International standards for diesel storage tanks ?

[swlee]

There is a combustoleo(looks very thick fuel oil) storage tank (10,000 m3) was built more then 40 years ago and they stopped using this 30 years ago. However, my jefe(boss) wants me to adapt this tank as diesel tank for new big generators.
But this tank has a lot of holes on top by corrosion and I can't find any protections or acessories like the other tanks that I have seen has, such as safety valves, firewater sprays any instrument for measure the level...... What do I have to refer to convince him to build new tanks instead of using it. Which section of international standard do I have to refer from API, ASME, NFPA or any others ......

 

[JOM]

swlee,

I suggest you refer your jefe to the report on the Motiva sulphuric acid tank explosion in the USA. The lessons are just as applicable to petroleum tanks.

The report is available from:

http://www.csb.gov

CSB is the Chemical Safety Board.

Have a look at the pictures of the collapsed tank and the holes due to corrosion.

Cheers,
John.

 

[owg]

There is also a report somwhere on an old rivetted diesel tank that was moved then filled with diesel without first filling with water to see if it held together. The tank ruptured and diesel poured into the Ohio River. Tell him he really doesn't want to be the cover story for Time Magazine. HAZOP at

http://www.curryhydrocarbons.ca

 

[MJCronin]

swlee,

lets see.... 10,000 m3 equals about 2.64 million gallons and....at $0.75 per gallon...that represents $1.9 million dollars worth of fuel.

Does he want to risk that amount of money on a shoddy tank ? or....more likely..... does he want to have someone to blame ?

Brand new, tested, coated, API-650 certified tanks (field erected)in this size can be built for about $0.60 to $0.90 per gallon in the USA...... about the cost of the fuel-oil contents....

Why would you want to go with an ancient used relic anyway ?

MJC

 

[TD2K]

Good comments. Your boss is likely fixated on the cost to demo and build a new tank (this might be a legit question from him though if the tank is as bad as you say it is, it might well not be) versus what looks like a 'free' tank.

I would look at this as definining what I need for minimum shell and roof plates thicknesses on the existing tank, identify what on the existing tank is no longer acceptable (the roof at a minimum), estimate the costs to replace the inadequate sections, cost to upgrade and add additional equipment like properly sized vents, foam connections, level indiction, etc and then do a comparison between that and a new tank. I've seen new floors installed in storage tanks where the walls were okay rather than just saying 'build a new one'.

Old tanks are not necessarily bad, I've seen some riveted tanks still in diesel product storage (pretty big riveted storage tanks in fact) but they are carefully inspected to ensure they are still capable for this use. API 653 should be a good start.

 

[swlee]

Thanks for the comments. I think I know what to do now. thanks again...

 

[MJCronin]

swlee,

Here is yet another inducement to convince your boss to specify a new tank....

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/de/press/2005pressreleases/motiva_pressrelease3_17_05.pdf

New storage tanks, built to a modern up-to-date design code are less subject to litigation than older repaired tanks.

My opinion only....

MJC

 

[bimr]

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/PA_Env-Her/ashland.htm

http://www.maintenanceresources.com/ReferenceLibrary/ezine/failuremechanisms.htm