Design and Construction of Methane Storage Tanks

August 1, 2023

Overview

Comprehensive report on designing methane storage tanks, covering calculations, material selection, safety considerations, and compliance with AS1210 standards for pressure vessels.

Design and Construction of Equipment: Methane Storage Tank Design

As part of the subject: "Design and Construction of equipment" at the University of Melbourne, I was tasked with designing a storage tank system for methane as part of a larger chemical processing plant. This project focused on applying engineering principles to real-world equipment design challenges.

Key Aspects

Key aspects of my work included:

Calculating the required methane storage volume based on daily production rates and operating conditions
Determining appropriate tank dimensions and quantities to meet storage needs while adhering to safety standards and practical constraints
Selecting suitable materials for tank construction considering factors like pressure ratings, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness
Designing tank components including nozzles, manholes, and support structures in compliance with pressure vessel codes (AS1210)
Performing stress calculations to ensure the tank design could safely withstand operating pressures
Creating detailed 2D engineering drawings and 3D models of the tank design
Developing a tank farm layout plan considering safety distances and operational efficiency
Addressing safety, operational, and regulatory compliance aspects of the storage system

Skills Gained

Through this project, I gained valuable experience in:

Applying theoretical knowledge to practical engineering design problems
Using engineering standards and codes to guide equipment design decisions
Performing iterative calculations to optimize designs
Creating professional technical drawings and documentation
Considering broader operational and safety implications beyond just technical specifications
Using advanced Excel worksheets for engineering calculations and Autocad for drawings

This assignment deepened my understanding of pressure vessel design principles and gave me hands-on experience with the type of multifaceted engineering projects encountered in industry. It improved my ability to integrate various engineering considerations into a cohesive equipment design.