Why are LPG storage tanks spherical?

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) spherical tanks are widely used in the petrochemical industry, domestic, commercial and agricultural sectors to store and transport LPG. When choosing a tank shape, spherical tanks are the most common choice because they offer several advantages such as the ability to store more gas, reduce pressure variations, reduce gas leakage, provide better safety, better centre of gravity stability, greater wind resistance, lower manufacturing and maintenance costs and are more suitable for mass storage. These advantages make the spherical tank the preferred shape for LPG storage. However, when selecting a spherical tank, factors such as tank safety, conditions of use and storage requirements must be taken into account to ensure the performance and safety of the tank. Therefore, the reasons why spherical tanks are the preferred shape for LPG storage tanks include the following:

LPG spherical tank

（1）Store more gas

A spherical tank is larger than a cylindrical tank of the same size. This is because the relatively small surface area of a spherical tank reduces evaporation and leakage of gas more effectively, while allowing more gas to be stored in the same amount of space.

（2）Reduced pressure variation

In an LPG storage tank, the pressure of the gas decreases as the gas in the tank is consumed. Spherical tanks reduce the pressure change as the gas in the tank is consumed, thus reducing the pressure impact on the tank.

（3）Reduced gas leakage

Spherical tanks are more resistant to external pressures and natural disasters such as earthquakes, thus reducing the risk of gas leaks. In addition, spherical tanks are also better sealed, reducing the risk of gas leakage.

（4）Better safety performance

Spherical tanks are more stable and less likely to collapse or deform, making it easier to maintain the integrity and stability of the tank. This is essential to reduce the occurrence of accidents and reduce the damage caused by them.

（5）Better stability of centre of gravity

The centre of gravity of a spherical tank is located in the centre of the tank and therefore has better stability and is less likely to tip or overturn, even in the event of reduced gas storage.

（6）Better wind resistance

 The shape of a spherical tank is more resistant to wind, which makes it better able to withstand the effects of wind and air pressure in severe weather conditions such as storms and typhoons.

（7）Lower manufacturing and maintenance costs

 Spherical tanks are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and maintain as they can be manufactured through simple production processes such as forming, welding and coating, while they are easier to maintain and simpler to repair and inspect.

（8）More suitable for large-scale storage

Spherical tanks are suitable for large-scale storage of LPG, especially in industries such as petrochemicals. Spherical tanks can be very large, even exceeding 100,000 cubic metres in volume, and can meet the needs of large chemical and oil and gas storage companies.

In summary

LPG spherical tanks are reliable, efficient and safe equipment that play an important role in the petrochemical industry, domestic, commercial and agricultural sectors. The advantages and suitability of the spherical tank make it the preferred shape for LPG storage. However, when choosing a spherical tank, we need to consider the advantages and disadvantages as well as the needs and conditions of the actual application to ensure the performance and safety of the tank.

CIMC ENRIC- a leading manufacturer of gas storage and transportation equipment in China, and a manufacturer and service provider of gas storage and transportation equipment worldwide. If you want to know more information, please contact us or click our website . We will be happy to help you!