TAM700 Appurtenance Design

700 Appurtenance Design
Abstract
This section provides guidance in the selection and design of appurtenances for all
aboveground atmospheric storage tanks that have cone roofs or floating roofs. It
includes internal and external tank features required to operate tanks in typical
services, and provides guidelines on the installation of appurtenances. It excludes
appurtenances on underground, refrigerated and pressure storage tanks.
Contents Page
710 General Considerations 700-3

720 Shell Manways, Nozzles, Cleanouts 700-5
721 Shell Manways
722 Nozzles
723 Cleanouts
730 Roof Appurtenances 700-10
731 Cone Roof Appurtenances
732 Floating Roof Appurtenances
733 Internal Floating Roof Appurtenances
740 Vapor Relief and Vents 700-20
741 Venting Requirement for Fixed Roof Tanks
742 Open Vents
743 Breather Valves
744 Emergency Venting for Fixed Roof Tanks
745 Venting on Floating Roof Tanks
746 Miscellaneous Concerns
750 Internal Appurtenances 700-27
751 Diffusers
752 Swing Pipes
753 Anti-channel Baffles
Chevron Corporation 700-1 July 2000

700 Appurtenance Design Tank Manual
760 Connecting Lines 700-33

761 Flexibility Requirement
762 Methods for Providing Flexibility
763 Support for Shell Attachments
764 Initial Fill and Final Draw
765 Miscellaneous Considerations
770 Gauging and Sampling 700-38
771 Tank Gauging
772 Gauge Hatches
773 Sample Hatches
774 Sampling Systems
780 Mixers 700-41
781 Propeller-type Mixer
782 Driver Horsepower Determination
783 Mixer Specifications and Data Sheets
784 Mixing Nozzles
785 Miscellaneous Mixing Methods
790 Access Structures 700-48
791 Circular Stairs
792 Straight Stair Access and Platforms
793 Wind Girders As Walkways
794 Gauging Platforms
795 Rolling Ladders for Floating Roofs
796 Access Ladders
July 2000 700-2 Chevron Corporation

Tank Manual 700 Appurtenance Design
710 General Considerations

Company Drawings and Data Sheets
Augmenting Section 700 are Appendix A and Company standard drawings, devel-
oped because no suitable API or manufacturers’ standards existed. Additional draw-
ings referenced in Section 700 and developed by Operating Companies are also
included in this manual.
Data Sheets TAM-DS-967 and TAM-DS-968 are located after their respective
specification (TAM-MS-967, TAM-MS-968). These forms list commonly used tank
appurtenances. They serve both as a checklist when selecting appurtenances and as
a schedule by which these appurtenances can be specified in a tank purchase
contract.
API Standards
Section 3 of API Standard 650 includes design data for most tank appurtenances.
Except as modified in this manual, the Company uses API 650’s design data for the
appurtenances listed below. The numbers in parentheses refer to paragraphs in
API 650.
• Shell manways (3.7.5)
• Shell nozzles and flanges (3.7.6)
• Flush-type cleanout fittings (3.7.7)
• Flush-type shell connections (3.7.8)
• Roof manways (3.8.4)
• Roof nozzles (flanged and threaded) (3.8.5)
• Draw-off sump (3.8.7)
• Scaffold cable support (3.8.8)
• Under-bottom connections (Appendix O)
Manufacturers’ Standards
Some manufacturers have developed certain tank appurtenances that are accepted as
standards by the industry. Examples are gauging devices (gauge hatches of various
types, automatic gauges), breather valves and floating roof fittings.
In the selection of any accessories, the user’s desires must also be considered. The
availability of maintenance, spare parts or simply operator preference may dictate
the selection of some items.
Layout Considerations
In addition to listing all the components to be provided with a given tank,
TAM-DS-967 and TAM-DS-968 also provide space for laying out the
appurtenances. Although each tank job is different, the relative locations of most
appurtenances with respect to each other is standard. Figures 700-1 and 700-2
provide guidance with layout.

Fig. 700-1
External Floating Roof Tank, Typical Relative Location of Appurtenances (of use with TAM-DS-968)
35(9$,/,1* :,1'
:,7+ 5(63(&7
:,1' *,5'(5 127 6+2:1 522) 72 67$,56 9(176
9$&880
%5($.(5 ),567 0,;(5 +(5( 27+(56
/2&$7(' 3(5 9(1'25
5(&200(1'$7,216
3217221 ,163(&7,21
0$1+2/(6 *$8*(56 3/$7)250
),567 522) 0$1+2/( +(5( *$8*( +$7&+
&/26( 72 /$''(5 27+(56 $&&(66,%/( )520
/2&$7(' 1($5 6+(// 0$1+2/(6 *$8*(56 3/$7)250
52//,1* /$''(5
)2$0 5,6(5
522) '5$,1 6803
(0(5*(1&<
522) '5$,1
)/2$7,1*
68&7,21
672&. 287/(7 /,1( $872 *$8*(

),567 0$1+2/( +(5(
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$7 /2: 32,17
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:,1' *,5'(5
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)/(;,%/(
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/(9(/ )25 ($6< $&&(66
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0,1,080 3(5 $3,
While laying out tank accessories it is sometimes possible to effect savings by

doubling up on the use of an appurtenance. For example, a roof manway with
appropriate cover or hatch may also serve as a gauge inspection hatch or an
emergency vent hatch.

Fig. 700-2 Internal Floating Roof Tank, Typical Relative Location of Appurtenances (of use with TAM-DS-968)
),567 522) 9(17 ,1 &(17(5 35(9$,/,1* :,1'
$/,*1 27+(56 :,7+ *$8*(56 3/$7)250 :,7+ 5(63(&7
72 0,1,0,=( /,)7,1* 2) 6&$))2/' 72 67$,56 9(176
&$%/( '85,1* 0$,17(1$1&(
),567 0,;(5 +(5( 27+(56
/2&$7(' :,7+ 9(1'25
*$8*( +$7&+
*$8*(56 3/$7)250
+$1' 5$,/6
72(%2$5'6
6&$))2/'
6833257
)/2$7,1*
68&7,21
0$1+2/( 29(5
)/2$7,1* 68&7,21
27+(56 (9(1/<
63$&('
$872 *$8*(
:$7(5 '5$: $7
/2: 32,17
),567 0$1+2/( +(5(
27+(56 (9(1/< 63$&('
672&. 287/(7 /,1(
672&. ),// /,1(

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/(9(/ )25 ($6<
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0,1,080
3(5 $3,
720 Shell Manways, Nozzles, Cleanouts

This section discusses shell manways, nozzles and water draws, and openings such
as cleanout nozzles and door sheets.

721 Shell Manways

API standards specify manways in sizes of 20, 24, 30 and 36 inches. The API
specification has two attachment details for manways as shown in Figure 3-4A of
API 650. Most commonly used sizes are 30- and 36-inch round manways. Larger
manways are necessary for installation of heaters, access for cleaning and repair
materials, and installation of membranes. Manways should be evenly spaced around
the tank. The usual practice is to provide the number of shell manways shown in
Figure 700-3.
Fig. 700-3 Number of Shell Manways Needed

Tank Diameter, ft. Number of Manways
up to 20 1
20 to 100 2
100 to 160 3
over 160 at least 4
Chevron recommends at least 1 - 24" x 36" shell manway be installed on any tank
over 30’ in diameter (additional shell manways can be 24"). This will allow tools
and equipment, especially swing pipe joints, to be moved through the shell. (Up to
8-inch joints can be conveniently moved through this size manway.) This manway is
used also on cone roof tanks when a larger shell accessway is required. See Stan-
dard Drawings GB-D1285 and GB-D1286.
722 Nozzles
Shell Nozzles
Nozzle Types. The Company uses API standards for shell nozzles (see Figure 3-5 of
API 650). Nozzle sizes ¾ inch to 2 inches are normally made from standard
threaded half or whole couplings. Nozzles over 2 inches are normally flanged.
Nozzle Placement. API 650 provides for two nozzle heights, regular and low (see
Table 3-6 of API 650). Generally, nozzles should be placed as low as possible to
allow maximum tank operating capacity and yet provide sufficient height for rein-
forcing pads. Nozzles 3" and above shall have re-pads. All nozzles 2 inches and
larger should be flanged.
The API standard nozzle dimensions provide minimum clearance between the tank
shell and nozzle flange faces. This clearance may not be enough in some cases. For
example, on insulated tanks enough clearance is needed between the insulation
jacket and valve handle to allow safe operation of the valve. As an absolute
minimum, all nozzle projections must be sufficient to permit removal of a standard
length stud bolt from the backside of the flange. Additional projections are required
on some nozzles to allow for a weld-o-let for Thermal Relief Connection (see
“Thermal Relief Connections” on the next page).

In specifying double-flanged nozzles, it is important to specify the internal flange

bolt hole orientation. Some commonly used equipment, such as 10-inch and
12-inch Staytite swing line joints, have non-standard flange bolt hole orientation.
This will affect the internal nozzle flange design.
Details of an internal elbow outlet for use in cone roof tanks are given on Standard
Drawing GC-D99627 and GB-D1317. This outlet permits withdrawal of tank
contents to a lower liquid level and checks vortex formation at high flow rates.
A concern in floating roof tanks is that the velocity of stock during initial tank
filling, with the roof in low position, can damage the roof seals. This can be
prevented with the use of a diffuser placed on the end of the fill line. Examples of
diffusers can be seen in Standard Drawings GC-D1283, GB-D1314, GB-D1315, and
GB-D1316.
Shell nozzles flush with the tank bottom are available and are primarily used with
floating roof tanks to permit maximum lowering of roofs when swing lines or
mixers do not limit roof position. Figures 3-9, 3-10 and 3-11 of API 650 provide
design details.
Thermal Relief Connections. On all flanged external nozzle necks, space should
be routinely provided for a 1-inch connection mounted on top, midway between the
tank shell and the back surface of the flange. This connection provides a point for
discharge of thermal relief valves. See Figure 700-4. The nipple between the boss
and the psv block valve should be bridge welded for strength.
Adding Shell Nozzles to Existing Tanks. Occasionally there may be advantages or
a need to install a new nozzle or other appurtenance on an existing tank shell
without taking the tank out of service. Using proper procedures and precautions, this
can be accomplished by hot tapping. A detailed procedure is included in
Section 1100 of this manual. Hot tapping should be used as a last resort.
An alternative which should not be overlooked, but is not commonly used, is the
possibility of installing the required new nozzle on a manway cover. The
advantages, if operationally feasible, are the ability to remove the manway cover to
the shop where quality of alteration work can be tested, and the elimination of
hazardous work in the tank area. However, the engineer must make sure that the
newly installed nozzle or piping does not block manway access.
Bottom Nozzles
Bottom nozzles are used when oil/water separation is not expected, as with product
surge tanks; or not desired, as with some crude oil transfer tanks.
API 650, Appendix O, “Recommended Practice for Under-Bottom Connections,”
gives recommendations to consider for the design and construction of under-bottom
nozzles. They are offered as an outline of good practice and to point out certain
precautions to consider with foundations, subgrades, and tank settlement.
Standard Drawings GD-D1070 and GC-D1074 give design details for large
diameter bottom inlet/outlet nozzles that can operate at high flow rates without
vortex formation.

Fig. 700-4 Typical Thermal Relief Valve Connections
The sump and nozzle flush with tank bottom, on GC-D1074, is advantageous with
floating roof tanks.
Where maximum separation of stock and water is desired, such as in custody
transfer tanks, a sludge dam can be installed to hold back bottom sediment and
water. This dam is shown as a detail on Standard Drawing GD-D1070. However,
this design must include a separate water draw to de-water the area outside the dam.
Water Draws
Syphon-type Water Draw. The separation of stock and water in most tanks
requires a means of periodically removing bottom water. Standard Drawing
GC-D31732 illustrates siphon-type water draws mounted in the tank shell. This
method is used where it is not necessary to have a permanent connection in the tank
bottom for water draw or cleaning (marketing tanks are an example). The syphon-
type water draw has the advantage of being non-freezing since the draw-off pipe
and valve contain product after water is drawn. It also eliminates the need for a
catch basin inside the tank.
Draw-off Sump. API 650, Figure 3-18, provides a standard for draw-off sumps
located near the edge of tanks. This type has some advantage where it is desired to

use larger lines than are offered by Standard Drawing GC-D31732. Marketing has
modified the draw-off sump to accept the gauge ladder. (See Standard Drawing
GB-D1321.)
Bottom-mounted Water Draw. Standard Drawing GC-D1049 provides design
details for a bottom mounted water draw. This drawoff is satisfactory for tanks in
which there is little sludge accumulation. Generally, a 6-inch or 8-inch draw is used
on 40-foot-diameter tanks and larger, and a 4-inch or smaller draw on tanks under
40 feet. Where heavy sludge is expected, the minimum recommended size is
8 inches. The elbow should be protected by a concrete catch basin, similar to
Standard Drawing GB-S78986 or GC-Q78677.
Where a bottom cleanout is needed for a tank, the combination cleanout and water
draw shown on Standard Drawing GC-D1132 can be used. Again, a concrete catch
basin is required.
Other Uses for Water Draws. Tank water draws can have uses other than periodic
removal of water. Where buildup of static electricity during the initial filling of an
empty tank is of concern, the stock can be started into the tank through the water
draw nozzle. This reduces the turbulence of the stock. This is usually only effective
on smaller diameter tanks. Velocity of incoming product needs to remain below
3 ft./sec. until the liquid level is above the stock inlet nozzle, then it can then be put
into service with only the stock inlet nozzle.
The water draw can also be used for removal of the last stock from a tank that is
being completely emptied. When the tank is opened the stock level will be lower
than it would be if the tank were emptied through the discharge nozzle. This can
also be performed by using a separate low pump-out nozzle.
723 Cleanouts
Nozzles
Figure 3-9 of API 650 gives design details for flanged tank cleanout nozzles
installed flush with the tank bottom. Large flush-type cleanouts are expensive and
should be installed only when frequent cleaning of heavy sludge deposits is
anticipated. For this purpose either Standard API 36-inch × 48-inch or 48-inch × 48-
inch cleanouts should be used. Note that these larger API cleanouts may not
conveniently serve the function of a manway because of the large number of bolts
and extreme weight of the cover.
For most services, the combination cleanout and water draw-off shown on Standard
Drawing GC-D1132 will serve just as well as Standard API 8-inch × 16-inch and
24-inch × 24-inch flush cleanout nozzles and is more economical. A concrete catch
basin is required to protect the cleanout/draw-off nozzle.
Note that in areas where vacuum equipment which operates through a tank nozzle or
manway is available, cleanout nozzles may not be required.

Door Sheets
A door sheet is used when large equipment is required for cleaning operations or
when tank is undergoing major repairs (bottom, floating roof, etc.). This is an
expensive item because of high first cost and maintenance, and should be used only
when justified by a particular cleaning problem. It consists of a large hole in the
bottom course of a tank covered by a larger sheet of the same thickness as the
bottom course and bolted in place. This is practical only with small to medium size
tanks that require frequent cleaning. The reinforcement required for a door sheet in
large tanks would be prohibitive. If the door sheet is flush with the tank bottom,
small leaks may be a potential problem.
On large tanks that seldom require cleaning, or for extensive tank repair or
modifications, door sheets can be cut from, and rewelded into, the tank bottom
course. This method is discussed in Specification TAM-MS-2, Doorsheet Removal
and Reinstallation. When door sheets are installed, you need to ensure that the
criterion for API 653 are adhered to.
730 Roof Appurtenances

This section discusses appurtenances for cone roofs, floating roofs, and internal
floating roofs. Appurtenances discussed are manways and other accessways,
nozzles, drains, vents, roof support legs, ladders, lightning protection, pontoon
notches, roof positioners, and wax scrapers. These appurtenances are not used on all
three roof types.
731 Cone Roof Appurtenances

This section is limited to the actual roof openings and their uses. Discussion of tank
gauging, sampling and venting systems is covered in subsequent sections.
Cone Roof Manways

The primary function of roof manways is to provide a means for ventilating a tank
before and during entry by workers and to provide light while work is being done.
These manways may also be used as access to the end of swing pipes, an inspection
hatch for a tank gauge, or a base for emergency venting hatches.
Standard API Roof Manway. API 650, Figure 3-13, provides 20-inch and 24-inch
diameter roof manways. The 20-inch manway is satisfactory for most applications.
Figure 700-5 shows the number of roof manways needed to provide light and
ventilation. Manways should be evenly spaced around the tank periphery.

Fig. 700-5 Number of Roof Manways Needed

Tank Diameter, ft. Number of Manways
up to 60 0
60 to 100 1
100 to 160 2
over 160 at least 3
Rectangular Manway. For larger tanks a 24-inch × 36-inch manway is sometimes

preferred because it gives more light and ventilation and easier access during
maintenance. Standard Drawing GC-D78705 provides fabrication details. API 650
Figures 3-14 and 3-15 give details on flanged and hinged covers. From one to three
of these manways are usually installed, depending on tank diameter.
Window Sheets
A large roof opening (up to 5-foot × 8-foot) called a window sheet is sometimes
used. It permits lowering of large equipment through the roof and allows a large
amount of natural light and ventilation. Its construction is similar to the 24-inch ×
36-inch roof manway with a 4-inch angle frame for additional reinforcement.
On tanks that will seldom be opened, cold cutting and patching of the roof may be
an economical alternative.
Gauge Float Inspection Hatch

A gauge float inspection hatch is required for interior inspection of the tank gauge
and float only if an opening is not otherwise provided for the purpose.
Manufacturers’ standard hatches are generally satisfactory. When a tank roof is to
be insulated, specify the hatch height to be at least 4 inches.
API Roof Nozzles

Flanged roof nozzles are used for gauge hatches, sampling, inspection openings and
the mounting of tank vents. Roof nozzle heights given in Figures 3-16 and 3-17 of
API 650 are not satisfactory for mounting of tank vents. When roof nozzles are
intended for use with venting equipment, the height of the nozzles should be
increased as shown on data sheet TAM-DS-967. When a threaded nozzle is
required, the API standard heights shall be used, but threads must be specified
instead of the flange. Screwed couplings are not recommended as nozzles.
732 Floating Roof Appurtenances

This section is limited to discussion of the accessories and appurtenances needed for
operation and maintenance of the floating roof. Discussion of gauging and fire
fighting systems is covered in subsequent sections.

Manways
Pontoon Inspection. These manways are required to provide access for inspection
of each pontoon interior. The 20-inch diameter manways should be provided with
covers that are gasketed to be liquid tight and held in place by bolting or, preferably,
other means suitable for quick removal without tools.
Covers should be equipped with a welded vent pipe no less than 1-inch nominal
diameter, extending to the same height as the leg sleeve (allows for maximum fill
height) and terminating in a manner to prevent the entry of rain. Manways are some-
times provided with higher trunks as an added precaution against flooding of
pontoons in case the roof is flooded. An acceptable design developed at El Segundo
is included in the OPCO Drawings section (SD-121856).
Tank Access. API 650, Figure 3-13 illustrates 20-inch and 24-inch diameter roof
manways. Larger manways (30-inch or 36-inch diameter) can be specified to
provide better access for crew and equipment. Floating roofs need the same number
of manways as cone roofs. See Figure 700-5.
Manways should be evenly spaced around the tank periphery except, with three or
more manways, one of them should be located close to the center of the roof.
One manway should always be at least 36 inches in diameter and be provided with
brackets that will allow a portable wooden ladder to be tied off while the tank is
open for inspection or maintenance.
If there is no rolling ladder access to the floating roof, at least one manway should
have a 30-inch diameter two-way cover that can be opened from the top or bottom.
Details of the cover connection are shown in Figure 700-6.
Fig. 700-6 Two-way Cover Assembly, Detail
An additional option for convenience and safety is to provide the 36-inch manway
with a permanently installed steel ladder that will reach to within 6 inches of the
tank bottom when the roof is on low legs. An El Segundo Refinery drawing
(SA-121158) is included in the OPCO Drawings section. This option will not work
if the floating roof has multiple leg settings.

Shell “Seal” Plates for Manways. When pontoon notches are used on floating
roofs equipped with wax scrapers, the cutting edge of the scrapers or the roof seal
may come below the top of shell manways when the roof is in its low position. This
arrangement can cause the scraper to get caught in the manway opening or the seal
to be damaged. The use of shell seal plates will eliminate this possibility.
Seal plates are light plates bent to the shell curvature to fill the upper portion of the
manway opening. They are attached to the manway cover with gusset plates.
The manway cover should be marked on its outer surface so that the position of the
seal plate is correctly indexed when the cover is bolted up.
Roof Drains
Open-type. Open ended emergency drains and open siphon drains may be used
only on double-deck or high deck roofs where the lowest point of the roof is always
above the stock level. Both types of drain permit rainwater to drain into the stock
and drop to the tank bottom; hence, contact between water and stock must be
permissible.
Proper functioning depends upon difference in specific gravity; stock with a density
very close to or greater than that of water cannot be stored with an open drain.
Before choosing these types of drain, the engineer should consider the possibility
that the tank may hold different types of stocks during its life.
Open emergency drains (Figure 700-7) for double deck roofs are insurance against
the sinking of roofs due to plugging of closed roof drains. A minimum of three
should be installed, and should be evenly spaced on the roof. The top of the drain
should be approximately 6 inches above the lowest point on the roof surface and the
open end should extend at least 6 inches into the stock.
Fig. 700-7 Emergency Roof Drain

To minimize stock evaporation the drains can be fitted with a removable flexible
seal that allows accumulated rainwater to drain while preventing vapor loss.
Fabrication details are shown on Standard Drawing GB-D1131.
Do not install siphon-type drains. They are designed to be an alternative to closed
pipe drains. Two types are currently in use by the Marketing Department in gasoline
service—mercury seal and water seal. Neither gives truly satisfactory performance
and they are being replaced with closed roof drains. The mercury seal is subject to
loss of mercury during heavy rainfall and the water seal must be regularly attended.
Loss of the seal in both cases results in the tank venting to the atmosphere and
possible deck flooding on single deck roofs.
Closed-type. Closed drains are required on all external floating roofs. Two types are
in common use; flexible pipe and swing jointed pipe. Both the swing-jointed and
flexible pipe drains are acceptable for closed drain systems where the stock temper-
atures do not drop below 32 F. The minimum recommended size is 3-inch diameter.
Generally the swing-jointed pipe drains are more expensive than the flexible pipe
drains in the smaller sizes. A rule of thumb for flexible pipe is: for pipe sizes less
than or equal to 4 inches, flexible pipe will be less expensive than the comparable
carbon steel pipe. For sizes greater than 4 inches, the flexible pipe is more
expensive than the comparable carbon steel pipe.
For tanks over 120 feet in diameter, multiple drains (3 minimum) should be used to
alleviate ponding on the roof caused by spot loading of the roof ladder (one drain
must be provided below the rolling ladder), or natural warpage.
Closed Flexible Pipe Drains. Flexible pipe drains have gained wide acceptance in
the industry and are used extensively. The Company has had good experience with
Coflexip flexible pipe. This system has a woven stainless steel carcass covered by
an outer nylon or other elastomer sheath. The Coflexip literature notes that the
nylon swells slightly in benzene at temperatures above 100°F. This swelling can
lead to attack by aldehydes, which will deteriorate the outer sheath. Hoses should
have a fluoro-elastomer cover to protect against aromatic deterioration.
Manufacturer should provide drawings that show layout and details of flexible pipe
roof drains. Standard Drawing GD-D1072 shows layout and details for a Mesa
Industries system, but Chevron has experienced problems with this type of system.
A possible variation of flexible pipe roof drains that can be considered for severe
services in tanks larger than 70 feet in diameter is the flexible solid steel pipe drain
patented by Pittsburgh-Des Moines, Inc. for use primarily in the pipeline industry.
However, the Company has no experience with this design at the present. The
engineer should investigate industry-wide experience before adopting this design.
Potential advantages are the elimination of chemical incompatibility, complete
system drainage and possible lower cost.
Closed Swing Jointed Pipe Drains. Joints can be of the central or offset type.
Standard Drawing GD-D1130 shows two designs using ball bearing swivel joints.

Vendor details for the connection of the drain line to the roof drain basin should be
carefully reviewed. Richmond had a roof drain nozzle failure on a 750,000-barrel
tank due to a poorly designed support.
Swivel joints require careful alignment during installation to ensure that the joint
will not leak after the tank is in service. Also, the roof should be centered to avoid
subjecting the assembly to forces during normal operation.
A disadvantage of rigid pipe drains is that as the roof elevation changes a nominal
side thrust is always imposed, which tends to move the roof off center.
An acceptable manufacturer of central-type swivel joints is Chicksan with Brundage
external seals. There has also been good experience with the Shand & Jurs offset
swivel joints in 3-inch to 24-inch sizes.
Swivel joints should always be purchased with Ni-Resist bushings. The standard
brass and bronze bushings are eventually attacked by any NaOH in the stock,
become difficult to operate and develop leaks.
Roof Support Legs

A number of removable and/or adjustable legs extending through sleeves in the
floating roof are required to support the roof in two landed positions. The high
position is used for maintenance access and should provide a minimum of 6½ feet
of clearance under the roof. Higher legs are often desirable for shell maintenance
such as coating. The low position is the minimum operating level of the roof as
dictated by the existence of internal appurtenances such as mixers, swing lines,
piping, etc. Care should be taken when laying out appurtenances to allow at least
2 feet of clearance between support legs and swing pipes, sumps, roof drains, etc.
There are two basic designs for roof support legs: fixed and adjustable.
Fixed Legs. This category includes both fixed low legs and removable high legs.
The sleeves are made long enough to support the roof in its lowest operating
position. Removable legs support the roof in its high position. They are often
fastened to the low leg sleeves by a pin. The pinhole on the low leg sleeve should be
at least 1½ pipe diameters below the top to provide adequate mechanical support for
the pin. These legs are normally stored in racks mounted on the tank roof. The
number and location of the racks should balance the various loadings (including
rolling ladder) on the floating roof.
When the removable high legs are pulled, the low legs must be capped including the
pinholes used for supporting the high legs, in areas where required by air quality
regulations. Standard Drawing GB-D1084 shows a recommended leg cap design.
The leg caps reduce emissions due to evaporation as well as contamination of the
tank contents. Figure 700-8 illustrates the design of fixed legs.
All legs and sleeves should be carbon steel. Four-inch Schedule 40 sleeves are
commonly used. Although some locations select four-inch Schedule 80 sleeves for a
tighter fit. The best size of legs is 3-inch Schedule 40, for ease in handling and
strength. The sleeves should extend far enough above the roof deck to prevent
product escaping and the entry of accumulated rainwater. Sleeves through the single

Fig. 700-8 Floating Roof, Vapor-tight Seal for Two-position Legs
deck sections of the roof should be reinforced with gusset plates. For details of leg
sleeve reinforcement, see drawing SB-121488 in the OPCO Drawings of this
manual. All removable legs should be identical and should be fitted with a stop to
prevent their dropping through the sleeves during installation.
In all cases, both the high and low legs should rest uniformly on the tank bottom.
The bottom should be protected by minimum 14-inch round, 3/8-inch thick pads,
welded all around to the bottom plate with ¼-inch fillet welds.
Adjustable Support Legs. The support legs are adjustable through short sleeves
from the top side of the roof to either the low operating position or the high
maintenance position. The legs are always in place within the sleeves. The
necessary clearance between the leg and the sleeve is an uncontrollable source of
evaporation unless taped or temporarily sealed. This design is less costly than the
fixed low leg design. However, corrosion in the annular space between the sleeve

and leg is always a problem, making leg movement difficult or sometimes

impossible.
Rolling Ladders
All external floating roofs greater than 30 feet in diameter or 20 feet in height
should be equipped with a rolling ladder. The maximum angle between the rolling
ladder stringers and the horizontal when the roof is on its low legs should be 65
degrees. If this angle limitation cannot be met due to the diameter-to-height ratio,
the roof should be equipped with an elevated rolling ladder track and platform, with
a stairway from the platform to the roof deck. See Section 790 for specific design
information.
Miscellaneous Roof Appurtenances

Lightning Protection. Lightning-caused fires are a major concern in the annular
space between the shoes of a floating roof tank and the shell. Such fires normally
occur with roof designs having the hanger mechanism in a vapor space. The use of
electrical bonding with roof seals to reduce the risk is discussed in detail in
Section 430 and shown on Standard Drawing GB-D1082.
Pontoon Notches. Pontoon notches are indentations fabricated into the underside of
the roof at locations along its periphery where mixers and internal nozzles limit the
low position of the roof. Standard Drawing GD-D1071 illustrates typical
applications. The depth of the notch should not be great enough to interfere with the
continuity of the roof seal assembly.
Avoid raising the roof seal assembly in order to achieve a deeper pontoon notch. To
do so creates a vapor space between the seal and the liquid level and makes the seal
less able to control vapor emissions.
The design vertical clearance for the propeller of a mixer or the top of an interior
appurtenance should be at least 6 inches. The notch width should also take into
account the possible future installation of a variable angle mixer.
Roof Positioners. In areas of high wind or where the tank contents are turbulent
while filling, floating roofs tend to rotate. This tendency can be countered by adding
roof positioners attached at intervals to the periphery. See Figure 700-9. Other
devices such as the gauge pole can act as an anti-rotational device.
Wax Scrapers. A few stocks, primarily certain crude oils, contain a large amount of
wax. This wax congeals on tank shells, which are cooler than the stock in the tank.
When the floating roof is low, solar heat causes the wax to melt and run down onto
the roof. This situation is costly, both from the loss of stock and the frequent
cleanup cost.
Wax scrapers (devices mounted below the roof) can be installed to remove the wax
from the shell as the roof lowers. The heated stock in the tank will then return the
wax to solution. Wax scrapers should be designed to direct the wax back into the
tank and not between the shell and seal system. Preferable features in a wax scraper
design provide for:

Fig. 700-9 Bazooka-type Roof Positioner
• A clean space separating the scraper blade and the bottom edge of the seal
assembly. This space permits the wax scraped from the shell to fall back into
tank stock.
• The capability of absorbing radial, circumferential, and vertical movements of
the roof without detriment to the wax scraping operation, roof or wax scraper
equipment.
• Resistance to potential mechanical damage when the wax deposit is too hard or
too thick for the scraper to remove.
Internal tank surfaces that could damage or prevent efficient operation of the wax
scraper system include:
• Protrusions such as clips, rivet heads, lapped seams, nozzles, manway openings
without false faces flush with the shell, shell mounted nozzles, clips and
supports.
• Thick encrusted wax buildup not removed before the scraper is installed.
733 Internal Floating Roof Appurtenances

This section discusses internal roof appurtenances only. Gauging and fire protection
systems are discussed elsewhere.
Manways
Manway requirements for fixed roofs on internal floating roof tanks are similar to
those for cone roof tanks. API 650, Appendix H specifies at least one 24-inch diam-
eter manway is to be supplied. A larger manway is required for ladder access to
internal floating roofs.

The floating roof should have at least one 24-inch manway installed. On steel roofs,
a 30-inch manway is preferred. Good practice is to install a roof manway near each
shell manway for ease of roof top access. At least one manway should be designed
to be removable from below. Loose manway covers are acceptable if the height of
the neck is sufficient to prevent stock from flowing onto the roof.
Drains
At least one roof drain on steel roofs and one per section of aluminum roof should
be installed to handle condensation and stock blown past the seal system. Roof
drains should extend at least 4 inches into the stock. These drains are similar to
emergency drains on external floating roofs.
Vents
Floating Roof. The roof must be supplied with vacuum-only breather vents. These
vents must be adequate to relieve any vacuum created underneath the roof after it
settles on its supports during withdrawal operations.
Fixed Roof. API 650, Appendix H Paragraph 6.2.2 lists specific requirements for
circulation vents.
With the use of removable weather shields, the tank circulation vents that are open
to the atmosphere can double as inspection hatches for the internal floating roof
and seal.
For new tanks air circulation vents are generally mounted on the roof. Older tanks
had roofs supported on stilts above the shell (similar to a chimney cap) providing
approximately an 8-inch to 10-inch gap between roof and top of shell. This gap was
used for both air circulation and protection against overfilling.
Grounding
To avoid static buildup, the internal floating roof should be electrically bonded to
the tank by flexible cables from the tank fixed roof, or bottom. All movable metal
parts, such as column sliding cover plates and loose manway covers, should be
bonded to the floating roof. Grounding is discussed in more detail in Section 800 of
this manual, and in Section 900 of the Electrical Manual.
Support Legs
The internal floating roof is normally supplied with adjustable support legs of
carbon steel. The legs should be high enough so the bottom edge of the roof or seal
assembly clears the top of the shell manways, or, if height is not adequate, shell seal
plates can be installed in the manway.
Requirements for reinforcement, sealing and clearance from internal appurtenances
are the same as for external floating roofs.

Shell Overflow
The shell should have one or more overflow openings to prevent the internal roof
from touching the fixed roof. The openings should be sized to handle the maximum
tank filling rate, and be provided with wire mesh screen and rain hoods.
Anti-Rotation Devices
Tanks with only one roof column should be supplied with a means to keep the
internal floating roof from rotating. This can be the gaugewell pipe for small steel
internal floating roof or aluminum IFR, or a vertical ¼-inch stainless steel aircraft
cable secured to the fixed roof and bottom. The cable should pass through a
stainless steel sleeve mounted in the internal floating roof.
740 Vapor Relief and Vents

This section discusses venting and vacuum relief on cone roof tanks. It also
discusses briefly vacuum relief on floating roof tanks. The discussions include:
• Venting requirements for fixed roof tanks
• Open vents (fixed roof tanks)
• Breather valves (fixed roof tanks)
• Emergency venting for fixed roof tanks
• Venting and vacuum relief on floating roof tanks
• Miscellaneous concerns
It does not discuss vapor relief systems in detail.
741 Venting Requirement for Fixed Roof Tanks

Normal venting is caused by filling and thermal expansion while vacuum conditions
are caused by pumpout and thermal contraction. Emergency venting occurs when
the fixed roof tank is exposed to fire. Fixed roof tanks must be designed for both
normal and emergency venting.
API Standard 2000, “Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks,”
discusses the design criteria for pressure and vacuum relief in cone roof tanks.
Engineers should refer to this standard when sizing the pressure and vacuum relief
equipment. API Standard 2000 also contains guidelines for thermal venting. Venting
equipment should be sized to handle the combined thermal, stock vaporization (in
the case of filling of low flash point stock), and stock movement effects. Consult
vendors when selecting the size of venting and vacuum relief equipment.
All cone roof tanks require some kind of venting, whether the tank is being filled,
drained, or is idle. It is common to vent tanks based on the fill and drainage
requirements but, sometimes the thermal requirements are overlooked. Depending
on the difference between the day and night temperatures, the thermal effect on the
tank can cause damage due to overpressuring or creating a vacuum and sucking in
the tank shell. It is important to insure that adequate venting is always provided and
that the vents are kept in working order and are not blinded off during tank

maintenance. Tanks have been damaged due to thermal contraction by blinding off
roof breather vents during tank maintenance work.
During filling, tanks need to be vented to insure that the internal pressure does not
exceed the design pressure of the tank. The breather valve pressure setting should be
set between 0.865"wc(0.5oz.) to a maximum of 1.75"wc(1.0oz) depending on the
design pressure of the tanks. We suggest the pressure settings be low enough to
prevent the roof plates from lifting off the rafters which would typically be about
0.865"wc(0.5oz) for a roof with a 3/16" plate. If the tank is gas blanketed the
pressure setting would have to be adjusted to approximately 1.75"wc(1.0oz.) to
accommodate an inert gas system pressure with a setting of approximately
0.865"wc(0.5oz.).
During draining, tanks need to be vented to insure that the internal vacuum does not
exceed the design of the tank. The breather valve vacuum setting should be set at
0.865"wc(0.5oz.). The tank breather valve vacuum settings should be set as low as
possible, typically 0.865"wc(0.5oz.) for most brands of breather valves.
For normal venting on fixed roof tanks, we use open vents or breather valves. These
are discussed in detail in Sections 742 and 743 respectively. For emergency venting,
we recommend that all new fixed roof tanks be constructed with frangible roof
joints. See Section 744 for a discussion on frangible roof joints and other types of
emergency venting equipment. See also Section 420 for design information.
Multiple Vents
Multiple vents should be avoided. If the venting capacity requires multiple vents,
they must be located adjacent to and within 6 feet of each other to prevent cross
venting. Cross venting is the circulation of air from one vent to another. It occurs
when vents are located far apart from each other and wind blows across them
creating a differential pressure across the tank. It should be prevented because it will
draw an excess amount of air into the tank and may dilute the hydrocarbon vapor
space to within explosive limits.
Single Vents
Single vents should be mounted on the highest point of a tank. This will minimize
stock loss due to venting since hydrocarbon is heavier than air. It will also reduce
vapor space corrosion at the center of the roof. Mounting the vent near the
gauging platform, to make it more convenient for maintenance access, should
be avoided. Installing a horizontal baffle below the vent nozzle provides a barrier
between the incoming air and the hydrocarbon vapor reducing the vapor loss.
Drawing GA-D1026 shows a typical baffle design.
742 Open Vents

(Fixed roof tanks and fixed roof portion of internal floating roof tanks, only)
Due to current environmental and safety concerns, open vents should only be used
as a last resort for venting tanks. See Section 743 for preferred venting devices.

Where vapor emission standard permits, open vents can be used for tanks that
handle high flash point stocks (flash point > 100°F), for heated tanks where the oil
storage temperature is below the oil flash point, for tanks with a capacity of less
than 59.5 bbl (2500 gal) used for the storage of any product, and for tanks with a
capacity of less than 3000 bbl (126,000 gal) used for the storage of crude oil.
Per API 2000, open vents with a flame-arresting device may be used in place of
p/v (pressure/vacuum) valves on tanks in which oil with a flash point below 100°F
is stored and on tanks containing oil which is heated above the flash point of the oil.
In sizing the vent nozzle on the tank, assess whether the tank may change its service
to handle lower flash point stocks (below 100°F) in the future. If so, the vent nozzle
should be sized for the larger vent size required. Consult vendor catalogs to size
open vent nozzles.
Open vent designs are simple. Figure 700-10 shows two versions. Open vents are
most susceptible to cross venting. If you must use multiple open vents, follow the
guidelines for multiple vents in Section 741.
Fig. 700-10 Typical Open Vent Designs
743 Breather Valves

(Fixed roof tanks only)
Breather valves, commonly referred to as p/v (pressure/vacuum) valves, are
designed to relieve excessive internal and external pressures in cone roof tanks.

They minimize the amount of venting and therefore reduce the vapor loss. P/v
valves are the preferred method of venting cone roof tanks storing oils within 20°F
of the oil’s flash point, or where fire and vapor-emission standards do not allow
open vents. They are usually set to begin opening at ½ ounce per square inch and be
fully open at 1½ ounce per square inch pressure or vacuum. Smaller tanks can
usually safely withstand higher working pressure and vacuum because of the use of
minimum-thickness materials normally specified for rigidity and other
considerations.
There are three types of p/v valves commonly available: solid/diaphragm pallet,
pilot-operated, and liquid seal valves. All p/v valves require periodic inspection and
maintenance.
• The solid pallet and diaphragm pallet valves are the recommended types of p/v
valves. They are very similar in design. They are available in either a side-by-
side pressure-vacuum arrangement or a stacked arrangement. Figure 700-11
shows a simplified sketch for each design. There is a throttle action on these
types of vents due to the valve design. They will begin to vent at the set point
and their venting capacity will increase as the differential pressure increases
and lifts the pallet higher. Therefore, in selecting these valves make sure that
the valve will achieve its designed venting capacity before the tank is over-
pressurized.
• Pilot operated valves are not recommended because the pilots can plug up.
• Liquid seal valves are not recommended. Mercury and water are the common
seal liquids used. With mercury seals, the loss of mercury can contaminate the
stock. With water seals, the seal level requires continuous maintenance. Both
require careful operation and upkeep without any significant improvement in
performance over the pallet-type valves.
Winterization
In locations where winter weather is severe, the design should specify freeze
resistant p/v valves. For existing facilities where valve modification is not feasible,
the operator can remove the pallet of the valves during winter. If there is more than
one valve on a single tank and they are within 6 feet of each other, remove all
pallets. Otherwise, remove the pallet from only one of the valves to prevent cross
venting. If ice fog is a concern, the operator should remove the suction and
discharge screen from the p/v valves to prevent plugging. This winterization should
be done before the onset of the freezing weather and then reversed in the spring
season.
Leakage
As with any other equipment, p/v valves must be periodically checked to ensure
their proper operation. Simple methods such as audio and visual observations and
odor (during warm days) can only detect gross leakage from a p/v valve. Per API
2521, a more meaningful test would be to cover the vent outlet with a deflated
plastic bag of known volume and then measure the leakage rate. In general, a p/v
valve is acceptable if the leakage is less than ½ cubic foot per hour for 6-inch and

Fig. 700-11 Solid Pallet and Diaphragm Pallet Valves
smaller vents and 5 cubic feet per hour for 8-inch and larger vents. However, the
plastic bag method is hard to conduct on windy days.
Commercial units are also available for testing vent leaks and set points. Call
vendors for the latest technical details.
744 Emergency Venting for Fixed Roof Tanks

When a fixed roof tank is exposed to fire or when the p/v valve fails, emergency
venting will be required. In the former case, the vent rate will be far in excess of the
normal thermal and stock movement vent rates. In either event, the construction of
the tank will determine whether additional venting capacity must be provided.
Frangible Roof Joint

For fixed roof tanks API Standard 2000 does not require any additional venting if
the roof-to-shell joint is weaker than the shell-to-shell and bottom-to-shell joints. In

case of over-pressurization, the roof-to-shell seam will part and thereby relieve the
internal pressure. API Standard 650 specifies the design requirements for a frangible
roof connection. The Company recommendation is described in Section 420. The
operator or tank inspector must check the tank bottom-to-shell joint regularly to
ensure that corrosion has not weakened that joint enough to cause it to become the
first joint to fail under excessive internal pressure.
If a tank is built inside a building or enclosure, a frangible roof joint is NOT an
acceptable means of providing emergency venting. Also, recognize that some
operating management philosophy and local ordinances do not consider a frangible
roof to be a means of emergency venting for 20-foot diameter or smaller tanks.
For tanks in hot service or service where it is possible the tank will be filled with a
lighter than normal stock, a dry-type pressure/vacuum manway cover should be
provided in addition to the frangible roof joint. Depending on size of tank, several
may be required.
Other Types of Emergency Vents

Existing fixed roof tanks without a frangible roof joint may need emergency vents if
the existing vent cannot handle the fire venting rate specified in API Standard 2000. It
can be provided by (1) altering the roof-to-shell joint so that it is a frangible roof
joint as specified in API 650 [this is not always possible on smaller tanks, that is
tanks less than 50’]; (2) installing a larger or additional p/v valve(s); or
(3) installing gauge hatch/manways with covers that are designed to lift under
abnormal internal and external pressure.
The best way to provide emergency venting is by using a dry-type pressure/vacuum
manway cover with elastomer seats. Many manufacturers have similar designs.
Figure 700-12 shows a simple sketch of such a cover.
Fig. 700-12 Emergency Pressure and Vacuum Relief Manway Cover Courtesy of Emerson
Electric Co., Varec Div.
The hatches are usually 20 or 24 inches in diameter and are normally set to begin
relieving at the same pressure that fully opens the breather valve.

745 Venting on Floating Roof Tanks

Floating roof tanks should not vent during normal operation. Venting only occurs on
initial filling (until the roof floats).
A vacuum condition may exist under the floating roof if pumpout continues after the
roof legs have reached the tank bottom. Roof vacuum breakers are normally
provided to allow air to enter during pumpout when the roof is at its lowest position.
The roof nozzle must not project below the underside of the roof to allow the proper
volume of air into the tank. The breaker should be sized for 125% of the maximum
pumpout rate to provide some margin of safety. See Figure 700-13.
Fig. 700-13 Vacuum Breaker Nozzle for Floating Roof

746 Miscellaneous Concerns

Flame Arrester
When an open vent is used on tanks that may contain flammable mixtures, a flame
arrester is normally provided to prevent flash-back into the tank. Several flame
arrester designs are available: wire mesh (40 mesh or finer), parallel metal plates,
and parallel tubes. The mesh-type arrester is least expensive but it is prone to
plugging and it is not as effective. Flame arrester requirements are discussed further
in Section 800 of this manual and in the Fire Protection Manual. The Health,
Environmental, and Loss Prevention staff should be consulted on designs related to
fire prevention facilities.
Vapor Recovery System

This system minimizes stock losses during normal venting of storage tanks. It
collects vapor from tanks and processes it to re-capture the hydrocarbon. A good
payout can be obtained if the vapor systems of groups of tanks are tied together.
Vapor recovery systems have sensitive pressure controls to remove vapor as
pressure builds up inside the tank. When the tank is under a vacuum, some systems
replenish the tanks with fuel gas or natural gases to exclude air entrance. Other
systems will just rely on vacuum breakers to fill the tanks with air. Figure 700-14
shows a typical system.
In installations where the vented gases may be hazardous, such as a sour water tank,
the design often manifolds the vents and routes the gas to a suitable location or to a
gas treatment facility.
750 Internal Appurtenances

This discussion is limited to diffusers, tank swing pipes, anti-channel baffles, and
related accessories. Internal heating coils are discussed in Section 1230, mixing pipe
and nozzles in Section 780 and water draws in Section 720.
751 Diffusers
Diffusers are internal lines connected to the fill nozzle with multiple openings along
the sides to reduce stock velocity as it enters the tank and distribute it with a
minimum of mixing or disturbance of the tank bottom sediment or water. By
keeping the product velocity to 3 ft./sec. or less, static electricity buildup and
mixing are minimized. Diffusers are used in tank services such as crude receiving,
effluent storage or wherever it is undesirable to mix tank contents during the filling
operation. Drawings GC-D1283, GB-D1314, GB-D1315, and GB-D1316 are
examples of different diffuser designs.

Fig. 700-14 Typical Stock Tank Vapor Recovery System
752 Swing Pipes

General Information
Swing pipes, sometimes called swing lines, are used in specific services where it is
desired to fill or withdraw from tanks at specific levels, or for special purposes such
as skimming or blending. With the swing pipe at intermediate positions or at the top
of the liquid level, it is possible to withdraw at upper tank levels and avoid bottom
sediment and water (BS & W). Swing pipes can be used in intermediate positions
while circulating tanks to blend products.
Tanks storing clean, homogeneous and dry stocks normally do not have swing
pipes. They are expensive, require maintenance and shouldn’t be installed without a
definite operating need.
Lay out tank internals so that other accessories (e.g., mixers) do not interfere with
the swing pipe mechanism and cables.
This section of the manual includes detailed designs of swing pipe assemblies used
by the Company. However, some tank suppliers have developed their own
standards. An example of this is the Matrix/Chevron Alliance design for floating
suction. If a supplier’s design can provide the same function, it is usually less
expensive than our own. Standard Drawing GB-D78881 provides guideline

standards for the installation of swing pipes in both cone roof and floating roof
tanks. The maximum uplift in floating roofs under normal operation should be less
than 900 lbs and less than 1600 lbs for hydrotest. The uplift is greatly affected by
specific gravity and should be checked any time there is a product change.
Design Details
Swing Joints. Standard Drawing GD-D99770 provides details for supporting the
swing joints. Balanced or central-type of StayTite swing joints are the industry
standard and are recommended for use on all swing pipes. The joints should be
supported from the shell. Manufacturers’ standard supports will be satisfactory if
they meet the criteria shown on the drawing. Swing joint bushings should be Ni-
Resist and not the standard brass or bronze, which is attacked by NaOH. The
pressure drop of the swing joint needs to be reviewed to ensure it is acceptable.
Cable. Cable must resist corrosion (from atmosphere and stock) and be serviceable
beyond the period between cleanouts (at least seven to ten years). In most cases,
galvanized plow-steel cable should be adequate. Corrosion is normally not a
problem in heavy oil service since oil coats and protects the cable. However, the
engineer must consider the corrosion potential for the section of the cable that is not
normally wetted by the stock. In gasoline or other light oil service, or if the cable is
subject to a humid or salt atmosphere, stainless steel cable may be warranted.
Winches. Winches should not be selected too close to their working limit. The
difference in cost between a 500-pound and a 2500-pound winch is minor. An
ample allowance should be made for frictional resistance. For small swing pipes that
might be handled by a 500-pound winch, or smaller, doubling the direct load to
allow for friction is not unreasonable. Larger winches are necessarily slower
operating. For very small swing pipes, a simple hand line and cleat may be used.
Position indicators may be obtained on winches at little extra cost and should be
calibrated in the field. Acceptable vendors are StayTite and Shand & Jurs.
Pontoons. Use judgement in sizing the pontoon floats on swing pipes. Pontoon size
is affected by the specific gravity of the tank stock, and changes in tank service
must be considered. Pontoons can be provided with proper buoyancy for more than
one service by partly filling them with ballast liquid when they are used with high
specific gravity stocks and draining them when low gravity stock is stored.
Form TAM-EF-901 gives a method for calculating the size and buoyancy of
pontoons.Vendor should also provide calculations for sizing pontoons. Note that in
floating roof tanks, the swing pipe generally dictates the lowest possible roof
position. Pontoon diameters should be kept to a minimum.
Cone Roof Swing Pipes

Cone roof swing pipes (Figure 700-15) are normally non-floating and can be
installed with the inlet facing up, down or straight. The selection depends on the
service: up — to guard against disturbing bottoms at low tank levels and down — to
avoid vortex or surface scum if it is desired to withdraw liquid from close to the
surface. Standard Drawing GD-D78882 illustrates the options and gives sizing
criteria.

Fig. 700-15 Cone Roof Tank—Elevation of Non-floating Swing Pipe
Cone roof cable sheave assemblies are required to pass cable through the roof and
down the side of the tank. These assemblies are available as prefabricated units.
Acceptable vendors are StayTite and Shand & Jurs.
In some situations (i.e., to reduce need for operator attention) floating swing pipes
may be preferred. Installation details are included on Standard Drawing GB-D78881.
Floating Roof Swing Pipes

The cable assembly in floating roof tanks (Figure 700-16) is more complicated.
Because of variable roof positions, the swing pipe is supported by floating pontoons
and will ride against the roof underside unless pulled to a lower position with the
cable and winch. The swing pipe inlet ell almost always opens downward. Design
alternatives are shown on Standard Drawing GD-D78882.
If necessary, there are two alternate methods of routing the swing pipe cable to the
upper sheave of floating roof tanks; up the inside of the tank through the roof seal or
up the outside of the tank through an external pipe. Routing the cable internally is a
lower cost alternative to external routing, but there have been instances of leaks
(with no way to stop or control the flow) where the cable enters the tank. In either
case, you need to ensure that there are no sharp edges that the cable can rub against;
this could result in the cable breaking and cause you to lose control of adjusting the
position of the swing pipe.

The initial cost of running the cable outside the tank is greater, but the integrity of
the roof seal is maintained. Also, cable loss due to wear and corrosion has been the
experience with older tanks that route the exposed cable up the inside of the tank.
Counterweights
Counterweights keep slack out of the cable and eliminate chances of fouling as the
roof is lowered. Whenever the bottom of the counterweight track is less than 7 feet
from the ground or working level, a guard is required per Standard Drawing
GC-D99795.
Experience has shown that cable counterweight assemblies are not needed in most
cases. The floating roof tanks in service without counterweights simply allow the
cable to coil loosely on the tank bottom as the roof is lowered. No problems have
been experienced to date with kinked or fouled cables.
753 Anti-channel Baffles

Chevron has developed a method to separate water-in-crude oil emulsions in field
treating tanks. These tanks use a system of three baffles to channel flow through the
tank in a manner that first causes water droplets to coalesce into a uniform water
layer on the bottom of the tank and then concentrates the “dry” oil at the outlet weir
near the top.
The tank baffle design has evolved over time, based on field trials in the heavy
crude fields of the San Joaquin Valley. A sample of this type of crude initially
appears to be a homogenous mixture of various dark colored oils. After some
settling time the sample will stratify, with sediments on the bottom, a layer of free
water in the middle, and a layer of emulsion on the top. The sediments and free
water can usually be separated from the emulsion by means of heat and residence
time. The remaining crude oil emulsion is generally semi-stable and resists
breakdown.
As shown in Figure 700-17, the crude oil emulsion enters a field “wash” tank (250
to 10,000 bbl.) and is directed under a knockout baffle. This baffle extends into the
separated water layer inside the tank. As the emulsion moves through this layer,
water molecules in the emulsion bond to the free water and are removed. Also, this
baffle has a slanted section slotted with small holes. Free oil is able to float through
these holes and build up an oil pad at the top of the tank.
The second baffle is positioned midway up the tank shell. It forces the remaining
emulsion to pass over it and through the oil layer. This time, oil molecules bond
together and free water sinks to the bottom. Free water is also able to move under
the second baffle to the water discharge nozzle.
The last baffle is positioned higher on the tank shell than the second baffle, although
they overlap. The last baffle concentrates the oil in one place where it passes over a
weir and is discharged from the tank. A tank manway is typically positioned over
the weir so that the height of the weir can be adjusted.

Fig. 700-16 Floating Roof Tank—Typical Swing Pipe Layout
Floating Roof Tank—Plan of Swing Pipe
Floating Roof Tank—Elevation of Swingline Pull-down Cable Assembly for Floating Pipe

Fig. 700-17 Anti-channel Baffle Arrangement
Baffles are typically attached to the tank shell. Supports also extend to the roof and
floor as shown in Figure 700-17.
The baffles are generally fabricated from plate steel. In the past, the tank interior,
including baffles, was usually epoxy coated at the fabricator’s facility. Recently,
however, precoated tanks have been accepted. In this case, the baffles are generally
precoated in a paint shop and bolted inside the tank. Coated baffles are more expen-
sive and will increase lead and erection time.
For a representative drawing of this baffle design, see Drawing E-SF-073-1 “Guide
for Baffle Installation in API Bolted and Welded Tanks, 250 bbl. to 10,000 bbl.”
This drawing is in the OPCO Drawings section of this manual.
760 Connecting Lines

This section discusses the basics of external tank piping. Discussions will include:
• Flexibility requirement for external piping connections,
• Common means to provide flexibility,
• Support for attachments to tank shell,
• Manifold design for initial fill and final draw, and
• Miscellaneous items such as thermal relief and valve accessibility.
Only specific concerns for tank connections will be covered. Refer to the Piping
Manual for details on piping design.

761 Flexibility Requirement

Flexibility in piping allows for relative movement between tank and pipes without
failure. Common causes of relative movement include:
• Differential settlement between tank and pipe supports,
• Seismic activities,
• Thermal expansion of the system due to solar heat and normal operations,
• Shell deflection due to stock movement, and
• Fire.
Unless more severe criteria are known for the specific location, external piping
design should have enough flexibility to allow a minimum of 3 inches of differential
movement in any direction.
This criterion is designed to provide adequate flexibility under extreme conditions
such as a fire or earthquake. In addition, there should be a sufficient surface slope
around the tank outlets to provide adequate drainage from those areas. This
minimizes the potential of small ground fire. Please refer to Section 300 for a
detailed discussion on foundation designs.
For new construction on soft soils, significant settlement may occur within a short
time after erection. If possible, the engineer should consider connecting the tank
after the “settle in” has occurred or else design the piping and support to allow
adjustment after settle in.
762 Methods for Providing Flexibility

The preferred way to provide flexibility is to absorb the movement in bending and
torsion of piping components. Although flexible joints and hoses can provide
flexibility, most flexible joints and all hoses are NOT acceptable for hydrocarbon
services. Consider them as a last resort for processes handling non-flammable
liquids. The engineer must consult with the Health, Environment and Safety group
before finalizing the design.
Piping Layout
Careful layout planning can normally provide adequate flexibility through torsion
and bending of pipes and fittings. Advantages of such a system include:
• Reduced possibility of leakage,
• Less maintenance,
• Lower cost, and
• Increased fire resistance.
The engineer should refer to the Piping Manual for details on the piping design. For
typical use the layouts shown on Figure 700-18 provide adequate flexibility to
absorb 3 inches of differential movement. The figure also gives a factor to adjust the
given pipe lengths if the anticipated movement is greater than 3 inches. If the
system layout does not conform to those shown on the figure or if the anticipated

movement is significantly more than 3 inches, the engineer should perform a

detailed piping analysis to ensure adequate flexibility. There are PC-based computer
programs available for such analysis. Please refer to the Piping Manual for details
on them. CRTC specialists can also provide assistance in analyzing piping systems.
Fig. 700-18 Piping Layout to Provide 3 Inches of Movement in Any Direction
Flanged valves and fittings are usually the weak links in a piping system and they
must be considered in analyzing overall system flexibility. Such analysis should also
consider the moment loads on flanges and tank nozzles. In general, a weld neck
flange is stronger than a slip-on flange and is preferable from a piping stress
standpoint. However, slip-on flanges are generally less expensive for larger sizes
and are commonly used for tank nozzles. They are also commonly used in locations
where available space restricts the use of weld neck flanges. Please refer to the
Piping Manual for details.
Reduced size valves are commonly used because of cost savings. However, the
engineer should check to make sure that the smaller valve can carry the moment of
the piping system. ANSI 150 class steel flanges (most commonly used flange rating
on atmospheric storage tanks) smaller than 12 inches are relatively weak compared

to same sized pipes and fittings. Therefore, reduced size valves 10 inches and
smaller are not recommended.
Flanged connections under bending can develop leaks and lead to gasket failures.
ASTM A-193, Grade B-7, (SAE 4140) alloy studs and bolts are recommended for
making up steel flanges. In sour services, ASTM A-193, Grade B7M bolts should
be used. The alloy bolts have adequate strength to take advantage of the full
allowable stress in the flange. However, the pipe fitters must exercise care during
installation not to overstress the flange. Use only one gasket in any flanged
connection. Under cyclic bending, multiple gaskets tend to loosen, leak, and
possibly blow out. This can cause major hazards during a fire. Refer to the Piping
Manual for details on bolts and gaskets.
Forged steel fittings are recommended over field-fabricated tee’s and mitered
elbows. The fabricated fitting intensifies the stress and reduces the system
flexibility. Refer to the Petroleum Refinery Piping Code ANSI B31.3 for typical
stress intensification factors. Forged steel fittings should have similar wall thickness
as the pipe to develop maximum flexibility in the joint.
Do not use cast iron valves in hydrocarbon services. Cast iron cracks easily when
quenched with water or when overstressed. This can cause significant fire hazards.
Always mount carbon or stainless steel valves on tank nozzles.
Avoid using rigid pipe supports between the first elbow and the tank. If a support
is necessary, consider using a height-adjustable support similar to that shown on
CIV-EF-799A, detail S7 in the Civil and Structural Manual.
Flexible Joints
Flexible joints should NOT be used in hydrocarbon service. If adequate flexibility
cannot be achieved by the piping layout, flexible joints can be considered as a last
resort. However, most of those joints rely on elastomers for sealing and are
vulnerable in a fire. Do not place them adjacent to a tank where they cannot be
safely isolated in an emergency. Prior to finalizing a design that uses flexible joints,
the engineer must review it with the Health, Environment and Safety group.
Standard Drawing GA-L1111 found in the Piping Manual shows the construction of
a lap-joint (or rotational) flange. This device is designed to allow the jointed pipes
to rotate relative to each other. A common design is to install a pair of joints as
shown on the drawing. The distance between the joints minimizes the angle of
rotation for a given displacement and minimizes the need for loosening and
re-tightening the joint frequently.
763 Support for Shell Attachments

Standard Drawing GD-D1070 gives some information for designing structural tie
rods that support large-diameter connecting lines or other cantilevered attachments
on tanks. Tables on the drawing give the maximum allowable vertical load on tie
rods for various tank shell thickness. For tank shells with a thickness other than
those listed, use the formula on the drawing to determine allowable loads.
Allowable loads are independent of tank diameter.

The allowable vertical loads given on the drawing are limited by the corresponding
radial loads on the shell. For supports with geometry different from those shown on
GD-D1070, the engineer must confirm that imposed radial loads do not exceed the
listed radial loads for a given tank shell thickness.
Appendix P of API 650 will allow you to check loads applied to shell nozzles for
large diameter tanks. For smaller diameter tanks WRC 297 should be used for the
shell nozzle. If limits are exceeded, Chevron recommends modifying piping
supports to reduce the applied loads so that it meets or exceeds Appendix P or
WRC 297 requirements.
764 Initial Fill and Final Draw

During initial fill through the regular fill nozzle the product will splash around the
tank bottom until the level is high enough to cover the fill nozzle and provide
adequate dampening. During this period, the high turbulence can cause static
electricity to accumulate in the stock, which can lead to fire hazards. It can also stir
up sediments on the tank bottom and contaminate the product. Designing for a fill
velocity of 3 ft./sec. or less will minimize static electricity buildup and mixing of
tank bottoms sediments. Similarly, during final draw, the tank cannot be emptied
below the draw nozzle. In some cases, the residual has to be manually removed.
(See Section 751 for diffuser designs for initial fill, and Section 722 for designs of
nozzles for final drawoff of product.)
765 Miscellaneous Considerations

Thermal Relief. It is important to consider the relief requirements for any piping
system. For tanks, the valves at the tank provide a means for blocking in the product
lines. Relief is required to accommodate expansion of the stock due to heating by
solar heat or heat tracing on the piping system. As discussed in Section 720 and
shown in Figure 700-4, a small connection on the tank nozzle provides a location
for thermal relief connection. Relief valve applications are discussed in the
Instrumentation and Control Manual.
Accessibility. In considering the layout of the external piping systems, the engineer
should take into account factors such as flange spacing, valve accessibility,
maintenance, and housekeeping requirements. It is often desirable to group process
lines together to minimize the operator’s movement. However, the operator must be
able readily to access all valves and be able to perform maintenance on them. Valves
under platforms must be operable from above or outside the platforms. Water draw
valves should have valve hand wheel extensions so valves can be safety operated.
Stiles are often used to provide access. The engineer should refer to the Safety in
Designs Manual for detailed guidelines.

770 Gauging and Sampling

This section discusses the gauging and sampling appurtenances commonly used on
cone roof and floating roof tanks. Discussions will include:
• Tank gauging
• Gauge hatches
• Sample hatches
• Sampling systems
771 Tank Gauging

Manual gauging systems are discussed here. For automatic gauging systems
(equipment design and selection) refer to Section 900 of this manual.
Instead of an autogauge, some of the older or smaller tanks have a simple float and
cable attached to a target board readout. Figure 700-19 shows a typical float-type
level indicator with a board readout. Normally the cable is located 36 inches from
the shell.
Other tanks may have only a hatch through which the operator manually does tank
gauging. On these tanks the datum plate on the tank bottom and reference point at
the top of the hatch (normally referred to as the hold off distance or HOD) allows
the operator to measure the liquid levels easily and accurately.
Method
Note It is most important to ground the tape throughout the gauging procedure to
avoid static electricity sparks.
The operator applies a hydrocarbon-soluble paste along the length of the tape where
liquid level is anticipated (1 foot). The tape is then lowered into the tank and the
entire section where the paste changes color is measured. This section is known as
“cut.” The difference between “cut” length and tape length lowered into the tank is
subtracted from the hold off distance to give stock level. This measurement is
accurate to within 1/8 inch.
The same procedure is used to measure water level, with a water soluble paste
applied to the end of the tape instead.
In both cases, the operator obtains the volume of stock via a level-volume table for
the tank. This table is provided by the tank calibrator.
772 Gauge Hatches

Gauge hatches provide access for manual tank gauging and in some cases for
sampling. However, measurements and sampling through solid gauge wells is not
accurate. On all gas tight tanks with breather valves (see Section 740), a
commercially available hinged gas tight cover or a gas tight gauge hatch, as in
Standard Drawing GD-D1083, should be used. Gauge wells are required on all

Fig. 700-19 Target Board Liquid Level Indicator Courtesy of the Protectoseal Company
floating roof tanks. They are also required on tanks where accurate (¼-inch) level
readings are necessary and for tanks ≥20 feet high. The gauge well helps to keep the
gauging tape vertical and can help prevent horizontal movement and rotation due to
internal stock movement or external forces.
Type of Gauge Well

It is recommended that slotted, not solid, gauge wells be used on all tanks. In the
past, solid gauge wells were used, especially on floating roof tanks where vapor

emission was a concern. However, experience has shown that they are not always
accurate. In instances where the gravity of the liquid in the tanks varies, the lighter
product will not be able to flow into a solid gauge well. Instead, it will displace
some heavier product into the gauge well. Due to the hydrostatic gradient, the liquid
level inside the gauge well will be lower than the true tank level. Operators have
over-filled tanks due to this. Refer to the following drawings for gauge well design:
Cone roof tanks GC-D99763
Floating roof tanks GF-D1133
Vapor Emission Problems

Where floating roof tanks are governed by air quality rules, slotted gauge wells may
cause a vapor emission problem. Placing a float plug inside the gauge well will
control vapor emission. The float plug must be removed by a cable during the
gauging operation. To avoid float “hang-up” as well as the possibility of jamming
the cable between the float and wall, removal of any weld burrs inside the well
(usually found at the joint seams) is recommended. Refer to Standard Drawing
GF-D1133.
Slotted gauge wells can also be used for sampling in place of a side sample system
or sample hatch, but the sample bottle may scrape off rust scale from the gauge well
and contaminate the stock.
773 Sample Hatches

Both floating roof and cone roof designs usually have one sample hatch located at
the gauging platform. In services of heavy sediment buildup (recovered oil or crude
oil, etc.), 2 to 5 additional sample hatches may be required: samples taken from
various hatches will ascertain when sediment level is unmanageable. Sample
hatches should have standpipes extending at least 6 inches below the roof with an
inverted funnel at the bottom to guide sample bottles.
Two types of hatches are commonly used: recoil-reel-operated (for floating roofs)
and funnel-type (for fixed or cone roofs). The recoil-reel-operated sample hatch (see
GD-D1083) at the gauging platform does not require roof access during sampling,
thereby eliminating the need for a backup operator. Funnel-type sample hatches are
designed to catch drips from gauge tapes and sample bottles. On floating roof tanks,
gas tight hatches shown on Standard Drawing GD-D1083 are used. For all fixed
roof tanks the design shown on Standard Drawing GC-D1136 should be used.
774 Sampling Systems

Stock samples preferably should be taken through sample hatches. If they are taken
through a gauge well, the sample bottle may scrape off rust scale accumulated on
the gauge well and contaminate the sample or the stock. Two additional sample
systems are discussed below.

Continuously Flushed Side Sampling System

Taps located at different heights of the tank are manifolded together at ground level
for easy operator access. A pump, also at ground level, circulates product from the
tap(s) back into the tank. Samples are then withdrawn via a slipstream of the
circulation return line. See Form TAM-EF-878. It is recommended that product
circulation occur for approximately 2 minutes before withdrawing a sample. This is
to ensure that any old stock left in the “tap legs” (pipe between tap and grade level)
is flushed into the tank and that fresh product is actually being circulated. In viscous
service, steam or electric tracing of the sample lines should be considered to prevent
plugging of lines.
A continuously flushed sample system is environmentally the best since no oil is
spilled before the sample is taken. Its two drawbacks are cost and product
contamination from rust and scale in the small sample lines.
Side-draw Valve System

In this system, taps are also located at different heights of the tank and are always
near the staircase for operator accessibility. Though this system is simpler and less
costly than the above-mentioned system, it is burdensome for the operator (he may
have to climb up and down tank staircases several times a shift) and spillage can
occur. Locating the taps at ground level is not a solution since adequate flushing of
the “tap legs” before sampling may not be assured.
780 Mixers
Fluids in tanks are mixed to prevent stock stratification and during tank
maintenance to clean the tank. This section discusses the various means of mixing
fluids in tanks. Discussions include:
• Propeller-type mixer
• Driver horsepower determination for propeller-type mixer
• Mixer specifications and data sheets
• Mixing nozzles
• Miscellaneous mixing methods
781 Propeller-type Mixer

The side entry propeller-type mixers are the most commonly used tank mixing
device. Side entry mixers are available with either a fixed-angle or a variable-angle
mount. Fixed-angle mixers are used to prevent stock stratification. The variable-
angle mount allows the mixer to rotate horizontally as much as 30 degrees to the
right and left of the manway access. This feature makes the mixer much more
effective in keeping sediments off of the tank bottom. The engineer should consult
with the vendor on the specifics of mixer angle. It is important to note that some
mixers are supported from the tank shell. Large bending forces can be introduced
into the tank shell as a result of this support style and should be addressed by the
engineer.

A mixer will induce high stock velocity and may result in erosion (or abrasive wear
where particulate is present in the product) of the steel plate around it. Using a
deflector stand (for fixed angle mixers) or wear plates on the bottom (for variable
angle mixers) and on the shell behind the propeller for both types of mixers, can
provide some protection to the tank shell and bottom. Standard Drawing GD-D1135
shows typical deflector plate and wear plate designs for both fixed and variable
angle mixers.
Mixers and internal nozzles may limit the low position of a floating roof. To relieve
this situation pontoon notches/indentations may be fabricated into the underside of
the roof. Larger (wider) roof cutouts are required for variable-angle mixers than for
fixed angle mixers. See Standard Drawing GD-D1071.
782 Driver Horsepower Determination

The mixer horsepower requirement depends on many variables—tank size, tank
shape, fluid properties such as viscosity, miscibility, and density difference, desired
mixing time, initial state of separation, propeller speed, size, location, number of
mixers used, just to name a few. Therefore, the horsepower determination is often
left to the vendor. However, this may complicate the bid evaluation considerably
since the proposed driver size may vary significantly. It is recommended that the
driver size be specified in the quotation request on the mixer data sheet (MAC-DS-
1854 in the General Machinery Manual) and that you ask vendors to propose an
alternate if they feel the specified driver size is inadequate.
There are two standard mixer propeller speeds, 420 RPM and 280 RPM. The 280
RPM mixers draw substantially less horsepower for a given job than 420 RPM
mixers. Figures 700-20 through 700-22 help determine mixer horsepower
requirements for various services. When using the three figures the engineer should
keep in mind the limitations listed next.
Limitations
Obtain horsepower requirements from mixer suppliers instead of the figures if:
• Viscosity of blend at mixing temperature is above 200 cs for Figure 700-20 and
above 1000 cp for Figure 700-22
• Tank size is above that shown on the figures
• Diameter-to-height ratio of tank is greater than 4 or less than 0.8
• Liquids are immiscible or have high density differences
• Slurries are to be mixed
• Vertical mixers are required
In addition, if the resultant horsepower from the figures is less than 0.2 HP per
1000 bbl of tank capacity, use 0.2 HP per 1000 bbl instead. If tank cleaning or
BS&W service is anticipated, the minimum horsepower should be 0.25 HP per
1000 bbl of tank capacity.

Discussion of Figure 700-20

This figure is the graph for determining the 420 RPM mixer horsepower require-
ment for gasoline blending. Sometimes the engineer must adjust the horsepower
requirement calculated from the graph. If the viscosity of the fluid is higher than
that of gasoline (kinematic viscosity of gasoline is generally less than 1 centistoke at
room temperature), use the formula in the figure to make adjustments.
Fig. 700-20 Horsepower Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 420 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service (1 of 2)
Determining Mixer Horsepower

Gasoline Service. For gasoline blending service determine mixer HP required directly from chart.
BS&W Service. For BS&W service (keeping bottom sediment and water in suspension) determine gasoline HP
required for 8-hour gasoline mixing and multiply by 0.85. In addition, correct for viscosity if required.
Viscous Oils. (Oil stocks with viscosity higher than gasoline) Determine HP for gasoline blending service and
correct for viscosity as follows:
 cs 
HP ( viscous ) = HP ( gaso. )  1 + -------- 
 400 
(Eq. 700-1)
where:
HP(gaso.) = HP from chart for gasoline service
cs = Viscosity of blend at mix temperature in centistokes (should be <200 cs to use this chart)
HP(viscous) = Total HP required at the blend viscosity
Asphalt Service. Refer to mixer supplier for HP recommendation.

Fig. 700-20 Horsepower Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 420 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service (2 of 2)
Example Problem. Two example problems are solved below for a 20,000-barrel tank.
1. Given: diameter = 60 ft.; height = 41 ft.
Liquid mixed is gasoline, mixing time is two hours.
Find: HP requirement for 2-hour 420 RPM mixing.
Solution: Read 16 HP from two-hour line on the chart, select 20 HP mixer or use 15 HP mixer if 2¼ hour mixing
time is acceptable.
2. Given: Same data as Example 1 except viscosity = 200 cs.

Find: HP required for 420 RPM mixing.
Solution: A. Same as Solution 1 for 16 HP
B. Apply viscosity correction:
 200 
HP ( viscous ) = 16 HP  1 + ---------  = 24 HP
 400 
(from Eq. 600-1)
Select a 25 HP mixer.
This figure shows the driver horsepower requirements for 280 RPM mixers for
services in which the tank is filled with the gasoline components prior to mixing.
This figure assumes a component density difference of no more than 7 degrees API. If
the density difference is higher, the engineer can use the insert graph to adjust the results.
Fig. 700-21 Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 280 RPM, Gasoline Blending Service

Fig. 700-22 Requirements for Side-entering Propeller Mixers, 280 RPM, Oil and Viscous Service
Mixer horsepower is calculated using these

charts from the general expression
HP = M × ( 1 ± Cv∆V ) CD
where:
M = Mixer horsepower at 400 CP viscosity
Total Mixer Horsepower (1)
and 10° API density variation read

directly from the chart
Cv = Viscosity correction factor from Table

I. Correction factor may be used for
10-1000 CP range.
∆V = Viscosity difference in centipoise

between the actual final viscosity and
the chart viscosity of 400 CP. If the
actual viscosity is greater than 400,
the sign of Cv is positive. If less than
400, the sign of Cv is negative. Do not
use for stocks with viscosity over
TANK CAPACITY - THOUSAND BARRELS
1000 CP (max. Cv = 600).
(1) Basis of 400 CP viscosity and 10° API Density variation CD = Density variation correction factor
from Table II
This figure shows the horsepower requirement for crude and other viscous service.
The following are assumptions incorporated into this figure:
• Component viscosity of 400 centipoise and a component density variation of no
more than 10 degrees API. The correction formula given in the figure can be
used to adjust the horsepower requirement if viscosity and/or density are
different. However, if any component viscosity is higher than 1000 centipoise,
the engineer should consult vendors on the horsepower requirement.
• Mixers are operated during tank fill and continue after filling for the specified
blend time. If mixers are only turned on after the tank is filled, use half of the
specified blend time to determine the horsepower requirement.
• A tank height (H) to tank diameter (D) ratio of the following:
Tank Capacity Maximum H/D Ratio
10,000 1.0
20,000 0.80
30,000 0.70
40,000 0.60

50,000 0.55
60,000 0.50
80,000 0.45
100,000 0.40
140,000 0.37
180,000 0.35
220,000 0.33
260,000 0.31
300,000—500,000 0.30
If the tank has a higher height-to-diameter ratio, the engineer should consult vendors
on the horsepower requirement.
Vendor Recommendations
Horsepower recommendations per Figures 700-20, 700-21, and 700-22 are given
only for side-entering propeller-type tank mixers and for viscosity ranges normally
encountered in refinery services. Mixer speeds other than 420 or 280 RPM are not
covered. For cases beyond the limitations of our data, we must rely on mixer
suppliers for their horsepower recommendations. In special cases such as heavy
slurry mixing, grease blending, etc., tests may be justified to determine the
horsepower required.
To ensure that the mixer will perform as expected, follow the vendor’s
recommendations for installation and operation. Areas where the recommendations
should be closely checked are:
• Grouping of mixers when more than one is used in a tank (internal obstructions
such as heaters and swing lines may influence mixer locations)
• Mixer shaft offset angle (usually 10 degrees and should complement the natural
circulation of the tank)
• Minimum gap between propeller and tank shell or bottom (minimum gap is
usually 3 to 8 inches)
Number of Mixers to Use. The number of mixers to be used in a given application
is a function of:
• Total mixing horsepower required
• Tank geometry
• Load carrying capabilities of tank manways
• Number of manways available
• Maximum horsepower of available mixers
In general, the advantage of using multiple smaller mixers versus one larger mixer
is that a lower pump-out level (i.e., less unavailable stock in tank) can be achieved.
This is because propeller diameter is smaller in the smaller mixers.

The advantage of using one mixer is that it is less expensive since fewer manways
will be required on the tank. For variable angle mixers, the advantage of using one
mixer versus multiple mixers is that an activator can be used. The activator
continuously changes the angle of the mixer while it is in operation. Two or more
activators could counter the mixing effectiveness.
783 Mixer Specifications and Data Sheets

NCM-EF-594 (in the Noise Control in Designs Manual) is the equipment noise data
sheet. Mixer noise at any location 3 feet from the mixer and its connected piping
should not exceed 85 dbA. Normally, mixer noise is not a problem. However, for
large mixers some acoustic treatment may be necessary. Form NCM-EF-594 should
accompany Form DS-1854 and Specification EG-1854 when purchasing a mixer.
Form DS-1854 is the data sheet for mechanical mixers. It covers most of the
operating data for a mixer. Use Specification EG-1854 for the standard purchase and
construction of mixers.
784 Mixing Nozzles

Mixing nozzles are another means of agitating fluids in tanks. This is normally done
by taking suction on the tank in the normal manner and manifolding the transfer
pump to recirculate the product through the mixing nozzles. The resultant jet
streams can be directed to agitate the product. This method is simple and the
equipment cost is minimal.
However, consider its limitations before you choose this method. Mixing nozzles
will create high turbulence in the product. This can cause static electricity to
accumulate on the surface of the product if there is free space above it. (A cone roof
tank without an internal floating roof would be vulnerable to this potential hazard.)
Depending on the product, the free space may be within the explosive range and can
be ignited by the discharge of static electricity. Before you decide to use mixing
nozzles, consider the present and any possible future applications of the tank to
make sure that the space above the product would not be within the explosive limits.
Since mixing nozzles can create potential hazards, we recommend their use only
when propeller-type mixer installation is prohibitive. Mixing nozzle vendors (e.g.,
Butterworth) should be contacted for sizing.
785 Miscellaneous Mixing Methods

Several other methods can also mix products in tanks. They are normally less
effective. However, because of their simplicity, they are practical for occasional
mixing needs.
Circulation Through Swing Pipe. For tanks equipped with swing pipes, mixing
can be done by circulating through it. Better mixing will result by raising and
lowering the swing pipe during the circulation.

Air Injection. Air injection will agitate the product and result in mixing. However,
the operator must be careful not to over-pressure the tank and cause tank failure.
Hydrocarbon emission is also a major concern that may prevent the operator from
using this method. This method is a common technique in the asphalt airblowing
process. It is also used in lube oil tanks.
790 Access Structures

This section covers means of access to the tops of tanks. Items covered are:
• Circular stairs
• Straight stair access and platforms
• Wind girders as walkways
• gauging platforms
• Rolling ladders for floating roofs
• Access ladders
The minimum Company requirements are discussed here. When laying out tank
access structures, make the necessary space allowances for appurtenances to avoid
interference in the future. The Safety in Designs Manual defines the minimum
Company safety requirements and should be consulted for further information.
Consult the Civil and Structural Manual, Section 340, and the Safety in Designs
Manual for information on the design of platforms to access tank manifolds.
791 Circular Stairs

Circular stairways are the most common form of access to the top of tanks.
Stairways are preferred in general over ladders since they provide good access to the
top of tanks to persons carrying tools, samples, and gauging equipment. They also
provide easy access for firefighting teams carrying heavy equipment.
Details of circular stairways are shown on Standard Drawing GF-D99639. Consult
the Safety in Designs Manual, Section 3, for stair dimensions.
The standard width of circular stairs is the required minimum width that must be
kept clear so that no appurtenances such as sample ports protrude into this space.
Figure 700-23 shows the tank shell area that a circular stairway will occupy. This
figure should be used in initial layouts of appurtenances so they won’t interfere with
the circular stairway, slight adjustments in the dimensions of the stairs are allowed
to allow proper attachment to landings. The Safety In Designs Manual has
additional information on circular stairways and should be reviewed.
Attaching Circular Stairway

Circular stairways are also preferred because they are the economical choice when
the stair treads can be welded directly to the tank shell thus eliminating one stringer.
Steel grating is the preferred material for stair treads because of its superior slip
resistance. All stair attachments must be completely seal welded to the tank shell to
prevent corrosion and rust streaks.

Fig. 700-23 Circular Stairway for a Tank
On tanks that are to be insulated, circular stairs should not be attached to the tank
shell at every tread. The stairs should be constructed with stringers on both sides
and periodic attachments of support to the tank shell. Enough clearance should be
provided for the installation of the insulation. If the clearance is more than 6 inches,
a handrail on the inside of the stairs will be required.
Specification TAM-MS-967 requires that on tanks of higher strength material the
stairs may be intermittently supported from the tank shell or supported from grade.
This allows for additional movement of the tank shell and requires special attention
to layout and construction of circular stairs.
Bottom Landings
The bottom landing of circular stairs must be a clear 30 inch-square area. This is
usually a problem because of the ringwall on tanks with a ringwall foundation. To
solve this, the layout should locate the bottom landing level with the top of the
ringwall, and the first stair step should be 6 to 12 inches (preferably 7¾ inches)
above the landing. Stair spacing is usually worked out by starting at the top of the
tank and working down to the bottom step. Drawing GF-D99639 shows typical
landings at the top of tanks. The step at the bottom of the stairs can be used for any
required adjustment. To minimize rework, it is best to construct the bottom pad after
tank erection and initial foundation settlement. Please consult the Safety In Designs
Manual for more details.

Intermediate Landings
Circular stairs on tanks do not require an intermediate landing (See Figure 3.18 of
the Safety and Designs Manual). Where the stair passes a wind girder, a landing
should be provided to allow access to the wind girder and to provide an interme-
diate landing. Specification TAM-MS-967 gives the design requirements for stair
and platform design.
Handrails
Handrail details are given on Standard Drawing GF-M99645 which can be found in
the Civil and Structural Manual. Handrails are required on the exterior side of
circular stairs and on the inside when the gap between the tank and the stairs
exceeds 6 inches.
792 Straight Stair Access and Platforms

Frequently it is more economical and desired by operators to have interconnecting
platforms on a series of small tanks that are reasonably close together. This can be
accomplished by having a circular stair access or a straight stair access to the main
entry point of a series of elevated platform walkways. Standard Drawing
GD-M13966 shows the typical details for straight stairs. This drawing can be found
in the Civil and Structural Manual. These stairs should have an intermediate
landing(s) unless they are considered to be of infrequent use. See the Safety in
Designs Manual, Figure 3.3. Straight stairs will usually require additional
freestanding support structures properly designed for lateral stability unless
attachment to the tank shell is possible. Attaching platforms to the tank roofs is not
desirable unless the tank roof has been specifically designed for the additional
walkway load.
Elevated walkways should be laid out to minimize up and down steps and
accessways. Keeping the walkways at the same elevation is much preferred, or as
second best, gradually increasing the elevation by steps at various points. The Safety
in Designs Manual has a good layout of tank platforms in Section 3. Note that if
platforms connect two or more tanks, a second means of egress is required. This can
be provided by a ladder at one end of the platform system intended for emergency
egress only. Standard Drawing GF-M88575 shows the details for ladders including
drop bars and cages. This drawing can be found in the Civil and Structural Manual.
793 Wind Girders As Walkways

Wind girders are needed near the top of open top tanks to provide stability to the
shell (see Section 530). Specification TAM-MS-967 requires that tanks with wind
girders have the wind girder placed 3½ feet below the top of the tank (unless a
geodesic dome is installed). This is so the wind girder can function as an emergency
walkway.
For a tank with a diameter greater than 120 feet, the Safety in Designs Manual
requires that the wind girder provide a clear walkway at least 24 inches wide and
that it have a handrail. The 24-inch width needs to be maintained around all

interferences. For example, the wind girder must be expanded around the area
where the main stairs penetrate it. Also allowances need to be made for the top
angle on the tank and the location of the handrail. Figure 3.18 in the Safety in
Designs Manual shows a good layout.
This also means that any appurtenances penetrating into the wind girder area such as
dry risers, gauging devices, etc. cannot just be placed into the walkway. All wind
girder attachments must be seal welded to avoid rust streaks. Standard Drawing
GF-M99645 shows typical handrail details. This drawing can be found in the Civil
and Structural Manual.
If a painter’s trolley is needed on the outside edge of the wind girder, the handrail
should be set back from the edge of the wind girder. It is important to state these
requirements when bidding a tank and to check these clearances during tank design.
794 Gauging Platforms

Gauging platforms are needed for access to the gauge well and can also be part of
the access platform to a rolling roof ladder. Standard Drawing GF-D99639 shows
layouts for gauging platforms. Note that the 24-inch clearance around the gauge
well is the minimum dimension and allowances should be made if other items will
be installed. Steel serrated grating is preferred for gauging platforms due to its
superior slip resistance. Typical layouts of gauging platforms and required
clearances are shown in the Safety in Designs Manual.
795 Rolling Ladders for Floating Roofs

A rolling ladder provides continuous safe access to a floating roof by changing its angle
of inclination as the roof moves up and down. The top of a rolling ladder is fixed at the
roof’s edge and the bottom travels along tracks on the floating roof. (See Figure 700-24.)
The Company typically uses a tank manufacturer’s standard designs; however, this
design should only be accepted after careful review. A minimum width of 30 inches
is required. Ladders with self leveling treads are preferred but they have a higher
initial cost and higher maintenance cost. What is commonly used is a ladder with
close-spaced, fixed position, double rungs 4 inches apart on 12-inch centers. This
type works but can be difficult to walk on. Treads of solid bar are preferred over
pipe treads which may corrode through. A non-skid coating on the treads is
recommended to improve slip resistance. It is also advisable to have two sets of
handrails on the rolling roof ladder. One handrail should be 3½ feet above the stair
treads and the other 2½ feet above the stair treads. This arrangement provides a rail
at approximately the correct height for most angles.
The ladder should be long enough to be no steeper than 65 degrees when the roof is
in its lowest position but not so long that it contacts the roof seals when the roof is
in its highest position. A handrail should be placed on top of the tank shell at the
free end of the rolling roof ladder if the ladder does get near the tank shell when the
roof is in its highest position. All rolling roof ladders should run on tracks on the
floating roof.

Fig. 700-24 Rolling Ladder for Floating Roof
Sometimes water puddles form where the ladder lands on the floating roof. This
needs to be considered and drainage provided, a slightly elevated walkway
provided, or additional buoyancy in the roof provided. The additional buoyancy can
disturb the tank roof drainage pattern so it must be done considering the different
locations of the rolling roof ladder.
796 Access Ladders

Ladders can be used for access to the top of small tanks that require infrequent
access. Details for ladders for tanks do not differ from general safety requirements.
A rest platform is required if the straight rise of the ladder is more than 30 feet.
Cages, drop bars and railing at the tank top are also required. All attachments to the
tank should be completely seal welded.
See the Safety in Designs Manual and Standard Drawing GF-M88575 for ladder
details and requirements. The Standard Drawing can be found in the Civil and
Structural Manual.

TAM700 Appurtenance Design

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700 Appurtenance Design

710 General Considerations 700-3

Chevron Corporation 700-1 July 2000

760 Connecting Lines 700-33

July 2000 700-2 Chevron Corporation

710 General Considerations

Chevron Corporation 700-3 July 2000

672&. 287/(7 /,1( $872 *$8*(

522) '5$,1 /,1(

While laying out tank accessories it is sometimes possible to effect savings by

July 2000 700-4 Chevron Corporation

672&. ),// /,1(

720 Shell Manways, Nozzles, Cleanouts

Chevron Corporation 700-5 July 2000

721 Shell Manways

Fig. 700-3 Number of Shell Manways Needed

July 2000 700-6 Chevron Corporation

In specifying double-flanged nozzles, it is important to specify the internal flange

Chevron Corporation 700-7 July 2000

Fig. 700-4 Typical Thermal Relief Valve Connections

July 2000 700-8 Chevron Corporation

Chevron Corporation 700-9 July 2000

730 Roof Appurtenances

731 Cone Roof Appurtenances

Cone Roof Manways

July 2000 700-10 Chevron Corporation

Fig. 700-5 Number of Roof Manways Needed

Rectangular Manway. For larger tanks a 24-inch × 36-inch manway is sometimes

Gauge Float Inspection Hatch

API Roof Nozzles

732 Floating Roof Appurtenances

Chevron Corporation 700-11 July 2000

Fig. 700-6 Two-way Cover Assembly, Detail

July 2000 700-12 Chevron Corporation

Fig. 700-7 Emergency Roof Drain

Chevron Corporation 700-13 July 2000

July 2000 700-14 Chevron Corporation

Roof Support Legs

Chevron Corporation 700-15 July 2000

Fig. 700-8 Floating Roof, Vapor-tight Seal for Two-position Legs

July 2000 700-16 Chevron Corporation

and leg is always a problem, making leg movement difficult or sometimes

Miscellaneous Roof Appurtenances

Chevron Corporation 700-17 July 2000

Fig. 700-9 Bazooka-type Roof Positioner

733 Internal Floating Roof Appurtenances

July 2000 700-18 Chevron Corporation

Chevron Corporation 700-19 July 2000

740 Vapor Relief and Vents

741 Venting Requirement for Fixed Roof Tanks

July 2000 700-20 Chevron Corporation

742 Open Vents

Chevron Corporation 700-21 July 2000

Fig. 700-10 Typical Open Vent Designs

743 Breather Valves

July 2000 700-22 Chevron Corporation

Chevron Corporation 700-23 July 2000

Fig. 700-11 Solid Pallet and Diaphragm Pallet Valves

744 Emergency Venting for Fixed Roof Tanks

Frangible Roof Joint

July 2000 700-24 Chevron Corporation

Other Types of Emergency Vents

Chevron Corporation 700-25 July 2000

745 Venting on Floating Roof Tanks

672&. 287/(7 /,1( $872 $8(