Spheres with hard piped deluge systems
HMN-Spherical tanks are a staple in modern LPG storage. Their spherical shape makes them easy to spot, and for us, should make it easy to assume general hazards associated with the product inside.
What’s inside?
Spherical tanks are designed so because they generally hold pressurized gases kept in liquid form. The pressures are generally higher than 15 psi, making these vessels “pressure vessels”.
This is going to be our LPG’s like Butane, Butylene, and even heavier products like Pentane. Although some of these tanks are large in size, it’s not uncommon to see smaller tanks as pictured below for our CNG, and also Argon.
Why spherical?
Because the product stored inside is under what we consider high pressure, the spherical shape allows the product to contact more surface area of the tank. What is achieved by this is the high pressure being distributed over a larger area. Also, to prevent thermal pressure increase most of these tanks are painted with highly reflective materials.
Notable incidents
One of the most notable recent incidents involving spherical tanks was during a devastating earthquake that struck Japan in 2011. During a live broadcast, a spherical tank appears to be involved in a large explosion.
Sign up for the Hazmatnation mailing list!
About the Author
Ryan Henry
Ryan Henry currently serves as the training officer for two volunteer fire departments in Calcasieu Parish Louisiana. Ryan also works in operations at a major gulf coast oil refinery, and serves as an ERT firefighter, as well as their Hazardous Material Response Team Training Coordinator. Ryan holds an AAS degree in Process Plant Technology and currently serves as a LSU/FETI Lead Evaluator for Louisiana.
