Analysis and Design of Plastic Storage Tanks

Abstract

The author has designed over one hundred major tanks that store plastic powders and pellets. This article gives some practical examples of how to analyze and design plastic storage tanks. Examples were taken from files of completed projects. All tanks are classified as either shallow or deep; an example of each is given. A series of four articles was written to report on a study about vessels made of aluminum or steel, and joined by bolting or welding. The first three articles are “Bolted Aluminum—Alloy Connections,” “Welded Tanks for Dry Bulk Plastic Storage,” and “Bolted Tanks for Storage of Plastics.” The state-of-the-art is presented. Although computer programs have been developed, some equations still used are empirical, and the assumptions are conservative. Not all authorities agree on the proper method of analysis. A research study of the whole tank, rather than its parts, should be made.