Steel Structure Prediction Model for Fixed Roof Oil Tanks

Abstract

This paper will focus on fixed roof storage tanks and its sub-category cone roof tanks. Paper presents major factors and outputs of tank design process. Theoretical analysis is done for a cone roof tank model and correlation between tank surface, shell thickness and total steel weight used. Detailed algorithm for tank design was realized using MathCAD software using Eurocode standards. Using this algorithm, 432 hypothetical tanks were designed. Data analysis of the collected output data was analysed using R statistics programming language. Using regression models and testing them led to the optimum statistical model. For the purpose of this work, data for 21 real world tanks including fixed roof and floating roof tanks were collected. The data was collected with help of MOL, INA and few other EPC contractors. Paper compares real world data with outputs of the model. Model can be used for quick estimates and control of material consumptions. Taking few input parameters and applying minimal effort can lead to a very accurate steel consumption prediction. With additional real-world data, acceptable ranges of deviation from the mean could be set-up. Thus, allowing for better control on Client part or EPC companies.