SECTION 5—DESIGN

5.1 General

5.1.1 Scope of Rules

The rules presented in this standard are intended to establish approved engineering practices for low-pressure
storage tanks constructed of any shape within the scope of 1.2 and to provide the fundamental rules for design and
testing, which can serve as a sufficient basis for an inspector to judge the safety of any vessel and improve the
application of the API 620 nameplate. Where these rules do not cover all details of design and construction, the
Manufacturer, subject to the approval of the inspector, shall provide details of design and construction that will be as
safe as those provided by this standard.

5.1.2 Pressure Chambers

For tanks that consist of two or more independent pressure chambers and have a roof, bottom, or other elements in
common, each pressure part shall be designed for the most severe combination of pressure or vacuum that can be
experienced under the specified operating conditions.

5.1.3 Avoidance of Pockets

Tank walls shall be shaped to avoid any pockets on the inside where gases may become trapped when the liquid
level is being raised or on the outside where rainwater may collect.

5.1.4 Volume of Vapor Space

The volume of the vapor space above the high liquid design level upon which the nominal capacity is based shall be
not less than 2 % of the total liquid capacity (see 3.2.2).

5.1.5 Tests of New Design

When a tank is of a new design and has (a) an unusual shape or (b) large branches or openings that may make the
stress system around these locations in the tank wall unsymmetrical to a degree that, in the judgment of the designer,
does not permit computation with a satisfactory assurance of safety, the tank shall be subjected to a proof test, and
strain-gauge surveys shall be made as provided in 7.24.

5.2 Operating Temperature

The temperature of the liquids, vapor, or gases stored in, or entering, these tanks shall not exceed 250 °F (see 1.2.2).

5.3 Pressures Used in Design

5.3.1 Above Maximum Liquid Level

5.3.1.1 Tank components, including those above the maximum liquid level, subjected principally to gas pressure
shall be designed for the following.

a) A pressure not less than the relief valves’ set pressure. The maximum positive gauge pressure shall be
understood to be the nominal pressure rating for the tank (sometimes called the design pressure) and shall not
exceed 15 lbf/in.2 gauge.

b) The maximum partial vacuum (also called the design vacuum) when the inflow of air (or another gas or vapor)
through the vacuum relief valves is at the tank design maximum in-breathing flow rate.

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