Global Journal of Researches in Engineering, E: Civil & Structural, Volume 23 Issue 2

Atmospheric Storage Cylindrical Tanks: Project Optimization Considering Environmental Criteria Monica Beatriz Kolicheski Abstract- Atmospheric tank projects cover a wide range of technical characteristics, ranging from their purpose, according to the regulatory framework, the type of product stored, the technical characteristics of the tank to serve this storage with structural safety and finally the devices and technical resources to make the equipment financially and economically viable and sustainable. As a basis for criteria for this assessment, the correct regulatory framework for each type of tank, based on its application, as well as the correct selection of material for its performance and life expectancy, were addressed. Performance improvement criteria were also evaluated, such as the correct sizing of the tank inlet, outlet and vent nozzles, the use of sensors and devices and equipment to avoid overpressure or vacuum and the use of internal floating roofs. In addition, environmental criteria were also presented, such as the correct selection of tank colors and the assessment of their area of incidence of solar radiation. The list of criteria and technical, performance and environmental details can be further complemented and developed with other characteristics of the tanks and the objective of this article was to evaluate the main parameters of analysis to guide the developer of the tank project to execute it seeking to optimize technical data with immediate execution and operating costs and the environmental impact of project decisions for welded vertical cylindrical atmospheric storage tanks. Keywords: costs, constructive criteria, economic and financial. I. I ntroduction quipment classified as atmospheric tanks for storing products in general has a long history and importance in supplying industrial and urban centers around the world. Its conglomerates (tank parks) usually have a very specific objective and are usually directly related to the petrochemical industry (CASTILHO, 2018). However, the applicability of atmospheric tanks is very wide, having strong importance in several industries such as chemistry, paper, bioenergy, thermoelectric and sugar and alcohol plants, biofuels, food and even in firefighting, which can range from industrial to commercial. The design of atmospheric storage tanks can be basically divided into: bottom, side, roof, metal structures and nozzles (GUIZZE, 1989). In addition to the different design variables, ranging from dimensional, stored product, temperature and pressure conditions, construction material and others, there are also conditions for each component of the tank. Author: e-mail: monica.beatriz@ufpr.br The bottom can be classified by patterns of “annular plates” or rectangular plates, depending on the welding characteristics between the bottom and the side, as this is the most fragile region of the tank (MAIA and AURELIO, 2012; CONTEC, 2010). The sidewall has different methods of calculating sheet thickness: like the more traditional 1-foot method; the variable point method, the appendix A and the appendix S methods (LIMA et al., 2014; COSTA, 2011). The metallic structures, which are usually selected according to the customer's standard, must observe the minimum loads of standards such as NBR 8800 (ABNT, 2007), as well as safety standards NR 18 (BRASIL, 1978). With regard to accessories, for example for nozzles, which are generally directly linked to the operating standard of the place where the tank is installed, they may have manholes and cleaning ports meeting the minimum quantities required or according to the customer's standard, generally being 180º out of phase around the tank, to ensure air flow (BARROS, 2003). The different types of ceilings vary according to project definitions, stored product, and local characteristics. The influence of the choice of roof type on the composition of the tank has consequences on the storage efficiency during the useful life of the equipment (API-650, 2010). The main types of ceilings (self-supporting conical, supported conical, self- supporting dome, external floating, internal floating and aluminum geodesic dome). According to Oliveira (2017), the proper choice of the roof of storage tanks reduces the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOC). The fugitive emission of VOCs from storage tanks can lead to different air pollution problems, with harm to people's health, impacts on flora and fauna, degradation of materials and climate change. Studies carried out by Wei et al (2014) at an oil refinery in Beijing showed that the tank park contributed with 18.3% of the refinery's VOC emissions. Chen et al (2019) evaluated the presence of VOCs in a region close to an industrial complex in central Taiwan and found that 23 to 32% of the pollutants identified in the region came from an industrial source – refinery and petrochemicals. In addition, to the environmental issue, according to Oliveira (2017) the release of these compounds means economic loss of volatilized products. E © 2023 Global Journals Global Journal of Researches in Engineering ( ) E Volume XxXIII Issue II Version I 1 Year 2023