Indoor vertical tank project

This project involved the design and construction of four vertical single-wall storage tanks for a French fry processing plant, engineered to store used bulk cooking oil (specific gravity 0.93) within a new facility. Due to the tanks being installed during the building construction phase, they had to be built and placed correctly the first time, as removal would be impossible once the structure was complete.

Each tank was constructed to API 650 standards at the client’s request and featured unique fitting orientations and elevations to integrate seamlessly with facility systems. The tanks were installed in a square layout with four 90-degree corners and included:

– Internal stainless steel piping for recirculation and overflow management.
– A sloped floor (1-degree slope), with internal structural ribs, leading to the tank drain nozzle, ensuring efficient drainage. A traditional flat tank floor was also installed with an air gap between the floors.
– Machined below-liquid manways and nozzles installed to exact elevations to meet precise operational requirements.
– Anchor lugs for accurate tank placement.

To allow safe and functional access, a custom-engineered connecting catwalk system was installed, featuring sliding connections for onsite adjustability. The OHS/OSHA-compliant catwalk system, along with a single caged ladder equipped with mid-point rest platforms, was constructed with high-visibility yellow finishes for safety. The tank roofs were designed as walking platforms, enabling additional access points.

The tanks featured carbon steel construction, internally coated with cooking oil, and externally finished with an epoxy primer and polyurethane topcoat in a custom grey color to meet client specifications. All internal piping was fabricated with stainless steel piping to ensure long-term, corrosion-free use.

A critical phase of the project involved 3D model clash detection: provided models were inserted into the client’s overall facility model to ensure compatibility. This process included 4 project-wide drawing revisions and 9 internal revisions, optimizing the design for constructability and efficiency.

The tanks and catwalks were placed and assembled onsite during building construction, prior to ceiling installation, ensuring seamless integration with the overall facility. The final system represents a precisely engineered storage solution, balancing spatial constraints, safety, and operational functionality.