Fueling various industries, bulk liquid storage plays a crucial role in making sure large amounts of liquids are safely and systematically kept. Whether it’s petroleum, chemicals, or ingredients for food and beverages, the capability to store liquids in large quantities is key to keeping supply chains and business operations smoothly running.
An efficient bulk liquid storage strategy not only preserves the quality of the stored materials but also optimizes business workflow and resources.
Popular Bulk Liquid Storage Solutions
Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs)
Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs) are a staple in numerous industries for storing a vast array of bulk liquids such as oil, chemicals, and water. These tanks are easily accessible for maintenance and are typically less expensive to construct compared to their underground counterparts. The common applications of ASTs include oil refineries, industrial plants, and agricultural storage — essentially any scenario where quick access to the stored liquid is a priority.
There are multiple types of ASTs tailored to meet specific needs: Vertical cylinders are the most common shape, providing efficient storage capacity with a minimal footprint. Horizontal tanks can be suitable when height restrictions apply or when ease of access and distribution play pivotal roles in operations. Each type of AST has its set of features that cater to a variety of storage requirements and space constraints.
ASTs: Accessible, cost-effective, variety of types for different applications
Materials Used in Bulk Liquid Storage Containers
Steel Tanks
Steel tanks are widely known for their robustness and longevity. They are typically the go-to option for bulk liquid storage because of their ability to withstand harsh conditions and resist corrosion, particularly when coated or treated. These tanks can handle a vast range of temperatures and liquids, making them versatile choices for industrial purposes.
One of the primary advantages of steel tanks is their strength, which ensures safety and provides longevity. When considering steel tanks, it’s imperative to account for their weight, as they often require solid foundations due to their heavy nature. Furthermore, steel tanks can be more costly up-front, but their durability often translates into long-term savings.
Types of Liquids Stored in Bulk Liquid Storage
Bulk liquid storage facilities play an integral role in our modern industrial landscape, accommodating a vast array of liquid products. Understanding the variety of liquids stored and the specific considerations for each is essential for maintaining safety and efficiency in these operations.
Petroleum Products
Petroleum products like fuels and oils, constitute a significant portion of substances stored in bulk liquid storage facilities. Efficient storage of these energy-dense liquids enables consistent supply for transportation, heating, and industrial activities.
Challenges and considerations for petroleum storage include maintaining structural integrity, controlling emissions, preventing contamination, and adhering to stringent regulatory standards.
Chemicals
From industrial solvents to household cleaners, chemicals of various natures are stored in bulk quantities, serving a myriad of applications across different industries. These chemicals may range from innocuous to highly hazardous, requiring specialized containment solutions.
Compatibility with storage materials and the chemical’s reactivity, corrosivity, and volatility are among the crucial material considerations when storing these substances.
Water
Water may seem simple, yet it’s one of the most critical resources stored in bulk. It supports municipal supply systems, agricultural activities, and industrial processes. Water storage facilities ensure a reliable resource for consumption and emergency preparedness, such as fire suppression reserves.
Storage options cover a broad spectrum, from ground-level tanks to elevated towers, each with unique features that address different water storage solutions.
Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: Best Practices in Bulk Liquid Storage
Successfully managing bulk liquid storage requires diligent adherence to certain best practices. These practices are designed to maintain safety, comply with regulations, and ensure product integrity. By following these guidelines, organizations can reduce risks and optimize their bulk liquid storage operations.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Establishing routine inspection schedules to ensure that all storage containers and associated equipment are in good condition and functioning properly. This proactive approach can help detect issues before they lead to larger problems.
Identifying and addressing potential issues proactively to reduce the chance of leaks, spills, or equipment failures, which are not only hazardous but can also be costly.
Environmental Compliance
Ensuring adherence to environmental regulations is crucial for both legal and ethical operations. Companies must stay informed about the latest laws and adjust their practices accordingly.
Implementing spill prevention and response plans is essential for minimizing the environmental impact of accidental releases. Preparation and proper training can significantly mitigate potential damage.
Material Compatibility
Understanding the compatibility of materials with stored liquids to prevent adverse reactions is non-negotiable. Storing liquids in inappropriate containers can lead to contamination or degradation of the product.
Avoiding cross-contamination and corrosion risks is crucial for maintaining the liquid’s purity and the storage containers’ longevity. Selection of the right materials and container linings is key to prevention.
Emergency Preparedness
Developing and practicing emergency response plans ensures all personnel know exactly what to do in the case of an incident, reducing response times and potentially mitigating harm.
Training personnel on proper procedures during emergencies is essential. Knowledgeable and prepared staff are the front line of defense against escalating situations into full-fledged crises.
Ensuring Compliance: Navigating Standards and Regulations for Bulk Liquid Storage
Effective management of bulk liquid storage is not just about capacity and design—it is also fundamentally rooted in adhering to stringent industry standards and regulations. Establishing compliance ensures that storage facilities operate safely, sustainably, and within the legal requirements.
The framework for assessing bulk liquid storage integrity is supported by various industry standards. Notable among these are the American Petroleum Institute (API) benchmarks such as API 650 and API 653, which detail the requirements for the design, construction, and maintenance of storage tanks.
Environmental and Safety Regulations
Protecting the environment and ensuring the safety of personnel and surrounding communities are top priorities in bulk liquid storage operations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) outlines regulations that focus on preventing, preparing for, and responding to chemical accidents. Similarly, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) prescribes standards to safeguard worker health and safety, including those working with or near bulk liquid storage facilities.
Compliance Requirements
Tanks designed for bulk liquid storage must meet specific compliance requirements. These entail rigorous processes for tank fabrication, guided by material considerations and structural integrity demands. Once installed, tanks must undergo regular inspections and maintenance. Furthermore, each facility must ensure adherence to local, state, and federal regulations, with documentation to prove that tanks were not only designed and constructed correctly but are also routinely maintained and inspected for ongoing integrity and security.
API 650: Welded Tanks for Oil Storage – this standard provides guidelines for the design and construction of large, welded storage tanks.
API 653: Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction – this standard covers the inspection and maintenance necessary to keep the tanks within operational safety guidelines.
EPA: Environmental requirements that govern spill prevention controls and countermeasure plan mandates.
OSHA: Regulations ensuring worker safety around hazardous storage systems and in potentially hazardous workplaces.
Ultimately, staying informed and compliant with these diverse regulations ensures the ongoing success and safety of bulk liquid storage operations. It fortifies the trust of stakeholders, protects the environment, and guarantees that handling and storage processes meet the highest industry standards.
How PALA Can Help With AST Fabrication and Repair
PALA’s aboveground tank fabrication and maintenance experience includes over 350 welding procedures covering various metals such as stainless, duplex, Hastelloy, Monel, Inconel, and more.
When it comes to managing bulk liquid storage, the expertise and reliability of your service provider can make a significant difference. PALA brings both to the table with its proven experience in the fabrication and repair of alloy Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST).
We are renowned for our extensive knowledge and long-standing experience in AST fabrication and repair. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing top-notch solutions designed to meet the specific needs of bulk liquid storage. Whether you are looking to build a new tank or require expert repair services, PALA’s qualifications ensure that your storage infrastructure is constructed and maintained to the highest standards:
Comprehensive project management from initial design to final inspection
Use of superior materials and cutting-edge construction techniques
Proactive maintenance programs to maximize tank lifespan and efficiency
Securing Your Business’s Future with Reliable Bulk Liquid Storage Solutions
Choosing the right materials and following stringent standards ensures not only the safety and purity of your liquids but also the integrity of your entire operation. Adherence to regulations and best practices is paramount in maintaining industrial safety and environmental compliance. Remember, the quality of your storage solution can significantly impact the quality of the liquid being stored and, consequently, your reputation. We encourage businesses to recognize the value in partnering with a trusted provider like PALA. Our expertise in AST fabrication and repair is instrumental in developing storage solutions that are both efficient and compliant with current standards.
Let PALA’s demonstrated experience enhance your facility with optimized bulk liquid storage solutions. Don’t hesitate to reach out and explore how PALA can help secure the future of your business’s liquid storage needs.
Aluminum dome roofs are a unique roof style and have a variety of benefits for aboveground storage tank applications. What are these space-age-looking structures, and why are they used for tanks? To answer those questions (and a few more) here’s our guide to aluminum dome roofs for storage tanks.
What Are Aluminum Dome Roofs?
Aluminum dome roofs, also known as aluminum geodesic dome roofs or ADRs, are lightweight, curved roofs that are composed of numerous panels connected along geodesic lines. A geodesic line is the shortest line between two points on a curved surface. Geodesic structures use geodesic lines to create curved, domed structures from small, geometric panels that are connected along those geodesic lines.
How Are Aluminum Dome Roofs Installed?
Geodesic aluminum dome roofs can be installed in a few different ways, depending on the needs of the application. These roofs can be installed inside the tank, starting on the tank floor. This is done by constructing the dome inside of the tank and is most often seen in use cases where space external to the tank is limited.
For other applications with more space, ADRs may be prefabricated and lowered over existing storage tanks. Some of these will be like other tank roof styles, where the roof sits atop the tank walls and is secured to the tank. Other instances will involve an ADR that is significantly larger than the tank it covers, and it will be secured to the ground, covering the entirety of the tank.
Aluminum dome roofs can be attached by two primary methods: batten or lapped.
The batten method involves using batten bars to clamp the raw edges of the roof into place. These bars are sealed (often with silicone strips), which prevents slipping or disengagement.
Lapped roofs are similar to traditional asphalt shingle roofs seen in residential construction; the aluminum panels of the roof are overlapped downward and fastened with screws. This method requires no caulk or sealants but is still effective at keeping out the elements.
What Applications Use Aluminum Dome Roofs?
In the industrial sector, storage tank ADRs are commonly used for containing potable water, fuel, wastewater, or sludge, and are used in the municipal and civil, oil and gas, and manufacturing sectors.
What Are the Benefits of Aluminum Dome Roofs?
Aluminum dome roofs have a bevy of benefits for use with aboveground storage tanks, due to their unique design properties and the performance characteristics of the aluminum and aluminum alloys of which they’re comprised. These storage tank roofs are:
Lightweight
Strong because, unlike other roof designs, geodesic domes increase in strength proportionally to their size
Prefabricated
Low maintenance
Easily installed via crane, reducing construction time and cost
Additionally, aluminum dome roofs:
Deflect and resist strong winds and hurricanes
Shed rain and snow, preventing pooling and cave-ins that can occur with flat roof designs
Reduce leakage of gas and other chemical compounds by reducing emissions by 80%–90%
Resist rust and corrosion
Resist fire
Contact PALA — Leader in Aboveground Storage Tank Fabrication & Repair
If you’re interested in how geodesic aluminum dome roofs could work for your storage tank application, you’ve come to the right place. PALA Interstate is your turnkey source for all things aboveground storage tanks, from fabrication and installation to inspection and maintenance. Get in touch to start the conversation about your ADR and storage tank needs today.
You may have seen one, on a lonely stretch of railroad just outside an oil refinery, or planted in the middle of seemingly endless fields of corn and soybeans. Maybe you caught a glimpse from above, outside an airplane window: rows and rows of giant tanks.
What is that place? It’s a tank farm. They’re a crucial component of modern life and industry, storing the substances necessary to transportation and production. Below, we explain what a tank farm is, some common applications of tank farms, and the safety concerns and practices that attend them.
Definition of a Tank Farm
Simply put, a tank farm is a site containing many aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), used primarily for the bulk storage of chemicals and fluids, like water, oil, or even jet fuel. They are also used for substances like the acids used in many manufacturing processes. In the oil and gas industry, tank farms may be referred to as oil terminals or oil depots.
Tank farms are most commonly associated with oil and gas, as these are flammable, hazardous substances that are stored as liquids and are used throughout the country (and the world) for fuel for a variety of applications. Tank farms are often located at the source of extraction for fuel oils or at ends of pipelines.
Propane and other fuels are also commonly stored at tank farms. Locations such as airports or space launch bases may have their own tank farms for fuel storage.
Thorough Safety Training and Culture
It’s a common saying in construction and industry that a process is only as safe as the least safe person involved, and it’s true. Fostering a safety culture, with recurrent safety training and employees who are committed to safe working practices, is crucial to keeping people, nature, and the company’s bottom line healthy and safe on a tank farm.
Get Safe Aboveground Storage Tank Fabrication & Installation from PALA
If your application requires a tank farm, PALA Interstate has the aboveground storage tank and tank services you need. We offer pressure vessel and AST fabrication, along with inspection, maintenance, and 3D tank laser scanning services. Let us be your one-stop tank farm shop — get in touch today to discuss your aboveground storage tank needs.
If you work in the energy, agriculture, mining, water treatment, or industrial manufacturing fields, you’re well-acquainted with aboveground storage tanks (ASTs), as they are essential to your operations, for various storage and containment needs. ASTs hold fuel, water, fertilizer, food products, and more.
How Are Aboveground Storage Tanks Fabricated?
How are these important pieces of infrastructure constructed? Here’s what goes into the fabrication of an aboveground storage tank, from the beginning to the end of the process.
1. Design and Engineering
Storage tank engineering takes into account the unique needs of the application—the material to be contained, the required pressure and temperature, the storage duration, the types of containment needed, etc.—and the regulatory requirements to create a suitable tank design.
External floating roof tanks have a cylindrical shell and have a roof that is open, floating atop the fluid stored in it. These tanks are often used for petroleum and oil.
Domed external floating roof tanks are very similar to typical external floating roof tanks but feature a roof that has a lighter domed structure.
Internal floating roof tanks have a roof that is affixed to the tank shell, as well as a second, internal roof that floats atop the contained substance. These tanks are beneficial in extreme weather conditions.
Fixed roof tanks have a domed or cone-shaped roof that is permanently attached to the shell. These are used mainly for water storage.
Horizontal tanks are generally smaller and more portable than vertical ASTs and are designed to resist seepage.
Pressure vessels are designed to contain pressurized substances and contain specialized pressure equipment such as vapor reservoirs.
Variable vapor space tanks are spherical pressure vessels designed to maintain structural integrity under extremely high pressures.
2. Foundation
Aboveground storage tank foundations are crucial for ensuring the optimal performance of the tanks and preventing containment issues. The right foundation for a tank depends on factors such as the soil condition, environmental conditions, size of the tank, tank application, and containment needs. Some AST foundation types include:
Concrete slab
Pile-supported
Concrete ring wall
Crushed stone ring wall
Wick drains with surcharging
Stone columns
Compacted soil
3. Fabrication
Aboveground storage tanks are generally fabricated in fabrication shops, workspaces designed especially to meet the space requirements of fabricating large metal components for tanks. Such a space will have several acres of laydown space, as well as heavy equipment like cranes and welders. Here, skilled technicians take the specifications from the design engineers and translate them into the components of the AST.
The material a storage tank is fabricated from is dependent on several factors, including the application, tank environment, and project budget. Some common tank materials include:
Various grades of stainless steel
Various grades of carbon steel
Duplex stainless
4. Installation
Once an aboveground storage tank is fabricated and the site is prepared, it’s time for installation. This can be as simple as unloading the fully assembled AST onto the prepared foundation on the site (if the tank is small enough); it can also mean delivery of the tank components to the site, to be assembled on-location by an experienced installation crew (large ASTs).
5. Evaluation and Certification
Once a tank has been installed, it must be evaluated and certified before it can be put into use. Due to the nature of many substances stored in ASTs, which can be hazards to environmental or human health and are often valuable substances, critical to the operations of an organization, ensuring that the vessel is fit for service and meets all applicable standards and regulations is necessary before it can be put into service.
What Codes and Standards Apply to Aboveground Storage Tank Fabrication?
Other codes and regulations, such as the NBIC and ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code inform the inspection, maintenance, and repairs of aboveground storage tanks and pressure vessels.
Contact PALA for Aboveground Storage Tank Fabrication
PALA Interstate has tank fabrication facilities in Baton Rouge and Hammond, Louisiana, that can accommodate your storage tank fabrication needs. We work with a variety of alloys, from stainless steel and titanium to Iconel and Haynes alloys, and we can fabricate storage tanks to meet API 650 and 620 standards.
If you have aboveground tanks in need of inspection, maintenance, or repair, PALA is also your source. We offer comprehensive tank maintenance programs, in-shop and on-site repair services, and even 3D Laser Scanning for tank analysis and inspection.
Aboveground storage tanks are designed to hold a variety of liquid or gaseous substances in bulk quantities, many of which are harmful to people, facilities, and/or ecosystems. To ensure safety for all, multiple agencies have established regulations specific to the design, build, and operation of aboveground storage tanks.
Below, we’ll take a look at the most important aboveground storage tank regulations to understand.
Aboveground Storage Tank Regulations — An Overview
There are hundreds of regulations out there related to aboveground storage tanks, about anything from design and build to inspection and maintenance. Since these structures often store hazardous materials (and lots of them), various agencies have joined the discussion and implemented guidelines around their use.
Here’s a list of some of the most prominent organizations that have created their own set of aboveground storage tank regulations. You can click on each to jump to their description in this article.
If your facility has aboveground storage tanks that hold an oil of any kind, it may be subject to the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulation: 40 CFR Part 112. While this regulation doesn’t specifically mention the term “aboveground storage tank,” it includes that term under the broader category of bulk storage containers.
SPCC helps prevent a discharge of oil from running into navigable waters or shorelines. It also ensures that every aboveground storage tank facility has a comprehensive response plan that prepares them in case of a spill emergency.
Aboveground Storage Tank Regulations by Local Governments
Aside from regulations established by the federal government (EPA), your local government and authorizing agencies may also have their own set of standards to follow. These will likely match federal regulations to an extent, but also have some more standards specific to the area and environment in which your facility is located.
This way, if your local environment is at risk of any specific threats or challenges, you and the people around you can be assured that you’re aware of them and have prepared for them properly.
Aboveground Storage Tank Regulations by Industry-Specific Agencies
There are a few industry-specific agencies that have created their own aboveground storage tank regulations based on their experience and expertise.
American Petroleum Institute (API)
API standards are specific to aboveground storage tanks that hold oil. There are three that are most applicable:
API 620: tanks under pressure that are field-erected or repaired
Wondering how API 620 and API 650 differ, and which may be best suited for your application? Read this blog.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME’s standards regulate the design, fabrication, and repair of aboveground storage tanks. Most importantly, they look closely at shop-fabricated tanks to ensure manufacturing processes and protocols are on track with best practices. This helps to ensure high-quality results, long-lasting solutions, and safety for all involved.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The NFPA regulates any aboveground storage tanks holding flammable liquids. They require that tanks are manufactured in compliance with the following standards:
UL 142: tanks that store non-corrosive, stable flammable and combustible liquids with a specific gravity no greater than 1.0.
UL 2085: tanks that must meet additional, specific design requirements to ensure a two-hour fire resistance and a secondary containment solution.
How Do I Know Which Regulations Apply to My Facility?
After reading through those aboveground storage tank regulations, you might wonder if they all apply to your facility or not. There are a few ways to find out.
First, you could conduct your own research by reading articles online, buying standards books, etc. This might also include asking colleagues that may have a better understanding of technical regulations.
Or, possibly a better option is to talk to an aboveground storage tank manufacturer in your area. They’ll be up to date on all the regulations, and how they’d apply to your location and project. Then, they can help you complete the project by designing, building, and maintaining an aboveground storage tank solution ideal for your application.
For Guaranteed Quality & Compliance, Choose PALA.
To ensure the safety of your people, facility, and environment, you must comply with the aboveground storage tank regulations in this article. At PALA, we can help you design, fabricate, and install an aboveground storage tank solution that complies, then maintain it, so it stays that way. For more information, don’t hesitate to give our team a call or contact us online.
Aboveground storage tanks are built to be incredibly durable, safely storing hazardous liquids and gasses for decades. However, there’s always a chance yours may need to be repaired.
Let’s talk about how to know when your aboveground storage tank needs repair, as well as some methods in which those repairs can be executed.
If your aboveground storage tank is built and maintained well, it should last those full 20 years or more. But even the highest-quality, most well-maintained tanks require repairs at some point.
4 Signs That Your Aboveground Storage Tank Needs Repair
It’s important to identify when your aboveground storage tank needs repair as soon as possible. Letting damage or inefficiencies go unnoticed for too long can result in disastrous, unsafe conditions for your people and the environment.
If you recognize that your aboveground storage tank shows any of the following signs, you should contact a repair technician for a professional inspection promptly.
1. Your Aboveground Storage Tank’s Legs Are Unstable
If your aboveground storage tank’s legs are wobbling, it’s not properly supported. This is a major issue when you consider how much weight those legs need to support — between the tank itself and the materials within it. Improper support can cause the tank to collapse or fall over, spilling its contents all over the surrounding area.
2. Your Aboveground Storage Tank’s Surface Is Deteriorating
You may be able to notice signs of tank deterioration by looking at it or by running your hand along its surface. The surface should be smooth and free of any bumps, dimples, divots, or rust.
If you do notice any imperfections in your tank’s surface, act immediately. Over time, those symptoms can worsen and turn into holes, which is an obvious problem.
3. Your Aboveground Storage Tank Is Leaking
Besides necessary vent lines, fill pipes, and exit pipes, your aboveground storage tank should be completely sealed. Make sure to check your tank’s surface, filters, and valves for a full inspection.
If you notice holes, drips, or leaks — even the smallest ones — your tank needs repair. A small drip today could be a full-blown spill tomorrow.
4. Your Aboveground Storage Tank Is Almost 20 Years Old
If your aboveground storage tank is approaching its 20-year average life expectancy, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection — even if it’s not showing any of the signs mentioned above. When safety is a high priority, it’s important to be proactive.
Worst case scenario? You spent a few hours and a few hundred dollars to get peace of mind that your tank’s still functioning properly. Best case scenario? You find and fix an issue that wasn’t noticeable but could have caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and severe personnel and environmental harm if left untreated.
How to Repair Your Aboveground Storage Tank
There are various methods of aboveground storage tank repair. As long as they comply with API standards and regulations, they’re viable for use. Some common ones include:
Welding replacement steel plates onto the tank
Filling tanks with fiberglass and coating them in resin and fabric
Repairing holes with laminating epoxy and epoxy putty
Inserting new liners and grout
Many of the traditional aboveground storage tank repair methods listed above involve difficult, time-consuming work. That’s why it’s important to get the repairs done right on the first try.
With this technology, we can conduct a comprehensive analysis and inspection within just a few hours, giving you real-time data to inform repair decisions. We can document existing tank conditions, perform fit-for-service studies, and use precise dimensional data for tank repairs, teardowns, and rebuilds.
It’s a fast, safe, and cost-effective option that sets the aboveground storage tank repair process up for success. Learn more about this 3D laser scanning technology and how it can benefit your application here.
Contact PALA For Your Aboveground Storage Tank Repair Needs
Aboveground storage tanks are durable, but they won’t last forever. If you notice something’s wrong with yours, it’s best to identify the problem and resolve it as quickly as possible. That’s what we’re here for.
PALA is your single source for comprehensive aboveground storage tank services. Using 3D laser scanning, we can ensure the safe storage of hazardous substances so you can keep your people, facility, and environment out of harm’s way. For more information on our aboveground storage tank repair capabilities, give our team a call or contact us online.
