top of page
wight text-9.png
wight text-9.png
wight text-9.png
wight text-9.png
wight text-9.png
wight text-9.png

          SPHERICAL - STORAGE TANK DESIGN- CONSULTANCY SERVICES

If you’re planning a new facility or upgrading existing infrastructure,

 

Wisdom Design Consultancy is here to provide cutting-edge design services for your spherical storage tanks systems.

22+ Years of Experience in spherical storage tanks Design

One-Point Contact for the Entire Project.

All Engineers and draftsmen on our team have over 15 years of experience in spherical storage tanks design

Every design document is thoroughly reviewed and approved by a Senior Design Manager to ensure technical accuracy and quality before delivery.

We strictly follow agreed schedules, ensuring on-time delivery without compromising on quality.

Compliance with International Codes & Standards, API 620, ASME, EN, ISO, and other applicable global standards.

From concept to commissioning, we ensure complete coordination with the client, consultants, and stakeholders at every stage

Our solutions strike the right balance between cost-efficiency and safety, without compromising long-term reliability

​​​
Wisdom Design Services offers comprehensive solutions for the design services,, supporting to fabrication, erection, and testing phase of 
spherical storage tanks

background-replacer-result.png
Spherical-Storage-Tanks-1.jpg
white text-8.png
white text-8.png

Propane, butane, and their mixtures are stored in spherical tanks due to their high vapor pressures. These tanks maintain the gas in liquid form by applying pressure.

Methane and other natural gases are stored in cryogenic spherical tanks at temperatures below -100°C

Used in fertilizers and industrial processes, ammonia is stored in spherical tanks designed to handle its high pressure and corrosive nature

A key component in synthetic rubber production, butadiene is stored in refrigerated spherical tanks to maintain its liquid

These cryogenic gases are stored in spherical tanks at extremely low temperatures, often below -150°C.

white text-8.png

OUR SERVICES

  1. Detailed Design of Spherical Storage Tanks – Including geometry, volume, pressure ratings, and layout.

  2. Stress and Structural Calculations – Seismic, wind, internal pressure, and other load condition evaluations.

  3. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) – For advanced stress analysis of the tank shell and support legs.

  4. Foundation Design – Including soil-structure interaction and civil/structural drawings.

  5. Tank Leg & Support Structure Design – Load path, buckling, and vibration analysis included.

  6. Piping Layout & Design – Complete inlet/outlet, venting, and drainage systems.

  7. Pump and Compressor Sizing & Selection – Based on process requirements and flow dynamics.

  8. 3D CAD Modeling & Drafting – Complete tank assemblies, nozzle layouts, and fabrication drawings.

  9. Nozzle Orientation & Placement Drawings – Optimized for accessibility and process efficiency.

  10. Tank Form Design & Development – Customized spherical form fabrication drawings & methods.

📄 Documentation & Project Support

  1. Preparation of Tender & Bid Documents – Including BOQs, technical specifications, and scope.

  2. Material Take-Offs & Cost Estimation – For budgeting, procurement, and vendor evaluation.

  3. Construction Drawings & Fabrication Detailing – Shop drawings, weld maps, and bill of materials.

  4. Design Verification & Third-Party Review – For code compliance and client assurance.

  5. FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) Studies – For early-stage project planning and evaluation.

🏗️ Execution & Operational Support

  1. Erection & Assembly Planning – Guidelines and method statements for onsite construction.

  2. Inspection & Quality Assurance Plans – Weld inspection, NDT schedules, and test plans.

  3. ASME/API Code Compliance Consulting – Ensuring tanks meet applicable international standards.

  4. Hydrostatic Testing & Commissioning Support – Procedures, documentation, and field support.

  5. Retrofit & Upgrade Design for Existing Tanks – Capacity increase, pressure rating changes, or code updates.

Design Codes & Standards

You must comply with international or local standards, such as:

  • ASME Section VIII Div. 1 or 2 – Pressure vessel design

  • API 2510 – Design and construction of LPG installations

  • NFPA 58 – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

  • EN 13445 – For non-ASME pressure vessels

PED (EU Pressure Equipment Directive) – For installations in the EU

Materials of Construction

  • Carbon steel (e.g., ASTM A516 Grade 70) is typically used.

  • Corrosion allowances are added.

  • For low temperatures, low-alloy steels may be used.

  • Interior may require coatings or lining to prevent corrosion.

Spherical Tank Configuration

  • Each tank volume: Varies from 500 m³ to 5,000+ m³ depending on need.

  • Foundation: Elevated on legs or columns, with seismic and wind-resistant supports.

  • Spacing:

    • Minimum center-to-center spacing: typically ≥ 1.5 × tank diameter

    • Minimum edge-to-edge clearance: ≥ 15 m (based on local regulations)

white text-8.png

Safety Systems

Each spherical tank must have:

  • Pressure relief valves (sized per API 520/521)

  • Emergency shutoff valves

  • Flame arrestors, venting systems

  • Leak detection systems

  • Earthing and lightning protection

  • Water spray systems (for cooling during fire scenarios)

  • Gas detectors and alarms

Piping & Instrumentation

  • Double-block and bleed valves on key lines

  • Temperature and pressure monitoring at multiple points

  • Remote-operated valves for emergency isolation

  • Flow metering systems for LPG loading/unloading

Tank Form Design

  • Tank farm should be isolated from occupied buildings and boundaries.

  • Fire-fighting systems: foam monitors, hydrants, and water reservoirs

  • Road access for emergency services

  • Containment dikes or walls not needed for pressurized LPG, but spills must be managed through sloping ground or vapor dispersion considerations

Tank Form loading/unloading requirements

  • LPG loading/unloading requirement

  • Loading and unloading —whether to/from spherical storage tanks, tank trucks, railcars, or ships—requires strict engineering controls, safety systems, and procedural compliance. 

  • Pumps or Compressors: To transfer LPG from tanks under pressure.

  • Loading arms or flexible hoses: For truck, rail, or marine loading.

  • Mass Flow Meters: For accurate custody transfer.

  • Gas Return Line: To manage displaced vapors and prevent pressure build-up.

  • Check Valves/Breakaway Couplings: Prevent backflow and hose rupture.

Tank Form piping system design requirements

  • piping system design

  • Designing a piping system for spherical storage tanks involves careful planning to ensure safe, efficient, and code-compliant transfer of LPG during storage, loading, and unloading operations. 

  • Design Standards and Codes

  • Follow international standards to ensure safety and compliance:

  • ASME B31.3 – Process Piping

  • API 2510 – Design and Construction of LPG Installations

  • NFPA 58 – Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code

  • EN 13480 – European standard for metallic industrial piping

  • Pipe Sizing and Materials

  • Size based on flow rate, pressure drop, and velocity:

  • Liquid lines: 1.5 to 8 inches (or larger depending on flow)

  • Vapor lines: larger diameter to handle low-density vapor

  • Material: Carbon steel (ASTM A106 Gr. B or A333 for low temp)

  • Design for:

  • Temperature range: -40°C to +60°C (LPG can be cryogenic or ambient)

  • Pressure rating: Typically ANSI Class 300 or higher

  • Safety Devices in Piping

  • Device

  • Function

  • Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs)

  • Protect piping and tanks from overpressure

  • Remote Operated Shutoff Valves (ROSOVs)

  • Emergency isolation

  • Excess Flow Valves

  • Shut flow if line breaks

  • Flame Arrestors

  • Prevent fire backflow in vapor lines

  • Purge and Bleed Valves

  • Remove trapped gases before maintenance

  • Support, Stress analysis, and Layout Considerations

  • Use pipe supports, guides, and anchors to handle:

  • Thermal expansion

  • Seismic forces

  • Wind loads (especially for elevated pipe racks)

  • Stress analysis (CAESAR II) is often performed for large or critical piping

  • Avoid dead legs and low points to prevent LPG trapping

Foundation design

Designing the foundation for spherical  storage tanks (commonly called Hortonspheres) is a critical structural and safety task, as the tanks are heavy, pressurized, and elevated. 

bottom of page