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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 2: Shell Design of AST (New Tank)
(Question)

The following data are presented for an Aboveground Storage Tank:

1) Code of construction: API 650
2) Tank diameter = 60ft
3) Tank height = 48ft; width of plates used = 8ft
4) Maximum fill height = 48ft
5) Product specific gravity = 0.92
6) Materials of construction; ASTM A 516 gr 60
1
7) Corrosion allowance = in
8

Determine:
a. Required thickness for bottom course (first course)
b. Required thicknesses for courses 2 to 6

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 2: Shell Design of AST (New Tank)
(Solution)

2.6 D ( H  1G 2.6 D ( H  1)
a. td   CA or tt 
Sd St

From table 3.2, S d  21,300 psi, S t  24,000 psi

2.6 x 60 x ( 48  1) x 0.92 1
 in
... td = 21300 8

... td = 0.3167+0.125 = 0.4417”

2.6 x 60 x( 48  1)
tt  
24000 0.3055”

0.4417”>0.3055”

Use 0.4417” thick plate, = 11.22mm

Use 12mm thick plate

b. It is obvious that for all other courses, td will govern, since td will be greater than tt

2.6 D ( H  1)G
td   CA
Sd

For the 2nd Course, H = 40ft

2.6 x 60 x (40  1) x0.92 1

... td =  in
21300 8

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... td = 0.2628+0.125 = 0.3878” = 9.85mm Use 10mm plate

For the 3rd Course, H = 32ft

2.6 x 60 x(32  1) x 0.92 1

... td =  in
21300 8

... td = 0.2089+0.125 = 0.3339” = 8.48mm Use 10mm plate

For the 4th Course, H = 24ft

2.6 x 60( 24  1) x0.92 1

... td =  in
21300 8

... td = 0.1550 + 0.125 = 0.2800” = 7.11mm Use 8mm plate

For the 5th Course H = 16ft

2.6 x60 x(16  1) x0.92 1

... td =  in
21300 8

... td = 0.1011 + 0.125 = 0.2261” = 5.74mm Use 6mm plate

For the 6th Course H = 8ft

2.6 x60 x(8  1) x0.92 1

... td =  in
21300 8

... td = 0.0472 + 0.125 = 0.1722” = 4.37mm 5mm plate may be OK

But

As per table 3.6.1, minimum thickness (for D = 60ft) is 6mm. Use 6mm plate

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