hydrostatic test of new 6,000,000 gallon fuel storage tanks

[JFK100]

We are preparing to hydro-test new 6,000,000 gallon fuel storage tanks and are looking for a sample test plan or template to prepare our test and for cost estimating. We will be using utility supplied potable water for the test.
We haven't figured out yet how we will get rid of the water when we are finished, but that is several months away.
thanks,

 

[MTPipeliner]

I know it varies by location, but in some areas it is pretty dificult to discharge water that has been chlorinated, which I'm assuming your potable water will be.

In the area's I've worked we can typically discharge chlorinated water only if we ensure that it does not reach any surface waters.

You should check into the permitting process in your area to see if this is going to be an issue as soon as you can so you can adjust your plan if necessary.

 

[waross]

Can you check the water quality and possibly return it to the utility?

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[JFK100]

Thanks,
Yes the water will be chlorinated. Disposal will be a problem and we in the permitting process.
Right now we are developing a procedure to use for the hydro-test on the tanks for filling and transferring water after each tank is tested. In addition we will need a scope of work to get prices for contractor to perform the tests, we have internal floating roofs on the tanks and this will be the first exercise of the internal floating roofs.

 

[civilperson]

Any detention/retention basin may serve as a receptacle for the test water. After 100 hours of exposure to the sunlight, the chlorine will react with the oxygen and become undetectable.

 

[Unotec]

What happens if it is overcast? Still 100hrs? And if it snows?

<<A good friend will bail you out of jail, but a true friend
will be sitting beside you saying ” Damn that was fun!” - Unknown>>

 

[jpankask]

Just out of curiousity, how big is a 6 million gallon fuel storage tank?

 

[Latexman]

My swimming pool is 20,000 gallons, so 6,000,000 gallons is REAL BIG!

Good luck,
Latexman

 

[JoeTank]

6,000,000 gallons would be about a 170d x 40h tank or a 150d x 48h tank.

Joe Tank

 

[monkeydog]

Or 1 yard long x 1 yard high x 29,707 yards wide

 

[waross]

Very close to the size of a 5,000,000 (4,996,043.04) gallon tank in Canada or the UK.
OR
22,712,470.80 liters

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[IFRs]

If the question is how to perform a hydrotest, see API 650 11th Edition section 7.3.5 for a basic plan.

 

[JFK100]

Thanks all,
The tanks are 150' dia x 48' high holding 150,995 BBLS; we have internal floating roofs so we will only fill to 43' because of the internal roof.
We have read API 650 as suggested and feel somewhat better. The water utility has been cooperative and it will take at least 5 days - 24 hrs per day to fill the first tank. $40K for the water paid in advance!
In order to get a larger supply they will forego a backflow preventer and meter if we provide an "Air Gap" with fill hose, which will be inspected by the utility before we can start.
Thanks again for all your support and good info, don't stop we are still sveral weeks away from starting; 24 tanks will take up to 5 months.

 

[rb1957]

it sounds like there's alot of energy in 6Mgals of water ... if something goes wrong

could you do like we airplane folks do for a fuselage pressure test and replace the bulk of the volume with some solid material (typically foam) but i can see that that may not work for you, maybe a gel of some type ??

 

[JStephen]

If you have to fill with an air gap, that may cut your flow rate (48' less head on the initial part of the fill).

Also, the air gap means you'll be running water over the side of the tank, so consider how you get it past the floater.

You might plan that when each tank is filled, at least one adjacent tank is also available. That way, if you start filling, and start seeing a leak, you can empty the tank ASAP.

Check your soils report, see if they recommend a staged filling.

 

[limey1]

If the water is drinkable after testing, you could make 120 000 000 cups of Tea !

 

[berkshire]

limey1
Would that be PG tips or Earl Grey ?
B.E.