CHAPTER 9 PRE-ENGINEERED STORAGE TANKS

During World War II, steel tanks made possible many operations. During large operations, especially in forward areas, the need for rapid transport and appropriate storage facilities were of major importance. Steel tanks were used to store fuel, diesel oil, gasoline, and water to meet the demand for storage facilities. Ships and planes were supplied from secret tank farms at overseas bases, making possible many of the large invasions of the war in the Pacific.

This chapter will brief you on the procedures to follow in erecting bolted steel tanks including preparation of the foundation for a tank

STEEL TANKS

Many types of tanks are available. Besides tanks that are constructed of standard mild steel sheets, tanks of galvanized steel sheets and of wrought iron may also be obtained. Tanks may be bolted, riveted, or welded. Bolted and riveted tanks have capacities of up to 10,000 barrels. Welded tanks may hold as many as 50,000 barrels.

Steelworkers are normally concerned with PREFABRICATED BOLTED TANKS. These tanks are composed of steel sheets of a size that is easily transported. Individual pieces are quite light. They can be assembled quickly in the field by crews of relatively untrained men so long as the man in charge understands the details of their construction. Once the tanks are assembled, they will last for 5 or 6 years or longer. A shipment includes all of the bolts, the nuts, the fittings, and the gasket material required for assembly. Drawings and assembly instructions also are provided.

Ten-thousand-barrel tanks are used to store fuel and diesel oil at overseas bases. One-thousand-barrel tanks are used for gasoline storage. Low 5,000-barrel tanks are seldom used for fuel storage where large operations are under way, but they may be used for storage of water. Since a barrel is equal to 42 gallons, you can see that a 10,000-barrel tank is capable of holding 420,000 gallons.

If desired, bolted steel tanks can be dismantled and re-erected at another location. You can obtain re-erection kits that contain new gasket material and extra nuts and bolts. In disassembling a tank, however, workers should make an effort to save all of the items of hardware that can be used again. When taking down a tank, avoid damage to any of the members because the number of re-erections of a tank depend largely upon the care taken during dismantling.

CAUTION

Exercise care when handling plates to avoid bending, dropping, or otherwise damaging the steel. Bent plates will cause problems when the tank is erected, and when used, the result is usually a leaking tank.

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