Some specific features of strength evaluation of flat bottoms of thin-walled horizontal tanks and vessels for filling with account of deformation
When diagnosing and examining industrial safety according to current normative documents, the strength calculations of flat edgeless bottoms of thin-walled vessels for filling and horizontal tanks working under hydrostatic operating pressure show that often the minimum allowable design thickness exceeds the actual one. In accordance with the regulations further operation of such vessels and tanks requires repairing of bottoms, namely, reinforcement, which is a costly solution. As oil and gas industry is operating a large number of such vessels and tanks that decision presents a problem for the companies operating this equipment. Analysis of the results of the diagnosis proves the fact that most of these bottoms have an actual minor permanent deformation - the deflection with a maximum below the center of the bottom. The results of bottoms’ deformation measurements served the basis for building calculation model and suggesting a new approach to strength evaluation of flat edgeless bottoms thin-walled vessels for filling and horizontal tanks with account of deformation and load distribution along height of working liquid loading. It allowed substantiating possibility of further exploitation of thin-walled vessels for filling and horizontal tanks without repairing.