Guides for Storage Tanks Nozzles Orientation

Storage tanks are used in several phases of the process plants: to store feed, holding

partially processed products or to collect finished products. Good arrangement of the

storage tanks can save in land and cost of plant. While, by consideration a good nozzle
orientation and good piping for these tanks operation problems will be reduced.

Number of tank nozzles is depending to considered operation. One of the main problems

in layout and piping design of tanks is nozzle orientation. Nozzle orientation and platforms

shall be considered together as a same activity. Generally, it is recommended to collect

body nozzles in one side of the tank and roof tanks in same direction along of roof platform

(Fig 1). By this design, these nozzles and the valves, are connected to each nozzle

normally, is more accessible and lesser platforms is required so design is more economic.
This is a general rule but there are some exceptions, that manhole is one of them. It is
better to locate manhole in different direction with other nozzles, for easier entrance and

exit. Good nozzle orientation design needs to knowledge about nozzle performance which

is reviewed by main concepts that may be helped to better nozzle orientatiion design, in
following.

Fig 1- Sample of Nozzle Orientation

1- Manhole

Provide manholes to access and maintain the system and in accordance with the

requirements set forth in the contract specifications. When separate major groups of

storage tanks, process blocks, and loading facilities are involved, sealed and vented
manholes will be required at strategic points to sectionalize the system. Two types of
tank-shell maintenance access opening are used: the standard round opening. The

larger, oval-shaped, flat-bottom opening is more commonly used on large tanks or those

that use internal heaters. Keep the area immediately around access openings free of such

obstruction as large pipe supports, piping, and light poles. Locate manholes close to dike

access way, and far from pipe way, and also accessible from ground then operators can
enter and exists easily.

2- Input/output nozzles

The main process nozzles of a tank are input/output nozzles. The main point, where there

is no other process requirement, is minimization of pipe length (and so pressure drop).

For example, sometimes it is required to locate these nozzles in different sides of tank to

mix fluid inside of the tank. Nozzle elevation also affect orientation; by locating elevated

input nozzle and output nozzle in the same orientation vapor, which is soluted during

falling of liquid, will make gas traps in piping or cavitations in pumps. In Fig 1, A1 stands
for inlet and B1 for the outlet nozzle.

In Fig 1, A3 is recycling or circulation nozzle used for circulating of fluid via outlet nozzle

and pump then entered to the tank through this nozzle, when the risk of freezing, chocking

or sedimentation of tank fluid is exists. Consideration for orientation of this nozzle is same
as the inlet nozzle.

3- Draw off Nozzle

Storage tanks in hydrocarbon services are normally provided with an API low type shell

nozzle a drain valve at the bottom of the tank to permit periodic draw off of water which

normally collects in the product. The water draw off valve should be positioned over an

open concrete box with an outlet discharging into the gravity oily water collection system.
For this nozzle, consideration of OSW lines is mandatory, to use less sump and pits in
this system. In group of tanks which are in one row, this nozzle can be located in same
side. In Fig 1, D1 is a draw off nozzle.

4- Sampling Nozzles

A manual gauging-sampling well may be used where the stored product, is specified as

a static accumulator. Gauge well shall be burr-free. If a manhole or a separate roof

connection is used for gauging-sampling purposes it shall be located near a roof support.

All sampling valves shall be accessible and since valves to be installed as close as

possible to nozzles, so all nozzles shall be accessible. Normally, samples can be taken

two liters per at 3 points at upper, middle and lower levels daily. So, sample points are

normally located at grade, top platform or along the stair landings. In Fig 1, S1 and S2
are sampling nozzles to be accessible.

5- Level Nozzles

Minimum, one internal floats level gauging instrument per tank, readable from grade

consider. Other level gauges shall be readable and all their connection shall be
maintainable, so nozzles to be located along of stair.

6- Temperature

Connections for temperature indication shall be furnished for a flanged or threaded

thermo-well installation accessible for removal of the well and required space shall be
considered in front of it. (Nozzle T1 in Fig 1)

7- Breathing and Safety Valves nozzles

Each tank, has minimum one safety valve and one breathing valves, which are very
important for tank safety during its life, installed on top of roof shall be accessible from a
platform. Also valves of inert gas line which is connected to tank for pressure balance
when considered. In Fig 1, SV1 and BV1 are located close to platforms.

9- Tank Mixers and heaters

When on a tank, a mixer or a tube bundle heater is installed via a nozzle, orientation of it
shall provide adequate area for removal and easy movement to the outside of dike.

In figure 1 nozzles

10- Fire Fighting Nozzles

Do not forget that fire water never injected directly inside the tank, so the only nozzles,

are related to foam system, if existing. The most important point that shall be considered

during design of nozzle orientation for these systems is number of nozzles and also this

fact that nozzles shall be in the symmetrical arrangement to provide a uniform coverage
of foams.

Implementation of above points in the design, will reduce number of structural attachment

to tank and also capital costs of the plant as well as operation problems and increase
personal safety.