Oil storage tanks are typically constructed as large cylindrical steel structures designed to safely contain various types of oil. Based on the provided information, a common type of tank features a dynamic design element.
The Basic Structure
According to the reference, a typical oil storage tank is made up of a few key components:
- Cylindrical Steel Shell: The main body of the tank is an open-topped cylindrical steel shell. This forms the wall of the tank and is built to withstand the pressure of the stored liquid.
- Floating Roof: Rather than a fixed roof, this type of tank is outfitted with a roof floating on the surface of the stored oil. This roof design minimizes the vapor space above the liquid, reducing evaporation and potential fire hazards.
- Movement with Oil Level: A crucial feature of the floating roof is that it rises and falls with the degree of the oil stored. This means the roof level adjusts automatically as oil is added or removed from the tank.
- Roof Components: The floating roof itself contains specific parts:
- Deck Fittings: These are various components on the roof surface, such as vents, hatches, and access points.
- Edge Seal Framework: This critical system seals the gap between the edge of the floating roof and the tank shell, further preventing vapor loss.
Summary of Components:
| Component | Material (Typically) | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Cylindrical Shell | Steel | Forms the tank wall, contains the oil. |
| Floating Roof | Steel | Floats on oil surface, reduces evaporation/vapor space. |
| Deck Fittings | Various | Access and control points on the roof. |
| Edge Seal Framework | Various | Seals roof edge to shell, minimizes vapor loss. |
This construction method, particularly the use of a floating roof, is a common design choice for storing volatile liquids like crude oil or gasoline, enhancing safety and reducing product loss compared to fixed-roof tanks.
