Little P.Eng. Engineering for Above-Ground Storage Tank Design Engineering Services
- Meena Rezkallah, P.Eng.
- 15 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Little P.Eng. Engineering is a trusted leader in above-ground storage tank (AST) design engineering services across Canada and the USA. Our experienced professional engineers (P.Eng.) provide fully compliant and innovative solutions for a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, power generation, and agriculture. We specialize in the design, analysis, and detailing of above-ground storage tanks to meet stringent industry codes and client-specific requirements.
Our AST design services ensure compliance with applicable standards such as API 650, API 620, AWWA D100, UL 142, NBCC, and local regulations. We handle new designs, retrofits, upgrades, and failure analysis for tanks storing liquids including crude oil, chemicals, potable water, wastewater, and other industrial fluids.
Key Above-Ground Storage Tank Components
Designing an efficient and safe above-ground storage tank requires careful consideration of all essential components. Little P.Eng. Engineering ensures every component is engineered precisely to optimize functionality, safety, and durability.
Below is a breakdown of the critical components of an above-ground storage tank:
Component | Description |
Tank Shell | The cylindrical vertical wall forming the tank’s body. Designed to resist hydrostatic pressure, wind loads, seismic loads, and internal pressure (if applicable). |
Tank Roof | Covers the tank to protect contents from contamination and evaporation. Can be fixed (cone, dome, umbrella) or floating (internal or external floating roofs). |
Tank Bottom | The flat base plate that supports the liquid load. Typically designed with annular plates for corrosion protection and structural integrity. |
Annular Ring | A reinforced ring plate at the outer perimeter of the tank bottom that provides added strength against settlement and corrosion. |
Foundation | Supports the tank and distributes loads to the ground. Can include concrete ring walls, slab foundations, or compacted gravel pads. |
Nozzles | Openings for inlet, outlet, drainage, venting, overflow, instrumentation, and cleaning. Designed with appropriate reinforcement to prevent local stress concentrations. |
Manways | Access points for internal inspection, maintenance, and cleaning. Commonly located on the shell or roof. |
Stairways and Ladders | Provide safe access to the top of the tank and to appurtenances. Designed per OSHA and API requirements for safe ingress and egress. |
Platforms and Walkways | Allow safe operations and maintenance activities on and around the tank. Include handrails, toe boards, and anti-slip surfaces. |
Seismic Bracing | Structural components that enhance the tank’s stability under seismic events. Include anchorage systems and flexible connections. |
Anchor Bolts | Secure the tank to the foundation, particularly critical in seismic and wind-prone regions. |
Wind Girders | Reinforcing rings around the tank shell that resist buckling due to wind loads. |
Floating Roof Seals | Sealing systems between floating roofs and the shell to prevent vapor emissions and water ingress. |
Vents and Pressure Relief Devices | Allow pressure equalization and prevent tank rupture from overpressure or vacuum conditions. Include flame arrestors for flammable liquids. |
Overflow Systems | Prevent accidental overfilling and spillage of tank contents. |
Cathodic Protection Systems | Prevent corrosion, particularly of the tank bottom, using sacrificial anodes or impressed current systems. |
External Coatings and Linings | Protect the exterior and interior of the tank from corrosion and chemical attack. |
Drainage Systems | Collect and remove rainwater from floating roof tanks or secondary containment areas. |
Insulation and Heating Systems | Applied for tanks storing products that require temperature control (e.g., heated crude oil tanks). |
Fire Protection Systems | May include foam chambers, water spray rings, or heat sensors as part of an overall facility fire safety system. |
Secondary Containment | Bund walls or dikes surrounding the tank to contain spills or leaks and protect the environment. |
Instrumentation | Includes level sensors, temperature probes, pressure transmitters, leak detection systems, and SCADA connectivity for monitoring and control. |
Shell Courses | Multiple horizontal plates welded together vertically to form the tank shell. Thickness varies depending on design pressure and tank height. |
Repads (Reinforcing Pads) | Welded plates around nozzles and manways to strengthen openings against stress. |
Internal Piping | Transfer systems inside the tank including suction pipes, mixing systems, and recirculation lines. |
Our Above-Ground Storage Tank Design Services Include:
Preliminary Engineering and Feasibility Studies: Evaluate project requirements, tank sizing, and regulatory compliance.
Detailed Engineering Design: Complete tank design calculations (shell thickness, roof design, foundation loads) following API 650, API 620, and other codes.
Seismic and Wind Load Analysis: Ensure tank stability under environmental loads in accordance with ASCE 7, NBCC, and local seismic requirements.
Material Selection and Specification: Recommend appropriate materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum) considering stored fluid characteristics and environmental conditions.
Foundation Design: Structural design of slab, ringwall, or pile foundations to ensure stability and load distribution.
Shop and Fabrication Drawings: Detailed drawings for construction and fabrication including shell courses, roof structures, nozzle locations, and support structures.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA): Advanced modeling for tanks under complex loading scenarios.
Retrofit and Upgrade Engineering: Assessments and modifications for older tanks to meet updated regulatory standards.
Failure Analysis and Remediation Design: Investigate tank failures (buckling, cracking, settlement) and design repairs or replacements.
Project Management and Construction Support: Oversee fabrication, erection, and inspection to ensure the project meets design specifications and codes.
Why Choose Little P.Eng. for Your Above-Ground Storage Tank Project?
Registered Professional Engineers (P.Eng.): All designs are signed and sealed by licensed engineers, ensuring accountability and code compliance.
Expertise in Multiple Codes: Our engineers are proficient in API 650, API 620, AWWA D100, UL 142, NBCC, and other international standards.
Advanced Analysis Tools: We use the latest software for stress analysis, FEA modeling, seismic evaluation, and fluid dynamics simulations.
Comprehensive Service Offering: From feasibility studies through to final construction support and commissioning.
Commitment to Safety and Quality: Our designs emphasize operational safety, durability, environmental protection, and easy maintenance.
Competitive and Transparent Pricing: High-quality engineering services at competitive rates, with clear project scope and deliverables.
If you need a reliable partner for above-ground storage tank design and engineering services, contact Little P.Eng. Engineering today!📧 info@littlepeng.com | 🌐 www.littlepeng.com | ☎️ +1 (587) 802-4050
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