Propane Shpere Storage Tank

Propane shouldn't have any water in it, but in case some has crept in then the bottom 10" of the sphere may need enhanced inspection.

Most issues will be around teh attachment points for the legs and any areas where water accumulates / doesn't drip off. So the top and bottom.

Spacing - not a clue but if asked to guess I would say every 200-300mm grid over most of the tank and 100mm at crucial areas.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

Thanks for reply.

So, is pneumatic test could be a suitable alternative, instead of hydraulic pressure test?

Regards,

That's a completley different question. Your question was about external insopection. Now you're suddenly talking about a pnuematic pressure test??

No details, so no answer.

But pneumatic testing of a sphere carries significant risks in terms of consequence of failure. Any test can fail, that's why you're doing the test.

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

Pneumatic test of giant spherical tank ?....How far away will people be able to hear the KA-BOOM ?

I say three miles ....

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How big is the tank ? How old ? What materials ? .... Are there any details available at all ???? ... any detail drawings ?

Any code dataplates or ASME U1 documentation ?....... Oh wait, were the dataplates covered by paint or stolen by vandals ?

Can you supply any vessel design drawings ? .... Oh wait, the plant staff threw them all away years ago !!!

How about pictures ?.... Do they have cellphones in your country ?

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

Available for purchase:
The guidance notes free:
Steve Jones
Corrosion Management Consultant


All answers are personal opinions only and are in no way connected with any employer.

Probably it will be better to study ( API 579-1ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service ) before tests.. I will suggest you, to look this doc. and prepare job specific inspection programe . Some concerns ; corrosion, flaws, fatigue ..the remaining service life ..