Types of LPG storage tank
Description:
What is a storage tank?
A storage tank is a large container used to store liquid or gas, usually made of materials such as metal or plastic. They are widely used in industrial fields to store various liquid or gaseous substances, such as petroleum, chemicals, water, natural gas, etc.
Storage tanks usually have sealing properties to ensure the safety and stability of stored materials. They can be placed vertically or horizontally and are designed and manufactured according to the nature of the material being stored and the needs of use.
There are many types and uses of storage tanks, including crude oil storage tanks, chemical storage tanks, water tanks, and compressed gas storage tanks. They play a vital role in industrial production, the energy industry, chemical engineering, water treatment, and other fields, providing necessary facilities for the safe storage of various substances.
Type of storage tank
LPG tank (propane tank) or LPG storage tanks is made from welded steel and is designed for the required pressures and heat expansion of the stored hydrocarbon gases, including propane and butane. LPG tanks are frequently seen at petrol stations for LPG Autogas storage. However, how to choose the proper type of storage tank is the first step when we need to transport LPG. This passage is telling two types of LPG tanks : spherical tanks and bullet tanks.
What is LPG or Liquefied Petroleum Gas?
Liquefied petroleum gas (also known as LPG or LP gas) is a flammable substance made from a mixture of hydrocarbon gases, mostly propane and butane, with smaller amounts of other substances such as ethylene or ethane. Originally produced by Walter O. Snelling, LPG has been in use for more than a century. As the number of applications for LPG has grown, so has the demand for the substance. It is currently viewed as a cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternative to other fossil fuel energy sources, a view that will see its global market size grow at a CAGR of 4.4% between 2020 and 2027, according to Grand View Research.
The substance is obtained from fossil fuels through the process of oil refining or extraction from natural gas.
The remarkable growth in U.S. propane output has led to a surge in demand for related storage capacity, from the wellhead to all points across the supply chain, both domestically and around the globe.
On its own or in combination with butane, propane is readily liquefied under pressure to form LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). At volumes 250 reduced from its natural state, LPG can be efficiently—and economically—transported via truck, rail, barge or ship, making it particularly ideal and in demand for rural and other remote, off-grid locations.
Unlike natural gas (methane), LPG can be relatively quickly deployed to its point of use without the need for pipeline infrastructure, but does require significant storage capacity at points across the supply chain to buffer demand fluctuations and accommodate intermodal transportation management.
Storage options include spherical LPG pressure vessels and both above ground and underground (‘mounded’) cylindrical vessels, also called bullet tanks. For decision-makers charged with the responsibility of procuring large volume storage for LPG supplies, understanding the pros and cons of spherical LPG vessels versus bullet storage tanks will help ensure the right choice is made.
Spherical Tanks
The LPG spherical tank is a fixed pressure vessel at normal temperature, with a single-layer tank structure, dedicated to storing liquefied petroleum gas, using low-alloy steel plates for the vessel, with excellent performance, safety and reliability.
● Key Features
The main material is made of low-alloy steel plates for containers, and safety accessories can be selected according to different customer needs. International and domestic well-known brands, professional design, manufacturing and installation teams, complete quality assurance system, volume series covering 200m³~10000m³, can be customized according to customer needs .
This product can be used in areas where the ambient temperature is -50℃~50℃, and it can be used in various regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America.
● Benefits
Compared with other storage tanks, the use of spherical tanks can greatly reduce the consumption of steel, generally saving 30% to 45%; in addition, the spherical tank has a smaller area and a small amount of basic engineering.
Bullet tanks
Bullet tanks, otherwise known as LPG or LNG storage containers are robust cylindrical vessels used to store and transport liquefied natural gas (LNG).
● Key Features
The main material is low-alloy steel plates for pressure vessels, the valve accessories are selected from famous brands in the industry, professional design and manufacturing team, perfect quality assurance system, the existing series volume from 10m³~400m³
This product can be used in areas where the ambient temperature is -40℃~50℃.
It is suitable for mixing liquefied petroleum gas, propane, commercial propane, commercial propane butane mixture, propylene, anhydrous ammonia and other C4 mediums.
● Benefits
Horizontal storage tanks have more surface area coverage, which means they can move products more efficiently than vertical tanks can. On top of that, horizontal tanks tend to have lower transportation costs and can more easily add vertical agitation, making them more cost effective.
These are the types of LPG storage tanks, so how to use LPG storage tanks properly
How to use LPG storage tanks properly?
The following safety measures are recommended when using LPG storage tanks:
● It is recommended that LPG bulk tanks be installed above ground in a well-ventilated or outdoor area. Mechanical ventilation systems should be considered to ensure the provision of fresh air.
● LPG storage tanks must be protected from any source of ignition or heat and have a fire resistance rating. LPG tanks and any items that may generate static electricity should also be kept away from combustible materials.
● These units should be kept away from incompatible substances and barrier systems (e.g., shadow walls made of non-combustible materials) should be considered.
● Alarm systems and air quality tests are recommended to monitor potential LPG leaks.
● When operating LPG tanks, staff must wear appropriate personal protective equipment to avoid freezer burns and other hazards.
● A proper maintenance program must be ensured to avoid tank bursts and other safety issues.
● Pressure relief valves are a common accessory for LPG cylinders. These can help to release pressure if pressure buildup jeopardizes the system.
● The engineering team responsible for the design and implementation of LPG storage tanks must comply with the required national and international legislation and quality protocols.
● LPG storage tanks must be stored vertically with valves closed. Consideration must also be given to the use of appropriate restraint methods, including chains or harnesses.
● These storage solutions must also maintain all the necessary documentation to record the safety measures that have been taken, as well as all documentation related to hazardous materials protocols
CIMC ENRIC - A leading supplier of storage and process containers, specializing in LNG and LPG/propane, butane, and anhydrous ammonia/NH3 bullet tanks and associated equipment. We also offer the most comprehensive range of related equipment including LPG and NH3 pumps, compressors, valves, liquid transfer and metering systems, evaporators, mixing systems, and much more. We also offer storage solutions for LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), propane, butane, pentane, ammonia, anhydrous ammonia, and other gaseous products.
LPG storage tanks represent an efficient and safe method of storing LPG. In the case of industrial LPG use, these storage solutions should be part of an engineering process that takes into account the specific needs of the substance. For more information about LPG storage tank information and other applications, welcome to contact us, please visit our website at https://www.cimcenric.com/. We will be happy to help you out!