Field-Erected Tanks:
A Comprehensive Guide
“erects in the field” means a lot has to come together in the right way, at the exact right time.
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area serviced
Midwestern United States – Great Lakes States
availability
24 Hours/Day – 7 Days/Week
365 Days/Year
typical turnaround time
Individually Negotiated
material
Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel
Other Stainless Alloys
services
Repairs or Modifications to Tanks or ASME Vessels
On-Site Erection
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Catwalks, Ladders & Platforms
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industries served
Chemical
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compliances
API 650
ASME
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Traceable Materials
Leak Testing
Pressure Testing
Liquid Penetrant Examination
Magnetic Particle Examination
Certified Welding Inspection
Certified Radiographic Interpretation
NACE Coating Inspection
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Field-erected tanks are essential components in a variety of industrial applications, particularly in sectors that require large-scale liquid or gasoline storage. As their name suggests, these tanks are constructed directly at the location of use, allowing for customized sizing and design, which would be more limiting and restricted if built within a manufacturing facility and shipped to the location. From oil refineries to water treatment facilities, field-erected tanks play a crucial role in ensuring safe, reliable storage. Across the U.S., it is estimated that there are more than 500,000 aboveground and more than 553,000 underground storage tanks in various sizes. Understanding the structure, types, and standards of field-erected tanks is essential for engineers and plant managers tasked with selecting or overseeing their installation.
What Size Are Field-Erected Tanks?
Field-erected tanks come in a wide range of sizes, and their dimensions depend largely on the intended application. These tanks can be as small as 50,000 gallons or as large as several million gallons, which makes them highly versatile for various industries. Tanks used in oil and gas operations, for example, must accommodate high storage demands, often reaching capacities of over 2 million gallons to store crude oil or other petroleum products. Similarly, water treatment facilities often require large-capacity tanks that can hold up to 3 million gallons of treated or untreated water.
For chemical processing plants, field-erected tanks may need to be slightly smaller, as their primary function is often to hold chemicals in controlled environments for short-term storage or processing stages. In agriculture, the demand for large tanks is somewhat lower, with typical sizes ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 gallons, primarily for storing water, fertilizers, or other agricultural inputs.
In addition to the sheer volume, these tanks can also vary in height, diameter, and wall thickness depending on the specific fluid or material being stored. Engineers have the flexibility to adjust these dimensions and to find products with custom coatings (i.e., fireproof) to meet industry standards, local regulations, and site-specific limitations. Customization options allow engineers to specify dimensions that fit their unique operational needs, making field-erected tanks sizes a highly adaptable solution for industries that need reliable bulk storage with tailored specifications.
Industry
Typical Tank Size Range
Oil & Gasoline
100,000 – 2,000,000 gallons
Water Treatment
100,000 – 3,000,000 gallons
Chemical Processing
50,000 – 1,500,000 gallons
Agriculture
100,000 – 500,000 gallons
In addition to the sheer volume, these tanks can also vary in height, diameter, and wall thickness depending on the specific fluid or material being stored. Engineers have the flexibility to adjust these dimensions and to find products with custom coatings (i.e., fireproof) to meet industry standards, local regulations, and site-specific limitations. Customization options allow engineers to specify dimensions that fit their unique operational needs, making field-erected tanks sizes a highly adaptable solution for industries that need reliable bulk storage with tailored specifications.
What is a Field-Constructed Tank?
A field-constructed tank refers to any storage tank that is assembled and erected directly on-site rather than being prefabricated and transported. This on-site construction method offers significant advantages, particularly for industries with complex storage needs or limited transportation options. The flexibility in size, material, and design makes field-constructed tanks ideal for projects where off-the-shelf solutions simply won’t meet the specific requirements of a facility, such as accommodating unique storage capacities or integrating the tank with other facility structures.
Field-constructed tanks also enable the use of custom materials. Depending on the contents to be stored—whether water, oil, chemicals, or gas—engineers can specify construction materials that provide the necessary resistance to corrosion, pressure, or environmental conditions. This is especially important for industries like oil and gas, where storage tanks must meet stringent safety and environmental standards.
The design process for these tanks often involves multiple stages of engineering review, from structural analysis to material testing, ensuring that the tanks will perform reliably under demanding conditions. Whether it’s a fixed-roof tank for storing crude oil, a floating-roof tank designed to minimize vapor losses, or a dome-roof tank for managing internal pressure, each type of industrial storage tank must be tailored to its specific application. This level of customization helps ensure that the tanks will withstand the operational stresses and environmental challenges they face over their life cycle.
What Are the Three Types of Tanks?
When discussing field-erected tanks sizes, it’s important to classify these tanks into three primary categories based on their construction and application:
Atmospheric Tanks: These tanks are designed to store non-pressurized liquids, such as water, chemicals, or petroleum products. They are commonly found in industries like agriculture, water treatment, and oil storage. One key feature of atmospheric tanks is that they operate at or near atmospheric pressure, meaning there is no need for additional reinforcement to handle internal pressure. While atmospheric tanks handle large volumes, their structural design focuses on resisting environmental factors such as wind loads and seismic activity, rather than internal pressure. They are ideal for applications that don’t involve volatile or high-pressure substances, making them cost-effective for industries requiring high-capacity storage without complex safety requirements.
Pressure Tanks: Pressure tanks, often used in chemical plants, refineries, and natural gas storage facilities, are designed to handle liquids and gases stored at high pressure. These tanks are subject to strict design specifications and safety standards due to the inherent risks associated with storing pressurized liquids and gases. In fact, tanks must adhere to the rigorously regulated standards established by the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and the American Petroleum Institute (API). Their construction involves thicker steel walls, specialized fittings, and pressure-relief systems to prevent catastrophic failure. The robust nature of pressure tanks ensures that they can withstand the internal stresses caused by gas compression or liquid pressurization, making them critical for industries where volatile or hazardous materials are stored.
- Thermal Storage Tanks: Thermal storage tanks serve a unique role in industries that require the storage of energy, typically in the form of heat. These tanks are frequently used in industrial processes involving heat transfer, such as solar power plants, district heating systems, and energy management systems. The stored heat can be used for various purposes, including maintaining facility temperatures, providing energy during peak demand periods, or aiding in production processes. The design of thermal storage tanks must account for insulation and material expansion due to temperature fluctuations, making them highly specialized storage solutions.
Understanding the distinctions between these three types of tanks ensures that plant managers and engineers can select the appropriate tank for their specific needs. Each type of tank serves different operational purposes, and selecting the correct one can significantly impact the safety, efficiency, and long-term durability of the storage system.
What are the Three Types of Storage Tanks?
While the broader classification mentioned earlier helps categorize tanks based on their structural needs, there are also subcategories within the storage tank domain that are crucial for specific applications. The three types of storage tanks that are often used for specialized purposes include aboveground storage tanks, underground storage tanks, and vertical cylindrical tanks. These tanks not only differ in where they are installed but also in their functionality, safety measures, and the industries they serve.
- Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs): Widely used in industries that require large-scale storage, ASTs have ample space for installation. They are especially common in the oil, chemical, and water treatment industries. One of the main benefits of ASTs is their accessibility for routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs. This ease of access helps ensure the longevity of the tank and allows for faster identification of any potential issues, such as leaks or corrosion. ASTs also provide greater flexibility in terms of design and capacity, making them suitable for projects that require customized solutions.
- Underground Storage Tanks (USTs): USTs are buried beneath the ground and are designed to store hazardous materials like petroleum, chemicals, or other substances that could pose environmental risks if improperly handled. Because they are hidden from view, USTs are ideal for industries where land space is limited or where minimizing the visual impact of large storage facilities is a priority. However, these tanks require more advanced monitoring and detection systems to prevent leaks, which could lead to soil contamination or groundwater pollution. USTs must adhere to strict regulatory standards, especially regarding environmental protection.
- Vertical Cylindrical Tanks: These are among the most common configurations used for storing large volumes of liquids, particularly in industries like oil and gas. Their vertical orientation allows for more efficient use of space by storing large quantities in a relatively small footprint. Additionally, the cylindrical design helps distribute internal pressure evenly, reducing the structural stress on the tank walls. This makes vertical cylindrical tanks a durable and long-lasting option for industries that need to store large quantities of liquids, such as crude oil, fuels, or chemicals.
Knowing what the three types of storage tanks are used for is critical for choosing the right tank based on the specific needs of the industry. The correct selection can significantly impact operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Whether it’s ensuring ease of maintenance with an AST, protecting the environment with a UST, or maximizing space with a vertical cylindrical tank, each tank type offers distinct advantages that cater to different industrial applications.
What is a Field-Erected Tank?
A field-erected tank is a large storage tank built directly at the project site to meet specific volume, dimensional, and environmental requirements. Unlike prefabricated tanks, which are manufactured off-site and transported, field-erected tanks are constructed on location, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of size, material choice, and structural design. These tanks are crucial in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing, where storage needs can far exceed the capabilities of standard, pre-manufactured tanks. Their ability to store millions of gallons of liquid or gas makes them essential for large-scale operations.
What Size Are Oil Field Storage Tanks?
In the oil industry, storage tanks are vital for maintaining the efficient flow of operations, whether at refineries, distribution hubs, or storage terminals. These tanks are responsible for holding massive volumes of crude oil, refined products, or other petroleum-based liquids. The oil storage tank construction process is highly specialized and must adhere to strict safety and regulatory guidelines to prevent spills, leaks, and environmental contamination. The size of the tanks can vary significantly based on the facility’s storage needs, with capacities ranging from 100,000 gallons for smaller operations to over 2 million gallons for large-scale refineries and distribution centers.
The design and construction of oil field storage tanks require careful planning, incorporating factors such as site location, environmental conditions, and the types of petroleum products being stored. Engineers must ensure that the tanks are equipped with appropriate safety features, including pressure-relief valves, leak detection systems, and secondary containment structures. Additionally, the materials used in construction must be chosen to withstand the harsh conditions of oil storage, such as corrosion from crude oil and exposure to extreme temperatures. The structural integrity of these tanks is critical for ensuring not only the safety of the facility but also the uninterrupted flow of petroleum products through the supply chain. By adhering to best practices in construction and maintenance, these large-capacity storage tanks help ensure the smooth operation of the oil and gas industry.
One of the main differences between the types of storage tanks in refinery settings and other applications is that refineries require tanks with immense storage capacities due to the vast volumes of crude oil or refined products processed daily. Field-erected tanks allow engineers to customize dimensions and capacities to suit the refinery’s exact requirements. Additionally, they offer flexibility in material selection, enabling the use of corrosion-resistant alloys, reinforced steel, or other specialty materials to withstand the harsh chemicals or high pressures typical in refinery operations. For plant managers and engineers, these customizable tanks are often the preferred choice when accommodating specific site constraints or meeting stringent safety and regulatory standards. The ability to adapt the tank’s design to the surrounding environment ensures optimized performance and long-term reliability in demanding industrial settingss
What Size Are ASME Tanks?
ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) tanks are among the most rigorously regulated storage solutions due to the strict safety standards imposed for the handling of pressurized liquids and gases. These tanks are essential in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and energy, where the storage of volatile or high-pressure materials poses significant risks if not properly managed. The ASME code, which governs the design and fabrication of these tanks, ensures that they meet stringent safety, performance, and durability requirements. In particular, storage tanks in oil and gas environments must meet these rigorous ASME certifications to guarantee they can safely contain high-pressure fluids and gases under varying operational conditions.
ASME tanks are typically custom-built for specific applications, allowing engineers to design them to handle particular pressures, temperatures, and environmental factors. They can store a variety of materials, including compressed gases like propane, ammonia, and nitrogen, as well as petroleum products and other hazardous liquids. Sizes range from small tanks of mere hundreds of gallons to structures totaling 120,000 gallons. Given the critical nature of these storage systems, tank construction involves selecting high-strength materials and incorporating advanced safety features such as pressure-relief devices and reinforced wall thicknesses. This ensures the tanks can operate safely even under extreme conditions, protecting both the facility and the surrounding environment.
What Are Standard Sizes for Water Tanks?
Water tanks come in a wide range of sizes, and their construction varies significantly based on their intended use, whether for potable water storage, firefighting reserves, industrial applications, or agricultural needs. To get an idea of their potential magnitude, the STI/SPFA (Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association) indicates that some water tank designs even incorporate several floors, office space and other facilities. While that certainly may not be typical, the water tank construction procedure is usually influenced by factors such as the volume of water to be stored, the type of water (drinking, wastewater, or process water), and the environmental conditions of the site. Tanks can range in size from 100,000 gallons for smaller installations to over 3 million gallons for large-scale municipal or industrial facilities.
When large storage capacities are needed, engineers often turn to field-erected water tanks due to the flexibility in design and on-site assembly. Field erection allows for custom sizing and site-specific adjustments, ensuring the tank can meet the exact requirements of the project. This is particularly important for facilities that need to store significant amounts of water in locations with specific geographic or regulatory constraints. Additionally, field-erected tanks can be built with materials that suit the application—whether it’s corrosion-resistant coatings for potable water or reinforced structures for high-pressure industrial use. Proper planning and execution in the construction of these tanks are critical to ensuring the reliability, longevity, and safety of water storage systems, especially in facilities that depend on consistent water availability for daily operations or emergency situations like firefighting.
What Are the Three Types of Water Storage Tanks?
Water storage tanks are vital for a variety of industries, ranging from agriculture to municipal water systems, and play a critical role in ensuring the availability of water for multiple uses, including potable supply, firefighting, irrigation, and industrial processes. The types of industrial storage tanks designed for water storage can be broadly classified into three main categories based on their material composition and intended use:
- Glass-Lined Tanks: These tanks are widely used for potable water storage because of their corrosion resistance and long-term durability. The glass lining provides a protective barrier that prevents the metal underneath from interacting with the water, thus preserving water quality. This makes glass-lined tanks particularly suitable for drinking water storage, where maintaining purity and safety is paramount. Their smooth surface also helps prevent bacteria and algae buildup, making them easier to clean and maintain.
- Concrete Tanks: A popular choice for large-scale industrial or municipal water storage, concrete tanks have immense strength and durability. These tanks can withstand significant environmental pressures, including seismic activity and fluctuating temperatures, making them ideal for long-term storage in varied climates. Their robust structure allows them to hold millions of gallons of water, making them suitable for large-scale applications such as municipal reservoirs or industrial cooling systems.
- Steel Tanks: Steel tanks are versatile and used for both potable and non-potable water storage. They can be customized with various coatings, such as epoxy or polymer linings, to enhance corrosion resistance, making them ideal for use in harsh environments like coastal areas or industrial zones with exposure to chemicals. Steel tanks can also be designed to withstand pressure, making them suitable for applications where pressurized water storage is needed.
Each type of tank offers unique benefits depending on the specific application, environmental conditions, and long-term storage needs. Choosing the right type of water storage tank is essential to ensuring operational efficiency, water quality, and long-term durability in industrial settings.
What Is the Meaning of Field-Installed?
In the context of industrial storage, “field-installed” refers to tanks or equipment that are built and assembled directly at the site of use, rather than being pre-manufactured and shipped in sections. This approach is particularly useful for large, customized storage tanks, such as those used in the oil and gas industry, where standard-sized tanks are often insufficient to meet the demands of high-volume storage. Field installation provides engineers with greater flexibility to design tanks that fit the exact specifications and spatial constraints of the site. Additionally, it eliminates the challenges and costs associated with transporting oversized tanks, which can be logistically complex and expensive.
The oil storage tank construction process, for instance, frequently involves field installation because of the vast sizes required to store large quantities of crude oil or other petroleum products. These tanks can reach capacities of millions of gallons, and the unique environmental factors at each site—such as weather, soil conditions, and proximity to operational facilities—must be carefully considered during the design and assembly process. Field installation allows for real-time adjustments, ensuring that tanks are not only built to industry safety standards but also optimized for long-term durability and efficiency. This method also accommodates the need for specialized materials and additional safety features, such as secondary containment systems, which further enhance the reliability of the storage solution.
Conclusion
Field-erected tanks are an indispensable part of industrial storage solutions across various sectors— from oil and gas to chemical processing, water treatment, and agriculture. Their flexibility in size, material, and construction makes them ideal for large-scale industrial operations where standard prefabricated tanks may not suffice. By being constructed on-site, these tanks can be customized to precise specifications, ensuring they meet the unique needs of a project, whether it be in terms of volume, pressure resistance, or environmental factors.
Engineers and plant managers involved in projects requiring bulk storage must consider the various factors that impact tank performance, including construction materials, size, and industry-specific compliance requirements. For instance, in the oil and gas industry, stringent standards for oil storage tank construction must be met to ensure safety and environmental compliance, while water treatment facilities may focus on corrosion resistance and long-term durability in their water tank construction procedures.
For those looking to implement field-erected tanks, understanding the specifics and variables of tank design and application will enable better decision-making, leading to improved efficiency, safety, and longevity of storage infrastructure. To explore the best tank solutions for your next project or to discuss erecting in your field or plant, reach out to our team at Kennedy Tank today.