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Methanol Storage Tank Design

methanol storage tank design

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#1 tiffanytan11

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 07:40 AM

I'm a student and currently need to design a methanol storage tank (25 C) for an assignment. I read that the vapor pressure of methanol is 3 psia at 25 C, which is equivalent to about 20 kPa. In this case, what should my design pressure be? Should I design it based on API 650 or a pressure vessel?

 

Also, for a plant that uses methanol in its process (reaction), how long should the storage duration be? Would need that to size my storage tank.


Edited by tiffanytan11, 01 October 2015 - 07:43 AM.


#2 fallah

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 08:03 AM

Hi,

 

You can use either floating roof storage tank (API 650) or pressure vessel (ASME Sec. VIII Div. I) for methanol storage....



#3 tiffanytan11

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 08:49 AM

Hi,

 

You can use either floating roof storage tank (API 650) or pressure vessel (ASME Sec. VIII Div. I) for methanol storage....

In this case, what should my design pressure be? the vapour pressure (20 kPa) or atmostpheric pressure? Would you recommend external or internal floating roof tank?



#4 breizh

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 09:27 AM

Hi ,

 

May be good to take a look at the resource attached ?

Good luck

 

Breizh



#5 fallah

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 10:27 AM

 

In this case, what should my design pressure be? the vapour pressure (20 kPa) or atmostpheric pressure? Would you recommend external or internal floating roof tank?

 

 

 

Hi,

 

For pressure vessel the DP would be 3-4 barg and for floating roof (internal with N2 blanketing) it's near atmospheric...
 



#6 tiffanytan11

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Posted 01 October 2015 - 10:41 PM

Is there a guideline on how long should methanol be stored in the production plant?  This is for the calculation of storage capacity of the tank.



#7 breizh

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Posted 02 October 2015 - 02:31 AM

Hi ,

 

It all depends on the users ( flow rate ) , operation mode ( continuous or not)  and the difficulty of replenishment ( domestic , oversea). You need to define a safety stock / min and max stock too (delivery time)

From you location , you should check where are the suppliers , whether they have stock for you , how difficult to reach your plant , what the minimum quantity to order , .....

 

Hope this helps

 

Breizh



#8 Art Montemayor

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Posted 02 October 2015 - 03:23 PM

Your basic query was about the design pressure for your proposed MeOH storage tank.  Besides Breizh's thoughtful and helpful advice and attachment, you should always consider the aspect for SAFETY when handling and storing neat or almost-neat methanol.  Ignition - both external AND internal - as well as fires are always a potential danger and should be taken directly into consideration when designing a MeOH storage tank.  Under usual normal operting conditions I would never employ a MeOH storage tank without inert gas padding.  Please read and study the attached document regarding MeOH storage tanks.  Additionally, never forget the need for proper, firm grounding of the tank(s).

 

Pay particular attention to the ignition levels of methanol as compared to gasoline.  Also pay attention to the comparison of methanol storage features as compared to gasoline storage tanks.  You will be very surprised at the differences between the both and you will learn to cultivate a lot of respect for handling and storing MeOH.

 

Attached File  e1 Methanol Handbook v2013.pdf   1.38MB   286 downloads






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