Vertical Spherical Storage Tanks

Product Structure

• Spherical Shell Plates: Precision-pressed “orange peel” or “soccer ball” patterned steel segments, double-groove welded to form a perfect sphere.

• Equatorial Support Columns: High-strength tubular steel legs attached at the sphere’s equator, designed to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction.

• Internal Access Infrastructure: Includes internal ladders and manways for inspection, often featuring a central pipe for instrument routing.

• Top & Bottom Manways: Heavy-duty, pressure-rated ports for maintenance and emergency access.

• Fireproofing & Insulation: Columns are typically encased in fire-resistant materials, and the shell can be outfitted with polyurethane foam or perlite insulation for cryogenic service.

• Safety Relief System: Dual high-capacity pressure relief valves (PRVs) and vacuum breakers to prevent over-pressurization.

Product Advantages

• Optimal Stress Distribution: The spherical shape eliminates “weak spots” or corners, allowing for thinner walls compared to cylindrical tanks at the same pressure rating.

• Minimal Surface Area: A sphere has the smallest surface-area-to-volume ratio, which significantly reduces the rate of heat gain from the environment (critical for refrigerated storage).

• Space Efficiency: Spheres provide massive storage volumes (up to 10,000m³ or more) while occupying a much smaller ground footprint than a battery of smaller horizontal tanks.

• Reduced Evaporation Loss: The high-pressure design allows the product to remain in a liquid state at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for constant boil-off gas (BOG) management.

• Long-Term Structural Integrity: Designed with a high safety factor against seismic activity and wind loads due to the aerodynamic shape and symmetrical support system.

Material & Specifications

Technical Parameters

• Working Temperature Range: -50°C to +50°C (Specialized cryogenic designs available for LNG/Oxygen down to -196°C).

• Design Pressure: Typically ranging from 0.5 MPa to 3.0 MPa (up to 30 bar).

• Corrosion Allowance: 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm depending on the aggressiveness of the stored medium.

Application Scenarios

• LPG & LNG Terminals: Bulk storage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane/Butane) and Liquefied Natural Gas.

• Petrochemical Plants: Storage of Ethylene, Propylene, Ammonia, and Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM).

• Refineries: Management of pressurized refinery gases and intermediate volatile feedstocks.

• Industrial Gas Facilities: High-pressure containment of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen for industrial distribution.

• Chemical Logistics: Maritime and inland hubs for the transshipment of volatile liquid chemicals.

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