04d Frangibility Workshop

2 KG TRAIN IN G
by
Rick Meyer
Verantio Group
Integrity Support • Engineering • Consultancy
Ve r a n t i o G r o u p
Presentation Layout
2 KG TRAININ G
• Short Introduction
• Objectives
• Standards and Codes – an Introduction
• The regulations
• Tank Design - the Compression Area (its function)
• What is Frangibility – definitions
• Can you construct all tanks as being “Frangible”
• Closing
Objectives
2 KG TRAININ G
• You understand the principles

• The “misunderstandings” (the grey area within the codes)
• How to assess (technically)
• What can we do?
FRAN Projects done:

Shell (DCMR)
VOPAK (DCMR)
HEXION (DCMR)
OTA-EVOS (Lloyd’s)
SIGEMI (local authority)
KRI (-)
…ATLH
Several individual projects
Type of Standards
2 KG TRAININ G
DEP ±1930
Design Codes API-650 ±1910
EN-14015 ± 2004
BS-2654 (UK) ± 1956
DIN 4119 (Germany) ± 1961
CODRES-1 (France) ± 1991
Compliance Codes API653 ±1991
EEMUA 159 ± 1991
CODRES-2 (France) ± 2007
Safety Codes NFPA 11, NFPA 30
IE 19
Recommended Practices (RP) API
Design versus Compliance (tanks)
2 KG TRAININ G
Design Operational
phase phase
Design in accordance Rejection in accordance
with applicable with applicable
design code compliance code
Design Code Compliance Code
API-650 API-653
EN 14015 EEMUA-159
BS2654 EEMUA-159
DIN 4119 ?
CODRES-1 CODRES-2
The codes represents more than 100 years of experiences! Use them
Differences in Codes?
2 KG TRAININ G
Compliance Code Strong Points

Focus on inspection, Repair, double
API-653
bottoms, API653 inspector
Focus on critical components, Preventive,
EEMUA-159
Repair, no double bottoms, TIA
The codes represents more than 100 years of experiences! Use them
Regulations
2 KG TRAININ G
• Getting strict
• All tanks shall be frangible
• Authorities refer to the Standards/Codes
• Limited or no knowledge
• Codes not always clear
The relationships
DESIGN, OPERATIONAL
requirement
MAWP
FRANGIBILITY
VENTING
SAFETY requirement
OPERATIONAL, SAFETY
requirement
Some design details
2 KG TRAININ G
Compression Ring
(Top Curb Angle)
(Shell-to-roof connection)
How Strong is a Tank?
2 KG TRAININ G
Overpressure in your tank
2 KG TRAININ G
Causes of (gradual or sudden) over-pressure :
Vapours Vapours
going out going out
Block
Static Electricity
+++++++++++++
+++++++++++++
--------------
FILLING
RATE
TOO FILLING
HIGH
filling environmental
2 KG TRAININ G
THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THEY ALWAYS WILL HELP YOU?
Equipment to avoid overpressure

2 KG TRAININ G
Some basic understandings ± 200 kg
5 mm
Example : roof plate 5 mm

39 kg
Weight of a 5 mm (1x1 m2) thick roof plate is :

Weight = 0.005 m3 x 7850 kg/m3 = ± 39 kg/m2
Assume a 20-mbar over-pressure in the tank

20-mbar = ±200 kg/m2
Conclusion:
a pressure of 20 mbar will lift the roof plate
resulting upwards pressure is 200-39=161 kg/m2 (16.1 mbar)
VSA | Tank Maintenance & Inspection Course | Module 4b
Compression Ring (Top Curb Angle)
5F
Roof angle 1:5
Internal pressure will cause roof

plate lifting and exert a pulling force
of the top angle. The inwards pull
causes ring compression.
Compression Ring (function)
2 KG TRAININ G
TO OPERATE WITH A CERTAIN INTERNAL PRESSURE WITHIN THE

OPERATIONAL WINDOW WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE TECHNICAL
INTEGRITY.
Internal pressure will cause roof plate

lifting and exert a pulling force of the
top angle. The inwards pull causes ring
compression.
Size matters
Cross Sectional Area (CSA)
Compression Ring (function)
2 KG TRAININ G
Loss of function
After removal of top curb angle
2 KG TRAININ G
Pressure P in kg/m2 acting on a roof with an area ¼D2= R2 V T
 H
Upwards F = P x A = P. R2
Downwards Fp = dead load roof plates SIN( ) 
V
T
Resulting Fr = F – Fp = p x A = p. R2
H
COS( ) 
T
• Vertical force per unit length at the circumferences: TAN( ) 

V
H
• V=Fr / O, with O= 2R gives
• V = p.R2 / 2R = pR/2 in kg/mm
Pulling force T in the direction of the roof plates is

T = pR/2SIN() in kg/mm
Horizontal inwards pulling force H is

H = pR/2TAN() in kg/mm
2 KG TRAININ G
Horizontal inwards pulling force H = pR/2TAN() in kg/mm
Ring compression is defined as F=H.R, thus
F = pR2/2TAN() in kg/mm
The compression stress in the ring is defined as Sc=F/A, thus
required compression area is A=F/Sc or
A = pR2/2ScTAN() in kg/mm V
T
When calculating with p and Sc in mbar (or N/mm2): 

H
50pR2
A
ScTAN( )
Sc=120 N/mm2 (BS) / Sc=137 N/mm2 (API)

2 KG TRAININ G
In summary:
V=F
TAN(1:5)=V/H
1:5 H=V/TAN(1:5)=V/0.2=5V
H=5F
F is caused by
e.g. internal
pressure
shell
If the vertical forces V= 1F, then the horizontal forces is

5F. So, the shell-to-roof area tends to move inwards
with increasing internal pressure.
2 KG TRAININ G
Internal pressure in excess of roof weight

will cause ballooning effect.
What is required ≤ What is available (installed)

to withstand the internal operational pressure
2 KG TRAININ G
……………….to withstand the internal operational pressure
BS2654
Non +7.5/-2.5 mbar CODRES
Low +20/-6 mbar EFRT +0/-5 mbar
High +56/-6 mbar FRT ≤ 60/-5 mbar
API650
Atmospheric
App. F: < 180 mbar
App. V.:2,5-69 mbar
API620
180<P<1025 mbar
EN14015
Non +10/-5 mbar
Low +25/-8.5 mbar
Ve r a n t i o G r o u p High +60/-8.5 mbar
2 KG TRAININ G
What is required What is available

for a certain Pops (installed compression)
50. p.R 2
A
Sc .TAN( ) ≤
Sc=120 N/mm2
with p less roof plate weight
THIS IS A DESIGN REQUIREMENT

Compression ring:
What is available?
API650
APPENDIX F
Internal Pressure
Effect of pressure on the shell-to-bottom connection
Internal Pressure
Tank Stability (design check)

Self-anchored OR anchored tanks
Pi Pi
Wr Wr Hz
Effective CSA
Hz Ws Hz Ws Hz
hs
WL
Moment
G1 about G1 G1
hr
shell to
bottom
F1 F1 joint F2 F2
MDL + MF1 MDL + MF2 MDL

≥ 1,0 ≥ 1,0 ≥ 1,0
MP MP + MW MW
Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3
(12.1-A) (12.1-b) (12.1-C)
API 650 ≈ EN 14015 ≈ CODRES 1

Internal Design Pressure
By calculation we found the following max pressures
EXAMPLE
From Compression ring Pdesign = 64 mbar

From Stability check
Clause 1 Pdesign = 59 mbar Pi
Wr
Pi
Wr Hz
Clause 2 Pdesign = 118 mbar

Effective CSA
Hz Ws Hz Ws Hz
hs
WL
Clause 3 (≠f(P)) Pdesign = N.A. mbar

Moment
G1 about G1 G1
hr
shell to
bottom
F1 F1 joint F2 F2
MDL + MF1 MDL + MF2 MDL
≥ 1,0 ≥ 1,0 ≥ 1,0
MP MP + MW MW
Condition 1 Condition 2 Condition 3
(12.1-A) (12.1-b) (12.1-C)
Conclusion: Pdesign = 59 mbar
But what about the relation ship of

Pdesign vs MAWP vs Pops
Internal Pressure
Pdesign vs MAWP vs Pops

0 mbar Pset Pops MAWP Pdesign
? ? ?
“Rules”:
• MAWP = 0,91 Pdesign
• Pops ≤ MAWP
• Pset is 0,8-0,9 Pops
• The capacity of your vent might be calculated at MAWP
Estimating the capacity of your vent
Pdesign= 33 mbar
EXAMPLE
MAWP = 0,91Pdesign = 30 mbar
Pops = 25 mbar (assumed operational required)

Pset = 20 mbar
Diameter vent : 6 inch / 150 DN
EEMUA: Capacity Q=0,01818d2√DP

With d vent diameter in mm
DP delta pressure in mbar
Q(Pset) = 1829 m3/hr

Q(MAWP) = 2240 m3/hr
Frangibility
2 KG TRAININ G
 
 X 
Frangibility: A study (mid 70tees)
2 KG TRAININ G
Flammable mixture
External fire
Shell-to-Bottom
Connection failure
Facts Learned from Experience
2 KG TRAININ G
Failure at Bottom-to-shell joint occurred with:

• small diameter tanks
• dome roof tanks
Parameters affecting strength of joint:

• roof-to-shell joint detail
• slope of roof
• roof structure
• Bottom: whether the tank contains product (filling level)
The mechanism
2 KG TRAININ G
The Level 1, 2 and 3 assessment

Simplified model as used by the codes
Intermezzo
Step 1
Determine at which internal
pressure the top starts to yield
Step 2
Determine at which internal
pressure the bottom starts to
yield due to uplift
So, everything is focussed around
the Yield point, since one does not Step 3
know how the construction behave Calculate the ratio between
beyond this point both pressures (incl. a safety
factor)
The mechanism
2 KG TRAININ G
What happen if internal pressure increase far above Pops?
1F
5F
Pressure P is causing a
Pressure pulling force on the top curb
P
and annular resulting in
ballooning.
F=f(downwards force from liquid+Pi)
Computer Simulations
2 KG TRAININ G
Deformation and stresses
F
Deformation in the roof plates
5F
Stresses in the roof-to-shell joint
The mechanism
2 KG TRAININ G
Pressure P is causing an Pulling forces at

inwards pulling force on a the bottom
ring, resulting in a
deformation of the ring.
The mechanism
2 KG TRAININ G
The mechanism
2 KG TRAININ G
conclusion
2 KG TRAININ G
Frangibility is a mechanism, where the inwards forces (e.g. H=5F for a

roof slope of 1:5) induced a torsion mechanism of the top-curb angle.
Don’t forget, the top-curb is a (stiff) ring. Inherently, the torsion
mechanism itself will induced spontaneous cracks in the roof-to-top
curb joint by which an opening will be created for releasing the over
pressure within the tank.
Above mechanism will be minimal if the top-curb is constructed too

heavy (and thus too strong). However, if it is constructed too small
then the tank is not strong enough to maintain the operational internal
pressure of the tank (design requirement)
Frangibility is a safety requirement

with no guarantee !!!
Recommendations
2 KG TRAININ G
For Tanks with Diameters < 12.5 m:

• Avoid folded plate and dome roofs
• Do not weld roof plates to the supporting structure
• Limit thicknesss of Roof-to-Shell weld seam to 3 mm (throat)
• Limit slope of roof to 1:5 or 1:6
• Use butt welded annular plates under tank shell
PS! 3 mm throat = 4,2 mm leg

PS! For tanks >12,5m max 5 mm leg
(3,52 mm throat)
The codes (API, BSI) re frangibility
2 KG TRAININ G
Self-anchored tanks with roof-to-shell joint is

considered frangible if (D>12.5m):
• The continuous fillet weld between roof plates and
top curb angle <= 5 mm
• Roof slope (q) 1:5 or 1:6
• Effective cross-sectional area of the curb A does
not exceed:
7.07 x103 T
A
tan( ) `

No
T=weight(shell+nozzles+roof support)
“The” Question is
2 KG TRAININ G
Compression area required Area needed for frangibility

for internal pressure Pops. (Pexplosion)
A
50. p.R 2 7.07 x103 T
< A
S C .TAN( ) tan( )
This is a design requirement! This is a safety request!
You shall always fulfill the design

requirements. If you cannot meet the `
safety request, then mitigation measures

to be installed!
The codes (EN) re design requirements
2 KG TRAININ G
For new (self-anchored) tanks
Failure Pressure (Pr) input:

EN14015, Annex K • Roof plate thickness
• Top curb thickness
Step 1: Calculate Failure Pressure Pr • Shell top course thickness
• Tank Diameter
Step 2: Calculate Failure Pressure Pb • Roof Diameter
• Roof slope
Step 3: Tank is considered frangible if • Constants
Pb ≥ 2,0 x Pr
Unknown background for the user!!

Failure Pressure (Pb) input:
• Shell bottom course thickness
• Tank Diameter
• Annular tickness
• Constants
No
The codes (EN) re design requirements
2 KG TRAININ G
For existing (self anchored) tanks (EEMUA180, EEMUA159)

EN14015, Annex K • Roof plate thickness
Step 1: Calculate Failure Pressure Pr • Shell top course thickness
• Tank Diameter
Step 2: Calculate Failure Pressure Pb • Roof Diameter
• Roof slope
Step 3: Tank is considered frangible if • Constants
Pb ≥ 1,67x Pr
Very Strange!! Why??

Not well explained in the guidelines. • Shell bottom course thickness
• Tank Diameter
• Constants
During construction the tank could be defined as being “NOT frangible”, while using the
tank after the initial hydrotest, it could be “frangible”!!
No
The codes (CODRES) re frangibility
2 KG TRAININ G
Level 2 – CODRES 1 Level 3 - FEA
Independent whether it is a new

or existing (self-anchored) tank
API study (2005) as part of API937(A)
2 KG TRAININ G
SafeRoof computer software (free):

• static and dynamic • Roof plate thickness
• Includes fill height • Shell top course thickness
Tank Diameter

•
• Roof Diameter
• Roof slope
Step 1: Calculate Failure Pressure Pr • Constants
Step 2: Calculate Failure Pressure Pb

Step 3: Tank is considered frangible if Pb
≥ 1.5x Pr
• Shell bottom course thickness
Tank Diameter
Has been checked and test!! •
• Constants
References
2 KG TRAININ G
THE ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USERS ASSOCIATION
FRANGIBLE ROOF JOINTS OF

FIXED ROOF STORAGE TANKS
Guidance for Designers and Users

of Storage Tanks
Publication No. 180
The tearseam: It worked!
2 KG TRAININ G
IMPORTANT!
Frangibility is a mechanism.
A tank is frangible or not as from construction. In case a tank is NOT frangible, in the
definition of the codes, one shall install mitigation measures. The mitigation measure
will only have a positive effect by increasing the likelihood that the roof-to-shell
connection fails earlier than the bottom-to-shell connection. This does not mean that
your tank is frangible!
A Frangibility Assessment
EEMUA 180
No
A Frangibility Assessment
Being Frangible
Needed? NO
NOT required
No
YES
Check
Frangibility per YES STOP
original code
NO
NO ANCHORS? YES
Check Check Check

Check
Frangibility
Frangibility Frangibility per Frangibility per
as per
as per API EN14015 API937
CODRES
IF Frangible IF Frangible
FRANGIBLE? FRANGIBLE?
STOP STOP
NO NO
INSTALL INSTALL
MITIGATION MITIGATION
MEASURES Ve r a n t i o G r o u p MEASURES
What do we need for an assessment?
• Original design code

• Design details (compression ring details)
• Any (welded) obstacles within Wc and Wh ?
• Thickness readings or as-built drawings
• Roof slope
• Annular (but weld)?
• Anchored (how any and thickness of anchor bolts)
• Min deadstock
• N2 blanketing present?
• ERV present?
• Tear seam present?
What if top curb is not as per API 650 / BS2654 / CODRES?
Grind Remove
Part 1
Part 2
Which part of the UNP is within Wc?

Search for a L profile with AUNP = AL-profile
Finite Element Analysis
• Codes does not mentioned the boundaries /

conditions of how the FEA shall be done– thus
no rules or criteria’s:
• Explosion (where in the tank, rise time)
• Product contents (fill height)
• Corroded condition or design condition…….
• Etc.
• How to reject (what to look for)
What to do if tank is NOT frangible
2 KG TRAININ G
For existing tanks: In the definition of the

• Grind tear seam standards!
• Install ERV (EEMUA 180)

• Perform a HSE risk assessment by a reputable expert to verify you
need to be frangible
• Install mitigation measures (fire prevention or fire fighting
measures)
• Install annular with extra CA if bottom is to be replaced
• Proper maintenance of the internal corner weld
• Operate with a certain min fill-height (API-937)
• Operate with N2 blanketing
• Install anchors (€€€€€)
• Install new roof??
2 KG TRAININ G
In the definition of the

standards!
Objective of all mitigation measures

Increasing the LIKELIHOOD that the roof-to-shell connection fails
earlier than the shell-to-bottom connection in case of a sudden
overpressure in the tank
Reduce Risk
2 KG TRAININ G
In the definition of the

standards!
Since tanks are different of construction and different services,
suggest to define the “what to do” (i.e. scope) during the preparation of
the tank shutdown.
Advantage:
Spread of cost and effort (phased out)
Systematic (a plan)
Adjust it to existing projects
Conditions
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 In case of questions please contact with us via www.verantio.com or
E-Mail: info@verantio.com
Verantio Group
Integrity Support • Engineering • Consultancy 2 KG TRAIN I N G

04d Frangibility Workshop

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2 KG TRAIN IN G

• You understand the principles

FRAN Projects done:

Compliance Code Strong Points

Causes of (gradual or sudden) over-pressure :

THE QUESTION IS WHETHER THEY ALWAYS WILL HELP YOU?

Equipment to avoid overpressure

Some basic understandings ± 200 kg

Example : roof plate 5 mm

Weight of a 5 mm (1x1 m2) thick roof plate is :

Assume a 20-mbar over-pressure in the tank

Internal pressure will cause roof

TO OPERATE WITH A CERTAIN INTERNAL PRESSURE WITHIN THE

Internal pressure will cause roof plate

After removal of top curb angle

Pressure P in kg/m2 acting on a roof with an area ¼D2= R2 V T

• Vertical force per unit length at the circumferences: TAN( ) 

Pulling force T in the direction of the roof plates is

Horizontal inwards pulling force H is

Horizontal inwards pulling force H = pR/2TAN() in kg/mm

Ring compression is defined as F=H.R, thus

The compression stress in the ring is defined as Sc=F/A, thus

required compression area is A=F/Sc or

When calculating with p and Sc in mbar (or N/mm2): 

Sc=120 N/mm2 (BS) / Sc=137 N/mm2 (API)

If the vertical forces V= 1F, then the horizontal forces is

Internal pressure in excess of roof weight

What is required ≤ What is available (installed)

……………….to withstand the internal operational pressure

What is required What is available

THIS IS A DESIGN REQUIREMENT

Tank Stability (design check)

MDL + MF1 MDL + MF2 MDL

API 650 ≈ EN 14015 ≈ CODRES 1

From Compression ring Pdesign = 64 mbar

Clause 2 Pdesign = 118 mbar

Clause 3 (≠f(P)) Pdesign = N.A. mbar

Conclusion: Pdesign = 59 mbar

But what about the relation ship of

Pdesign vs MAWP vs Pops

MAWP = 0,91Pdesign = 30 mbar

Pops = 25 mbar (assumed operational required)

EEMUA: Capacity Q=0,01818d2√DP

Q(Pset) = 1829 m3/hr

Failure at Bottom-to-shell joint occurred with:

Parameters affecting strength of joint:

The Level 1, 2 and 3 assessment

What happen if internal pressure increase far above Pops?

F=f(downwards force from liquid+Pi)

Deformation and stresses

Stresses in the roof-to-shell joint

Pressure P is causing an Pulling forces at

Frangibility is a mechanism, where the inwards forces (e.g. H=5F for a

Above mechanism will be minimal if the top-curb is constructed too

Frangibility is a safety requirement

For Tanks with Diameters < 12.5 m:

PS! 3 mm throat = 4,2 mm leg

Self-anchored tanks with roof-to-shell joint is

Compression area required Area needed for frangibility

You shall always fulfill the design

safety request, then mitigation measures

For new (self-anchored) tanks

Failure Pressure (Pr) input: