Quick Question on Drawoff Sumps

[TMEldridge]

Does anyone know how API 650 deals with non-circular drawoff sumps? A contractor misread the drawing, and built a square sump in the center fo the tank bottom. API 650 Figure 3-15 shows all dimensions as 'diamater' and such, but also says that the sump shall be per figure/table unless otherwise specified by purchaser.

 

[JStephen]

There's no reason a square sump wouldn't work just as well. And depending on the dimensions, it is sometimes easier to weld up a square than to roll the plate to make a circle.

 

[JoeTank]

If you stick with the square one, you might want to have an engineer check out the bending stesses in the side walls of the sump. You might be suprised by the stress levels. I am also assuming that the contractor doesn't deal much with tanks if they made that type of mistake.

Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants

http://www.tankindustry.com

 

[JStephen]

Good point, Steve, especially if it's the 60" size- small sizes shouldn't be any big problem, though.