Storage Tanks Design Rules of Thumbs

1. For less than 1000 gal, use vertical tanks on legs.
2. Between 1000 and 10,000 gal, use horizontal tanks on concrete supports.

3. Beyond 10,000 gal, use vertical tanks on concrete foundations.

4. Liquids subject to breathing losses may be stored in tanks with floating or expansion roofs for conservation.
5. Freeboard is 15% below 500 gal and 10 % above 500 gal capacity.

6. Thirty days capacity often is specified for raw materials and products. But depends on connecting transportation equipment schedules.
7. Capacities of  storage  tanks  are  at  least  1.5  times  the  size  of  connecting transportation equipment: for instance, 7500 gal tank trucks, 34.500 gal tank cars, and virtually unlimited barge and tanker capacities.