In the process of petroleum refining, crude oil is heated and separated into different components, which are converted into different products based on their boiling points, such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc. In the process of refining these light oil products, a byproduct is produced, which is petroleum exhaust gas. This part of the gas was originally discharged as waste during the refining process. However, with the development of technology, it has been discovered that these petroleum exhaust gases contain a large amount of light hydrocarbons such as propane and butane, which can be liquefied under certain pressure and transformed into liquid form, known as liquefied petroleum gas.
The volume of liquefied petroleum gas is significantly reduced, making it easier to store and transport. Liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks, abbreviated as LPG tanks, are widely used as energy storage facilities, ranging from household daily life to industrial production. This article will explore the basic knowledge of LPG tanks and their related applications.
1、 Basic knowledge of LPG storage tanks
LPG storage tank is a container used for storing liquefied petroleum gas. Its design needs to fully consider safety and stability, and its shell is usually made of high-strength steel that can withstand internal pressure and external environmental influences.
 
2、 Popularization and application of LPG storage tanks
LPG is favored by household users due to its cleanliness and convenience, and has become a common household fuel in many regions of China and Asia, widely used for cooking, heating, and hot water supply. Meanwhile, in the commercial sector, including the catering, hotel, and retail industries, LPG is widely used as an energy source in commercial facilities, making storage tanks a common facility. In industrial applications, LPG is used as a fuel for drying and heating in manufacturing, as well as as as a chemical raw material to participate in chemical reactions and produce various chemicals, with diverse uses.
 
3、 Design types and structural dimensions of LPG storage tanks
There are various design types for LPG storage tanks, which can be divided into three types based on their capacity and purpose: household storage tanks, commercial storage tanks, and industrial storage tanks.
Small LPG storage tanks for household use generally have a capacity of 5 to 50 kilograms. These tanks are designed to be compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making it easy for household users to install and operate.
Commercial LPG storage tanks are classified as medium-sized and typically have a capacity range of 100 to 1000 kilograms, making them suitable for use in commercial settings. This type of storage tank places special emphasis on safety and stability in its design.
Large industrial storage tanks, with capacities ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of tons, are designed specifically for large-scale industrial production facilities. The design requirements for these storage tanks are strict, taking into account multiple key factors such as high material strength, high structural stability, and complete configuration of safety systems.
The structural design of LPG storage tanks also needs to consider various factors, such as materials, shape, insulation, etc. High strength steel is usually used as the shell material to withstand internal pressure and external environmental influences. There are two common shapes: spherical and cylindrical. Spherical tanks have high pressure but are difficult to manufacture, while cylindrical tanks have good stability and are relatively simple to manufacture.
 
4、 Design parameters and case studies
The design of LPG storage tanks covers multiple key aspects such as volume, working pressure, working temperature, and safety devices. The capacity of the storage tank needs to be determined based on usage requirements. To ensure the safety of the equipment, strict consideration must be given to the working pressure of the storage tank during design to prevent overpressure situations. In addition, safety devices such as safety valves and level gauges are equipped to monitor and control the system status in real time, ensuring the safety of equipment and operators.
This is a LPG high-pressure storage tank designed according to Japanese Standards (JIS), with the following specific parameters:
The design pressure is 1.8MPa, which is equivalent to approximately 18 atmospheres of pressure; Design temperature of 40 degrees; The volume is 2.437 cubic meters. This device meets the S1 level of the Japanese standard for building seismic resistance. S1 level is a Japanese standard for seismic performance of buildings and structures, which means that equipment can maintain structural integrity under expected vibrations without structural damage.
Of course, the national seismic standards for buildings are also strict. The seismic coefficient specified in the seismic standards will directly affect the bottom structure, support design, anchoring method, etc. of LPG storage tanks, which are key factors in ensuring the stability of the tanks during earthquakes. As a special equipment, the design of LPG storage tanks needs to follow corresponding seismic standards to ensure that the tanks can withstand expected ground movements during earthquakes and prevent structural damage. At the same time, it also involves safety devices such as automatic shut-off valves, pressure relief devices, etc.
 
5、 LPG household users must comply with safety regulations
Here are some basic guidelines for the use of LPG storage tanks: applications in households need to follow to ensure the safety of family members and property.
1. Tank installation: Good outdoor ventilation, away from sources of fire and flammable materials.
2. Pipeline connection: Use specialized pipelines and valves to avoid pipelines passing through building structures.
3. Leak detection: Regularly check for leaks and install alarms.
4. Safe to use: Keep away from sources of fire and maintain ventilation.
5. Emergency measures: Learn to close the emergency shut-off valve and prepare a fire extinguisher.
6. Regular inspection: Please have professionals inspect the storage tanks and pipelines.
7. Child and pet safety: Prevent children and pets from coming into contact with storage tanks.
8. Compliance with regulations: Following regulations and standards.
LPG storage tank is an important energy storage facility. Understanding the basic knowledge of LPG storage tank can help us better utilize this energy resource, improve our quality of life and industrial efficiency. Remember, following safety regulations and regular maintenance are key to ensuring the safe operation of LPG storage tanks.