Manual Tank 2016

TANK
User's Guide
Version 2016 (8.0)

Thursday, July 07,
2016
Copyright
Copyright © 1994-2016 Intergraph CAS, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Intergraph is part of Hexagon.
Including software, file formats, and audiovisual displays; may be used pursuant to applicable software license agreement; contains
confidential and proprietary information of Intergraph and/or third parties which is protected by copyright law, trade secret law, and
international treaty, and may not be provided or otherwise made available without proper authorization from Intergraph Corporation.
Contains RealDWG™ by Autodesk, Inc. Copyright © 1998-2015 Autodesk, Inc. All rights reserved.
Portions of the user interface copyright © 2012-2015 Telerik AD.
U.S. Government Restricted Rights Legend

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the government is subject to restrictions as set forth below. For civilian agencies: This was
developed at private expense and is "restricted computer software" submitted with restricted rights in accordance with
subparagraphs (a) through (d) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights clause at 52.227-19 of the Federal
Acquisition Regulations ("FAR") and its successors, and is unpublished and all rights are reserved under the copyright laws of the
United States. For units of the Department of Defense ("DoD"): This is "commercial computer software" as defined at DFARS
252.227-7014 and the rights of the Government are as specified at DFARS 227.7202-3.
Unpublished - rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.
Intergraph Corporation
305 Intergraph Way
Madison, AL 35758
Documentation
Documentation shall mean, whether in electronic or printed form, User's Guides, Installation Guides, Reference Guides,
Administrator's Guides, Customization Guides, Programmer's Guides, Configuration Guides and Help Guides delivered with a
particular software product.
Other Documentation
Other Documentation shall mean, whether in electronic or printed form and delivered with software or on Intergraph Smart Support,
SharePoint, or box.net, any documentation related to work processes, workflows, and best practices that is provided by Intergraph
as guidance for using a software product.
Terms of Use
a. Use of a software product and Documentation is subject to the End User License Agreement ("EULA") delivered with the
software product unless the Licensee has a valid signed license for this software product with Intergraph Corporation. If the
Licensee has a valid signed license for this software product with Intergraph Corporation, the valid signed license shall take
precedence and govern the use of this software product and Documentation. Subject to the terms contained within the
applicable license agreement, Intergraph Corporation gives Licensee permission to print a reasonable number of copies of the
Documentation as defined in the applicable license agreement and delivered with the software product for Licensee's internal,
non-commercial use. The Documentation may not be printed for resale or redistribution.
b. For use of Documentation or Other Documentation where end user does not receive a EULA or does not have a valid license
agreement with Intergraph, Intergraph grants the Licensee a non-exclusive license to use the Documentation or Other
Documentation for Licensee’s internal non-commercial use. Intergraph Corporation gives Licensee permission to print a
reasonable number of copies of Other Documentation for Licensee’s internal, non-commercial use. The Other Documentation
may not be printed for resale or redistribution. This license contained in this subsection b) may be terminated at any time and
for any reason by Intergraph Corporation by giving written notice to Licensee.
Disclaimer of Warranties
Except for any express warranties as may be stated in the EULA or separate license or separate terms and conditions, Intergraph
Corporation disclaims any and all express or implied warranties including, but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose and nothing stated in, or implied by, this document or its contents shall be considered or deemed
a modification or amendment of such disclaimer. Intergraph believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its
publication date.
The information and the software discussed in this document are subject to change without notice and are subject to applicable
technical product descriptions. Intergraph Corporation is not responsible for any error that may appear in this document.
The software, Documentation and Other Documentation discussed in this document are furnished under a license and may be used
or copied only in accordance with the terms of this license. THE USER OF THE SOFTWARE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE THE FINAL
EVALUATION AS TO THE USEFULNESS OF THE SOFTWARE IN HIS OWN ENVIRONMENT.
TANK User's Guide 2

Intergraph is not responsible for the accuracy of delivered data including, but not limited to, catalog, reference and symbol data.
Users should verify for themselves that the data is accurate and suitable for their project work.
Limitation of Damages
IN NO EVENT WILL INTERGRAPH CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL INCIDENTAL,
SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF USE OR PRODUCTION, LOSS OF
REVENUE OR PROFIT, LOSS OF DATA, OR CLAIMS OF THIRD PARTIES, EVEN IF INTERGRAPH CORPORATION HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL INTERGRAPH CORPORATION’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE AMOUNT THAT
INTERGRAPH CORPORATION HAS BEEN PAID BY LICENSEE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AT THE TIME THE CLAIM IS
MADE. EXCEPT WHERE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO CLAIM, REGARDLESS OF FORM, ARISING OUT OF OR IN
CONNECTION WITH THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE BROUGHT BY LICENSEE MORE THAN TWO (2)
YEARS AFTER THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CAUSE OF ACTION HAS OCCURRED.
IF UNDER THE LAW RULED APPLICABLE ANY PART OF THIS SECTION IS INVALID, THEN INTERGRAPH LIMITS ITS
LIABILITY TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY SAID LAW.
Export Controls
Intergraph Corporation’s software products and any third-party Software Products obtained from Intergraph Corporation, its
subsidiaries, or distributors (including any Documentation, Other Documentation or technical data related to these products) are
subject to the export control laws and regulations of the United States. Diversion contrary to U.S. law is prohibited. These Software
Products, and the direct product thereof, must not be exported or re-exported, directly or indirectly (including via remote access)
under the following circumstances:
a. To Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria, or any national of these countries.
b. To any person or entity listed on any U.S. government denial list, including but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Commerce
Denied Persons, Entities, and Unverified Lists, http://www.bis.doc.gov/complianceandenforcement/liststocheck.htm, the U.S.
Department of Treasury Specially Designated Nationals List, http://www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/, and the U.S.
Department of State Debarred List, http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/compliance/debar.html.
c. To any entity when Licensee knows, or has reason to know, the end use of the Software Product is related to the design,
development, production, or use of missiles, chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, or other un-safeguarded or sensitive
nuclear uses.
d. To any entity when Licensee knows, or has reason to know, that an illegal reshipment will take place.
Any questions regarding export or re-export of these Software Products should be addressed to Intergraph Corporation’s Export
Compliance Department, Huntsville, Alabama 35894, USA.
Trademarks
Intergraph, the Intergraph logo, Intergraph Smart, PDS, SmartPlant, SmartMarine, FrameWorks, I-Sketch, IntelliShip, Isogen,
SmartSketch, SPOOLGEN, SupportManager, and SupportModeler are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intergraph
Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. MicroStation is a registered trademark of Bentley Systems, Inc. Other brands and product names are
trademarks of their respective owners.
TANK User's Guide 3

Contents
What's New in TANK 2016 .......................................................................................................................... 7
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Program Capabilities ............................................................................................................................. 10
TANK Input............................................................................................................................................ 12
TANK Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 13

File Tab ................................................................................................................................................. 14
Home Tab ............................................................................................................................................. 14
File Panel ........................................................................................................................................ 15
Edit Panel ....................................................................................................................................... 15
Title Page Panel ............................................................................................................................. 16
Input Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Scratchpad Panel ........................................................................................................................... 72
Analyze Panel ................................................................................................................................. 75
Units Panel ..................................................................................................................................... 77
2D Plot Panel .................................................................................................................................. 77
Tools Tab .............................................................................................................................................. 78
Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 78
Create a New Units File.................................................................................................................. 84
Material Database Editor ................................................................................................................ 86
Diagnostics Tab .................................................................................................................................... 94
CRC Check ..................................................................................................................................... 95
Program Scanner ........................................................................................................................... 95
Error Review ................................................................................................................................... 96
ESL Tab ................................................................................................................................................ 97
Access Registry Details through the ESL....................................................................................... 98
Help Tab.............................................................................................................................................. 100
Build a Tank ............................................................................................................................................. 102

Input Data............................................................................................................................................ 102
Starting TANK ............................................................................................................................... 103
Define the Tank Data.................................................................................................................... 103
Define the Shell Courses .............................................................................................................. 104
Define the Roof Specifications ..................................................................................................... 105
Check the Input for Errors ................................................................................................................... 106
Complete the Error Check Phase ................................................................................................. 107
Analyze the Tank ................................................................................................................................ 108
TANK Program Files..................................................................................................................... 108
Solution Overview ......................................................................................................................... 109
Generate Output Reports .................................................................................................................... 111
Use the Output Processor ............................................................................................................ 111
PDF Header .................................................................................................................................. 113
Report List Tab ............................................................................................................................. 113
TANK User's Guide 4

Contents
Options Tab .................................................................................................................................. 123

View the Graphics Output ................................................................................................................... 124
3D View ........................................................................................................................................ 125
2D View ........................................................................................................................................ 127
Examples .................................................................................................................................................. 133

Example Problem APP_K ................................................................................................................... 133
Example Problem O_WC .................................................................................................................... 133
Example Problem A_WC .................................................................................................................... 133
Example Problem KOCZWARA .......................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem B&Y ....................................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem SSTEST1............................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem TEST1 ................................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem SSC1 ..................................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem APP_P ................................................................................................................... 134
Example Problem EXTERN01 ............................................................................................................ 134
Example Problem SEIS01 .................................................................................................................. 135
Appendix A - Program File List .............................................................................................................. 136

Main Set .............................................................................................................................................. 136
Help & Error Processing Set ............................................................................................................... 137
English Text Set .................................................................................................................................. 138
API Data Set ....................................................................................................................................... 138
Examples Data Set ............................................................................................................................. 139
Appendix B - Standard Units Systems .................................................................................................. 140
Appendix C - List of Materials ................................................................................................................ 143

* ASTM Standards .............................................................................................................................. 143
* CSA Standards ................................................................................................................................. 144
* National Standards ........................................................................................................................... 144
* ISO 630 ............................................................................................................................................. 144
* Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent) ..................................................................................... 144
* Duplex Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent) ......................................................................... 145
* Unknown For API-653 ...................................................................................................................... 145
Appendix D - Default Configuration Directives .................................................................................... 146
Appendix E - Selected References ........................................................................................................ 147
Appendix F - Revision History ............................................................................................................... 148

Version 7.00 Changes (12/14) ............................................................................................................ 148
Version 6.00 Changes (12/13) ............................................................................................................ 149
Version 5.00 Changes (4/13) .............................................................................................................. 149
Version 4.00 Changes (3/12) .............................................................................................................. 150
Version 3.30 Changes (9/10) .............................................................................................................. 150
Version 3.20 Changes (9/09) .............................................................................................................. 150
Version 3.10 Changes (9/08) .............................................................................................................. 150
TANK User's Guide 5

Contents
Version 3.00 Changes (11/07) ............................................................................................................ 150

Version 2.55 Changes (10/05) ............................................................................................................ 151
Version 2.50 Changes (3/04) .............................................................................................................. 151
Version 2.40 Changes (7/02) .............................................................................................................. 151
Version 2.30 Changes (2/02) .............................................................................................................. 151
Version 2.20 Changes (9/00) .............................................................................................................. 152
Version 2.10 Changes (5/00) .............................................................................................................. 152
Version 1.60 / 2.00 Changes (1/99) .................................................................................................... 152
Version 1.51 Changes (9/97) .............................................................................................................. 153
Version 1.50 Changes (5/97) .............................................................................................................. 153
Version 1.40 Changes (9/96) .............................................................................................................. 154
Version 1.31 Changes (2/96) .............................................................................................................. 154
Version 1.30 Changes (8/95) .............................................................................................................. 154
Version 1.20 Changes (11/94) ............................................................................................................ 155
Version 1.10 Changes (6/94) .............................................................................................................. 155
Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 157
TANK User's Guide 6

What's New in TANK 2016
The latest TANK release delivers a number of significant new and extended capabilities in
response to current market requirements, as well as direct feedback from the growing TANK
community. The following changes have been made to TANK.
TANK 2016 (Version 8.00.00.0000)
Code Updates
 Updated the software to support API 620, 12th Edition, Addendum 1 (November 2014).
(CR-TX-10640, CR-TX-16131, CR-TX-16486, CR-TX-16775)
 Updated the software to support API 650, 12th Edition, Addendum 2 (January 2016).
(CR-TX-16464)
 Updated the software to support API 653, 5th Edition (November 2014)
 Updated the software to support API 2000, 7th Edition (March 2014)
Configuration
 Enhanced TANK to compress and archive files. The software compresses input, output, and
intermediate files into a zip file when you close a file, create a new file when another file is
opened, or save an open file under a new fame. TANK now saves and compresses files
under the new .tk file extension. This new functionality is enabled by default, but it can be
disabled by selecting Do Not Compress the Input Files on the Configuration dialog.
(CR-TX-8905, CR-TX-8906, CR-TX-8907, CR-TX-10596, CR-TX-10908)
 Updated TANK by allowing the default structural database selection to display in Structural
Database. Previously, when you selected a default structural database on the
Configuration dialog, the software required you to reselect that database option on the
Supported Cone Roof Data tab. The software has been updated, and the default database
option selected on the Configuration dialog automatically displays in Structural Database
on the Supported Cone Roof Data tab. (CR-TX-10413)
Productivity
 Enhanced TANK to allow you to lock files. You can now lock a file by selecting Lock the
Current Input File on the Tools tab. When the file is opened, a message displays indicating
the file is read-only and cannot by saved or analyzed. If the file needs to be modified, you
can unlock it by selecting Unlock the Current Input File on the Tools tab. This
enhancement reduces the chance of users making accidental changes to files.
(CR-TX-10470)
 Updated TANK by creating new options for users to select a material or edit material
properties. New Database and Edit/View Properties options were added to the material
selection fields throughout the software. When you select Database, the updated Material
Selection dialog box displays. When you select Edit/View Properties, the Material
Properties dialog displays. (CR-TX-12902)
 Updated TANK by adding the ability to display insulation on the 3D model. New Insulation
options were added to the right-click menu that allow you to choose how insulation displays
on the 2D and 3D models. (CR-TX-16447)
TANK User's Guide 7

 Updated TANK by adding a .vue file exporter utility. Users can now select Export to VUE
Format on the Tools tab to open the VUE File Exporter utility. This utility allows users to
convert their TANK .tk files into .vue files. Users can then open and review the TANK model
in SmartPlant Review. (CR-TX-16502, CR-TX-16501, CR-TX-16843)
 Updated TANK by removing the functionality to append reports. The Append Reports icon
has been removed and all references to it removed from the documentation. (CR-TX-12270)
 Enhanced TANK by integrating the TKerck.exe program into the TANK program. As a result
of this enhancement, the time needed to analyze a file has been greatly reduced.
(CR-TX-16064)
Analysis
 Updated TANK to allow you to edit the value for Maximum Allowable Tensile Stress.
Previously, Maximum Allowable Tensile Stress did not display on the input, the value was
only defined in the material database. The interface has been enhanced and you can now
edit the value on the Material Properties dialog or the General Tank Data tab. This
enhancement grants you more control over the value that is calculated for Maximum
Allowable Compressive Stress for API 620. (CR-TX-10652)
 Updated TANK to only require you enter a value for Minimum Yield Strength of Bottom
Plate once. Previously, the software required you to enter the value on the Seismic Data,
Grillage Review, and Appendix M - Cycle Life tabs. The software has been updated to
contain Minimum Yield Strength of Bottom Plate only on the General Tank Data tab, and
the software uses the value in all necessary calculations. (CR-TX-10896)
 Enhanced the Nozzle Stiffness Data tab to support API 620 radial nozzle inputs. When you
select 620 in API Design Code on the General Tank Data tab, the API 620 Specific Data
section on the Nozzle Stiffness Data tab populates with inputs that are used to perform
nozzle area replacement analysis. (CR-TX-9529, CR-TX-10144)
 Enhanced the Nozzle Stiffness Data tab in TANK to allow you to determine the nozzle
outer diameter based on pipe properties specified in the Seamless Pipe Selection dialog
box. When you click the ellipses in Nozzle Outer Diameter, the Seamless Pipe Selection
dialog box displays, where you can select piping properties for the nozzle, such as Pipe
Schedule and Nominal Pipe Diameter from various piping databases. The value for
Nozzle Outer Diameter is then automatically calculated based on your selections.
(CR-TX-10274, TR-TX-10562)
 Updated TANK to include a check box to allow users to include the insulation thickness and
density in the roof weight analysis. When you select Is the Roof Insulated on the General
Roof Specs tab, the software uses the insulation data from the Tank Data tab to account for
the weight of the insulated roof. Roof insulation calculations are only performed for tanks
analyzed per API 620. (CR-TX-16167)
 Updated TANK by adding the ability to plot and analyze nozzles on the roof of a tank. Two
new options, Is Nozzle on Roof and Distance from the Center were added to allow users
to plot and analyze nozzles on the roof of a tank. Users can plot nozzles on the 3D model for
both API 650 and API 620 tanks, but nozzle analysis is only performed for tanks designed
per API 620. (CR-TX-16444)
Output Reports
 Updated TANK to allow a seismic importance factor greater than 1.5. Previously, if the value
in Importance Factor on the Seismic Data tab was greater than 1.5, the software
TANK User's Guide 8

encountered a fatal error upon analysis. The software now display a warning on the Error
Checker .LOG File report if the seismic importance factor is greater than 1.5, but allows the
analysis to continue. (CR-TX-12837)
 Updated TANK to display a warning message on output reports when certain code rules are
violated. According to API 650, a nozzle that is subjected to external loads must be located
within a specified region of a tank. The software now displays a warning message on the
Nozzle Flexibility & Load Results report when API 650 code rules are violated for nozzle
placement. (CR-TX-10877)
For a complete TANK revision history, see Appendix F - Revision History (on page 148).
TANK User's Guide 9

SECTION 1
Introduction
TANK is a software tool for the design and analysis of large storage tanks using the API-620,
API-650, and API-653 design codes. TANK incorporates interactive dialogs for user input, input
validation to avoid run time errors, and extensive diagnostics to assist in problem resolution.
This manual provides detailed instructions for the configuration and operation of the program.
Additionally, cell-specific help for guidance and information can be launched by pressing F1. For
installation information, refer to the TANK Installation Guide.
Program Capabilities
TANK incorporates the major considerations of API-650 Section 5 and several of the
Appendices. These include:
 Shell course thickness and fluid height computations according to either the variable point
method or the one foot method.
 Wind girder computations for the top and up to five intermediate girders.
 Minimum metal temperature reporting.
 Shell course thickness and fluid height computations according to Appendix A.
 Seismic computations according to Appendix E.
 Internal pressure considerations according to Appendix F.
 Grillage computations according to Appendix I.
 Material modifications due to temperature according to Appendix M.
 Cycle Life computations according to Appendix M.
TANK User's Guide 10

Introduction
 Nozzle flexibilities and limiting loads according to Appendix P, including the limiting load
interaction diagrams.
 Stainless Steel considerations according to Appendix S.
 External pressure computations according to Appendix V.
 Duplex Stainless Steel considerations according to Appendix X.
 An alternate nozzle stiffness calculation routine according to PVP-1279.
 Tank sizing/costing scratch-pad.
 A Material Database editor.
TANK also incorporates the following considerations from API-620:
 Shell course thickness computations according to Section 5.10.
 Maximum compressive stress calculations according to Section 5.5.
 Roof analysis according to Section 5.10.
 Analysis of nozzles on the roof of a tank.
 Vacuum analysis.
TANK also incorporates the following considerations from API-653:
 Material modifications according to Section 2.3.
 Shell Settlement evaluation according to Appendix B.
 Retiring thicknesses and remaining corrosion allowance.
 Corroded hydrotest case
 Shell thickness evaluations using individual joint efficiencies and “L” locations
 Bottom Plate minimum thickness determinations
 Hydrotest heights
TANK can also design or analyze a supported cone roof according to the procedures outlined in
Brownell & Young. TANK also incorporates venting computations from API-2000.
TANK relies extensively on data specified in the API codes. This includes the material data from
Table 5.2, and digitized data from Appendix P. Other data tables have also been incorporated
into the program where necessary.
Every effort is made to ensure that TANK is up to date with the current codes.

Introduction
TANK Input
The first step in the design or analysis of a tank is to generate an input file, which describes the
characteristics of the tank. Each tank requires an input file with a unique job name for each
configuration to be studied. All of the tank particulars and descriptive information are stored in
this input file. The input file name consists of the job name as the prefix, followed by a .tki
extension.
Start the input process by selecting File > New or File > Open (and browsing to select an
existing TANK file) and then choosing any option from the Input panel.
TANK separates the input data into logical categories. Each category addresses a specific code
requirement on design task. You must enter tank input data using the General Tank Data
command to save the tank input file. For more information on tank input data commands, see
the Input Panel section in the TANK User's Guide.
As with most software programs, there is an option to save the current state of the input data to
a file. With TANK, you can save the input by using File > Save, or by clicking Save . Save
your input frequently during any extended editing session. When you begin an analysis the
software also saves the data automatically, but it is always best to save the data yourself too.
When you are finished defining the input for your vessel, use the Analyze panel to verify and/or
analyze the job.
For more information, review the other TANK commands in the TANK User's Guide, and then
see Build a Tank (on page 102).

SECTION 2
TANK Interface
The main TANK window has a quick access toolbar in the top left corner (indicated with a red 1
in the picture below), which you can customize with the commands that you use the most.
Directly below the quick access toolbar is a series of ribbons (indicated with a red 2) and panels.
Each ribbon tab contains different panels related to that ribbon. For example, on the Home Tab
(on page 14), you can complete commands related to files using the File Panel (on page 15)
(indicated with a red 3), perform edits to tank data using the Edit Panel (on page 15) (indicated
with a red 4), specify title information for the job using the Title Page Panel (on page 16)
(indicated with a red 5), input tank data using the Input Panel (on page 16) (indicated with a red
6), and more.
The TANK panel commands primarily relate to input options, along with some commands for
output review (both text and graphics). The other TANK tabs include commands for software
tools, diagnostic utilities (such as the Material Database Editor), ESL review, and help options.
In This Section
File Tab .......................................................................................... 14
Home Tab ...................................................................................... 14
Tools Tab ....................................................................................... 78
Diagnostics Tab ............................................................................. 94
ESL Tab ......................................................................................... 97
Help Tab ........................................................................................ 100

TANK Interface
File Tab
Controls general operations of TANK files.
The File tab contains the following commands:
Open - Opens an existing TANK (.tki) file.
Recent - Displays recently-opened files and folder. Select a file to open.
Save - Saves the open .tki file.
Save As - Saves the open .tki file with a new name.
Print Setup - Selects a printer and printer options.
Preview/Print - Previews and prints the graphics in the open file.
Help - Displays help, getting started, contact information, and version

number for TANK.
System Folder - Opens the System folder in Windows Explorer.
Backup Folder - Opens the Backup folder in Windows Explorer. The

software saves a backup of your TANK files upon analysis.
Exit - Closes the software.
Home Tab
Displays the most commonly-used commands in TANK. The software displays with the Home
tab active by default.
The Home tab contains the following panels:
Panel Description
File Provides file management commands, such as Open, Save,

and Print. For more information, see File Panel (on page 15).
Edit Provides commands for basic editing tasks in TANK. For more
information, see Edit Panel (on page 15).
Title Page Provides commands that let you add descriptive information
about the tank to your job. For more information, see Title Page
Panel (on page 16).

TANK Interface
Input Provides commands to add input data to a tank. For more

information, see Input Panel (on page 16).
Scratchpad Provides scratchpads for your tank, where you can compute
data that you later enter in the tank input boxes. For more
information, see Scratchpad Panel (on page 72).
Analyze Provides commands for analyzing the tank. For more

information, see Analyze Panel (on page 75).
Units Provides commands for changing units used in the tank job. For
more information, see Units Panel (on page 77).
2D Plot Provides commands for plotting out various tank details using
the graphics processor in 2D View. For more information, see
2D Plot Panel (on page 77) and View the Graphics Output (on
page 124).
File Panel
The Home > File panel consists of the standard program options for creating new TANK jobs,
opening existing jobs, and saving jobs.
The commands associated with this panel include:
New - Creates a new TANK (.tki) file.
Open - Opens an existing TANK file.
Save - Saves the TANK file.
System Folder - Opens the system folder for TANK. Log files, report header information,
and other software information is saved in this folder.
Edit Panel
The Home > Edit panel includes commands that let you perform common editing tasks to your
tank data.
Cut - Cuts selected elements from the document and pastes them to the Clipboard. The
selected elements replace the previous contents of the Clipboard.
Copy - Copies selected elements to the Clipboard. The selected elements replace the
previous contents of the Clipboard.

TANK Interface
Paste - Inserts the Clipboard contents into the file. The command is not available if the
Clipboard is empty.
Title Page Panel

The Home > Title Page panel provides commands that let you describe the tank being studied.
Title Page - Displays the Title Page dialog box. Enter a text description. Use of this dialog
box is optional, but is highly recommended.
Default Title Page - Restores the default title page, located in the file TITLE.HED.
The title page can contain 60 lines of 75 characters. You can scroll down to view any additional
lines. Use standard editing functions to enter information in this dialog box.
Input Panel
The Home > Input panel contains all of the input commands necessary to define a TANK job.
Each command defines a type of data.
General Tank Data - Opens the General Tank Data dialog box. Data must be provided on
this dialog box for every tank analyzed. This information consists of the diameter, the
number of courses, the course height, course thickness, course material, fluid depth, fluid
specific gravity, temperature, pressure, external loads, and the needed code. For more
information, see General Tank Data (on page 17).
Seismic Data Specifications - Opens the Seismic Data Specifications dialog box, where
you can describe the seismic parameters associated with the tank location. The
computations that use this data are found in API-650 Appendix E or API-620 Appendix L.
This is dialog box is an optional input, depending on the tank. For more information, see
Seismic Data Specifications (on page 31).
Nozzle Stiffness - Opens the Nozzle Stiffness dialog box, which allows you to specify up
to fifteen low nozzles on the tank. The computations that use this data are found in API-650
Appendix P. This dialog box is an optional input, depending on the tank. For more
information, see Nozzle Stiffnesses (on page 33).
External Pressure - Opens the Appendix V External Pressure dialog box, where you can
enter data that determines the external pressure capacity of the tank. For more information,
see External Pressure (on page 43).
Inspection Data - Opens the API-653 Service Measurement Data dialog box. For more
information, see Inspection Data (on page 44).

TANK Interface
Roof Specification - Opens the Roof Specification Parameters dialog box, where you
can enter roof descriptive parameters. The computations that use this data are found in
API-650 Appendix F and in the text by Brownell & Young. This dialog box is an optional
input, depending on the tank. For more information, see Roof Specifications (on page 48).
Grillage Review - Opens the Grillage Review dialog box, where you can specify the
grillage parameters. The specifics of this computation are found in API-650 Appendix I,
Section I.7. This dialog box is an optional input, depending on the tank. For more
information, see Grillage Review (on page 67).
Cycle Life - Opens the Appendix M Cycle Life Data specification used in the procedures
outlined in API-650 Appendix M to determine the allowed number of “fill-empty” cycles the
tank can undergo without a detailed stress analysis. This dialog is an optional input,
depending on the tank. For more information, see Cycle Life (on page 68).
Shell Settlement - Opens the Shell Settlement Data dialog box used in the procedures
outlined in API-653 Appendix B to determine the maximum and allowed out-of-plane
settlement of the tank shell. This dialog box is an optional input, depending on the tank. For
more information, see Shell Settlement (on page 69).
Venting Requirements - Opens the API-2000 Venting Data dialog box used to determine
the necessary venting for in-breathing, out-breathing, and fire. For more information, see
Venting Requirements (on page 70).
General Tank Data

Home tab: Input > General Tank Data
Lets you define details about the basic characteristics of the tank.
 The Tank Data tab specifies the overall characteristics of the tank. For each input cell, a
descriptive comment defines the expected input. Where applicable, the expected units
display to the right of the input cell. For more information, see Tank Data Tab (on page 18).
 The Shell Courses tab displays a grid where the height, thickness, corrosion allowance,
material name, material design stress, and material test stress can be specified for each
shell course. The material and its properties specified on this tab are used as default values
for all of the shell courses. You can use the options on this tab to change the material, if
necessary, on a course-by-course basis. For more information, see Shell Courses Tab (on
page 25).
 The Wind Details tab defines detailed wind parameters specific to ASCE #7. If these times
are not defined, TANK uses the recommended API 650 defaults. For more information, see
Wind Details Tab (on page 27).
 The Anchor Bolt and Gusset Details tab defines the data necessary for the software to
design anchorage, if necessary. API-650 Section 5.12 defines a number of different cases
which must be evaluated (depending on the tank), and may result in the design of required
anchorage. For more information, see Anchor Bolt and Gusset Details Tab (on page 28).

TANK Interface
Tank Data Tab

The Tank Data tab specifies the overall characteristics of the tank. For each input cell, a
descriptive comment defines the expected input. Where applicable, the expected units display to
the right of the input cell.
API Design Code

Defines whether API 650, API 620, or API 653 rules are applied to the current job file. Select
the entry from the list. Based on the design code that you select, the software displays
different fields in other sections of the TANK input.
API 650 and API 620 are intended for the design of new tanks and can be
implemented in either design or analysis modes. Because API 653 is intended for the
analysis of existing tanks, it can only be used in analysis mode.
Design Method
Specifies the preferred method of evaluating the shell course thickness requirements. You
can choose: Variable Point, One Foot, or Appendix A. The Design Method also
determines which method is used to compute the allowed fluid heights.
Run Objective
Specifies whether the software should analyze the tank based on your input, or design the
necessary parameters to satisfy the API code.
The setting of this option affects all computations following the shell

TANK Interface
course thickness evaluation, as described below:

 If you select Design, subsequent calculations for wind girders, seismic, and internal
pressure use the larger of the design or test thicknesses.
 If you select Analyze, subsequent calculations use the user-specified course
thicknesses. The computed thicknesses for the design and test cases are reported
for information purposes only. A message is included in the output report when
Analyze is selected.
Design Temperature
Defines the design temperature in the indicated units.
 API-650 limits the design temperature to 200 F / 93 C. If the design temperature
exceeds this limit but is less than 500F / 260 C, then the rules of Appendix M are
applied.
Design temperatures that exceed of 500 F / 260 C can cause a fatal error.
If the design temperature value changes, the software automatically implements a
routine to interpolate the data from API-650 Table P-1. The software inserts the
resulting values of modulus and expansion coefficient into the Nozzle dialog box.
API-620 limits the design temperature to 250F / 121C.
Design Pressure at Top
Defines the design pressure in the indicated units.
 API-650, Appendix F, limits the design pressure to 2.5 psi / 17.2 kPa.
 API-620, Section 5.3, limits the design pressure to 15 psi / 103.4 kPa.
Tank Nominal Diameter [D]
Defines the diameter of the tank.
According to API-650, the software assumes the tank diameter is the centerline
diameter of the bottom shell course plates.
Tank Shell Height [HTK]
Defines the total height of the tank shell. This value should be the sum of the individual
course heights, and is used in the wind load computations.
Design Liquid Level [H]
Defines the height of the design liquid level. This is the height from the tank bottom to the
top of the shell, or to the bottom of any overflow device.
Bottom Plate Thickness [Tb]
Defines the thickness of the bottom plate.
Liquid Specific Gravity [G]
Defines the specific gravity of the fluid.
This value is used only in the Design case. The software automatically uses a
specific gravity of 1.0 for the Hydrotest case.
Weight of Attachments/Structures

TANK Interface
Defines the total weight of the attachments and structures on the roof and shell which
should be considered to resist uplift and in the maximum allowed pressure computation.
Distance Down to Top Wind Girder
Defines the distance from the top of the tank shell to the location of the top wind girder.
 If the top wind girder is at the top of the shell, type 0.
 If the top wind girder is below the top of the tank, such as for a walk-way, type the actual
distance.
If you specify a value of greater than 0.01, the software shows the wind girder
on the 3D model. The software displays intermediate wind girders, when applicable,
after analysis on the model and in the Wind, Material, Thickness & Weights report.
Joint Efficiency (API 620, API 650 App A or 653 [E]
According to Appendix A.3.4, the joint efficiency should be either 0.85 or 0.70. API-653
Section 2.3.3 also uses this value of joint efficiency. No other computations use this value,
so the default of 1.0 can be left alone for variable point and one foot API-650 calculations.
According to API-620, the joint efficiency ranges from 0.35 to 1.0. Use Table 5-2 to
determine the appropriate joint efficiency value for your tank design.
API-653 2nd Edition provides Table 2-1 for weld joint efficiencies if the original E value is
unknown. This table is reproduced as follows:
Standard Edition & Joint Type Joint Efficiency Applicability or

Year E Limits
API-650 7th & Later Butt 1.00 Basic Standard
(1980-Presen Butt 0.85 Appendix A - Spot

t) RT
Butt 0.70 Appendix A - No RT
1st - 6th Butt 0.85 Basic Standard
(1961-1978) Butt 1.00 Appendices D&G
API-12C 14th & 15th Butt 0.85

(1957-1958)
3rd-13th Lap (a) 0.75 3/8 inch max t

(1940-1956)
Butt (c) 0.85
1st & 2nd Lap (a) 0.70 7/16 inch max t

(1936-1939)
Lap (b) 0.50 + k/5 1/4 inch max t
Butt (c) 0.85

TANK Interface
Standard Edition & Joint Type Joint Efficiency Applicability or

Year E Limits
Unknow Lap (a) 0.70 7/16 inch max t

n
Lap (b) 0.50 + k/5 1/4 inch max t
Butt (c) 0.85
Lap (d) 0.35
(a) Full double lap welded.
(b) Full fillet weld with at least 25% intermittent full fillet opposite side:
k = percent of intermittent weld expressed in decimal form.
(c) Single butt-welded joints with a back-up bar were permitted from the
years of 1936 to 1940 and 1948 to 1954.
(d) Single lap welded only.
Wind Velocity
Defines the wind velocity acting on the tank. You should follow Section 5.9.7.1a. The
standard is a 120 mile per hour (53.6 m/sec) wind but may be increased to account for
additional tank height, wind gust, internal pressure, or open-top tanks.
Several configuration settings control how the wind pressure is computed and applied to the
tank. These configuration settings are as follows:
 Roof Projection in Wind Moment - Turns on and off wind loads on the roof.
 10% Plus 5psf in Wind Moment - Defines the basic wind moment definition according
to Section 5.9.7.
 Section 5.11 Wind Pressure - Defines the wind pressure to be used for Section 5.11
stability.
Internal Pressure Combination Factor [Fp]
Defines the ratio of the normal operating pressure to the design pressure. The value of Fp is
used in Appendix R and Section 5.11 of the API 650 Code.
The minimum value of Fp is 0.4. Values lower than 0.4 are automatically set to 0.4.
The maximum value of Fp is 1.0. Values higher than 1 are automatically set to 1.
If your tank has zero internal design pressure, enter a value of 0.4 for Fp.
Default Shell Course Material
Defines the default material name for all individual shell courses.
Click the ellipsis to the right of the box to display the Database option or View
Properties option.
Click Database to display the Material Selection Dialog Box (on page 25) dialog box.

TANK Interface
From the dialog box, you can select any valid material from the active database. Click Tools
> Configuration > Database Definitions (on page 83) to select or change the active
material database file.
Click View Properties to display the Material Properties Dialog Box (on page 23) dialog
box. The material data specified on the dialog box pertains to the entire tank. If the material
varies over the shell courses, you must specify the change on the Shell Courses Tab (on
page 25).
Number of Shell Courses
Defines the number of shell courses in the tank. Use this box to check the shell course input
and control the shell course generation, if necessary.
Insulation Thickness
Defines the thickness of the insulation on the tank shell. The insulation is assumed to extend
from the bottom of course #1 to the top of the last (top) course.
Insulation Density
Defines the density of the tank insulation.
Plate Length
Defines the length of the plate for the tank.
The software uses this input for the 3D plot only.
Course Offset
Defines the offset distance of the weld between the plates.
 The software uses this input for the 3D plot only.
The following graphic explains the course offset in relation to the plate length.
Include Annular Base Plate Details

Defines whether the tank has an annular base ring. If the tank does not have an annular
base ring, do not select this check box.
Include Wind Moment in Appendix F.4.2 Calculations
Defines whether a wind moment term is included. As of API-650 9th Edition, the equation for

TANK Interface
the maximum allowed pressure in Section F.4.2 includes a wind moment term. A later code
interpretation makes the use of this wind moment term optional.
To include the wind moment term, select this check box. Clear this check box to ignore the
wind moment term (as in the 8th Edition).
Minimum Yield Strength of Bottom Plate
Defines the minimum yield strength of the bottom plate.
External Pressure Combination Factor [Fpe]
Defines the ratio of the normal operating external pressure to the design external pressure.
The value of Fpe is used in Appendix R and Section 5.11 of the API 650 Code.
The minimum value of Fpe is 0.4. Values lower than 0.4 are automatically set to 0.4.
The maximum value of Fpe is 1.0. Values higher than 1 are automatically set to 1.
If your tank has zero external design pressure, enter 0.4 for Fpe.
Entire Shell Course Evaluation
Defines whether the shell thickness calculation is for the entire shell course according to
API-653 Section 4.3.3.1. This selection uses equation 4.3.3.1.a, which deducts one foot
from the fluid height.
 This deduction only occurs if the one-foot method is in use.

 The software only displays this box when you select 653 in the API Design Code box at
the top of the Tank Data tab.
Local Area of Shell Only
Specifies whether the shell thickness calculation is for a local area of the shell course,
according to API-653 Section 4.3.3.1. This selection uses equation 4.3.3.1.b, which does not
deduct one foot from the fluid height.
The software only displays this box when you select 653 in the API Design Code
box at the top of the Tank Data tab.
Material Properties Dialog Box

The Material Properties dialog box (shown below) displays property specifications for the
selected material. The default values for each material property are taken from the material's
corresponding standard and are compiled in the material database.
The properties for each material can be modified, although doing so only changes the properties
locally. Changing the material properties does not modify the database.

TANK Interface
For a list of the materials and their corresponding standards, see Appendix C (see "Appendix C -
List of Materials" on page 143).
Material Name
Type the name of the material. The software contains a database of materials taken from
various standards.
A list of the available materials and their corresponding standards can be found in Appendix
C (see "Appendix C - List of Materials" on page 143).
Design Stress [Sd or Sts]
Type the yield stress for the material at the operating temperature.
Hydro Test Stress [St]
Type the allowable stress to use during the hydro test condition.
Minimum Yield Strength
Enter the yield stress as a function of temperature.
Minimum Tensile Stress
Type the tensile strength designated in the material specification.
Maximum Allowable Tensile Stress
Type the maximum allowable tensile stress of the material.
Maximum Thickness
Type the thickness limit for which the stresses apply.
Material Grade
Type the grade of the material. This specification is taken from the material's corresponding
standard.
Material Group
Type the group of the material. This specification is taken from the material's corresponding
standard.

TANK Interface
Material Selection Dialog Box

Displays materials and material properties. Select the needed material. To modify material
properties, click the ellipsis in the material selection field. Then, select Edit Properties.
Material Search String - Type part of the material name to search against.
Find Next Matl - Click to go to the next matching material name available.
Cancel - Exit the dialog box without selecting a material.
Click Tools > Configuration > Database Definitions (on page 83) to select or
change the active material database file.
Shell Courses Tab

The material and its properties that are specified on the Tank Data tab display as the default
values for the shell courses on the Shell Courses tab. The Shell Courses tab displays a grid
where the height, thickness, corrosion allowance, material name, material design stress, and
material test stress can be specified for each shell course.
 The design and test stress values for the specified material are normally acquired from the
Material Database. Initially, all courses acquire the same material, as specified on the Tank
Data tab. However, as necessary, specific shell courses may be assigned a different
material, or the material for specific courses may be manually modified by the user. If any
modifications are made to the default material on the Tank Data tab, all the shell courses
subsequently reacquire the default material specifications.
 For carbon steels from Table 3-2, the software fills in the Sd and St values. For stainless
steels, the value used for Sd is unknown until run-time. Therefore, for stainless materials,
the allowable versus temperature table displays in the right-most grid columns of this dialog.
For stainless materials, the value of Sd (on this dialog) is shown as zero. The actual value
used in the calculations is reported in the output.
Height
Defines the height for the current shell course in the specified units. The sum of all shell
course heights should equal the tank shell height entered previously.
 If it is constant, the shell course height does not need to be specified for any course
after the first course.

TANK Interface
 If this cell is left blank, the software duplicates the shell course height to all required
courses.
Thickness
Specifies the thickness for the current shell course. If the purpose of this job is to design the
shell course thickness, then enter a good starting value (see API-650 5.6.1.1). If this cell is
left blank for the first course, the software sets the thickness according to API-650 Table
5.6.1.1.
courses.
Corrosion Allowance
Defines the corrosion allowance to be considered in the thickness evaluations for shell
course.
courses.
Material
Displays the material name that you selected for the shell course on the Tank Data tab.
To edit or view the material properties for the selected shell course, click the ellipsis to
the right of the box. Then, select Edit Properties to open the Material Properties Dialog
Box (on page 23) dialog box.
To change the material for the selected shell course, click the ellipsis to the right of the
blank box. Then, select Database to open the Material Selection Dialog Box (on page 25)
dialog box, from which you can click to select a new material.
Design Stress, Sd
Represents the allowable design stress, referred to as Sd in the API code. This value is
automatically registered by the software if the material was selected from the database.
If necessary, the value of design allowable stress obtained from the database may be
overridden by typing in a different value.
For stainless steels, this value is displayed as zero, since a temperature versus
allowable table is used instead.
Hydro Test Stress, St
Represents the allowable test stress, referred to as St in the API code. This value is
If necessary, the value of test allowable stress obtained from the database may be
SSD1 through SSD5

TANK Interface
Represents the allowable stress for a stainless steel according to API-650 Appendix S,
Table S-2. These values are used during the computation phase of the solution to determine
the actual Sd value.
For stainless steels, these values are interpolated during the solution phase. For this
reason, the value of Sd (at the left) is displayed as 0.
Wind Details Tab

Provides options for defining detailed wind parameters specific to ASCE #7.
If these values are not defined, TANK uses the recommended API 650 defaults.
Velocity pressure exposure coefficient (Kz)

Specifies the velocity pressure coefficient as defined by ASCE #7. If left blank, the value
defaults to 1.04.
Topographic Factor (Kzt)
Defines the wind speed up factor for hills. This value should be 1.0 (the default) except for
those structures on isolated hills or escarpments.
Wind Directionality Factor (Kd)
Defines the wind directionality factor. API 650 recommends a value of 0.95, the default for
this option.
Importance Factor (I)
Specifies the wind importance factor as defined by ASCE #7. If left blank, the value defaults
to 1.0.
Gust Effect Factor (Gh)
Specifies the wind gust factor as defined by ASCE #7. If left blank, the value defaults to
0.85.
User defined Wind Pressure vs. Elevation
Defines whether you want to enter wind pressure and "To" Height (elevation) values.
"To" Height
Defines the elevation.
Pressure
Defines the pressure.

TANK Interface
Anchor Bolt and Gusset Details Tab

The Anchor Bolt and Gusset Details tab contains the following information:
 Anchor Bolt Data
 Gusset and Top Plate Input (Anchor Chairs)
Anchor Bolt Data

Anchor Bolt Diameter (optional) (d)
Defines the bolt diameter of an existing anchorage. This is an optional value.
Threads per Unit Length
The software can either evaluate a user-specified design or design an anchorage according
to API-650 Section 5.12. In order to size the anchor bolts, the thread pitch is necessary. The
pitch is the reciprocal of the parameter known as threads per inch.
Type the threads per inch in the appropriate units. This is a required entry used in the event
that the software must design an anchorage. Typical threads per inch for various size UNC
bolts are listed in the following table:
Basic Major Diameter Threads per Inch

(in)
0.5000 13
0.6250 11
0.7500 10

TANK Interface
Basic Major Diameter Threads per Inch

(in)
0.8750 9
1.0000 8
1.1250 7
1.2500 7
1.3750 6
1.5000 6
1.7500 5
2.0000 4.5
2.2500 4.5
2.5000 4
2.7500 4
3.0000 4
3.2500 4
3.5000 4
3.7500 4
4.0000 4
Number of Anchor Bolts (optional)

Defines the number of anchor bolts for evaluation of an existing anchorage. If the software
redesigns the anchorage, the number of bolts will be a multiple of the bolt increment
specified in the configuration.
Bolt Yield Stress
Defines the yield stress of the anchor bolts for use in Section 5.12. This is a required entry
that is used in the event that the software must design an anchorage.
Bolt Offset from Mean Tank Diameter
Defines the offset from the mean tank diameter to the anchor bolt circle. This value must be
greater than zero for bolt circles outside the tank. If this value is left blank, an offset of 0.0 is
used.
The software internally multiplies this value by 2.0 before adding it to the tank

TANK Interface
diameter value.
Anchor Bolt Corrosion Allowance
Defines the value of the corrosion allowance to be considered when sizing the anchor bolts.
Previous versions of API-650, Section F.7.4, required a corrosion allowance of at
least 0.25 inches.
Gusset and Top Plate Input (Anchor Chairs)

Evaluate Anchor Chair Assembly?
Activates anchor chair assembly inputs so you can specify details for this anchor bolt.
 If you select this check box, then the software activates the inputs below this section of
the dialog box. Selecting this checkbox lets you evaluate the chair assembly using
standards from the AISI document, Steel Plate Engineering Data, Volume 1: Steel
Tanks for Liquid Storage (Revised Edition 1992).
 If you clear this check box, the software disables anchor chair assembly inputs and
does not evaluate the anchor bolt assembly.
Height of Gussets (hg)
Defines the height of the gussets.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for a diagram explaining the value of
[hg].
Gusset Plate Thickness
Enter the gusset plate thickness.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [j].
Distance between Gussets (g)
Defines the distance between gussets.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [g].
Width at top of Gussets (twdt)
Defines the width at the top of the gussets.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [twdt].
Width at base of Gussets (bwdt)
Defines the width at the base of the gussets.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [bwdt].
Top Plate Thickness (c)
Defines the top plate thickness.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [c].
Top Plate Circumferential Width (a)
Defines the top plate circumferential width.
Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [a].
Top Plate Radial Width (b)

TANK Interface
Defines the top plate radial width.

Refer to the figure on the right side of the dialog box for the value of [b].
Corrosion Allowance on Chairs (Ca)
Defines the corrosion allowance needed for anchor chairs. API 650 specifies that the
corrosion allowance specified on a tank does not apply to external attachments, such as
chairs, unless they are specified separately.
Allowable Tensile Stress of Plates (S)
Defines the allowable tensile stress of plates.
Seismic Data Specifications

Home tab: Input > Seismic Data Specifications
Allows you to specify seismic (earthquake) parameters. This dialog box is optional for tank input.
The Seismic Data dialog box contains the following input fields:
Minimum Yield Strength of Weld Material

Defines the minimum yield strength of the weld material.
Seismic Use Group
Specifies the Seismic Use Group for the tank. See API-650 Section E.3.1 for details on the
various SUG categories. Valid entries for this field are 1, 2, or 3 (corresponding to SUG
groups I, II, and III).
Friction Factor
Specifies the friction factor used to determine tank sliding in API-650 Section E.7.6. API
limits the maximum value of this friction factor to 0.4.
Importance Factor
Specifies the API importance factor for seismic analysis. Usually, this value is 1.0, unless

TANK Interface
specified otherwise by the purchaser. API recommends that this value not exceed 1.5.
Table E.5 - Importance Factor (I) and Seismic Use Group Classification
Seismic Use Group I
I 1.0
II 1.25
III 1.5
Initial Anchorage Type

Defines the initial anchorage type as either Self or Mechanical (bolts).
Even if you specify a self-anchored tank, the requirements of the Code may be
such that anchor bolts are required. In this instance, the software will design bolting.
Earthquake Type
Defines the earthquake type as either Mapped or Site Specific. For more information about
earthquake types, refer to API-650 Sections E.4.2 and E.4.3.
Site Class
Defines the seismic site class according to Section E.4.6. Valid choices are A through F,
where F represents soils that require site-specific evaluations.
Spectral Acceleration Adjustment Coefficient (K)
Defines the spectral acceleration adjustment coefficient (K). This coefficient is used to adjust
the spectral acceleration from 5% to 0.5% damping. If no value is specified, the coefficient
defaults to 1.5.
Scaling Factor (Q)
Defines the scaling factor from the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) to the design
level spectral accelerations. The value of Q is 2/3 for ASCE #7.
Transitional Period (TL)
Defines the regional-dependent transition period for longer period ground motion, in
seconds. Unless otherwise specified, Transitional Period is taken as the mapped value
found in ASCE #7.
Mapped Max Earthquake Short Period (Ss)
Defines Ss, which is the mapped maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped, spectral
response acceleration parameter at short periods (0.2s), %g.
Mapped Max Earthquake 1-sec. Period (S1)
Defines S1, which is the mapped maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped, spectral
response acceleration parameter at a period of one second, %g.
Mapped Max Earthquake 0-sec. Period (S0)
Defines S0, which is the mapped maximum considered earthquake, 5% damped, spectral
response acceleration parameter at a period of zero seconds (peak ground acceleration for
a rigid structure), %g.

TANK Interface
Peak Ground Acceleration for Non-ASCE (Sp)

Defines SP, which is the design level peak ground acceleration parameter for sites not
addressed by ASCE methods.
Design Acceleration Parameter at Short Periods for ASCE Methods (Sds)
Defines SDS, which is the design, 5% damped, spectral response acceleration parameter at
short periods (T = 0.2 seconds) based on ASCE 7 methods, %g.
Spectral Acceleration Parameter at Zero Period (Sa0*)
Defines Sa0*, which is the 5% damped, design spectral response acceleration parameter at
zero period based on site-specific procedures, %g.
Spectral Acceleration Parameter at Any Period (Sa*)
Defines Sa*, which is the 5% damped, design spectral response acceleration parameter at
any period based on site-specific procedures, %g.
Nozzle Stiffnesses
Home tab: Input > Nozzle Stiffness

TANK Interface
Allows you to specify up to fifteen low tank nozzles. The data specification can include external
piping loads from a pipe stress analysis, if available.
 When you select 650 as the API Design Code in General Tank Data (on page 17), the
software uses the data acquired from this dialog box to implement the rules of API 650,
Appendix P.
When you select 620 as the API Design Code in General Tank Data (on page 17), an
additional API 620 Specific Data section displays, and the the software uses the data
acquired from this dialog box to implement the rules of API 620.
 When the tank temperature value in General Tank Data (on page 17) is changed, the
software updates the Modulus of Elasticity and Expansion Coefficient values
automatically. These values are obtained by interpolating the data provided in Table P-1 of
API 650.
 If you check Use PVP-1279, TANK uses an alternate method to compute the nozzle
stiffnesses. This alternate procedure is detailed in PVP-1279 and is valid for smaller tanks.
Nozzle Designation / Number
Defines a descriptive tag or number of the current nozzle. This cell is restricted to four
characters and can contain letters and/or digits. Example entries for this cell are:
NZ1 NA0A
NZ2 PGLG

TANK Interface
NZ3
Nozzle Height above Bottom Plate

Defines the height of the nozzle centerline above the bottom plate.
Nozzle Outer Diameter
Defines the outer diameter of the nozzle.
Delta Temperature
Defines the difference between the normal operating temperature and the installation
temperature.
Modulus of Elasticity
Defines the modulus of elasticity. These values should be taken from API-650 Table P-1,
reproduced as follows:
Design Temp (deg F) Modulus (psi) Thermal Expansion (in/in/deg F)
70 29.5E6 -
200 28.8E6 6.67E-6
300 28.3E6 6.87E-6
400 27.7E6 7.07E-6
500 27.3E6 7.25E-6
The value of elastic modulus is automatically defined by the software when you change the
design temperature on the general spreadsheet. You can change this value, if necessary.
If the bottom shell course is specified as Stainless Steel, then the modulus value for Table
P-1 is not used. Instead, the modulus value is obtained from Table S-6:
Design Temp (deg F) Modulus (psi)
100. 28.0E6
200. 27.4E6
300. 26.6E6
400. 26.1E6
500. 25.2E6
Expansion Coefficient
Defines the value of the thermal expansion coefficient. These values should be taken from
API-650 Table P-1and are reproduced as follows:

TANK Interface
Design Temp (deg F) Modulus (psi) Thermal Expansion (in/in/deg F)
70. 29.5E6 -
200. 28.8E6 6.67E-6
300. 28.3E6 6.87E-6
400. 27.7E6 7.07E-6
500. 27.3E6 7.25E-6
Design Temp (deg C) Modulus (MPa) Thermal Expansion (mm/mm/deg C)
20. 203000 -
90. 199000 12.0
150. 195000 12.4
200. 191000 12.7
260. 188000 13.1
The value of expansion coefficient is automatically defined by the software (using internal,
English, units) when you change the design temperature on the general spreadsheet. You
can change this value, if necessary.
Reinforcement on Shell or Nozzle?
Indicates where the nozzle reinforcement is located. This entry is used to interpolate among
the charts in API-650 Appendix P. If reinforcing on the shell is indicated, Appendix P makes
the following assumptions:
 The reinforcing pad thickness is equal to the shell thickness.
 The pad diameter is twice the nozzle diameter.
These assumptions are implicit in the curves presented in Appendix P and are automatically
considered by the software.
Nozzle Repad Thickness
Defines the thickness of the nozzle reinforcing pad, when it exists and when the software
must consider it in calculations. If you specify a pad thickness in this box, the software uses
the value to increase the thickness of the tank shell in all Appendix P calculations.
Specifying a repad thickness in this box can duplicate assumptions made
by Appendix P, and it is not advised in most circumstances.
Appendix P of API-650 does not specify how to handle reinforcing pads.
References used when developing Appendix P indicate that when selecting the curves for

TANK Interface
reinforcing on the shell, you should automatically assume the nozzle has a pad with a
thickness equal to the shell thickness.
Nozzle Weight
Defines the weight of this nozzle. The value is used in all weight computations involving the
shell.
Applied External Radial Force
Defines the value of any applied radial force, acting on the nozzle. The value is used in
plotting the interaction diagram of Appendix P.
Applied External Circumferential Moment
Defines the value of any applied external circumferential moment acting on the nozzle. The
value is used in plotting the interaction diagram of Appendix P.
Applied External Longitudinal Moment
Defines the value of any applied external longitudinal moment acting on the nozzle. The
value is used in plotting the interaction diagram of Appendix P.
Radial Layout Angle
Defines the angle at which the nozzle is to be placed radially in the tank shell.
Nozzle Inside Projection
Defines the length of the nozzle projecting inside of the tank.
Nozzle Outside Projection
Defines the length of the nozzle projecting outside of the tank.
Use PVP-1279 for Stiffness
Allows TANK to utilize an alternate method to compute nozzle stiffnesses. This alternate
method is based on PVP (Pressure Vessel and Piping) paper 1279 - Stiffness Coefficients
for Nozzles in API-650 Tanks, by Lengsfeld, Bardia, Taagepera, Hathaitham, LaBounty, and
Lengsfeld.
This alternate method is based on the finite element analysis of a number of tanks, resulting
in alternate curves and equations for the determination of tank nozzle stiffnesses.
Nozzle Thickness for PVP-1279
Displays a value defined in PVP-1279, but not actually used in the computations.
Repad Outer Diameter for PVP-1279
Defines the outside diameter of the nozzle reinforcing pad, if any. This value is used to
determine the vertical distance from the nozzle centerline to the point where the tank bottom
has no influence on nozzle stiffness.
Nozzle on Roof
Indicates that the nozzle is on the tank roof. The software only performs calculations for
nozzles on a roof for API-620 analysis.

TANK Interface
Distance from the Center

Enter the distance of the nozzle from the center of the tank roof.
The software uses this input to plot the nozzle on the 3D model.
API 620 Specific Data

When you specify the API Design Code for the tank as API 620, the software displays nozzle
area replacement analysis details in the Nozzle Stiffness Data section.
Nozzle Material
Enter the name of the material or click the ellipses (...) to choose the material from the
Material Selection dialog box. The software contains a database with most of the materials
in the API 620 code standard.
Nozzle Material Allowable Stress, Design
Enter the allowable stress for the element material at design temperature. The design
temperature for most tanks is the same as the design metal temperature for the internal
pressure. You can find these values in the API 620 code standard.
When you enter a valid material name in the Nozzle Material dialog box, the software
searches its database and determines the allowable stress for the material at design
temperature, and then populates this field.
The software also determines the allowable stress when you select a material name from
the Nozzle Material dialog box.
Nozzle Material Allowable Stress, Ambient
Enter the allowable stress for the element material at ambient temperature. The ambient
temperature for most tanks is 70° F or 100° F or 30° C. You can find these values in the API
620 code standard.
the Material Selection dialog box.
Nozzle Nominal Material Density
Enter the nominal density of the nozzle material. The software uses this value to calculate
component weights for this analysis. The typical density for carbon steel is 0.2830 lbs/in 3
Nozzle Corrosion Allowance
Enter the corrosion allowance for the nozzle.
Joint Efficiency of Shell Seam Through Which Nozzle Passes
The seam efficiency is used in the area available calculations to reduce the area available in
the shell.
For shell and nozzle wall thickness calculations, the seam efficiency is always
1.0.
Longitudinal Joint Efficiency of Nozzle Neck
This value is used to compute the required thickness for a seamless nozzle. A seamless
nozzle will have a value of 1.0.
Nozzle Actual Thickness
Enter the minimum actual thickness of the nozzle wall.

TANK Interface
API 620 Code Weld Type

Select the type of weld connecting the nozzle to the shell or head.
The type of weld can optionally be entered in this field. If it is a type a, b, c, g, h, o-1, o-2,
o-3, o-4, d, e-1, e-2, f, s-1, t-1, u-1, s-2, t-2, u-2, u-3, or l, then TANK does not perform the
weld strength calculations.
Select None if you want the software to perform the weld strength calculations regardless of
the type of welded geometry.
Insert (set-in) or Abutting (set-on) Nozzle
Select Insert if the hole in the vessel is bigger than the nozzle OD and the nozzle is welded
into the hole. Select Abutting if the nozzle is welded to the outside of the vessel wall.
Weld Leg Size for Fillet between Nozzle and Shell or Pad
Enter the size of one leg of the fillet weld between the nozzle and the pad or shell. The
following figure shows different welds.
Figure 1: Nozzle Weld Locations
Depth of Groove Weld between Nozzle and Tank

TANK Interface
Enter the total depth of the groove weld. Most groove welds between the nozzle and the
tank are full penetration welds. The depth of the weld is the same as the depth of the
component (that is, the thickness of the nozzle). If the nozzle is attached with a partial
penetration weld, or just a fillet weld, enter the depth of the partial penetration or a zero,
respectively, in this field.
Weld Leg Size for Fillet Between Nozzle and Shell Inner Surface
Enter the size of one leg of the fillet weld between the inward nozzle and the inside shell.
Is there a reinforcing pad?

Select this option if there is a reinforcing pad on the nozzle, or if you want to specify the
geometry for a reinforcing pad.
TANK designs and recommends a reinforcing pad if one is needed, but the
analysis of areas is based only on what you have entered. If the software recommends a
pad or a larger pad than the one you enter, you must go back into input and enter a pad of
the correct size in order for the final configuration to be reflected in the final analysis.
Nozzle Repad Diameter

TANK Interface
Enter the diameter of the pad. The diameter of the pad is the length along the vessel shell,
not the projected diameter around the nozzle.
Nozzle Repad Material

Enter the name of the material or click the elipses (…) to choose from the Material
Selection dialog box. The software contains a database with most of the materials in the
API 620 code standard
Nozzle Repad Material Allowable Stress, Design
Enter the allowable stress for the nozzle repad material at design temperature.
If you entered a valid material name in Nozzle Repad Material, the software searches its
database and determines the allowable stress for the material at design temperature and
populates this field.
Nozzle Repad Material Allowable Stress, Ambient
Enter the allowable stress for the nozzle repad material at ambient temperature.
If you entered a valid material name in Nozzle Repad Material, the software searches its
database and determines the allowable stress for the material at ambient temperature and
populates this field.
Nozzle Repad Nominal Material Density
Enter the nominal density of the material. The software uses this value to calculate
component weights for this analysis. The typical density for carbon steel is 0.2830 lbs/in3.
Pad Weld Leg Size at Outside Diameter
Enter the size of one leg of the fillet weld between the pad OD and the shell. Note that if any
part of this weld falls outside the diameter limit, the weld will not be included in the available

TANK Interface
area. The following figure shows different welds.
Depth of Groove Weld Between Pad and Nozzle

Enter the total depth of the groove weld between the pad and the nozzle neck. If the nozzle
is attached with a partial penetration weld, or just a fillet weld, enter the depth of the partial
penetration or a zero, respectively, in this field.

TANK Interface
External Pressure
Home tab: Input > External Pressure
Allows you to enter optional parameters necessary to evaluate the external pressure capacity of
the tank.
Specified External Pressure (Pe)

Defines the Specified External Pressure, Pe.
Elastic Modulus of the Roof Plate Material
Defines the elastic modulus of the roof plate material, E.
Allowable Compressive Stress for Bottom Stiffener (Fc)
Defines the Bottom Stiffener Allowable Compressive Stress, fc, where fc = 0.4Fy of
components considered for the intermediate and bottom stiffeners. However, f c need not be
less than 15,000 psi (103 MPa).
Smallest Allowable Tensile Stress for Top Stiffener (Fc)
Defines the Top Stiffener Allowable Compressive Stress, fc, Where fc = 0.6Fy of components
considered for the top end stiffener region. However, f c need not be less than 20,000 psi
(140 MPa).
Smallest Allowable Tensile Stress of roof, shell, and stiffeners (f)
Defines the Minimum Allowable Tensile Stress, f, of the roof plate material, the shell plate
material, and the stiffener ring material at the maximum operating temperature.
Roof Dish Radius (if needed) (R)
Defines the Dish Radius of Roof, R. This value is only needed for Dome and Umbrella roofs.

TANK Interface
Inspection Data
Home tab: Input > Inspection Data
Specifies additional measurement data obtained from tank inspections. This measurement data
can be used to implement the shell and bottom checks discussed in API-653 Sections 4.3.3.1,
4.3.3.2, and 4.4.7.1. The data for the service measurement analysis is organized on separate
tabs.
Bottom, Post 3rd Ed. Tab (on page 44)
Bottom, Pre 3rd Edition Tab (on page 45)
Manual Shell Course Specification Tab (on page 46)
Bottom, Post 3rd Ed. Tab

The Bottom, Post 3rd Ed. tab defines the parameters necessary to evaluate the minimum
thickness for the tank bottom plate according to Section 4.4.7.1 of the 3rd Edition of API-653.
Minimum Remaining Thickness from Bottom Side of Corrosion after Repairs (RTbc)
Defines the value of the minimum remaining thickness from the bottom side corrosion, after
repairs, according to API-653 Section 4.4.7.1.
Minimum Remaining Thickness from Internal Corrosion after Repairs (RTip)
Defines the value of the minimum remaining thickness from internal corrosion, after repairs,
according to API-653 Section 4.4.7.1.
Anticipated In-Service Period of Operation (Or)
Defines the value of the anticipated in-service period of operation (normally 10 years),
Maximum Rate of Corrosion Not Repaired on the Top Side (StPr)
Defines the value of the maximum internal pitting rate, on a yearly basis. If the tank bottom
is internally lined (per API RP 652), this value should be specified as 0.0, according to
API-653 Section 2.4.7.1.
Maximum Underside Pitting Rate (UPr)
Defines the value of the maximum rate of corrosion, on a yearly basis. If the tank bottom is
cathodically protected (per API RP 651), this value should be specified as 0.0, according to

TANK Interface
Bottom, Pre 3rd Edition Tab

The Bottom, Pre 3rd Ed. tab displays the parameters necessary to evaluate the minimum
thickness for the tank bottom plate, according to Section 2.4.7.1 of previous editions of API-653.
Average Depth of Internal Pitting (StPa)

Defines the average depth of the internal pitting of the bottom plates. This value is
measured from the original thickness.
Maximum Depth of Underside Pitting (UPm)
Defines the maximum depth of underside pitting of the bottom plates.
Average Depth of Underside Pitting (UPa)
Defines the average depth of underside pitting of the bottom plates.
Original Plate Thickness (To)
Defines the original thickness of the bottom plates. This value should correspond to the
bottom plate thickness entered on the Seismic Data Specifications (on page 31) and the
Grillage Review (on page 67), if specified.
Average Depth of Generally Corroded Area (GCa)
Defines the value of the average depth of the generally corroded area, (GCa), according to
Maximum Rate of General Corrosion (GCr)
Defines the value of the maximum rate of general corrosion, on a yearly basis, according to
Max Depth Internal Pitting After Repair (StPm)
Defines the value of the maximum depth of internal pitting remaining in the bottom plates
after repairs are completed, according to API-653 Section 2.4.7.1.
This value is measured from the original thickness.
Maximum Internal Pitting Rate (0 if lined) ( StPr)
Defines the value of the maximum internal pitting rate, on a yearly basis. If the tank bottom

TANK Interface
is internally lined (per API RP 652), this value should be specified as 0.0, according to
Maximum Rate of Corrosion on the Bottom Side (UPr)
Defines the value of the maximum rate of corrosion, on a yearly basis. If the tank bottom is
cathodically protected (per API RP 651), this value should be specified as 0.0, according to
Anticipated In-Service Period of Operation (Or)
Defines the value of the anticipated in-service period of operation (normally 10 years),
Manual Shell Course Specification Tab

The Manual Shell Course Specification tab defines the location of the critical length L, the
inspection values of t1 and t2, and a joint efficiency for each shell course. Additionally, controls
are provided to indicate which of these data entries should be considered in the current analysis.
If the joint efficiency is left blank, the value specified on the General Tank Data
dialog box is used. Similarly, if the L location is left blank, the fluid height will be determined from
the bottom of the course. If the t1 or t2 values are left blank, they default to the user-specified
thickness on the General Tank Data dialog box.
E (Joint Efficiency)
Defines the value of the joint efficiency to be used in the thickness computations of this shell
course.
L (Location Above Course Bottom)
Defines the value that locates the bottom of the L region, above the bottom of this course.
Where L is the critical length, the maximum vertical length over which the hoop stresses are
assumed to "average out" around local discontinuities. In subsequent thickness
computations, the fluid height to the design liquid level is measured from the bottom of L.
t1 (Lowest Average Thickness)

TANK Interface
Defines the average thickness in the L region. If this value is left blank, it defaults to the
thickness defined in the General Tank Data (on page 17) dialog box.
t2 (Minimum Thickness)
Defines the least thickness in any area of corrosion, exclusive of pits. If this value is left
blank, it defaults to the thickness defined in the General Tank Data (on page 17) dialog box.
Use specified shell "L" values?
Indicates whether the specified location L is used in subsequent thickness calculations.
 If you select this check box, the software uses the user-specified values of the location
of L to be used in determining the height to the maximum design liquid level. When this
box is checked, the height value is computed according to API-653 Section 2.3.3.1.
 If you clear this check box, the software ignores the user input values of the location of L
in subsequent computations. The thickness computations use a height value measured
from the bottom of each course, which produces more conservative (thicker)
thicknesses.
Use specified shell "E" values?
Indicates whether the specified values of individual course joint efficiencies is used in
subsequent computations.
 If you select this check box, the software uses the individual joint efficiencies for each
course in any subsequent computations. This may be useful if additional inspections
and radiography are performed.
 If you clear this check box, the software ignores the specified values of individual course
joint efficiencies. Instead, the computations are made using the joint efficiency specified
on the General Tank Data dialog box.
Use specified shell "t1/t2" values?
Indicates whether the software uses the specified values of individual course thicknesses of
t1 and t2 in subsequent computations.
 If you select this check box, the software performs the thickness checks per API-653
2.3.3.1. Values of t1 or t2 left blank will assume the thickness specified on the General
Tank Data dialog box.
 If you clear this check box, the software does not perform the thickness checks of
API-653 2.3.3.1.
Bottom Shell Course as Constructed
Defines the original thickness of the bottom shell course. This value is used to determine the
minimum thickness of the annular base plate, per API-653 Table 2- 3.

TANK Interface
Roof Specifications
Home tab: Input > Roof Specifications
Allows you to specify the roof parameters. This dialog box is optional for tank input.
The Roof Specification Parameters dialog box is divided into three tabs:
 General Roof Specs Tab - Specifies the overall geometry of the roof. Whenever a tank has
a roof to be designed, values for the top half of this dialog must be defined. For more
information, see General Roof Specs Tab (on page 48).
 Supported Cone Roof Data Tab - Defines the data necessary for supported cone roof
design. For more information, see Supported Cone Roof Data Tab (on page 54).
 Girder Rings Tab - Specifies the location of each girder ring and how many girders make
up the ring. For more information, see Girder Rings Tab (on page 64).
General Roof Specs Tab

Specifies the overall geometry of the roof. Whenever a tank has a roof to be designed, value for
the top half of this dialog must be defined. Determine whether a simple approximation will be
made, or a supported cone roof will be designed. The approximation requires the specification of
the remaining data on the General Roof Specs tab. This data is used in further analysis, such
as seismic analysis, wind over turning, and maximum allowed pressure.
General Roof Data

Roof Type

TANK Interface
Specifies the roof type of the tank. You can choose from:
 Supported Cone - The roof is supported by rafters, girders, and columns. For
supported cone roofs, the software designs the rafters, columns, and girders.
 Rafter-Supported Cone - The roof is supported by rafters only. For rafter-supported
cone roofs, the software designs the rafters.
 Cone
 Dome
 Umbrella
The Cone, Dome, and Umbrella roof types are considered solely for their weight
effects on the shell.
Angle Between Roof & Horizontal
Defines the angle between the roof and a horizontal plane at the roof/shell junction.
Net Area at Roof/Shell Junction
Defines the area resisting the compressive force. For more information, refer to API-650
Figure F-2.
Thickness of Roof Plate
Defines the nominal thickness of the roof plates. This value should include the corrosion
allowance, if any.
Roof Plate Corrosion Allowance
Defines the corrosion allowance to be considered when determining the weight of the roof
plates for Appendix F and overturning computations. This value is subtracted from the
nominal roof plate thickness.
Roof Live Load
Defines the value to be used in computing the load supported by the roof plates. According
to API-650 5.10.2.1, this value must be at least 20 pounds per square foot. The dead load of
the roof is computed by the software and combined with the live load to determine the total
roof load.
Ground Snow Load
Defines the total weight of any snow on the roof to be considered in API-650 Appendix E
computations for seismic checks.
If the supported cone roof design procedures are implemented, the software
determines the load applied to the roof internally. This value will not be used.
Dome/Umbrella Roof Spherical Radius
Defines the total spherical radius for a dome or umbrella type of roof. If you do not specify
this value, the software uses the tank inner radius as the default value.
Is the Roof Insulated
Indicates the tank includes insulation on the roof. The software uses the values from
Insulation Thickness and Insulation Density on the Tank Data tab to account for the
weight of the insulated roof.
Roof Joint Efficiency

TANK Interface
Defines the joint efficiency used to determine the required thickness of the roof for internal
pressure loading.
General Roof Data - No Design

Weight of Roof Plates
Defines the total weight of the roof plates to be considered in API-650 Appendix E and
Appendix F computations.
The software determines the weight of the roof plates internally. If the computed
value is greater than the input value specified here, or a supported cone roof is being
designed, the computed value will be used in subsequent calculations. If the input value is
greater, it will be used (unless a supported cone roof is being designed). For supported cone
roofs, the computed roof plate weight is always used.
Weight of Roof Framing
Defines the total weight of the roof framing to be considered in API-650 Appendix E and
Appendix F computations.
If the supported cone roof design procedures are implemented, then the software
determines the weight of the roof framing internally. This value will not be used.
% of Weights Supported by Shell
Defines the percentage of the roof and snow weights that are to be considered as supported
by the shell for API-650 Appendix E checks.
If the supported cone roof design procedures are implemented, the software
determines the % of weight supported by the shell internally. This value will not be used.
If you do not enter a value in Weight of Roof Plates and % of Weights Supported by
Shell, the software defines the value for % of Weights Supported by Shell as 100.
Net Area Scratchpad (F.2)

Used to quickly determine the value for Net Area at Roof/Shell Junction. After the data has been
defined, click in Net Area at Roof/Shell Junction. TANK calculates the net area at the
roof–shell junction and updates the value for Net Area at Roof/Shell Junction.
The data entered in the scratchpad is not saved.
Figure
Specifies the needed cross-section, corresponding to:
 sketches a through k from API-650, Figure F.2
or
sketches a through i-1 from API-620, Figure 5-6
Thickness of Shell Plate (tc)
Specifies a pre-analysis estimate of the thickness of the top shell plate. After the analysis,
the computed top course thickness replaces the estimate so that the correct area can be
used in the roof calculations.
Thickness of Angle Leg (ta)
Specifies the angle thickness if the selected sketch (a-k) includes an angle.

TANK Interface
Thickness of Bar (tb)

Specifies the bar thickness in this field, if the selected shell (a-k) includes a bar.
Thickness of Thicker Plate (ts)
Specifies the thickness if the selected sketch (a-k) includes a thickened region of the top
shell course.
Unstiffened Angle Length (Le)
Specifies the un-stiffened angle leg if the selected sketch (a-k) includes an angle.
Minimum Yield Strength (Fy)
Specifies the minimum yield strength of all of the materials in the selected sketch.
Distance from Angle to Shell
Specifies the vertical distance from the top of the angle to the top of the shell course for
sketches h and h-1 from API-620, Figure 5-6.
Roof Section Types and Structural Databases
The following tables show the various structural databases and valid roof section types.
1989 AISC Library

DESCRIPTOR AISC SHAPE USAGE
W Wide Flange rafter, girder, column
WT Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
S Standard I Beam rafter, girder, column
C Channel rafter, girder, column
DC Double Channel columns only
DI Double Wide Flange columns only
P Pipe columns only
1990 Korean Library

DESCRIPTOR SHAPE USAGE
M Standard I Beam rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only

TANK Interface
1993 UK Library
UB Universal Beams rafter, girder, column
UC Universal Columns rafter, girder, column
T Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only
1991 German Library

I I-Beams rafter, girder, column
U Channel rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only
1990 Australian Library

P Pipe columns only
1990 South African Library

IP I-Beams rafter, girder, column
HP Wide flange beams rafter, girder, column
CP Channels, parallel rafter, girder, column
CT Channels, taper rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only

TANK Interface
2000 Japanese Library

H I-Beams rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only
1975 Indian Library

ISJB (JB) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
ISLB (LB) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
ISMB (MB) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
ISWB (WB) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
ISHB (HB) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
ISJC (JC) Channel rafter, girder, column
ISLC (LC) Channel rafter, girder, column
ISMC (MC) Channel rafter, girder, column
ISNT (NT) Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
ISHT (HT) Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
ISST (ST) Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
ISLT (LT) Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
ISJT (JT) Structural Tee rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only
2008 China Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
1993 Europe Library

HE I-Beams rafter, girder, column
IPE (PE) I-Beams rafter, girder, column
UAP (AP) Channel rafter, girder, column
UPN (PN) Channel rafter, girder, column
P Pipe columns only
Supported Cone Roof Data Tab

If a supported cone roof is to be designed, then values in the bottom half of General Root
Specs tab should be left blank. The data necessary for supported cone roof design, according
to the procedures outlined in the text by Brownell & Young, is specified on Supported Cone
Root Data tab.
In the design of a supported cone roof, the roof plates sit on top of the rafters. The rafters are
oriented along radial lines, from the center of the tank. The rafters are arranged in rings around
the tank, where the rafter lengths do not exceed the maximum specified value. The ends of the
rafters are supported on girders, arranged in concentric circles, where the girder lengths do not
exceed the maximum specified value. The girders are supported by columns.

TANK Interface
For the structural and roof plate materials, click to bring up the context menu
which allows selection from the Material Database.
Structural Database
Specifies the structural database for use in the supported cone roof design module.
Database files are supplied by Intergraph CAS, Inc. and support U.S. as well as
international shape libraries. The database selected on the Configuration dialog serves as
the default supported cone roof option for.
Shape libraries are available for the following countries and regions:
 Australia
 China
 Europe
 Germany
 India
 Japan
 Korea
 South Africa
 United Kingdom
 United States of America (AISC)
Preferred Rafter Type
Specifies the preferred section type for the roof rafters. The roof rafter locations are shown
in the figure below. The specific section types depend on the active structural database. For
more information, see Roof Section Types and Structural Databases.
Preferred Girder Type

Specifies the preferred section type for the roof girders. The roof girder locations are shown

TANK Interface
in the figure below. The specific section types depend on the active structural database. For
Preferred Column Type

Enter the preferred section type for the roof columns. The roof column locations are shown
in the figure below. The specific section types depend on the active structural database.
Valid types as a function of the database are listed below.

TANK Interface
1989 AISC Library

P Pipe columns only
1990 Korean Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 UK Library
P Pipe columns only
1991 German Library

P Pipe columns only

TANK Interface

P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only
1975 Indian Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
2008 China Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 Europe Library

P Pipe columns only
Roof Plate Material

Defines a material for the roof plates.
To edit or view the material properties for the roof plate, click the ellipsis to the right of
the box. Then, select Edit Properties to open the Material Properties Dialog Box (on
page 23) dialog box.

TANK Interface
To change the roof plate material, click the ellipsis to the right of the blank box. Then,
select Database to open the Material Selection Dialog Box (on page 25) dialog box, from
which you can click to select a new material.
Roof Plate Allowable Design Stress
Defines the value used as the allowable design stress for the roof plates. This value is
automatically populated when you specify the Roof Plate Material.
Structural Member Material
Defines a material for the structural members.
To edit or view the material properties for the selected structural member, click the ellipsis
to the right of the box. Then, select Edit Properties to open the Material Properties
Dialog Box (on page 23) dialog box.
To change the material for the structural member, click the ellipsis to the right of the
blank box. Then, select Database to open the Material Selection Dialog Box (on page 25)
dialog box, from which you can click to select a new material.
Structural Member Allowable Design Stress
Defines the value used as the allowable design stress for the structural members. This value
is automatically populated when you specify the Structural Member Material. For
compliance with API-650 Section 3.10.3.4, this value should not exceed 20000 psi (137895
kpa).
Maximum Allowed Rafter Length
Defines the maximum length allowed for the rafters. This value is used to determine the radii
to the various girder rings. Typical values for this cell are 20.0 to 24.0 feet (6.1 to 7.3
meters).
Maximum Allowed Girder Length
Defines the maximum length allowed for the girders. This value is used to determine how
many girders are required for each girder ring. Typical values for this cell are 24.0 to 30.0
feet /7.3 to 9.1 meters.
Center Column Cap Plate Diameter
Defines the diameter of the center column cap plate. If this box is left blank, TANK uses a
value of zero.
1989 AISC Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
1990 Korean Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 UK Library
P Pipe columns only
1991 German Library

P Pipe columns only


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only
1975 Indian Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
2008 China Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 Europe Library

P Pipe columns only

TANK Interface
Girder Rings Tab

Data on the Supported Cone Roof Data tab defines the positioning the girder rings, according
to the procedures outlined in the text by Brownell & Young. This includes positioning the girder
rings according to the maximum allowed rafter lengths. If alternate positioning is needed, then
the design can be forced in a certain direction by specifying data on the Girder Rings tab. For
The location of each girder ring, and the number of girders that are in each ring are specified in
the grid. This value is optional.
Radius to Girder Ring
Defines the radial distance from the center of the tank to each girder ring. If the location of
one girder ring is specified, the distance to all girder rings must be defined.
Number of Girders in Ring
Defines the number of girders in each ring. If the number of girders in any one ring is
specified, the number of girders in all rings must also be specified. This value is optional.
1989 AISC Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
1990 Korean Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 UK Library
P Pipe columns only
1991 German Library

P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only

TANK Interface

P Pipe columns only

P Pipe columns only
1975 Indian Library


TANK Interface
P Pipe columns only
2008 China Library

P Pipe columns only
1993 Europe Library

P Pipe columns only
Grillage Review
Home tab: Input > Grillage Review
Allows you to define the needed values when a tank must rest on a lattice of grillage. From this
dialog box, you can specify for the software to compute either the grillage spacing or the
required nominal thickness of the bottom plate.

TANK Interface
The data acquired from this dialog is used in the computations of API-650 Appendix I,
Section 7.
Modulus of Elasticity of Bottom Plate
Defines the value of the elastic modulus to be used for the bottom plate.
Corrosion Allowance Added to Bottom Plate
Defines the corrosion allowance to be added to the bottom plate thickness. If left blank, this
value defaults to zero.
Maximum Allowed Spacing
Defines the maximum allowed spacing (center-to-center between adjacent or radial grillage
members). This value is optional.
Cycle Life
Home tab: Input > Cycle Life
Allows you to specify the data necessary to evaluate the anticipated number of "full - empty"
cycles the tank is permitted to cycle through without a detailed stress analysis. This dialog box is
optional for tank input.
Fill Height
Defines the difference in filling height between the full level of the tank and the low level of
the tank.
Temperature
Defines the difference between the minimum ambient temperature and the tank's maximum
operating temperature.
Factor B
Defines the foundation factor. This value is:
 2.0 for tanks on earth foundations
 4.0 for tanks on earth foundations with a concrete ring-wall
Factor C
Defines the factor to account for the radial restraint of the tank's shell-to-bottom junction with
respect to free thermal expansion. The value for C ranges from a minimum of 0.25 to a
maximum of 1.0. The actual design value of C is established considering the tank's
operating and warm-up procedure and heat transfer to the subgrade. The value of C is 0.85
if not specified.
Factor K

TANK Interface
Defines the stress concentration factor for the bottom plate at the toe of the inside
shell-to-bottom fillet weld.
 K = 4.0 for shell-to-bottom fillet welds and lap-welded bottom plates.
 K = 2.0 for butt-welded annular plates where the shell-to-bottom fillet welds have been
inspected by 100% magnetic particle examination.
The magnetic particle examination is performed on the root pass at every 1/2
inch / 13mm of deposited weld metal while the weld is being made and on the completed
weld. The examination is performed before hydrostatic testing.
Shell Settlement
Home tab: Input > Shell Settlement
Allows you to define the measured settlement of up to 40 points around the tank shell
circumference.
The data from this dialog is used to implement the requirements of API-653,
Appendix B.
Elastic Modulus for Allowed Settlement
Defines the value of the elastic modulus the software uses in the computation of the allowed
shell settlement, in API-653 Section B.3.2. If this value is left blank, the software uses a
default of 29.5E6 psi / 203000 MPa.
Angle Between Measurements
Defines the distance (in degrees) between adjacent settlement measurement points. This

TANK Interface
value must be less than 45-degrees. API-653 Appendix B.1.3 requires at least eight points
around the circumference of the tank. This limits the entry in this field to a maximum of 45
degrees. Additional data points will reduce the magnitude of this angle.
The software performs all computations using all of the specified measurement points. If the
number of measurement points is so great as to cause the spacing to fall below 15 feet /
4.6m, use every other point when generating the input.
 The code limits the spacing between these measurement points (around the
circumference of the tank) to 32 feet / 9.8 m. Prior to API-653 2nd Edition
Addendum 2, this limit was 30 feet / 9.1m.
 Too many points may lead to an overly conservative determination of the
out-of-plane deflection limit. Addendum 3 to the 9th Edition of API-653 suggests
computing the deflection limit using points spaced at approximately 30 foot / 9.1m
intervals. Additional details on this subject can be found in Out of Plane Settlement
of Cylindrical Tanks by Erdmann and Yeigh, Hydrocarbon Engineering, May 1999
and the text by Phil Meyers, Above Ground Storage Tanks.
Elevation
Defines the elevation of the shell bottom at this measurement point on the circumference of
the tank.
Venting Requirements
The Venting Requirements dialog box (accessed by selecting Home > Input > Venting
Requirements ) lets you specify the flow rates for emptying and filling the tank, the
environmental factors, and liquid characteristics. The computations performed here are in
accordance with API-2000 6th Edition. Most of the information from this edition can be found in
Annex A. This dialog box is optional for tank input.
Emptying Rate
Defines the maximum emptying rate (volume per hour) of liquid from the tank. For more
information, see API-2000 Section 4.3.2.1.1.
Filling Rate
Defines the maximum filling rate (volume per hour) of liquid from the tank. For more
information, see API-2000 Section 4.3.2.2.1.
Liquid Flash Point
Defines the temperature of the liquid's flash point.
Boiling Point

TANK Interface
Defines the temperature of the liquid's boiling point.

Environmental Factor
Defines the environmental factor according to Table 4A of API- 2000.
English Units:
Configuration Conductance (BTU/hr ft2 Insulation Thickness F Factor
F) (in)
Bare metal tank --- 0 1.0
Insulated tank 4.0 1 0.3
Concrete or Fireproofing --- --- see note C
Water-application facilities --- --- 1.0
Depressuring and emptying --- --- 1.0
Underground Storage --- --- 0.0
Earth-covered storage above Grade --- --- 0.03
Impoundment away from tank --- --- 0.5
Metric Units:
Configuration Conductance (Watts/m2 Insulation Thickness F Factor
K) (cm)
Bare metal tank --- 0 1.0
Insulated tank 22.7 2.5 0.3

TANK Interface
Configuration Conductance (Watts/m2 Insulation Thickness F Factor

K) (cm)
Concrete or Fireproofing --- --- see note C
Water-application facilities --- --- 1.0
Depressuring and emptying --- --- 1.0
Underground Storage --- --- 0.0
Earth-covered storage above Grade --- --- 0.03
Impoundment away from tank --- --- 0.5
Scratchpad Panel
The Home > Scratchpad panel lets you quickly access any available scratchpads for tank input,
as well as transfer existing scratchpad calculations to your input file. Scratchpads let you
compute data that you later enter in the tank input.
The software does not save the data you enter on a scratchpad. The scratchpad
merely serves as an area to perform calculations.
Tank Sizing/Cost Scratchpad - Opens the Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad dialog box.
This scratchpad allows the user to estimate tank sizes and plate costs for a range of tank
dimensions. For more information, see Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad (on page 72).
Scratchpad Calculator - Launches the computation engine for the Tank Sizing/Costing
Scratchpad dialog box. You must have values entered in all of the Scratchpad Input Data
boxes for the software to activate the calculator.
Transfer Scratchpad Results - Transfers the minimum cost tank (results) from the
scratchpad to the General Tank Data dialog box. This serves as a good starting point for a
tank design.
Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad

Home tab: Scratchpad > Tank Sizing/Cost Scratchpad
Provides a quick way to both size and price a tank based on the required volume. This
scratchpad is a calculation module that implements the API-650 One-Foot method to determine
the required shell thicknesses. You can alter the specification data and re-compute the size and

TANK Interface
cost estimates as many times as necessary. After exiting the scratchpad, you have the option of
transferring the diameter, height, and course thicknesses to the General Tank Data dialog for
subsequent computations by clicking Transfer scratchpad results . No other data on the
scratchpad is saved.
A minimum amount of user-specified data is required, consisting of the tank volume,
the fluid specific gravity, the plate allowable stress, the unit cost of plate, and the height and
diameter ranges.
After you specify the necessary data, click Scratchpad Calculator to initiate the
computations. TANK activates this calculator as soon as you define data in the Tank
Sizing/Costing Scratchpad dialog box.
The scratchpad computes a total of eight tanks: four for a diameter range, and four for a height
range. The results of each range are presented in a list box below the input definition.
For each tank evaluated, the necessary diameter (or height) is presented, as well as the
thickness required for each shell course. The height of the top course is also reported, all other
courses being equal to the specified input value. The results of the costing are presented last
and consist of the shell weight and cost estimate. The shell weight is based on the computed

TANK Interface
thicknesses and the plate density specified in the configuration file. The cost is the product of
the unit price and the plate weight.
If necessary, the input data can be altered, and new estimates re-calculated as often as needed.
When you get the needed calculation results, you can print a report by selecting File >
Preview/Print. You can also transfer the results for the minimum cost tank to the General Tank
Data (on page 17) by selecting Home > Scratchpad > Transfer scratchpad results .
After the scratchpad calculations have been performed, the Dynamic Sizing Tool
becomes active. This sizing tool, located to the right of the output display, contains two slider
bars. Moving the slider bars with the mouse changes the corresponding dimension of the tank,
as well as updates the right most column of numerical data in the table.
Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad Dialog Box

The Tank Size/Costing Scratchpad dialog box input boxes include the following.
Required Volume
Defines the required volume of the tank for sizing purposes. The sizing routine determines
diameters and heights necessary to achieve this volume.
Fluid Specific Gravity
Defines the fluid specific gravity to be used in sizing the tank. Since the tank must be
hydrotested, the minimum value for this entry should be 1.0.
Cost/Unit Weight of Plate
Defines the unit cost of the plate material. The software uses this value to compute the total
material cost of the various tank shells. The software multiplies the Cost/Unit Weight of
Plate value by the total steel volume in the shell multiplied by the standard weight of steel.
The mass conversion factor is applied to this value to compute the final
tank cost. For consistent application, you must ensure that the mass conversion and the
density conversion use the same unit such as lb. and lb/cu.in. or KG and KG/cu.cm.
Plate Allowable Stress
Defines the unit cost of the plate material. The software uses this value to compute the total
material cost of the various tank shells. The software multiplies the Cost/Unit Weight of
Plate value by the total steel volume in the shell multiplied by the standard weight of steel.
The mass conversion factor is applied to this value to compute the final
tank cost. For consistent application, you must ensure that the mass conversion and the
density conversion use the same unit such as lb. and lb/cu.in. or KG and KG/cu.cm.
Average Course Height
Specifies how many full courses are needed to achieve the needed volume. The top course
may be less than the value specified, because the top course height is used to match the
desired volume.
Minimum Tank Height
Defines the minimum and maximum limits for the tank height. A total of four (4) heights
between these limits is determined (and the corresponding diameters) to size the tank. For
each height/diameter value, the shell plate thicknesses are determined, followed by plate

TANK Interface
weight and cost.

The height range is independent of the diameter range. The necessary diameter
to achieve the required volume is then determined, exclusive of the diameter range.
Maximum Tank Height
Defines the minimum and maximum limits for the tank height. A total of four (4) heights
between these limits is determined (and the corresponding diameters) to size the tank. For
weight and cost.
The height range is independent of the diameter range. The software determines
the needed diameter to achieve the required volume is then determined, exclusive of the
diameter range.
Minimum Tank Diameter
Defines the minimum and maximum limits for the tank diameter. A total of four (4) diameters
between these limits is determined (and the corresponding heights) to size the tank. For
weight and cost.
The diameter range is independent of the height range. The necessary height to
achieve the required volume is then determined, exclusive of the height range.
Maximum Tank Diameter
Defines the minimum and maximum limits for the tank diameter. A total of four (4) diameters
between these limits is determined (and the corresponding heights) to size the tank. For
weight and cost.
The diameter range is independent of the height range. Four values of diameter
between the minimum and maximum values are determined. The necessary height to
achieve the required volume is then determined, exclusive of the height range.
Analyze Panel
The Home > Analyze panel commands let you analyze and error check tank data, change the
time stamp on reports, create the files necessary to display the 3D model in a PDF, and review
reports.
Error Check/Analyze (F12) - Starts the error checker, and if the input passes the error
checker, automatically generates the output report. For more information, see Error
Checking. You can also press F12 to start the error checker.
Time Stamp - Specifies the time and date stamp for report headers. If you do not click the
Time Stamp, TANK uses the current time and date by default.
Create 3D PDF Files - Instructs TANK to create or update the 3D PDF files during an
analysis run. For more information see, Create 3D PDF Files (on page 77).
Review Reports (F11) - Opens the latest reports generated on the current TANK job. You
can also press F11 to open the latest reports.

TANK Interface

TANK Interface
Create 3D PDF Files

Home tab: Auxiliary > Create 3D PDF Files
Instructs TANK to create or update the 3D PDF files during an analysis run. When TANK
creates the 3D PDF files, the software activates the Insert 2D Page and Insert 3D Page options
on the Preview/Print pane of the Output Processor.
Select this option and create the 3D PDF files prior to generating your final reports. If you make
modifications to the dimensions of your tank after creating the 3D PDF files, select this option
prior to reanalyzing the tank to update your 3D PDF files. After selecting reports from the Report
List, click Print to PDF on the Preview/Print pane of the Output Processor and select Insert 3D
Page to include the 3D model in the output report PDF. You can also click Print to 3D PDF on
the Preview/Print pane of the Input Processor to print the 3D model as a separate PDF file.
You must have Adobe Acrobat version 11 (or higher) to utilize the 3D PDF feature.
Units Panel
The Home > Units panel lets you change the units for the current TANK job. Select the unit of
measure you want from the Units box. The software updates the currently open job to the units
you selected.
You can also change the units for the current job by selecting Tools > Configuration
and selecting a new Units File value in the Database Definitions configuration settings.
2D Plot Panel
The Home > 2D Plot panel provides commands that let you use the graphics processor to
model tank sketches, plot shell settlement data, create nozzle interaction diagrams, and plot
supported cone roof sketches. For more information on graphics processing, see View the
Graphics Output (on page 124).
 The 2D Plot panel is inactive until you add TANK data and shell courses to your TANK job
and analyze or save the job. Once you save the job, the software activates the 2D Plot
panel.
 You must add a cone roof to your job or TANK does not plot the information.
 You must have the 2D View selected below the model for the 2D Plot panel options.
Plot Tank Elevation - Produces the basic tank sketch. For more information, see Plot Tank
Elevations (on page 129).
Plot Settlement - Plots the shell settlement data. For more information, see Plot Shell
Settlements (on page 129).
Plot Nozzle - Plots the first nozzle interaction diagram. For more information, see Plot
Nozzle Specifications (on page 130).

TANK Interface
Plot Cone Roof - Plots the supported cone roof sketch. For more information, see
Supported Cone Roof Sketches (on page 132).
Tools Tab
Contains miscellaneous commands for program configuration, custom units systems, the
Material Database Editor, a batch stream processor, and a text file review option.
The commands associated with this tab include:
Configuration - Defines computation settings and database parameters for the software.
For more information, see Configuration (on page 78).
Lock/Unlock the Current Input File - Protects the current input file from having
modifications made to it. For more information, see Lock/Unlock the Current Input File.
Make Unit - Displays existing units file settings for review or lets you create a new unit file.
Material Database Editor - Starts a processor which can be used to add materials to the
current TANK database. For more information, see Material Database Editor (on page 86).
Batch Processor - Displays a dialog where a number of jobs can be selected for
subsequent analysis.
File Review - Starts Notepad to review a selected data file. The file is created by a prior
analysis. There are three files which can be reviewed in this manner: the error check log
file, the batch log file, and the solution message file.
Export to VUE Format - Starts the VUE File Exporter Utility that you can use to convert
TANK input files in VUE format, which can be used in Intergraph Smart 3D and SmartPlant
Review. For more information, see VUE File Exporter Utility.
Calculator - Displays a calculator that you can use to perform mathematical computations.
Configuration
Tools tab: Configuration
Sets up the software computations and databases.
The software locates an existing setup file to use as a starting template. TANK searches for an
existing configuration file in the current directory. If a configuration file is not found in the current
directory, TANK uses the configuration file from the product installation folder.

TANK Interface
Computation Control (on page 79)
Miscellaneous (on page 82)
Database Definitions (on page 83)

Computation Control
Modifies the operation of TANK.
Click Tools > Configuration and review the Computational Control configuration settings.
You can collapse any configuration section by clicking the arrow to the left of the name.
This configuration section contains the following options:
Roof Projection in Wind Moment?

Specifies whether TANK includes the triangular projection of the roof in the determination of
the wind moment. By default, this check box is selected.
To ignore the roof projection and only include the tank shell projection, clear this check box.
Generate Message File?

Creates an intermediate data file containing computation results not presented in the formal
output reports. Information contained in this file includes:
 Iteration data during variable point solutions
 Interpolation points from API curves and graphs
 Other intermediate results:
The file created by this option resides in the current data directory and is named
{jobname}.TXT. This file can be printed or viewed with any standard text editor. This file can
also be viewed from the menu using Tools > File Review > Review Message File.
Corroded Nozzles?
Indicates whether the flexibility computations of API-650 Appendix P considers corrosion.
By default, TANK does not consider corrosion in flexibility computations.
If you select this check box, TANK uses the corrosion of the first shell course to modify the
thickness used in the Appendix P computations for the design case only.
653 Corroded Hydrotest Case?

Considers the HYDROTEST case in a corroded condition for API-653 runs only. The default
condition is not to corrode the TEST case, which is consistent with API-650. However, you
may want to specify that API-653 tanks consider a future hydrotest by assuming a corroded
TEST case.
If you select this check box, TANK includes the corrosion allowance that you specify in the
TEST case.
If you clear this check box, TANK does not consider a corrosion allowance for the TEST
case. This setting is consistent with API-650, and is the default setting.

TANK Interface
Modify Fluid Height by Pressure?

Considers the effects of internal pressure in the determination of the shell course
thicknesses. By default, TANK follows API-650 in computing the required shell course
thicknesses (by One- Foot, Variable Point, or the Appendix A methods). However, you may
need to account for internal pressure by increasing the fluid head.
If you select this check box, the methodology of Section F.7.1 is implemented for all three
thickness computation methods, increasing the Operating Liquid Level by (P/12G).
Full Shell Weight in Appendix F

Specifies whether the corroded shell weight is used in the computations of API-650
Appendix F (for internal pressure considerations). By default, this check box is selected,
which instructs TANK to use the full shell weight in Appendix F.
If this check box is cleared, the software uses the corroded shell weight in the computations
of Appendix F.
P in F.6 only considers P from F.4.1

Specifies whether TANK uses the methodology of Section F.4.1 when determining the value
of Appendix P used in Section F.6 only. TANK does not consider the value of Pmax in
Section F.4.2 when you check this option.
Use Un-Corroded Roof Weight in Appendix F

Specifies whether TANK uses the uncorroded roof weight to compute DLR (roof weight +
attached structural) in Appendix F.
Modify Yield Stress for Seismic per Appendix. M.3

Specifies that TANK uses Paragraph E.6.2.4 to determine the maximum allowable hoop
tension membrane stress for seismic calculations. These calculations involve the material
yield stress, Fy. This paragraph does not specifically state to derate the yield stress based
on Appendix M. However, if you select this configuration setting, TANK derates the stress
based on Appendix M.
Shell Thk Convergence Tolerance

Sets the convergence tolerance for the thickness design when the variable point method is
used.
By default, this value is 0.0050 inches (.127mm).
Cosine Curve Tolerance

Alters the convergence tolerance for the solution of the optimum cosine curve. This is
necessary for API-653, Appendix B computations. If there are convergence problems with
the current data set, the following steps should be taken:
a. Review and verify the shell settlement input data.
b. Adjust this convergence tolerance upward.
Increasing the convergence tolerance reduces the accuracy of the solution.
Alternatively, increase the iteration limit.

TANK Interface
Cosine Curve Iteration Limit

Specifies the maximum number of iterations performed by the software during the API-653,
Appendix B settlement evaluation. If convergence problems exist with the current data set,
try increasing the iteration limit.
Increasing the iteration limit causes the solution to take longer.
Wind Girder Shell Thickness

Indicates which shell course thickness the software uses in the wind girder computations.
There are two choices:
MAX
The wind girder computation routine uses the maximum thickness for the shell courses,
obtained from the design and test cases, ignoring corrosion. The reasoning behind this
setting is that the entire shell course will not be completely corroded.
DESIGN
The wind girder computation routine uses the design thickness less any user specified
corrosion allowance.
Shell Settlement Method

Indicates which method TANK uses in computing the optimum cosine curve for determining
the out-of-plane shell deflection. The available methods are:
FOURIER SERIES
Implements the procedure outlined in the paper Simple Method Calculates Tank Shell
Distortion, by F. A. Koczwara, published in Hydrocarbon Processing, August 1980.
LEAST SQUARES
Employs a least squares approach to the solution of the optimum cosine curve.
Thickness Roundup to Nearest

Specifies a thickness increment which is used to determine the final value of the shell
thicknesses.
TANK rounds up the computed value of thickness to the nearest multiple
of the increment. For example, you set this configuration setting to 0.125 (1/8 inch) and the
computed shell course thickness is 0.2671 inches, the final value reported is 0.375 inches.
Setting this configuration setting to 0.0 disables thickness round up and the computed
values of shell thickness are reported unaltered in the output.
Plate Material Density

Specifies the value to be used for the density of the plate materials. This value is used to
compute the weight of the shell, roof, and bottom plates.
Round Anchor Bolts By

Specifies how anchor bolts are selected by the software.
By default, the number of bolts is a multiple of 4. However, any multiple can be selected.

TANK Interface
The entered value must be a whole number, such as 2, 3, 4, and so on.
Wind Moment in Appendix F

Specifies the wind moment TANK uses in the computations of Appendix F.
By default, the software uses the moment computed from Section 5.9.7.1 in Appendix F
computations. However, if necessary, the wind moment computed from Section 5.11 can be
used.
The wind pressure computed according to Section 5.9.7.1 (based on the wind
velocity) is used for the wind girder design. The wind pressure according to Section 5.11 is
used for Over Turning Stability. This field only affects which wind moment is passed into
Appendix F for the allowed pressure in Section F.4.2.
Modifies the miscellaneous options of TANK.

Click Tools > Configuration and review the Miscellaneous configuration settings, which
specify how TANK operates. You can collapse this configuration section by clicking the arrow to
the left of the name.
This configuration section contains following options:
Reload Last File at Startup?

Reloads the last data file active during the last TANK session. Clearing this check box
causes the software to startup without data. In this condition, you must create a new input
file or browse to open an existing input file.
Save to Program Directory

Saves (writes) the configuration file to the program directory. If the check box is cleared (the
default condition), the software saves the configuration file in the current data directory.
When you save job file input, the current configuration becomes a part of the input.
Subsequent changes to the configuration do not change an existing job unless you resave
the input.
Different data directories can exist for different projects or clients. Each data directory can
contain its own configuration file, which may be unique. This allows the software to behave
differently for different projects or clients.
If a data directory does not contain a configuration file, TANK uses the settings from the
configuration file in the product folder. In addition, whenever you open the Configuration
dialog box in a new data directory, the software acquires the starting settings from the
configuration file in the product folder.
System Folder Location

Allows you to browse and select an alternate location for the TANK system folder.
Check for Update Options

Specifies the frequency in which the software checks for software updates. Choose from the
following options: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, and Never. This software sets this configuration
setting to Never by default.

TANK Interface
Default Save Folder

Specifies a default working folder in which the software saves your files/jobs.
No Extended ASCII Characters in Output

Specifies for the software to replace extended ASCII characters with multiple characters of
the same value in equations. For example, when you select this configuration option, the
software replaces ½ with 1/2. Some non-English versions of Windows do not display
extended ASCII characters correctly.
Do Not Compress the Input/Output Files

Disables the software from compressing and archiving TANK input and output files.
Database Definitions
Specifies the data files the software references for units, structural shapes and materials.
Click Tools > Configuration and review the Database Definitions configuration settings. You
can collapse this configuration section by clicking the arrow to the left of the name.
This configuration section contains the following options:
Material File
Specifies the material file that TANK uses. The software scans the installation directory to
determine the options shown in this configuration setting. Only valid Intergraph CAS, Inc.
supplied material files display in this list.
Units File
Indicates the units file that TANK uses. The software scans the current directory, followed by
the installation directory, to determine the options shown in this configuration setting. TANK
ignores any duplicate files found in the installation directory. The software accepts a
maximum of ten unit files as options in this setting.
You can generate additional custom unit files if necessary by selecting Tools > Make Unit.
This box specifies which unit file the software uses to generate all subsequent new input
files and all output reviews.
Structural Database
Specifies the structural database for use in the supported cone roof design module.
Database files are supplied by Intergraph CAS, Inc. and support U.S. as well as
international shape libraries. The database selected on the Configuration dialog serves as
the default supported cone roof option for.
Shape libraries are available for the following countries and regions:
 Australia
 China
 Europe
 Germany

TANK Interface
 India
 Japan
 Korea
 South Africa
 United Kingdom
 United States of America (AISC)
Anchor Bolt Database

Specifies the anchor bolt database. Available options are:
 TEMA Imperial for use with Imperial units
 TEMA Metric for use with SI Units
 BS-3643 for British Standard bolts
 SABS-1700 for South African Bolts
Create a New Units File

Tools tab: Make Unit
The Create a New Units File utility allows you to create a new custom units file or edit an
existing units file for use with TANK. The utility is available on the Tools tab > Make Unit .
You can also double-click MakeUnit.exe in the product delivery folder.
Delivered units files have the .fil extension and are in the C:\Users\Public\Public
Documents\Intergraph CAS\TANK\2016\System folder. Many unit systems are delivered, such
as English, MM, SI, and MPH. Unicode systems are delivered for use in China, Japan, Taiwan,
and Korea, where multibyte character sets are used. You can save new units files to the system
folder or to another folder.
 Use Tools tab > Configuration to specify the units file to use at startup.
 Use Tools tab > Make Unit to select a new units file. The data in your job file is
immediately converted to the new units.
Units File Dialog Box (on page 85)
What do you want to do?

 Create a new units file (on page 85)
 Edit an existing units file (on page 86)

TANK Interface
Units File Dialog Box

Specifies units and constants for a units file.
Name
Displays the type of unit, such as Length, Area, or Pressure.
System Unit
Displays the default system unit used as a multiplier for conversions, such as feet,
sq-inches, and psig.
Constant
Select a defined conversion constant used as a multiplier for conversions, or type your own
value.
User Unit
Select a defined unit for the conversion from the drop-down, or click in the box and type your
own unit.
 If you select a defined Constant, the software changes User Unit to the correct unit. If
you select a defined User Unit, the software changes Constant to the correct value.
 If you type your own value for Constant and User Unit, you must manually ensure that
the combination provides the needed conversion.
Open
Open an existing units file for editing.
Save
Saves the units file.
Save and Exit

Saves the units file and closes the dialog box.
Help
Opens the help.
Create a new units file

1. On the Tools tab, click Make Unit .
The units file dialog box displays. Constant has a default value of 1 for each type of unit.
2. Do one of the following for each type of unit:
 Select defined values for Constant or User Unit.
 Type values for or Constant and User Unit.
3. Click Save and Exit .

The Save As dialog box displays.

TANK Interface
4. Select a folder path and type a file name.

5. Click Save.
The Save As dialog box and the Units File dialog box close.
Edit an existing units file

1. On the Tools tab > click Make Unit .
The units file dialog box displays.
2. Click Open .
The Open dialog box displays.
3. Select an existing .fil units file and click Open.
4. Change unit types as needed by doing one of the following:
 Select defined values for Constant or User Unit.
 Type values for or Constant and User Unit.
5. Click Save and Exit .

The Save As dialog box displays.
6. Select a folder path and type a file name. You can also use the same file name to replace
the open file with the new unit values.
7. Click Save.
The Save As and Units File dialog boxes close.
Material Database Editor

Tools tab: Material Database Editor
Allows you to add custom materials to the user material database.
The Material Database Editor does not modify the data in the material database delivered with
TANK. The software saves any custom materials to a secondary database, named umat.bin.
TANK saves this secondary database in the \System folder.
To select custom materials in TANK input, you must merge the custom materials (i.e.,
those saved in the umat.bin file) back with the TANK material database using the Merge
Material function.
Material Database Editor Dialog Box

The controls on the Material Database Editor dialog box are:
Material Name & Grade
Enter the material name.
Material Grade
Enter the material grade.
Material Group

TANK Interface
Enter the material group number.
Group Description Examples
1 As Rolled, Semi-killed A 283

A 285
A 131 A
A 36
Grade 235
Grade 250
2 As Rolled, Killed or Semi-killed A 131 B

A 36
G40.21-38W
Grade 250
3 As Rolled, Killed Fine-Grain Practice A 573-58

A 516-55
A 516-60
G40.21-38W
Grade 250
3A Normalized, Killed Fine-Grain Practice A 573-58

A 516-55
A 516-60
G40.21-38W
Grade 250
4 As Rolled, Killed Fine-Grain Practice A 573-65

A 573-70
A 516-65
A 516-70
A 662 B
4A As Rolled, Killed Fine-Grain Practice A 662 C

A 573-70
G40.21-44W
G40.21-50W
E 275 D
E 355 D
S 275 J2
S355
5 Normalized, Killed Fine-Grain Practice A 573-70

A 516-65
A 516-70
G40.21-44W
G40.21-50W

TANK Interface
6 Normalized or Quenched and Tempered, A 131 EH 36

Killed Fine-Grain Practice, Reduced Carbon A 633 C
A 633 D
A 537 Class 1
A 537 Class 2
A 678 A
A 678 B
A 737 B
Design Stress (Sd)

Hydro Test Stress (St)
Represents the allowable test stress, referred to as St in the API code. This value is
If necessary, the value of test allowable stress obtained from the database may be
Minimum Yield Stress
Enter the material's minimum yield stress. For stainless steels, this value should be left
blank and the Design Stress/Minimum Yield Strength table values defined.
Minimum Tensile Stress
Enter the material's minimum tensile stress. For stainless steels, this value should be left
blank and the Design Stress/Minimum Yield Strength table values defined.
Maximum Tensile Stress
Enter the material's maximum tensile stress. For stainless steels, this value should be left
blank.
Maximum Thickness
Enter the material's maximum material thickness. For stainless steels, this value should be
left blank.
Design Stress
Minimum Yield Strength
Enter the yield stress as a function of temperature.

TANK Interface
Topics
File Tab (Material Database Editor) ............................................... 89
Home Tab (Material Database Editor) ........................................... 89
File Tab (Material Database Editor)

Controls general operations in the Material Database Editor.
The Material Database Editor > File tab contains the following commands:
Save - Saves the open material to the database.
Print Setup - Selects a printer and printer options.
Preview/Print - Previews and prints the material file.
Exit - Closes the Material Database Editor.
Home Tab (Material Database Editor)

Includes standard program options used to work with materials in the database that you may
use for TANK jobs.
The Home tab for the Material Database Editor contains the following panels:
File Panel (Material Database Editor) (on page 90)
Material Panel (Material Database Editor) (on page 90)
Help Panel (Material Database Editor) (on page 93)
Topics
File Panel (Material Database Editor) ............................................ 90
Material Panel (Material Database Editor) ..................................... 90
Help Panel (Material Database Editor) .......................................... 93

TANK Interface
File Panel (Material Database Editor)

The Material Database Editor > File panel includes basic options you can perform on material
files.
Save - Saves the custom material to the Material Database Editor. When you save a
material, TANK saves the data into the secondary material database, or umat.bin. You
must then merge the material into the installed material database for it to display in
TANK input.
Print - Prints the current material record. Click the down arrow to set up the print
properties for printing the material record.
Material Panel (Material Database Editor)

The Material Database Editor > Material panel contains all the common commands for
working with TANK materials in the database.
Add New Material - Adds the custom material to the Material Database Editor
secondary database, umat.bin. You must save and merge the secondary material
database into the installed Material Database for the new material to appear in TANK
input. For more information, see Add a New Material (on page 91).
Edit Other Material - Edits existing material properties to a custom material. You must
save and merge the edited material, for the changes to appear in TANK input. You
cannot change material properties for any of the installed materials. For more
information, see Edit a Material (on page 91).
Delete Current Material - Deletes the existing material from the Material Database
Editor secondary database, umat.bin. You must merge the secondary material database
with the installed Material Database for the deleted material to be removed in the TANK
input. For more information, see Delete a Material (on page 92).
Copy Material - Makes a copy of the current material properties so you can create a
new material with similar properties. For more information, see Copy a Material (on page
92).
Merge Material - Merges the custom material with the installed material database. Once
you merge custom materials, you can see them in the TANK input. For more information,
see Merge Custom Materials with the TANK Material Database (on page 93).
Previous Material - Displays the previous custom material in the database.
Next Material - Displays the next available custom material in the database.

TANK Interface
Database Status - Opens the Tank Material Database Status dialog box, which shows
specifics about, umat.bin, or the custom material database. For more information, see
Material Database Editor Dialog Box.
Add a New Material

Adds a custom material to the database from the Material Database Editor.
Any custom materials you add can be edited or deleted later from the custom material
secondary database, umat.bin. Changes you make to custom materials must be merged back
with the TANK material database to display as options in TANK input.
To add a new material to the database:
1. Click Add New Material from the Material panel.
2. In the Material Name & Grade box, type a name for the material.
3. In the Material Grade box, type the grade.
4. In the Material Group box, type the group ID.
5. Enter the stress values for the material in the appropriate boxes.
6. Click Save to save your changes to umat.bin.
7. Click Merge Material to merge changes back with the TANK material database installed
with the product.
Edit a Material
Revises a custom material from the Material Database Editor.
Any custom materials that you add can be edited or deleted later from the custom
material secondary database, umat.bin. Changes you make to custom materials must be
merged back with the TANK material database to display (or be removed) as options in TANK
input.
To edit a material in the database:
1. Click Edit Other Material .
2. Select the material to edit, and then click OK.
3. Edit the values as needed.
with the product.

TANK Interface
Delete a Material
Removes a material from the Material Database Editor.
Any custom materials that you delete are removed from the custom material
secondary database, umat.bin. You must merge back with the TANK material database to
remove the materials as options from the TANK input.
To delete a material in the database:
1. Select the material to delete.
You can also use Previous Material and Next Material to scroll through
and select the material to delete.
2. Click Delete Current Material .
with the product.
Copy a Material
Creates a new material in the database using the properties of another material as a starting
point.
Any custom materials that you copy to create new materials are added to the custom
material secondary database, umat.bin. You must merge back with the TANK material database
for the new materials to display as options in the TANK input.
To copy a material in the database:
1. Select Edit > Copy a Material .
2. Select the material to copy, and then click OK.
You can only copy from existing current materials. You cannot copy from any of
the materials installed with TANK.
3. Type a new name for the material.
4. Edit the other values as needed.
5. Click Save to save your changes to the custom material database, umat.bin.
with the product.

TANK Interface
Merge Custom Materials with the TANK Material Database

Updates, adds, or deletes a custom material from the Material Database Editor.
The changes you make to custom materials are saved to the umat.bin secondary
database. This information must be merged back with the TANK material database to display (or
be removed) as options in TANK input.
To merge a material into the TANK database:
1. Make any changes, additions, or deletions to a custom material.
The Material Database Editor saves the changes to umat.bin, which is the secondary
database for all custom materials.
with the product.
The merged materials appear (or no longer appear in the case of a deleted material) in the
TANK input materials boxes.
Help Panel (Material Database Editor)

The Material Database Editor > Help panel contains commands to access product version
information and the available TANK online help topics for the Material Database Editor.
About - Displays specifics about this version of the TANK Material Database
Editor.
Help Topics - Starts the HTML help system, and gives you access to all of the
help topics for the Material Database Editor, in a hierarchical structure. In some
instances, there may be links from one topic to another, providing added
information on a topic if all of the links are followed. Additionally, the help
system includes tables and graphics, where appropriate. In order for the HTML
help system to function, Microsoft's Internet Explorer must be installed on the
system.

TANK Interface
View the Material Database Status

Displays the data format, file code year, and number of materials for both the active delivered
material database and your material database (umat.bin).
Diagnostics Tab
Provides a number of tools to verify the integrity of the software and determine reasons for
possible program difficulties.
CRC Check - Performs a CRC (cyclic redundancy check) on all of the software modules
and data files in the program directory. For more information, see CRC Check (on page 95).
Program Scanner - Scans each of the program modules and reports its internal version
number. For more information, see Program Scanner (on page 95).
Error Review - Allows you to review the explanation for a particular error number. For more
information, see Error Review (on page 96).

TANK Interface
CRC Check
Performs a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) on all of the software modules and data files in the
program directory.
The computed CRC value for each file is compared against the one computed by the software. If
the values do not match, then the file has been corrupted in some manner. Corruption could
indicate bad distribution media, bad sectors on the hard disk where the software was installed,
or a virus infection. If a CRC Check error occurs, the offending file must be replaced for
successful program operation.
Program Scanner
Scans each of the TANK program modules and report the internal version number for each. Use
this utility to determine if the current installation is up-to-date. The Program Scanner also
detects out-of-date modules and improper program installations.

TANK Interface
This utility displays the information in the ICAS Programmer Scanner dialog box, as shown in
the following figure. This dialog box displays the information sorted alphabetically by
program/module name by default. However, you can click on any of the column titles to re-sort
the display according to the selected column.
Error Review
Displays the explanation for a particular error number. If a fatal error occurs, the software
attempts to open and run this module automatically. However, if you need an explanation for a
particular error at a later time, you can access this module manually by selecting Diagnostics >
Error Review .

TANK Interface
Enter the error number and click Display Error Message for more details.
ESL Tab
Provides access to various functions which allow reporting and modification of the data stored
on the External Software Lock (ESL). The ESL is a physical key that is required to access the
software. If there is an access problem with the ESL, most of the main menu items are disabled.
However, all commands on the ESL tab are active (as well as those on the Diagnostics tab).
View ESL - Displays memory registers that contain information such as version details,
client name, ID number, time stamp details, and more. For more information, see Access
Registry Details through the ESL (on page 98).
Access Codes - Generates ESL access codes that you can send to Intergraph CAS
support. Email or fax these numeric codes to Intergraph CAS support when requesting
modifications to your TANK ESL information.
Authorization Codes - Opens the Remote ESL Code Update dialog box, where you
can enter the authorization codes sent to you by Intergraph CAS support. Each needed
change to the ESL requires one set of four numeric codes. Each set of four codes you
receive, should be entered in a single horizontal row on the grid.
Install Drivers- Installs the local device driver.

TANK Interface
Check Drivers- Check the status on the local device driver. The software displays the
device driver information in a dialog box for your review.
Admin Control Center - Opens the Sentinel Admin Control Center where you can
manage access to software licenses and features, as well as diagnose licensing issues.
For more information on ESL or HASP, see Section 2, Licensing, in the TANK Installation Guide.
Access Registry Details through the ESL

In addition to allowing basic access to the software, the ESL key contains a set of memory
registers in which your information is stored. This information consists of the client name, ID
number, date or run limits, versioning information, and the time stamp of the last access. This
information can be viewed by clicking View ESL Information .

TANK Interface
For more information on ESL, see Section 2, Licensing, in the TANK Installation Guide.
Click Log File to create a .TXT file of the information, which you can send to Intergraph CAS,
Inc. via fax or e-mail. The actual file name will be “ESLxxxxx.TXT”, where “xxxxx” is the ID
number of the ESL. The software saves the file in the product directory.
Occasionally, some of this date may require updating in the field. These updates encompass
changes requested by the client, usually to extend limits, reset a date, or change the client
name. The first two options of the ESL menu facilitate this task.
Phone Update
Starts an interactive procedure, generates data, and accepts instructions from you. This
interactive procedure requires the assistance of Intergraph CAS, Inc. personnel, to interact
with you by phone.
Generate Fax Codes
Displays a dialog box with three numeric codes. Send these codes to Intergraph CAS, Inc.

TANK Interface
(either by fax or e-mail) with a request for the ESL data to be modified. This option is similar
to the phone update option, except that it does not require the interaction of Intergraph CAS,
Inc. personnel.
Receive and Enter Fax Codes
Displays a grid on which you can specify each set of four numeric codes, as generated by
the Intergraph CAS, Inc. support staff. Each needed change to the ESL requires one set of
four numeric codes. Each set of four codes should be entered on a single horizontal row in
the grid. When all codes have been entered, click OK to enable the changes to the ESL.
Use this option when you receive the reauthorization codes from Intergraph CAS, Inc.
Help Tab
Contains a number of informational options, including how to access help information for using
TANK and contacting support.
Help Topics - Starts the HTML help system giving you access to all help topics in a
hierarchical structure. Appropriate links, tables, and graphics are included. In order for
the HTML help system to function, Microsoft's Internet Explorer must be installed on the
system.
You can also press F1 to display the help system during a data input session when
additional information is required. After you have started the HTML help system, you can
browse any other topic simply by navigating through the left pane. Additionally, the
Search tab can be used to scan for a particular word or phrase. The TANK User's Guide
is provided in online HTML format. The entire manual can be reviewed from this
command.
View User's Guide - Opens the TANK User's Guide in a PDF reader. This document is
maintained in PDF format and is installed with the software. You must have a PDF
reader installed on your computer to view this file.
Quick Start - Opens the TANK Quick Start Guide in a PDF reader. This document is
maintained in PDF format and is installed with the software. You must have a PDF
reader installed on your computer to view this file.
Register TANK - Starts automatically after program installation and after the first time
you open the software. After the first time, this command must be used to bring up the
registration form. After completing this form, click Send to transmit the data on the form
to Intergraph CAS, Inc..
Check for Updates - Provides access to the Intergraph CAS, Inc. web site to determine
if there is a newer update to the version of TANK currently in use. This option saves you
from navigating through the Intergraph CAS, Inc. web site to determine if an update is
available. This option should be launched at least once a month to ensure the software
remains current. An Internet connection is required to use this option.
Email Support - Generates an email message to Intergraph Technical Support. Enter

your question or comment and send it directly to Intergraph Technical Support.

TANK Interface

SECTION 3
Build a Tank
In this section, you will learn the typical TANK workflow by analyzing a simple tank. The tank
has six shell courses ten feet high arranged like this:
Course Thickness Height
1 0.375 inches 10 feet
2 0.3125 inches 10 feet
3 to 6 0.250 inches 10 feet
Diameter: 40 feet
Roof: 15° slope from horizontal, 0.4375 inch thick
Material: A-516 Grade 60
Corrosion: Nil
Wind Speed: 125 m.p.h.
In This Section
Input Data ...................................................................................... 102
Check the Input for Errors .............................................................. 106
Analyze the Tank ........................................................................... 108
Generate Output Reports .............................................................. 111
View the Graphics Output .............................................................. 124
Input Data
In this section you will be defining the inputs for the tank.
Topics
Starting TANK ................................................................................ 103
Define the Tank Data ..................................................................... 103
Define the Shell Courses ............................................................... 104
Define the Roof Specifications....................................................... 105

Build a Tank
Starting TANK
First you must start TANK and save a project file.
1. Click Start > All Programs> Intergraph CAS > TANK > TANK. You may also have a
TANK icon on your desktop that you can use to start TANK.
The main TANK window displays.
2. Click Home > Title Page .

3. Type My First TANK for the Project.
4. Type My Client for the Client.
5. Type your name for the Analyst.
6. Select Home > Save.

7. Type My First Tank in the File name box, and then click Save.
Make sure to note the folder in which TANK saves your file, or browse and
change the folder where TANK saves the file.
Define the Tank Data

Now that you have a project file, you need to define the basic tank data.
1. Select Home > Input > General Tank Data, or click General Tank Data in the Input
panel.
TANK opens the dialog box to the Tank Data tab.

Build a Tank
2. Enter the tank data as shown.
Define the Shell Courses

Next, you are ready to define the shell courses.
1. Select the Shell Courses tab.
2. Specify each shell course as 10 foot in the Height boxes. By default, the software calculates
and enters the shell course Height value by dividing the Tank Shell Height by the Number
of Shell Courses. However, you can edit these values as needed.
3. Type 0.3750 for the first course thickness.
4. Type 0.3125 for the second course thickness.
5. Type 0.2500 for course thicknesses three through six.
TANK populates the Material, Design Stress, and Hydro Test Stress boxes
based on the input data you enter on the Tank Data tab.

Build a Tank
6. Click Save .
Define the Roof Specifications

With the general tank data and shell courses defined, you are ready to define the roof
specifications.
1. Select Roof Specification Parameters on the Home > Input panel.
TANK opens the dialog to the General Roof Specs tab.
2. For Roof Type, select Cone.
3. Type 15 for the angle between the roof and horizontal.
4. Type 5.0 for Net Area at Roof/Shell Junction.
5. Type 0.4375 for the roof plate thickness.
6. Click Save .
7. Select the Supported Cone Roof Data tab.

Build a Tank
8. Select AISC89.BIN for the Structural Database.

9. Select C for a preferred rafter type of Channel.
10. Select W for a preferred girder type of Wide Flange.
11. Select W for a preferred column type of Wide Flange.
12. Click next to the Roof Plate Material box.

13. Double-click A-516,60 from the material list in the Material Selection dialog box.
14. Click next to the Structural Member Material box.

15. Double-click A-36 from the material list in the Material Selection dialog box.
TANK populates several of the other fields based on your material selections.
16. Click Save .
Now that you've input the TANK data, you can check the input for errors.
Check the Input for Errors

The input data must be validated through the Error Checker before the analysis phase is
allowed to begin. The Error Checker prevents illegal or illogical data from being passed to the
analysis program. The software always considers warning messages as acceptable and allows
you to continue with your analysis of the tank vessel. If you disagree with the warning message
or it raises concern, you should consider it as an error and modify the input accordingly prior to
analyzing the TANK job.
The Error Checker performs the following tasks:
 Checking for negative values where only positive values are allowed
 Ensuring that the corrosion allowance does not drive the thickness to zero
 Checking for API code restrictions
To perform an error check of the TANK input data
1. Select Error Check/Analyze from the Home > Analyze panel.
TANK opens the Output Processor.

Build a Tank
2. Review the error checking and analysis options. For more information, see Use the Output
Processor (on page 111).
a. If the Error Checker does not find errors, the software performs the analysis. The
software color-codes any special notes or warnings found during analysis in the
generated reports to make them easy to find. Review these color-coded items to verify
the job.
b. If the Error Checker finds errors in the TANK input, the software does not analyze the
job and TANK opens the Error Check Summary Report.
3. Resolve any errors that are preventing the software from analyzing your TANK input. For
more information, see Complete the Error Check Phase (on page 107).
Complete the Error Check Phase

When the Error Checker encounters an error, the software prevents the analysis phase from
starting. You must correct the input to eliminate the error and re-run the Error Checker to
confirm the problem was resolved.
After all of the input data has been evaluated and has passed the error check criteria, the Error
Checker opens the Output Processor and displays the Error Checker .LOG File report. The
following shows the Output Processor when a warning has occurred.
1. Review the Report List for all warnings and errors. Warnings and notes are color-coded in
the Report List to make them easy to find.
2. Print, save, or export the error report. For more information, see Use the Output Processor
(on page 111).
3. Resolve all errors in the TANK input. When you have finished your review of the Error
Checker .LOG File report, exit out of the Output Processor.

Build a Tank
4. Re-run the Error Checker to verify that all errors have been resolved and TANK can
continue to the analysis phase.
If the summary report shows that errors were found, you must correct the errors
before TANK can begin the analysis.
Analyze the Tank

The design or analysis of the tank data occurs in the solution module. This module cannot be
accessed unless the input data has been successfully error checked using Home > Analyze >
Error Check/Analyze. The TANK Solution Module dialog box displays the solution progress.
This dialog box displays the current job name, the major solution steps to the analysis, and
which solution steps are required by the current input data. As each solution step is entered, an
asterisk displays next to the item to show the current progress. There is no user interaction or
input during the solution phase. The analysis/solution phase consists of implementing the rules
and equations found in the API-650 and API-653 codes. A brief overview of this phase can be
found in the Solution Overview (on page 109) section.
TANK Program Files

TANK creates files to save the analysis information.
File Suffix Description Created by
TKI User’s input data Input Module
TKE Verified input data Error Checker
LOG Error/warning messages Error Checker
TKO Binary output data Solution Module

Build a Tank
TXT Intermediate solution data Solution Module
T80 Binary report data Output Preprocessor
Binary Output Data (TKO) File

After successfully completing an analysis, the analysis module creates the TKO file, which
contains the solution data in binary format. The TKO file is used by subsequent modules to
formulate and generate the various reports and graphics.
Message (TXT) File

Occasionally, you might want to know how an iteration proceeded or the results of an
intermediate computation. The message file (TXT) contains this information. As important
milestones in the analysis are reached, TANK labels the newly computed data and writes it to
the message file.
Use this message file in the event that the software encounters an error and TANK aborts and
displays a diagnostic message. Because the software aborted before an output (TKO) file exists,
you cannot access the Output Processor. In this instance, review the message file for
intermediate and partial solution data, which may reveal some reasons for the error. The
message file is a standard ASCII text file, which can be viewed with a variety of editors or
printed to the system printer. You can also access the message file from Tools > File Review >
Review message file.
You must select the Generate Message File? check box in Tools > Configuration >
Computation Control to generate the message file. For more information, see Computation
Control (on page 79).
Solution Overview
The major steps performed in the solution phase are discussed in this section. Refer to codes
API-650 and API-653 for additional details.
1. Wind effect - The specified wind speed is used to determine the applied wind pressure, the
velocity factory, and the overturning moment. These values are used later in the
computations for the wind girders and Appendix F considerations.
2. Allowable stresses for both the design and test cases - The material control routine
includes considerations for reductions due to temperature from Appendix M and if necessary
Appendix S and API-653 Section 2 requirements. The allowables for each shell course are
determined individually based on the specified course materials.
3. Required shell course thicknesses - This thickness is based on the specified design
method, either one-foot, variable point, or Appendix A. The appropriate sections of the code
are implemented using the material properties to determine the thicknesses for each course
for the design and test cases. Each thickness computation is then followed by a check of
API-650 Section 5.6.1.1 to insure that the minimum thickness requirements of the code are
met. If the input indicates that the software is to operate in analysis mode to rate an existing
tank, the design and test thicknesses just computed are replaced with the users input
thicknesses for subsequent computations. A note to this effect appears in the output below
the thickness table when required.

Build a Tank
4. Allowed fluid heights - This procedure involves the use of the same code sections used in
the thickness determination. In the case of the variable point method, this is an iterative
process.
5. Shell weight and center of gravity - The weight/center of gravity routine compares the
computed shell weight with that specified by the user, and selects the maximum of the two
for subsequent computations in Appendix E.
6. Overturning stability - This value is checked according to Section 5.11.
7. Wind girder requirements - The number of girders, their section moduli, and their locations
are determined according to API-650 Section 5.9. Wind girder detail and size is then
selected from API-650 Table 5-22.
This concludes the general computations performed for each tank input data set. All subsequent
computations are optional depending on user specification.
 Roof Data - If the roof data has been specified, the software evaluates, analyzes, or
designs the roof. Roof evaluation involves weight summations, required thicknesses and net
areas according to API-650 Sections 5.10.5 or 5.10.6. The analysis or design of a supported
cone roof applies the procedures outlined in Brownell & Young. Following the roof design,
the Section 5.10.3 checks are implemented.
 API-650 Appendix F requirements - After the actual roof computations are completed, the
API-650 Appendix F requirements are evaluated.
Also note that the roof weights computed from a design are used in subsequent (seismic)
computations.
 Seismic requirements of API-650 Appendix E - The guidelines of this appendix are
applied to the tank in three conditions: design, test, and empty.
 Nozzle flexibility calculations as outlined in API-650 Appendix P - This appendix also
offers guidelines on the maximum allowed nozzle loads. The software determines the
flexibilities and limiting loads on up to fifteen nozzles for all three sets of shell course
thicknesses (design, test, and user input).
 Grillage computations - These computations conform to the rules of API-650 Appendix I,
Section 7.
 Settlement limits as set forth in API-653 Appendix B - These computations use an
iterative procedure to determine the optimum cosine curve which most closely represents
the user's measured values of shell settlement. After the cosine curve is known, the
out-of-plane settlement and out-of-plane deflection can be determined.
 Service/maintenance computations - These computations are based on API-653 Section
2.
 API-2000 Venting calculations.
After all sizing, roof, and seismic computations have been completed, the evaluation for the
permitted cycle life according to Appendix M, Section M.4 begins.
Following the cycle life calculations, the bolting requirements are checked. This procedure
evaluates each of the load cases defined in Section 5.12 and determines, if necessary, the
required number of bolts and the bolt size. A second pass is then made to determine the
governing condition and to report a single bolt size and quantity, with the corresponding stress
for each load case.

Build a Tank
Generate Output Reports

Most of the time spent reviewing the results of a TANK analysis is in reviewing tabular reports.
These reports are organized by topic. When the analysis phase completes, the Output
Processor displays the various reports.
Each entry in the Report List displays a different report. Multiple reports can be selected or
removed from the selection by using the CTRL key in combination with a left mouse click. The
Output Processor displays the first report selected in the viewing pane to the right. For more
information, see Use the Output Processor (on page 111).
Use the Output Processor

Any time you error check and analyze a job any errors or warnings display in the Output
Processor. If the job completes without errors, the analysis reports displays in the Output
Processor as well. You have several commands available, as shown below.
In addition to the Output Processor commands listed below, keep in mind the
following notes:
 To change the report page functionality or display options, click the Options tab at the
bottom of the left pane. For more information, see Options Tab (on page 123).
 To change where a report displays in the Report List, select the report and click Report
Down or Report Up. You can also select a report and drag and drop it to a different
place in the Report List.

Build a Tank
 To abort the error check phase and return to the main menu, click File > Exit.
The following commands appear on the Home tab for the Output Processor.
File Panel
Open - Opens an existing report, which means you are switching the output to a different
job. This option opens the standard File Open dialog box that shows only those jobs who
have been analyzed and have output files.
Save - Saves the selected report.
Print - Prints the selected report. Click the down arrow to see the following addition print
options:
Print to File - Prints the selected report to a text file and saves it where you indicate.
Print to File Then Run Word - Prints the selected report to a text file and then opens it in
Microsoft Word.
When you send reports to Microsoft Word, if a file named header.doc exists in
the TANK system folder, the software reads its contents uses them in the page header
when TANK exports the report to Word. Therefore, you can set up a header file with the
company logo and address details, should you want those to appear on your reports.
Word Document - Creates the report using Microsoft Word.
Previous - Displays the previous report.
Next - Displays the next report.
Edit Panel
Delete - Deletes the selected report from the Report List and the generated output.
Select - Selects reports or the text within reports, depending on what you select in
drop-down options.
Select All Report Text - Selects all the text in the currently active report.
Select All Reports - Selects all the reports listed in the Report List in the Output
Processor.
Path - Sets an alternate path for word processing.
Help Panel
About - Specifies details about the program, version information, and the copyright.
View Panel

Build a Tank
Highlight - Lets you enter search terms or values for the selected report. Press F3 to
move to the next instance of the search term. You must click on each report in the
Report List search and highlight text.
Toggle Status Bar - Turns the display of the status bar at the bottom of the Output
Processor on or off.
Toggle Options Pane - Turns the display of the Options tab on the left pane of the
Output Processor on or off.
Toggle Reports List - Turns the display of the Report List tab on the left pane of the
Output Processor on or off.
Reset Pane Layout - Resets the layout of the Output Processor to the default display
settings. You must exit out of the processor and then open it again, to see the reset
layout.
PDF Header
TANK contains a default header that displays when you generate output reports or print a model
of the vessel to PDF. This header contains the Intergraph and TANK trademarks, but you can
customize it to include your company name and logo, or you can create your own custom
header from scratch.
You can create your own custom header using a program like Microsoft Word or Adobe ®
Acrobat®, or you can customize the default header by making modifications to the
OutputHeader.docx file located in the System folder. To access the OutputHeader.docx file, click
Edit Header in the Preview/Print pane of the Output Processor menu. After you have
completed your header, save the document in PDF format and replace the current
OutputHeader.pdf file in the System folder.
If the output report text or tank image displays on top of the header, you can start the
text lower on the page by adjusting the page margins using the Page Setup dialog. You can
access the dialog by clicking File > Page Setup from the Output Processor.
Report List Tab

The Report List tab in the Output Processor displays all available reports and an error log for
the current job. The reports that display in the Report List are dependent upon the TANK input
you specify prior to analysis.
The Examples (on page 133) sections include several example jobs with complete output report
listings. Each page of output begins with a header. The header contains the user’s name, page
number, job name, date, time, and software version number.

Build a Tank
Topics
Job Title Page ................................................................................ 114
User Input Data .............................................................................. 114
Error Checker LOG File ................................................................. 115
Solution Module TXT File .............................................................. 115
Wind, Material, Thickness & Weights ............................................ 116
Roof Evaluation/Design & Appendix F .......................................... 117
Seismic Analysis Results ............................................................... 120
Nozzle Flexibility & Load Results .................................................. 120
API-653 Settlement Evaluation ...................................................... 121
API-2000 6th Ed. Venting Calcs .................................................... 121
API-650 Bolting Report .................................................................. 122
API-650 Cycle Life Output ............................................................. 122
API-650 App V External Pressure ................................................. 123
Job Title Page

The Job Title Page reflects the user-specified description of the tank and its associated data.
Include any special notes here. This information is defined using Title Page .
User Input Data

The User Input Data report contains the input data defined in the input module. This report can
vary in length depending on the number of shell courses and nozzles defined, as well as
whether or not roof, seismic, and settlement details were defined.

Build a Tank
Error Checker LOG File

The Error Checker .LOG File report is generated by the error checker. This report contains a
list of every warning message and error generated during the error check of the input data.
Solution Module TXT File

The Solution Module .TXT File report contains the contents of the message file generated by
the solution module. The size of this report varies depending on which solution routines were
needed and how many iterations were necessary to determine the results.
The values reported in the message file are shown in English units (TANK internal
system units). All other values in all of the other output reports are shown in the units system
that you specified.

Build a Tank
Wind, Material, Thickness & Weights

The Wind, Material, Thickness & Weights report contains formal output data computed by
TANK. It begins with a summary of the wind parameters used during the analysis, consisting of
the velocity factor, the area exposed to the wind, and the wind moment.
The next section of the report reflects the material properties used, including the wind girder
height reduction factor. For each shell course, the material name, design allowable stress, test
allowable stress, and Appendix M reduction factor are listed.
The next section of the report details the final shell course thicknesses for the design and test
cases. The user-defined shell course thickness is also reported here, as well as the minimum
allowed metal temperature as obtained from API-650 Figure 2-1. The thickness used in
implementing this Figure is the maximum of the design and test cases.
For API-653 analysis, the next section of the output contains a table showing the retiring
thickness and remaining corrosion allowance for each course.
The next section of the report details the allowed fluid heights for the design and test cases, as
well as the required fluid height is also shown in the table.
The next section includes the annular base plate thickness and width, the weight of the shell,
and the center of gravity of the shell.
The next section details the results of the "wind overturning stability check", based on API-650
Section 5.11.
The next section of this report details the results of the wind girder computations. This includes
the required section modulus for both the top and intermediate wind girders, as well as the
maximum height of the unstiffened shell. Following this information is a table showing the wind
girder requirements as a result of the transformed section method. For each wind girder
required, the geometry detail and angle size are also reported. If Detail e is required, the b
dimension is also included in the report.

Build a Tank
The final section of this report presents a weight summary of the various tank components.
Roof Evaluation/Design & Appendix F

The Roof Evaluation/Design report details the results of the design or analysis of supported
cone roofs, and the results of the computations made according to the rules of API-650
Appendix F. The roof report begins with the required thickness and actual weight of the roof
plates, and the design roof load.

Build a Tank
If a supported cone roof was designed or analyzed, the resulting structural member sizes and
loads are reported next. This information begins with the number of girder rings, the radius to
each girder ring, and the number and length of the girders in each ring. This report is shown
below.
Also shown above are the rafter details. This information includes the number of rafters in each
rafter ring, the spacing on the outer girders, the number of rafters resting on the outer girders,
the spacing on the inner girders, the number of rafters resting on the inner girders, and the rafter
length. Note that at the center of the tank, and at the shell, the number of rafters per girder is
reported as zero.
The next section of the (supported cone roof) report details the rafter and girder sizing
parameters. This information includes the unit load on the member, the selected cross section,
the required section modulus, and the actual section modulus. This information is provided for
each rafter and girder ring, and is shown below.
The next section of the (supported cone roof) report details the column sizing parameters. This
information begins with the column load, height, allowable compressive stress, and required

Build a Tank
radius of gyration. This is followed by the selected cross section, the actual compressive stress,
and the actual radii of gyration. This information is shown below.
Following the column sizing details is the summary of the checks made according to Section
5.10.3. These checks determine the acceptability of the structural elements based on allowable
stresses and unbraced lengths.
Following these checks is a weight summary of the supported cone roof components.
Following the roof design/analysis report are the results of the Appendix F computations. This
information begins with the uplift force due to internal pressure and the resisting force due to
tank weight.
This information is followed by the maximum design pressure limited by uplift, the maximum
pressure at the roof/shell junction, and the compression ring failure pressure. All pressures are
reported in the user’s units for pressure and in “inches of water”, an API unit.
The last section of the roof report shows the required area of the roof/shell junction as per
Section F.5, and either 5.10.5 or 5.10.6.

Build a Tank
Seismic Analysis Results

The Seismic Analysis Results report details the results of the computations made according to
the rules of API-650 Appendix E. These computations were made for three cases: design fluid,
test fluid, and empty.
Nozzle Flexibility & Load Results

The Nozzle Flexibility & Load Results report details the results of the computations made
according to the rules of API-650 Appendix P. These computations were made for three cases:
design shell thickness, test shell thickness, and user input thickness. For each case, the
flexibilities, deflection, rotation, and limiting loads on the nozzle are reported. This information is
repeated for each nozzle defined in the input.

Build a Tank
API-653 Settlement Evaluation

The Settlement Checks report details the results of the computations made according to the
rules of API-653 Appendix B. This report provides the maximum allowed out-of-plane deflection
and a table showing the out-of-plane settlement at each of the measurement points.
This table also includes the settlement measurements, the optimum cosine curve through these
measured points, the out-of-plane settlement, and the out-of-plane deflection.
API-2000 6th Ed. Venting Calcs

The API-2000 6th Ed. Venting Calcs report details the results of the computations made
according to Section 4.3 of API-2000. This report provides the venting requirements for
inbreathing, outbreathing and fire exposure. An example of the venting report is shown below.

Build a Tank
API-650 Bolting Report

The bolting report details the results of the computations made for Section 5.12. There are two
sections to this report. The first section contains the uplift and load per bolt for the various load
cases. The second section shows the required number of bolts, the required bolt diameter, and
the resulting bolt stress for each of the various load cases.
API-650 Cycle Life Output

The cycle life report details the results of the computations made for Appendix M. The report
lists the exclusions and checks made, as well as the number of allowed cycles.

Build a Tank
API-650 App V External Pressure

The API-650 App V External Pressure report details the result of the computations made for
Appendix V.
Options Tab
The Options tab in the Output Processor defines report options, such as page numbers and
font settings.
Paging Options
Starting Page
Overrides the starting page number for this group of reports. Use this function when you
have to combine multiple reports into a single report and need the page numbers to be
sequential throughout.
Ending Page
Overrides the ending page number for this group of reports. If this value is zero and the
Starting Page value is greater than zero, then the software does not display the ending
page number.
Page Numbers
Select to print page numbers in the report header.
Page Headings
Select to print the page heading on each page.
Fonts
Page Heading
Defines the text font for the heading text.
Major Level
Defines the font for the text in the main report sections.

Build a Tank
Minor Level
Defines the font for the text in the minor report divisions.
Normal Text
Define the text font for the report data.
View the Graphics Output

When the software completes the analysis of a tank, the output options are available. These
options include both text based reports and graphics, and graphic viewing through the software
interface. You can view the graphics model of an analyzed tank in 2D or 3D views. To change
between the two possible views, click the tabs that appear below the graphic model.
The software defaults the view displayed when you open a job to the view you most
recently used.
The following sections explain the 3D and 2D views and the options available from each view.

Build a Tank
3D View
Select 3D View at the bottom of the graphics model of an analyzed tank to view the actual tank
geometry in three dimensions.
This section describes the 3D view and context menu options available on this view
 The software displays the 3D model, upon input. However, certain elements do not appear
until you analyze the tank.
 You can view and save output in 2D view by clicking 2D View at the bottom of the graphics
model.
You can quickly view basic details about tank elements by pressing CTRL and hovering over the
element.
In addition to showing the outer surfaces, you can also view the 3D model in different shading
modes, such as flat shaded and Gourard. The software also supports operations, such as
panning, zooming, and model rotation.
Right-click anywhere on the 3D view to display the context menu. The toolbar for performing
some basic operations appears on the right side view. For more information, see 3D Graphics
Toolbar.
Options - Activates the Plot Properties dialog with which you can
customize the colors of elements in the display.

Build a Tank
Visibility - Select and clear the different options to display and hide that
element in the 3D graphics view. For example, you might want to hide
the roof to get a better view inside of the tank shell. The elements are
not deleted from the model, just hidden.
Render Mode - Select how you want the surfaces and edges to display
on the model. Choose between Flat Shaded (shows objects with
shaded surfaces and outlined edges) or Gouraud Shaded (shows the
objects with shaded surfaces and smooth edges).
View Orthographic - Displays all objects the same relative size

regardless of the distance from the observer.
View Perspective - Specifies that the view should display the tank using
perspective rendering. Perspective rendering is characterized by:
 The size of objects appears smaller as their distance from the
observer increases.
 The size of object dimensions along the line of sight is smaller
relative to the dimensions across the line of sight.
Save 3D Model as HTML - Saves an HTML file of the 3D model in the

folder where the original TANK job was located. The software prompts
you with the file location. Click OK.
Save 3D Model as - Allows you to save the 3D model in the following

formats: HTML, TIF, HSF, BMP, and JPEG or JPG. The software
defaults to the folder where the original TANK job was located. However,
you can browse and save the file to another location.
3D Graphics Toolbar
The 3D graphics toolbar controls how your model displays in the 3D View. By default, this
toolbar displays vertically on the right side of the graphics window. You can toggle the 3D
graphics toolbar off and on using the quick access toolbar customization command (black
drop-arrow) in the top left-corner of the main window.
Pre-defined Views - Changes the current view to front, back, top, bottom,
left, right view or a standard isometric view.
Zoom Extents - Resizes the model so that it fits in the current window.
Zoom Window - Use the mouse to draw a window around the portion of
the model that you want to zoom in on. This is a rubber band zoom.
Alternately, spin the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
Orbit - Rotates the model in any direction using the mouse. Click the right
mouse button and move the mouse to rotate the model.
Turntable Orbit - Rotates the model about the Y-axis.

Build a Tank
Pan - Translates the model in the direction the mouse is dragged.

Pressing the mouse wheel and holding it down while moving the mouse
will also pan the model.
Zoom Camera - Zooms in or out. Click this button, then press the left
mouse button and move the mouse diagonally across the screen to zoom
in or out. Alternately, spin the mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
Select by Window - Selects details that are inside a fence that you define.
Select By Click - Allows the selection of a detail for further manipulation.
Translate Detail - Translates the selected detail in the view.

This toolbar option is not available in the TANK product.
Insert Cutting Plane - Inserts a cutting plane when you click this button
and then click anywhere in the window. You can then rotate the cutting
plane after it has been initiated. The rotating plane exposes the various
layers of the vessel. The visibility of the cutting plane can then be turned
off after the view is set. To restore the model, right- click in the 3D window
and choose Delete Cutting Plane.
Transparency - The main exterior shells of the model are transparent.
Show Nozzle List - Displays list of nozzles in a list box. The list allows a
nozzle to be located in the model for editing.
This toolbar option is not available in the TANK product.
Options - Element and detail colors are supported using the Options
selection. After being set, the software recalls them in subsequent
sessions. This option is also available when you right-click on the model
window and select Properties. The Options dialog box displays as shown
below. If any of the colors are changed, click Apply to update the new
color selections.
2D View
Click Home > 2D Plot and select 2D View at the bottom of the graphics model to view the 2D
View of the graphic output. This section describes the 2D view options and the graphics
produced for subsequent printing or capturing.
The software disables the 2D Plot panel in the following situations:
 You must run the analysis on the job before you can view the graphics output.
 You must select 2D View for the graphics output below the model.
Plot Menu

Build a Tank
The Home > 2D Plot panel provides commands that let you use the graphics processor to
model tank sketches, plot shell settlement data, create nozzle interaction diagrams, and plot
supported cone roof sketches. For more information on graphics processing, see View the
Graphics Output (on page 124).
 The 2D Plot panel is inactive until you add TANK data and shell courses to your TANK job
and analyze or save the job. Once you save the job, the software activates the 2D Plot
panel.
 You must add a cone roof to your job or TANK does not plot the information.
 You must have the 2D View selected below the model for the 2D Plot panel options.
Plot Tank Elevation - Produces the basic tank sketch. For more information, see Plot Tank
Elevations (on page 129).
Plot Settlement - Plots the shell settlement data. For more information, see Plot Shell
Settlements (on page 129).
Plot Nozzle - Plots the first nozzle interaction diagram. For more information, see Plot
Nozzle Specifications (on page 130).
Plot Cone Roof - Plots the supported cone roof sketch. For more information, see
Supported Cone Roof Sketches (on page 132).
The available 2D graphic plots are:

 A general tank sketch showing plate layouts and overall dimensions
 A pair of nozzle interaction diagrams, used to check the conformance of the nozzle to
API-650 Appendix P
 A sketch of the results of the supported cone roof design
 A plot of the shell settlement and optimum cosine curve results
Each of these graphic plots is discussed in the sections that follow.
You can view and save output in 3D view by clicking 3D View at the bottom of the
graphics model.

Build a Tank
Plot Tank Elevations

The Plot > Plot Tank Elevation option in the local graphics environment generates an
overall tank sketch with a number of optional details. The tank sketch is useful to get an overall
representation of the size of the tank.
Click the down arrow on the Plot Tank Elevation icon to access several additional functions.
 Use Plot Tank Elevation > Show Course Labels to show or hide the course height and
material thickness values in the plot. These labels appear in the lower right and start with
C1, C2, C2, and so forth.
 Use Plot Tank Elevation > Display Tank Dimensions to show or hide the course height,
material thickness, and general tank dimensions that appear at the top of the plot.
 Use Plot Tank Elevation > Enter Tank Dimensions to update specifications on the plate
length and offset. The tank elevation plot updates as soon as you click OK in the Tank
Dimensions dialog box.
The following shows an example of a tank elevation plot.
Plot Shell Settlements

The Plot > Plot Settlement option in the local graphics environment produces XY type
plots detailing the shell settlement evaluation according to API-653 Appendix B.
Click the down arrow on the Plot Settlement icon to access additional display options for the
settlement plot.
 Use Plot Settlement > Plot Measured Elevations to show or hide the measured elevations
on the plot.
 Use Plot Settlement > Plot Optimum Cosine Curve to show or hide the optimum cosine
curve on the plot.
 Use Plot Settlement > Plot Out-of-Plan Deflection to show or hide the out-of-plane
deflection on the plot.
 Use Plot Settlement > Display Plot Legend to show or hide the legend on the plot.

Build a Tank
 Use Plot Settlement > Spline All Data for Display to spline the plot data. Splining the data
smooths the plot points into curves and makes for better presentations.
The settlement plot uses two Y-axes. The far left Y-axis is for the out-of-plane deflection curve.
The Y-axis closest to the curves is for the measured and optimum cosine curves. These axes
and their associated curves are shown in different colors for better visualization.
The settlement plot positions the curves on an X-axis showing the relative angular position
around the tank circumference from the point of maximum settlement. The settlement plot also
includes a secondary X-axis which shows the location of the actual measurement points.
Plot Nozzle Specifications

The Plot > Plot Nozzle option in the local graphics environment constructs the nozzle plot
diagrams of API-650 Appendix P, necessary to determine if a nozzle is overloaded.
Click the down arrow on the Plot Nozzle icon to access several additional functions.
 Use Plot Nozzle > Select Nozzle for Display to select which nozzle to plot. The number of
nozzles you can select in this option depends upon your TANK input. You can add up to 15
nozzles to the TANK input.
 Use Plot Nozzle > Use "Design" Thickness to display the design thickness on the nozzle
plot.
 Use Plot Nozzle > Use "Test" Thickness to display the test thickness on the nozzle plot.
 Use Plot Nozzle > Use "User Input" Thickness to display the user input thickness on the
nozzle plot.
 Use Plot Nozzle > Longitudinal to display the nozzle plot from the longitudinal perspective.

Build a Tank
 Use Plot Nozzle > Circumferential to display the nozzle plot from the circumferential
perspective.
The resulting nozzle plot shows the interaction point as an asterisk. The location of this point is
determined on the plot using the input values of applied piping loads. If piping loads are not
specified, the interaction point plots at the origin.
For the nozzle to meet the criteria of API-650 Appendix P, the interaction point must
plot inside the diagram.
The following examples show nozzle plot diagrams from the longitudinal and the circumferential
perspectives.
Longitudinal Nozzle Plot Diagram Example

Build a Tank
Circumferential Nozzle Plot Diagram Example
Supported Cone Roof Sketches

The Plot > Plot Cone Roof option in the local graphics environment to display the roof
design when a supported cone roof has been designed and entered into TANK input. These roof
sketches are not shown to scale and are provided for information purposes only.
Click the down arrow on the Plot Cone Roof icon to access several additional functions.
 Use Plot Cone Roof > Show Cross Section Sizes to show or hide the lengths of the cross
section structures on the roof.
 Use Plot Cone Roof > Show Element Lengths to show or hide the lengths of the various
roof elements.
 Use Plot Cone Roof > Show Quantities to show or hide the number of elements on the
roof.
The following shows a plot of a typical cone roof sketch.
.
Cone Roof Sketch Example

SECTION 4
Examples
This section discusses several example jobs that illustrate the proper definition of input data and
presents solutions to some of the examples found in the code. The example jobs are delivered
to C:\ProgramData\Intergraph CAS\TANK\5.00\Examples.
In This Section
Example Problem APP_K .............................................................. 133
Example Problem O_WC............................................................... 133
Example Problem A_WC ............................................................... 133
Example Problem KOCZWARA..................................................... 134
Example Problem B&Y .................................................................. 134
Example Problem SSTEST1 ......................................................... 134
Example Problem TEST1 .............................................................. 134
Example Problem SSC1 ................................................................ 134
Example Problem APP_P .............................................................. 134
Example Problem EXTERN01 ....................................................... 134
Example Problem SEIS01 ............................................................. 135
Example Problem APP_K

The example problem illustrating the application of the Variable Point design method for shell
thickness computations according to Appendix K is located at \examples\app_k.tki.
Example Problem O_WC

The example problem illustrating the shell thickness computations, as defined by the One Foot
method, is located at \examples\o_wc.tki.
Example Problem A_WC

The example problem illustrating the shell thickness computations, as defined by Appendix A of
API-650, is located at \examples\a_wc.tki.

Examples
Example Problem KOCZWARA

The example problem illustrating the application of the Fourier Series solution to the optimum
cosine curve in the determination of the API-653 Appendix B out-of-plane settlement
computations, (as defined in a paper by Koczwara) is located at \examples\koczwara.tki.
Example Problem B&Y

The example problem illustrating the design of supported cone roofs according to the
procedures outlined in Brownell & Young is taken from the text Process Equipment Design by
Brownell & Young. For more information, see the file \examples\b&y.tki.
Example Problem SSTEST1

The example problem illustrating the implementation of the rules in API-650 Appendix S, for
stainless steel tanks, including the necessary modifications for the high temperature sections of
Appendix M, is located at \examples\sstest1.tki.
Example Problem TEST1

The example problem illustrating the general computations performed for typical tank is located
at \examples\test1.tki.
Example Problem SSC1

The example problem illustrating the computations performed for Appendix E, Seismic
Considerations is located at \examples\ssc1.tki.
Example Problem APP_P

The example problem illustrating the computations performed for low tank nozzles according to
Appendix P is located at \examples\app_p.tki.
Example Problem EXTERN01

This example problem illustrates the external pressure performed according to Appendix V.

Examples
Example Problem SEIS01

This example problem illustrates the seismic computations performed according to Appendix E.

APPENDIX A
Appendix A - Program File List

This section lists the files distributed with TANK. The lists correspond to the program sets
manipulated by the installation program.
In This Appendix
Main Set ......................................................................................... 136
Help & Error Processing Set .......................................................... 137
English Text Set ............................................................................. 138
API Data Set .................................................................................. 138
Examples Data Set ........................................................................ 139
Main Set
APIOUT.EXE Output preprocessor
APISOLV.EXE Solution module
COADEXE.EXE EXE file scanner
CRCCHK.EXE CRC check program
MAKEUNIT.EXE Units generation module
MATEDIT.EXE Material database editor
Output report review

OUTPUT.EXE processor
TANK.EXE Main program
TKERCK.EXE Error check module
OUTWORD.DLL Support dll

Help & Error Processing Set

API01.EXE
Input module help data file
API02.EXE
Input module help pointer file
TKER01A.EXE
Diagnostic error message data file
TKER01B.EXE
TKER01Z.EXE
TKER02A.EXE
Diagnostic error message pointer file
TKER02B.EXE
TKER02Z.EXE
TKERROR.EXE
Diagnostic error processor
TKSET01.EXE
Configuration program help data file
TKSET02.EXE
Configuration program help pointer file
TANK.CHM
Help file
TIPS.TXT
Tip of the day file

English Text Set

SCREEN1.TXT
Messages for input processor
SCREEN3.TXT
Messages for analysis module
SCREEN4.TXT
Messages for output processing
TITLE.HED
Title page template file
API Data Set

A650_88.MAT - 1988 API-650 material database
A650_94I.MAT - 1994 API-650 material database plus international materials
A650_12.MAT - API-650 12th Edition material database
AISC89.DAT - Structural database file
API650.DIG - Digitized data from API-650 App P

ENGLISH.FIL - ENGLISH units file

MM.FIL - Millimeter units file
MPH.FIL - ENGLISH units file with MPH wind speed
SI.FIL - SI units file
T2A.EXE - Data from API-2000 Table 2A
T322.EXE - Data from Table 3-22
XX.CRC - CRC check data
Examples Data Set

The example files are delivered to C:\ProgramData\Intergraph CAS\Tank\version\Examples.
TEST1.TKI
Sample input for variable point method.
APP_P.TKI
Example nozzle flexibility calcs from Appendix P.
APP_K.TKI
Example thickness calcs from Appendix K.
A_WC.TKI
Sample input for Appendix A method.
O_WC.TKI
Sample input for One-Foot method.
KOCZWARA.TKI
Sample input for API-653 Appendix B shell settlement.
B&Y.TKI
Example roof design from Brownell & Young.
SSTEST1.TKI
Stainless steel example.
SSC1.TKI
Example seismic computations for Appendix E.
EXTERN01.TKI
Example computations for Appendix.
SEIS01.TKI
Example seismic computations for Appendix E.

APPENDIX B
Appendix B - Standard Units Systems

This appendix discusses the four standard units sets distributed with TANK. You can use the
units generator to create additional sets if necessary.

English Units File
MPH (miles per hour) Units File

SI Units File
MM Units File

APPENDIX C
Appendix C - List of Materials

This section discusses the Material Database. When the Material Database is accessed from
the input module, the following properties are returned for each material, as applicable:
 Allowable design stress
 Allowable test stress
 Minimum yield stress
 Minimum tensile stress
 Maximum thickness
 Grade
 Group
In This Appendix
* ASTM Standards ..........................................................................143
* CSA Standards ............................................................................144
* National Standards .......................................................................144
* ISO 630 ........................................................................................144
* Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent) .................................144
* Duplex Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent) ....................145
* Unknown For API-653 ..................................................................145
* ASTM Standards
A-283
A-285
A-131,A
A-131,B
A-131,CS
A-36
A-131,EH36
A-573,58
A-573,65
A-573,70
A-516,55
A-516,60
A-516,65
A-516,70
A-662,B
A-662,C
A-537,1
A-537,2
A-633,C

A-633,D
A-678,A
A-678,B
A-737
A-841,1
A-841,2
* CSA Standards
G40.21 38W
G40.21 38WT
G40.21 44W
G40.21 44WT
G40.21 50W
G40.21 50WT
* National Standards
NS,235
NS,250
NS,275
* ISO 630
E-275t,C C
E-275,C C
E-275t,D D
E-275,D D
E-355,C C
E-355t,C C
E-355m,C C
E-355,D D
E-355t,D D
E-355m,D D
* Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent)

SS-304
SS-304L
SS-316
SS-316L
SS-317
SS-317L
SS-201-1
SS-201LN

* Duplex Stainless Steels (Temperature Dependent)

S31803
S32003
S32101
S32202
S32205
S32304
S32550
S32520
S32750
S32760
* Unknown For API-653

UNKNOWN

APPENDIX D
Appendix D - Default Configuration

Directives
Ver. 7.00
ROOF_PROJECTION_IN_WIND_MOMENT= YES 1 1
10%_PLUS_5_PSF_IN_WIND_MOMENT= YES 2 1
SHELL_THICK_CONVERG_TOLERANCE= 4.9999999e-003 3
GENERATE_MESSAGE_FILE= NO 4 1
COSINE_CURVE_TOLERANCE= 3.0000001e-001 5
COSINE_CURVE_ITERATION_LIMIT= 1.0000000e+002 6
WIND_GIRDER_SHELL_THICKNESS= MAX 7 1
SHELL_SETTLEMENT_METHOD= FOURIER_SERIES 8 1
CORRODED_NOZZLES= NO 9 1
SECT_3.11_WIND_PRESSURE= 1.8000000e+001 10
653_CORRODED_HYDROTEST_CASE= NO 11 1
UPLIFT_IN_MIN_ANCHORAGE_E.6= YES 12 1
THICKNESS_ROUNDUP_TO_NEAREST= 0.0000000e+000 13
PLATE_MATERIAL_DENSITY= 2.8360000e-001 14
MODIFY_FLUID_HEIGHT_BY_PRESSURE= NO 15 1
ROUND_ANCHOR_BOLTS_BY= 4.0000000e+000 16
WIND_MOMENT_IN_APP_F Sect_5.9.7.1 17 1
FULL_SHELL_WEIGHT_IN_APP_F YES 18 1
USE_P_FROM_F.4.1_ONLY_IN_F.6= NO 19 1
USE_NON_CORRODED_ROOF_WEIGHT_AS_DLR= NO 20 1
YIELD_FOR_SEISMIC_IS_DERATED_FOR_TEMPERATURE= NO 21 1
SAVE_TO_SYSTEM_DIR NO 22 1
MATERIAL_FILE= A650_12.mat 61 1
UNITS_FILE= ENGLISH.FIL 62 1
STRUCTURAL_DATA_BASE= AISC89.BIN 63 1
BOLT_DATA_BASE= TEMA-Imperial 64 1

APPENDIX E
Appendix E - Selected References

 API-650, American Petroleum Institute, Twelfth Edition, March 2013 (Including Errata July
2013).
 API-653, American Petroleum Institute, Fourth Edition, April 2009 (Including Addendum
1-3).
 API-620, American Petroleum Institute, Sixth Edition, November 2009.
 Process Equipment Design, Brownell & Young, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1959.
 Simple Method Calculates Tank Shell Distortion, F. A. Koczwara, Hydrocarbon Processing,
August 1980.
 Criteria for Settlement of Tanks, Marr, Ramos, and Lambe, Journal of the Geotechnical
Engineering Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol 108,
August 1982.
 Ovalization of Cylindrical Tanks as a Result of Foundation Settlement, Malik, Morton, and
Ruiz, Journal of Strain Analysis, Vol 12, No 4, 1977.
 Stiffness Coefficients and Allowable Loads for Nozzles in Flat-Bottom Storage Tanks,
Billimoria, and Hagstrom, Journal of Pressure Vessel Technology, November 1978.
 Experimental Investigation of Stiffness Coefficients and Allowable Loads for a Nozzle in a
Flat Bottom Storage Tank, Billimoria and Tam, American Society of Mechanical Engineers,
August 1980.
 Improve Storage Tank Inspections, Hendrix & Carucci, Hydrocarbon Processing, January
1995.
 Nozzle Stresses Resulting from Piping Loads at Low Type Nozzles in API-650 Storage
Tanks, Lengsfeld, Bardia, and Taagepera, PVP Vol 315, ASME 1995.
 An Evaluation of Procedures for Determining the Fitness-For-Service of Settled
Aboveground Storage Tanks, Osage, Parikh, and Horwege, PVP Vol 315, ASME 1995.
 FDA VS API-650 for Low Tank Nozzles, Lengsfeld, Bardia and Taagepera, PVP Vol 336,
ASME 1996.
 Recent Developments in API Tankage Standards, Smith, PVP Vol 336, ASME 1996.
 Frangible Roof Joint Behavior of Cylindrical Oil Storage Tanks Designed to API 650 Rules,
Lu, Swenson, and Fenton, Transactions of the ASME, Vol. 118, August 1996.
 Revise Storage Tank Inspections, Carucci & Ay, Hydrocarbon Processing, October 1996.
 Above Ground Storage Tanks, Philip E. Myers, McGraw-Hill, 1997.
 API-2000, America Petroleum Institute, Fifth Edition, April 1998.
 Stiffness Coefficients for Nozzles in API-650 Tanks, Lengsfeld, Bardia, Taagepera,
Hathaitham, LaBounty, and Lengsfeld, PVP-1279, ASME, 2002.

APPENDIX F
Appendix F - Revision History

This section lists the revision history of TANK.
In This Appendix
Version 7.00 Changes (12/14) ....................................................... 148
Version 6.00 Changes (12/13) ....................................................... 149
Version 5.00 Changes (4/13) ......................................................... 149
Version 4.00 Changes (3/12) ......................................................... 150
Version 3.30 Changes (9/10) ......................................................... 150
Version 3.20 Changes (9/09) ......................................................... 150
Version 3.10 Changes (9/08) ......................................................... 150
Version 3.00 Changes (11/07) ....................................................... 150
Version 2.55 Changes (10/05) ....................................................... 151
Version 2.50 Changes (3/04) ......................................................... 151
Version 2.40 Changes (7/02) ......................................................... 151
Version 2.30 Changes (2/02) ......................................................... 151
Version 2.20 Changes (9/00) ......................................................... 152
Version 2.10 Changes (5/00) ......................................................... 152
Version 1.60 / 2.00 Changes (1/99) ............................................... 152
Version 1.51 Changes (9/97) ......................................................... 153
Version 1.50 Changes (5/97) ......................................................... 153
Version 1.40 Changes (9/96) ......................................................... 154
Version 1.31 Changes (2/96) ......................................................... 154
Version 1.30 Changes (8/95) ......................................................... 154
Version 1.20 Changes (11/94) ....................................................... 155
Version 1.10 Changes (6/94) ......................................................... 155
Version 7.00 Changes (12/14)

 Updated the software to support API 650, Addendum 1, 12th Edition (September 2014).
 Enhanced TANK to display the 3D model of a tank in a PDF.
 Enhanced TANK to include bookmarks for output reports when printing to PDF.
 Enhanced TANK to allow access to a back-up copy of your TANK files by selecting Backup
Folder on the File tab.
 Enhanced TANK to allow a modulus of elasticity value less than 20 million psi for the roof
plate material.
 Created a new Quick Start Guide to assist users with getting started with the TANK
software.
 Updated TANK to replace the Weight of Snow on Roof input with the Ground Snow Load
input.
 Updated TANK to display calculated wind girders on the 3D model after analysis.


 Updated graphic model to include 3D View.
 Updated the software to support API 650, 12th Edition (Errata, July 2013).
 Updated the software to support API 2000, 6th Edition (November 2009).
 Updated the software to support API 653, 4th Edition (November 2013).
 Completed various UI updates.
 Added a new Check for Update option for software updates.
 Updated Supported Cone Roof Data to include a Structural Database input, which is
separate from the tank-specified database input.
 Revised the software to store the Reload Last File at Startup configuration setting in the
registry settings.
 Updated Help with information for all enhancements and previous software revisions.

 Tabbed ribbon interface with a Microsoft Office 2007/2010 look
 Multiple color options (blue, silver, and black) for the window in Options > Themes
 Large, medium, or small icon options in the main menu
 Simplified analysis options with error notifications in the output
 Added formulas and substitutions for many of the calculations (Wind, Seismic, Thickness,
etc.).
 Enhanced report printing with a "straight-to-PDF" option that you can use from the input,
output, or graphics modules.
 Included more robust Output Processor features, such as:
 Report re-ordering with drag-and-drop functionality
 Text searching (highlighting) in reports
 Print-to-PDF capability
 Select all text in a report
 Select all reports at one time
 Color-coded report names, which display warnings and errors
 Enhanced new computation control options that tailor how analysis proceeds
 Updated documentation guides and help files.


 Implemented API-650 11th Edition Addendum 3 changes.
This extensive Addendum changed many formulas. These formula
changes will cause the answers to be different from those computed in previous versions (in
many but not all cases).
 Added user defined wind pressure vs. Elevation Input.
 Added calculations for Anchor chairs per AISI.
 The user interface has been through a minor update.
 The output processor has been updated.

 Implemented the changes for API-650 11th Edition Addendum 2.

 Implemented API -650 11th Edition Addendum 1.
 Implemented API-653 4th Edition.
 Relocated \System & \Examples to %alluserprofile%.

 Implemented API -650 11th Edition.
 Added additional Bolt Tables TEMA Metric, BS3643, South African Bolt.
 Colorized the Output Report text to denote failures and highlights.

 Incorporated changes to address Addendum 4 API - 650 10th Edition.
 Incorporated changes to address Addendum 2 API - 653 3rd Edition.
 Added a Wind Parameter input dialog.
 Added several minor changes as requested by users.


 Added input fields and associated handling for insulation thickness and insulation density.
 Added many “text” changes to the output, to provide more information and detail.
 Added JIS structural steel shape library.
 Upgraded hardware lock to Aladdin’s latest HL key

 Incorporated the computations for Cycle Life from API-650 Appendix M.
 Included an alternate method to determine nozzle stiffnesses, from PVP-1279.
 Incorporated API-650 10th Edition, Addendum 3.
 Incorporated API-653 3rd Edition, Addendum 1.
 Revised the output processor, for easier usage.
 Since bolting data is now a required input, this dialog has been moved from the Seismic
section to the General Tank Data section.
 Incorporated the ability to check for web site updates.
 Revised documentation.

 Updated software to comply with API-650 10th Edition.
 Updated software to comply with API-653 3rd Edition.
 Added dynamic tank sizing control to the sizing scratch-pad.

 Added functionality allowing TANK output to be sent to Microsoft Word increasing formatting
capabilities.
 Added [D]efault buttons to the Configuration dialog enabling users to reset the directive to its
default value with a single click.
 Modified the Error Checker module to notify users of fatal errors when run in batch mode.
 Simplified use of user-defined materials. The user material file no longer needs to be
manually merged with the software supplied material database. This operation is performed
in memory by the input processor when necessary.
 Added Animated Tutorials to the Help menu.
 Added on-line software registration. This provides better capability to notify users of
software updates.


 Corrosion is now considered in Section E.4.6.
 The materials of API-650 Table 3-2 have been modified according to Addendum 1.
 The default configuration has been modified to include uplift due to pressure in the
computations of Section E.6.1, as a result of Addendum 1.
 Re-digitization of the curves in Figures E.2 through E.4

 Compliance with API-650 10th Edition.
 Compliance with API-653 2nd Edition, Addendum 3.
 Incorporated API-2000 venting computations.
 Modified API-620 sloshing wave height in accordance with latest API-620 revision.
Version 1.60 / 2.00 Changes (1/99)

 Conversion to native Windows application
 Incorporation of HTML help system
 On-line documentation
API-650 Changes:
 The material database has been updated to reflect the changes to Table 3-2. This involved
removing both A442 materials.
 Appendix F no longer forces a redesign utilizing Appendix A.
 Appendix I changed the equation for the maximum deflection by raising a term in the
denominator to the 3rd power.
 Section 3.4.2 has been incorporated, which insures that the bottom plate diameter is at least
D + 2 inches.
 A modification has been made to the implementation of Section 3.5.2, to include the bottom
shell course thickness.
 Allowances have been made to enable metric jobs to utilize 6 mm plate as the minimum
thickness instead of 0.25 inch plate.
API-653 Changes:
 The equations for determining the allowable stress have been modified as per the recent
addendum.
 Incorporated a recent Code Interpretation stating that the Appendix M reduction factor
should be applied to both terms in the allowable stress determination.

 Modified the basic thickness equation in accordance with the recent addendum (it no longer
subtracts 1 foot from the fluid height).
 Incorporated the new computations for the allowed hydrotest height.
 Modified the allowed settlement measurement points from 30 ft to 32 ft around the
circumference, in accordance with the recent addendum.

 API-653 Addendum 1 updates (December 1996) incorporated. Note, this addendum
changes the equation used in computing the allowable stress for the thickness design of
shell courses 1 and 2.
 Added Double-I beams to AISC structural database.
 Added roof-plate corrosion allowance and center column cap diameter to roof input
spreadsheet.
 Added multiple structural steel databases (includes five overseas databases).
 Allowances for “user specified” time/date stamps on output reports.

 API-650 Addendum 3 updates (December 1996) incorporated.
 Grillage computations per API-650 Appendix I added.
 Configuration option for considering corroded shell in Appendix F computations.
 Modifications for the “Year 2000” have been incorporated.
 Two modifications were made to the shell course duplication logic. First, versions prior to
1.50 did not duplicate material properties on new shell courses added to an existing input
file. This ability has been added for Version 1.50.
 The second modification allows the duplication of the corrosion allowance to the upper
courses to be stopped by entering a value of zero. Previous versions treated zero as a
blank, permitting the duplication of the corrosion from lower courses.
 Activating API-650 Appendix A or API-653 for thickness computations, now causes a
“warning message” to be generated if the joint efficiency is left as 1.0 on the General Tank
Data Spreadsheet.
 A change made in the determination of the bottom shell course thickness for use in Section
E.5.3 has resulted in an increase in the actual compressive stress and a decrease in the
corresponding allowable stress.


 API-650 9th Edition, Addendum 2 changes incorporated.
 Considerations for Stainless Steels according to the new Appendix S (API-650) have been
added.
 API-653 2nd Edition Updates included.
 API-653 Table 2-3 implemented for annular base plates.
 Configuration option for consideration of internal pressure in the computation of shell course
thicknesses added.
 Configuration option for specifying the multiple to be used in selecting the number of anchor
bolts added.
 Modifications to file management and module communication to allow multiple users in the
same working directory.
 Plotting of the results of the supported cone roof design added.

 Anchor Bolt Corrosion specification has been added.
 Bold design procedure for Section 3.11 added.
 Shell course thicknesses on input can be left blank, the program defaults to the minimum
thicknesses of Table 3.6.1.1.
 Additional input data checks incorporated into the Error Check module.
 Additional tests in the supported cone roof design module.
 New support routines for ESLs (hardware locks) incorporated.
 Input cells highlighted for easier visualization.
 “Variable Point” location reported.
 Consideration of Section 17.3.8 added.
 Bolt design references to standard bolt size table.

 API-650 Addendum 1 updates incorporated.
 Mouse support has been added to all modules.
 Addition of a User specified thickness round-off increment.
 A tank sizing/costing scratch-pad is available.
 A material database editor is provided.
 Structural element checks per API-650 Section 3.10.3 are implemented for the design of
Supported Cone roofs.

 The maximum area for frangible joints as per API-650 3.10.2.5.3 is reported.
 Top angle sizing per API-650 Section 3.1.5.9.e has been added.
 Wind girder size selection per API-650 Table 3-22 has been added.
 Theoretical height of sloshing wave (for Seismic events) determined as per
API-620 L.8.1.
 The weight of the bottom and annular base plates is now determined and included in the
weight summary. Additionally the weights for operating, test, and empty conditions are
reported.
 API-653 service/maintenance considerations added by allowing individual shell course joint
efficiencies and critical length locations to be specified.
 API-653 minimum thickness of bottom plate per 2.4.7.1 added.

 Roof design/analysis of Supported Cone roofs according to the procedures set forth in
Brownell & Young.
 Library of structural shapes provided to facilitate roof design. This library includes the
standard AISC shapes as well as double channels and pipe cross sections.
 Plotting of the nozzle limiting load interaction diagrams for compliance to API-650 Appendix
P.
 Expanded nozzle input for up to 15 low tank nozzles. Input also allows the specification of
the nozzle weight and external piping loads.
 Specification and incorporation of anchor bolt offsets for API-650 Section 3.11 and Appendix
E computations.
 PCX images inverted to facilitate insertion of graphics images into documents and reports.

 Computations according to API-650 Section 3.11 for Wind Overturning Stability have been
added.
 Anchorage design/analysis according to API-650 Appendix E Section E.6 added.
 Automatic generation of nozzle material modulus and expansion coefficient according to
API-650 Appendix Table P-1 added.
 The nozzle flexibility computations for API-650 Appendix P have been enhanced to
interpolate between the L/2a=1.0 and L/2a=1.5 curves. Version 1.0 used one or the other set
of curves, there was no interpolation between curves.
 Nozzle flexibility analysis can optionally consider a reinforcing pad on the tank shell.
 For API-653 analysis, an additional output table for “Retiring Thicknesses” and “Remaining
Corrosion Allowances” has been added.
 For API-653 runs, a configuration directive has been added to allow a “corroded” hydrotest
case.

 Several “network specific” enhancements have been made to the program. This includes
changes to the file manager to recognize discontiguous disk drives, a network hardware
lock, and a segregation of program and system files.
 A new loader is available to provide diagnostic capabilities from the Main Menu.
 The configuration program has been modified to track user changes, which enables the
program to warn the user when an ESC is attempted without saving the data file.
 A batch stream processor has been added to enable the processing of multiple jobs.
 The input and output modules support a “pop-up” calculator for on-screen computations.
The calculator supports the basic four math operations, trigonometric functions, squares,
and square roots.
 Several new configuration directives have been added. These new directives allow the
specification of the default wind pressure for Section 3.11, and the setting of the default
output report generation parameters.
 An additional "English" units file is provided. This units file, MPH.FIL defines the wind speed
in units of miles per hour.

Index
Bottom, Pre 3rd Edition Tab • 45
* Build a Tank • 102
Build Version Checker • 94
* ASTM Standards • 143
* CSA Standards • 144
* Duplex Stainless Steels (Temperature C
Dependent) • 145 carbon steels • 17
* ISO 630 • 144 Check the Input for Errors • 106
* National Standards • 144 Complete the Error Check Phase • 107
* Stainless Steels (Temperature computation control • 79
Dependent) • 144 Computation Control • 79
* Unknown For API-653 • 145 configuration • 78
Configuration • 78
2 configuration file • 78
Copy a Material • 92
2D Plot Panel • 77 cost • 72
2D View • 127 CRC Check • 94, 95
Create 3D PDF Files • 77
3 Create a new units file • 85
3D View • 125 Create a New Units File • 84
current codes • 10
Cycle Life • 68
A
Access Registry Details through the ESL •
98
D
Add a New Material • 91 Database Definitions • 83
allowable stresses • 109 Define the Roof Specifications • 105
Analyze Panel • 75 Define the Shell Courses • 104
Analyze the Tank • 108 Define the Tank Data • 103
anchor bolt • 31 Delete a Material • 92
Anchor Bolt and Gusset Details Tab • 28 diagnostic message • 108
API Data Set • 138 Diagnostics Menu • 94
API-2000 • 12 Diagnostics Tab • 94
API-2000 6th Ed. Venting Calcs • 121 DLL files • 94
API-650 App V External Pressure • 123 DLL Version Checker • 94
API-650 Bolting Report • 122
API-650 Cycle Life Output • 122 E
API-653 Settlement Evaluation • 121 earthquake data • 31
Appendix A - Program File List • 136 Edit a Material • 91
Appendix B - Standard Units Systems • 140 Edit an existing units file • 86
Appendix C - List of Materials • 143 Edit Panel • 15
Appendix D - Default Configuration English Text Set • 138
Directives • 146 Error Checker • 75, 106
Appendix E - Selected References • 147 Error Checker LOG File • 115
Appendix F - Revision History • 148 error message • 106
Error Review • 96
B Error Review Module • 94
batch stream processor • 78 ESL fax update • 97
Bottom, Post 3rd Ed. Tab • 44 ESL Menu • 97

Index
ESL phone update • 97 L

ESL Tab • 97
local graphics • 127
Example Problem A_WC • 133
Example Problem APP_K • 133
Example Problem APP_P • 134 M
Example Problem B&Y • 134 Main Set • 136
Example Problem EXTERN01 • 134 Manual Shell Course Specification Tab • 46
Example Problem KOCZWARA • 134 material data base editor • 78
Example Problem O_WC • 133 material database • 17
Example Problem SEIS01 • 135 Material Database Editor • 86
Example Problem SSC1 • 134 material files • 83
Example Problem SSTEST1 • 134 Material Panel (Material Database Editor) •
Example Problem TEST1 • 134 90
Examples • 133 Material Properties Dialog Box • 23
Examples Data Set • 139 Material Selection Dialog Box • 25
External Pressure • 43 Merge Custom Materials with the TANK
Material Database • 93
F message file • 78, 108
MRU list • 14
File Panel • 15
File Panel (Material Database Editor) • 90
File Tab • 14 N
File Tab (Material Database Editor) • 89 nozzle flexibility • 109
fluid heights • 109 Nozzle Flexibility & Load Results • 120
nozzle interaction diagrams • 130
G Nozzle Stiffnesses • 33
General Roof Specs Tab • 48
General Tank Data • 17 O
Generate Output Reports • 111 optimum cosine curve • 109
Girder Rings Tab • 64 Options Tab • 123
grillage • 67 output reports • 111
Grillage Review • 67
P
H PDF Header • 113
Help & Error Processing Set • 137 Plot Nozzle Specifications • 130
Help Panel (Material Database Editor) • 93 Plot Shell Settlements • 129
Help Tab • 100 Plot Tank Elevations • 129
Home Tab • 14 Program Capabilities • 10
Home Tab (Material Database Editor) • 89 program files • 108, 136
HTML help system • 100 Program Scanner • 95
I R
Input Data • 102 registration • 100
input file • 12 Report List Tab • 113
Input Menu • 12 roof • 48
Input Panel • 16 roof data • 48
Inspection Data • 44 roof evaluation • 117
Introduction • 10 Roof Evaluation/Design & Appendix F • 117
roof sketch • 132
J Roof Specifications • 48
Job Title Page • 114

Index
S Version 1.10 Changes (6/94) • 155

Version 1.20 Changes (11/94) • 155
scratchpad • 72
Scratchpad Panel • 72
seismic • 109
Seismic Analysis Results • 120
seismic data • 31
Seismic Data Specifications • 31
Version 1.60 / 2.00 Changes (1/99) • 152
settlement • 109
settlement dialog • 69
Shell Courses Tab • 25
shell settlement • 129
Shell Settlement • 69
Solution Module TXT File • 115
Solution Overview • 109
stainless steels • 17
Starting TANK • 103
supported cone roof • 48
Supported Cone Roof Data Tab • 54
Supported Cone Roof Sketches • 132
T Version 7.00 Changes (12/14) • 148
Tank Data Tab • 18 View the Graphics Output • 124
TANK Input • 12 View the Material Database Status • 94
TANK Interface • 13
tank nozzles • 33 W
TANK Program Files • 108
warning messages • 106
Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad • 72
What's New in TANK 2016 • 7
Tank Sizing/Costing Scratchpad Dialog Box
wind • 109
• 74
Wind Details Tab • 27
tank sketch • 129
wind girder • 109
technical support • 100
wind pressure • 79
thicknesses • 109
Wind, Material, Thickness & Weights • 116
Tip of the Day • 100
Title Page Panel • 16
tool bar • 16
Tools Tab • 78
U
units • 17, 111, 140
Units File Dialog Box • 85
units files • 78, 83
Units Panel • 77
Use the Output Processor • 111
User Input Data • 114
Utilities menu • 108
V
venting calculations • 109
Venting Data • 12, 70
Venting Requirements • 70

Manual Tank 2016

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Manual Tank 2016

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

TANK

Version 2016 (8.0)

U.S. Government Restricted Rights Legend

TANK User's Guide 2

TANK User's Guide 3

TANK Interface ........................................................................................................................................... 13

Build a Tank ............................................................................................................................................. 102

TANK User's Guide 4

Options Tab .................................................................................................................................. 123

Examples .................................................................................................................................................. 133

Appendix A - Program File List .............................................................................................................. 136

Appendix B - Standard Units Systems .................................................................................................. 140

Appendix C - List of Materials ................................................................................................................ 143

Appendix D - Default Configuration Directives .................................................................................... 146

Appendix E - Selected References ........................................................................................................ 147

Appendix F - Revision History ............................................................................................................... 148

TANK User's Guide 5

Version 3.00 Changes (11/07) ............................................................................................................ 150

Index ......................................................................................................................................................... 157

TANK User's Guide 6

TANK User's Guide 7

TANK User's Guide 8

TANK User's Guide 9

TANK User's Guide 10

TANK User's Guide 11

TANK User's Guide 12

TANK User's Guide 13

Open - Opens an existing TANK (.tki) file.

Recent - Displays recently-opened files and folder. Select a file to open.

Save - Saves the open .tki file.

Save As - Saves the open .tki file with a new name.

Print Setup - Selects a printer and printer options.

Preview/Print - Previews and prints the graphics in the open file.

Help - Displays help, getting started, contact information, and version

System Folder - Opens the System folder in Windows Explorer.

Backup Folder - Opens the Backup folder in Windows Explorer. The

Exit - Closes the software.

File Provides file management commands, such as Open, Save,

TANK User's Guide 14

Input Provides commands to add input data to a tank. For more

Analyze Provides commands for analyzing the tank. For more

New - Creates a new TANK (.tki) file.

Open - Opens an existing TANK file.

Save - Saves the TANK file.

TANK User's Guide 15

Title Page Panel

TANK User's Guide 16

General Tank Data

TANK User's Guide 17

Tank Data Tab

API Design Code

TANK User's Guide 18

course thickness evaluation, as described below:

TANK User's Guide 19

Standard Edition & Joint Type Joint Efficiency Applicability or

API-650 7th & Later Butt 1.00 Basic Standard

(1980-Presen Butt 0.85 Appendix A - Spot

Butt 0.70 Appendix A - No RT

1st - 6th Butt 0.85 Basic Standard

(1961-1978) Butt 1.00 Appendices D&G

API-12C 14th & 15th Butt 0.85

3rd-13th Lap (a) 0.75 3/8 inch max t

1st & 2nd Lap (a) 0.70 7/16 inch max t

Butt (c) 0.85