documents,
see for example
https://www3.epa.gov/ttnchie1/ap42/ch07/final/c07s...
not sure if you wish to create a complex model with hysys,
in most cases I am able to solve these problems in Excel (I use Prode Properties for vapor pressures and a few other properties, but most standards include tables etc. with the values to apply..).
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
Yi = (Xi*Pi)/Ptot
That's very easy. The hard part is determining how much volume gets expelled from the tank due to in/out flow, and the atmospheric thermal effects on the tank. That requires making assumptions based on knowledge about the specific operation of that tank, and the set pressure of the vent device. Depending on the assumptions made, the resulting values can range from very low to very high vapor losses. For that reason, it's important to qualify your answers with the specific assumptions that were made to generate those answers.
As mentioned by apetri, governmental agencies enforce uniform methodologies (uniform set of assumptions) when these calculations are done for reporting/permitting purposes. For any given tank, that may result in a close approximation of the correct valve, or it may be way off the mark.
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
I would also look to the epa information to get a solid start on this.
Regards
StoneCold
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
FYI I'm not so interested in filling/offloading losses as the purpose of the calculation is whether or not to insulate the tank for cold conservation so solar radiation of static tank is what I'm most interested in.
Regards,
PR
The scientist describes what is; the engineer creates what never was.
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses
I'm not based in the states, based in Europe. This is not an environmental issue, its a product loss issue.
Regards,
PR
The scientist describes what is; the engineer creates what never was.
RE: Calculating Storage Tank Evaporation Losses