Engineering Standard

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks
Vessels Standards Committee Members

31 December, 2003

Naffa'a, M.Y., Chairman

Al-Anizi, S.S.
Al-Gahtani, M.S.
Al-Musaiid, H.A.
Al-Sharhan, Z.S.
Jones, S.B.
Khanna, R.K.
Khouie, S.B.
Kim, S.U.
Muir, W.R.
Walsh, M.P.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

Table of Contents

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16

Scope............................................................ 2
Conflicts and Deviations............................... 2
References.................................................... 2
Definitions..................................................... 5
Responsibilities............................................. 5
Tank Selection.............................................. 6
Materials....................................................... 7
Design........................................................... 7
Appurtenances............................................. 11
Painting and Coatings.................................. 17
Insulation...................................................... 18
Lighting......................................................... 18
Grounding..................................................... 18
Cathodic Protection...................................... 18
Foundations.................................................. 18
Under Tank Leak Detection and
Sub-Grade Protection .......................... 19
17 Drawings, Calculations and Data................. 19
Appendix G Structurally Supported
Aluminum Dome Roofs............................... 20
Appendix L Completion of API STD 650,
Storage Tank Data Sheet.................... 21

Previous Issue: 30 November, 2002 Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

Revised paragraphs are indicated in the right margin
Primary contact: Mahmoud Y. Naffa'a on 874-7263

Page 1 of 22

Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Scope
1.1

This standard defines the minimum mandatory requirements governing the

selection and mechanical design of atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks
in accordance with API STD 650, Tenth Edition (November 1998) with
Addendum 3 (September 2003) or API STD 620, Tenth Edition (February
2002), as applicable. This standard also defines the requirements for horizontal
storage tanks in low-pressure service.

1.2

Tanks designed in accordance with Appendix Q "Low-Pressure Storage Tanks

for Liquefied Hydrocarbons Gases" and double wall tanks according to
Appendix R "Low-Pressure Storage Tanks for Refrigerated Products" of API
STD 620 are not covered by this standard. Additional requirements for such
tanks shall be developed, if necessary, by the Design Engineer for review by the
Saudi Aramco Engineer.

1.3

This standard shall be used by the Design Engineer to complete the tank data
sheets.

1.4

This standard shall not be attached to nor made a part of purchase orders.

Conflicts and Deviations

2.1

Any conflicts between this standard and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

2.2

Direct all requests to deviate from this standard in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.

References
The selection and design of equipment and facilities covered by this standard shall
comply with the latest edition of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.
3.1

Saudi Aramco References

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure
SAEP-302

Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a

Mandatory Saudi Aramco Engineering
Requirement
Page 2 of 22

Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Saudi Aramco Engineering Reports

SAER 5800

Use of Aluminum Geodesic Dome Roofs on

External Floating Roof Tanks

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standards

SAES-A-005

Safety Instruction Sheet

SAES-A-102

Air Pollutant Emission Source Control

SAES-A-112

Meteorological and Seismic Design Data

SAES-B-005

Spacing and Diking for Atmospheric and LowPressure Tanks

SAES-B-017

Fire Water System Design

SAES-B-018

Air Foam Systems for Storage Tanks

SAES-B-054

Access, Egress, and Materials Handling for Plant

Facilities

SAES-B-055

Plant Layout

SAES-B-057

Safety Requirements: Refrigerated and Pressure

Storage Vessels

SAES-H-001

Selection Requirements for Industrial Coatings

SAES-H-101

Approved Protective Coating Systems

SAES-J-300

Level

SAES-J-600

Pressure Relief Devices

SAES-M-001

Structural Design Criteria for Non-Building

Structures

SAES-N-001

Basic Criteria, Industrial Insulation

SAES-P-111

Grounding

SAES-P-123

Lighting

SAES-Q-005

Concrete Foundations

SAES-X-500

Cathodic Protection of Vessels and Tank Internals

SAES-X-600

Cathodic Protection of Plant Facilities

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specifications

32-SAMSS-005

Manufacture of Atmospheric Tanks

32-SAMSS-006

Manufacture of Low-Pressure Tanks

32-SAMSS-017

Side-Entry Mixers
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Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings

AA-036256

General Assembly of Radar, Temperature, and

Manual Gauging for External Floating Roof
Tanks

AA-036504

Assembly and Details of Gage Well and Guide

Pole For Floating Roof Tanks

AB-036003

Manholes and Vents for Tanks

AD-036061

Roof Center Vent for Cone Roof Tanks

AA-036355

Impressed Current Tank Bottom Cathodic

Protection Details

AB-036387

Tank Grounding

Saudi Aramco Forms and Data Sheets

3.2

SA 2693-ENG

Tank Safety Instruction Sheet

SA 2694-ENG

Pressure Vessel Safety Instruction Sheet

SA 2696-ENG

Appurtenance Schedule and Orientations

SA 9527-ENG

Pressure Vessel Design Sheet

SA 9580-ENG

API STD 620 Storage Tank Data Sheet

Industry Codes and Standards

American Petroleum Institute
API STD 620

Recommended Rules for Design and Construction

of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks

API STD 650

Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage

API STD 2000

Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage

Tanks

API RP 2003

Protection Against Ignitions Arising out of Static,

Lightning and Stray Currents

API STD 2510

Design and Construction of LPG Installations

API PUBL 2510A

Fire-Protection Considerations of the Design and

Operation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Storage Facilities

American Society of Civil Engineers

ASCE 7 - 95

Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other

Structures
Page 4 of 22

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

ASME SEC VIII D1

Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D323

Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of

Petroleum Products (Reid Method)

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 68

Guide for Venting of Deflagrations

NFPA 255

Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning

Characteristics of Building Materials

Definitions
Atmospheric Pressure: An internal pressure that results in total uplift force not
exceeding the weight of the tank roof.
Auto Refrigeration Temperature: Auto-refrigeration temperature is the adiabatic
vaporization temperature of the process fluid coincident with a pressure equal to 25% of
the maximum operating pressure.
Design Engineer: The Engineering Company responsible for specifying, on the design
data sheet, the design requirements for tanks.
Low-Flash Liquids: Hydrocarbon liquids with a flash point below 54C (129F) or
within 8C (14.4F) of their flash point. Crude oils are not included in this category.
Low-Pressure: An internal pressure that exceeds the weight of the tank roof but does
not exceed 103 kPa gauge (15 psig).
Reid Vapor Pressure: The vapor pressure of hydrocarbon liquids at 38C (129F) as
measured in accordance with ASTM D323.
Saudi Aramco Engineer: The Supervisor of the Process Equipment Unit, Consulting
Services Department, Dhahran.
Tank Manufacturer: The Company responsible for the design and fabrication of
tanks.

Responsibilities
5.1

The Design Engineer is responsible for specifying the type, size and design
conditions for storage tanks, including the requirements for associated tank
appurtenances and cathodic protection.
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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

5.2

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

The Tank Manufacturer is responsible for the design, supply of materials,

fabrication, erection, inspection, testing, surface preparation and painting of
tanks in accordance with the Design Engineer's specification.

Tank Selection
6.1

6.2

External (open-top) floating roof tanks in accordance with API STD 650 shall be
specified for the following services:
1)

Crude oil (stabilized);

2)

Low-flash liquids;

3)

Liquids having a Reid vapor pressure from 14 kPa absolute (2 psia) to

76 kPa absolute (11 psia) with true vapor pressure not exceeding 90 kPa
(13 psia).

4)

Liquids that are classified as electrostatic accumulators and are likely to

produce a flammable vapor-air mixture in the vapor space of the tank such
as Jet fuels.

Internal floating roof tanks in accordance with API STD 650 shall be specified
for the following services:
1)

Services listed in Paragraph 6.1 when small storage volumes are required
and the use of internal floating roof tanks is more economical than external
floating roof tanks.

2)

Services when product contamination from weather elements is to be

minimized.

3)

Services where existing fixed roof tanks are to be converted to internal

floating roof tanks to minimize evaporation losses and/or emissions.

6.3

Neither external nor internal floating roof tanks shall be used for storing cutback
asphalt.

6.4

Fixed roof tanks shall be used for tanks with internal floating roofs and for all
services other than those specified in paragraph 6.1.

6.5

Low-pressure storage tanks in accordance with API STD 620 shall be specified
for the services listed below:
1)

Unstabilized crude oil;

2)

Petroleum products that boil under atmospheric conditions;

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Document Responsibility: Vessels

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

3)
7

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Refrigerated products.

Materials
7.1

Materials of all tank's components shall be selected in accordance with 32SAMSS-005 or 32-SAMSS-006, as applicable.

7.2

Use of materials other than to those listed in 32-SAMSS-005 and

32-SAMSS-006 requires approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.

7.3

The impact testing of tank's components shall be determined by the Tank

Manufacturer based on the material minimum design metal temperature
(MDMT), in accordance with the requirements specified in 32-SAMSS-005 or
32-SAMSS-006, as applicable.

7.4

Corrosion Allowance
7.4.1

For atmospheric pressure tanks storing crude oil or petroleum products,

no corrosion allowance is required, unless specified by the Proponent
Department.

7.4.2 For tanks storing water, a corrosion allowance shall be specified as

follows:

7.4.3

1)

1.6 mm (1/16 inch) shell corrosion allowance for tanks without

cathodic protection;

2)

1.6 mm (1/16 inch) for roof supports, such as columns, rafters and
girders;

3)

No corrosion allowance is required for roof and bottom plates.

For low-pressure tanks designed in accordance with API STD 620,

corrosion allowance shall be specified as follows:
1)

1.6 mm (1/16 inch) for all pressure parts, shell stiffeners and roof
support members;

2)

3.2 mm (1/8 inch) on diameter of anchor bolts;

3)

No corrosion allowance is required for hold down straps.

Design
8.1

General

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Document Responsibility: Vessels

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

8.1.1

8.1.2

8.2

8.3

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

The Design Engineer shall complete the data sheet for the tank being
purchased in accordance with this standard as follows:
1)

For API STD 650 tanks, use the Storage Tank Data Sheet in
Appendix L of API STD 650 and provide the additional
information as detailed in Appendix L of this standard.

2)

For API STD 620 tanks, use Saudi Aramco Form 9580-ENG.

3)

For Horizontal, cylindrical, low-pressure tanks, prepare an

appropriate data sheet for this type of tank or use Saudi Aramco
Form 9527-ENG.

The Design Engineer shall complete Saudi Aramco Form 2696-ENG

showing the tank dimensions, appurtenance schedules, orientations and
elevations for API STD 650 and API STD 620 Tanks.

Design Criteria
8.2.1

Atmospheric storage tanks shall be mechanically designed, fabricated,

erected, inspected, and tested in accordance with API STD 650 and
applicable appendices, 32-SAMSS-005, and this standard.

8.2.2

Low-pressure storage tanks, including those for refrigerated products,

shall be mechanically designed, fabricated, erected, inspected, and tested
in accordance with API STD 620 and applicable appendices, 32SAMSS-006, and this standard.

8.2.3

Tanks that are designed for internal pressure within the scope of API
STD 650 Appendix F shall meet the requirements of API STD 650,
Appendix F, 32-SAMSS-005 and this standard.

8.2.4

Low-pressure, horizontal, cylindrical tanks shall be mechanically

designed using the rules of ASME SEC VIII D1.

Tank Dimensions and Capacity

8.3.1

The Design Engineer shall determine the initial tank dimensions based
on the most economical tank height versus diameter, taking into
considerations the following factors:
1)

Allowable soil/foundation load;

2)

Anticipated soil/foundation settlement;

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

3)

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Spacing requirements between tanks in accordance with

SAES-B-005.

The Design Engineer shall verify that the Tank Manufacturer's design
proposal meets the specified dimensional requirements.
8.3.2 Net working capacity shall be calculated based on the nominal capacity
minus the innage (non-withdrawable bottom) and outage (non-usable
top) of the tank.
8.4

Design Conditions
8.4.1

8.5

The minimum design metal temperature, for the purpose of determining

the material toughness requirements, shall be the lowest of the following
values:
1)

The lowest one-day mean atmospheric temperature (LODMAT)

per SAES-A-112, or

2)

The minimum operating temperature, or

3)

The hydrostatic test temperature.

4)

Auto-refrigeration temperature for refrigerated storage tanks as

defined in section 4 of this standard.

8.4.2

The design temperature shall not exceed the metal temperature

limitations specified in the applicable Code.

8.4.3

The design pressure for low-pressure horizontal cylindrical tanks shall

not exceed 103 kPag (15 psig) in accordance with API STD 620.

8.4.4

The specific gravity of the test water shall be specified, if greater than
1.0.

External Loads
8.5.1

The basic wind speed corresponding to the tank site shall be specified in
accordance with SAES-A-112. Design wind loads shall be determined
using the criterion specified in SAES-M-001, paragraph 5.5.

8.5.2

The seismic zone factor, importance factor and the site coefficient
corresponding to the tank site shall be specified in accordance with
SAES-A-112. The Importance Factor "I" shall be Category IV per
ASCE 7 - 95.

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

8.5.3

8.6

8.7

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Nozzle loads from connected piping to shell nozzles shall be specified

for tanks larger than 36 m (120 ft) in diameter and nozzles 152 mm (6
inch) NPS and greater.

Shells
8.6.1

A freeboard shall be specified above the design liquid level for external
floating roof tanks. The freeboard shall be sufficient to fully contain
within the shell the sealing ring and the secondary seal.

8.6.2

A freeboard shall be specified above the design liquid level for fixed roof
tanks with internal floating roofs. The freeboard shall be sufficient to
fully contain the sealing ring below the shell-to-roof juncture.

Roofs
8.7.1

8.7.2

External Floating Roofs

1)

Single deck pontoon type floating roofs shall be specified for tank
diameters up to and including 92 m (300 ft) tank diameter. The
deck shall be of the contact type with minimum vapor space.

2)

Double deck pontoon type floating roofs shall be specified for tank
diameters greater than 92 m (300 ft).

3)

Double deck pontoon type floating roofs are acceptable for small
floating roof tanks if they are more economical than single deck
pontoon type floating roofs.

4)

Secondary seals shall be provided when required by to

SAES-A-102.

Internal Floating Roofs

The acceptable types of internal floating roofs are as follows:
1)

Metallic pontoon roofs in contact with the liquid and have closed
pontoons.

2)

Metallic roofs on floats with the deck above the liquid.

3)

Metallic double deck roofs in contact with the liquid.

8.7.3 Fixed Roofs

[Link]

For insulated tanks, the design of the roof-to-shell juncture

shall prevent the infiltration of rainwater into the insulation.
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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

[Link]

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Self-supporting aluminum dome roof (ADR) shall be

considered in lieu of a conventional fixed roof with a
supporting system, which includes multiple rings of supporting
columns with girders and rafters, for tanks with diameters of
30 m (100 ft) or more. This is applicable for fixed roof tanks
with and without internal floating roofs.
Commentary: Refer to SAER 5800 "Use of Aluminum
Geodesic Dome Roofs on External Floating Roof tanks" for
more details on the advantages of utilizing ADR.

8.8

8.9

Bottoms
8.8.1

Vertical, cylindrical, flat bottom tanks built to API STD 620 and API
STD 650 shall have 1 in 120 upward-sloped bottoms.

8.8.2

Aviation fuel tanks built to API STD 650 shall have a 3-degree upwardsloped bottom. Alternatively, such tanks can have 1 in 120 downwardsloped bottoms.

Supports for Low-Pressure Storage Tanks

8.9.1

Horizontal vessel shall be supported by two saddles. The vessel shall be

fixed at one saddle and free to move in the longitudinal direction, due to
thermal and pressure differentials, at the other saddle.

8.9.2

Tank data sheet shall specify locations of the fixed and sliding saddles
and dimension from vessel centerline to underside of saddle base plate.

Appurtenances
9.1

General
The type, quantity and layout of all appurtenances for storage tanks shall be
specified in accordance with this standard.

9.2

Nozzles and Manways

9.2.1

Nozzle and piping sizes 32 mm (1- inch), 36 mm (2- inch), 89 mm

(3- inch) and 127 mm (5 inch) NPS shall not be used.

9.2.2

Inlet and outlet nozzles may be located in tank shell or tank bottom. The
use of bottom nozzles shall be approved by the Saudi Aramco Engineer
if the predicted bottom settlement exceeds 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) at the
nozzle locations.

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

9.3

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

9.2.3

Nozzles 2 inch NPS and larger in API STD 650 tanks shall be flanged.

9.2.4

Nozzle connections in API STD 620 tanks shall be flanged. Threaded

and socket-welded connections are prohibited.

9.2.5

Connections 38 mm (1- inch) NPS and smaller shall be Class 3000

minimum, either socket welded or threaded full couplings.

9.2.6

Shell and roof manways shall be specified in accordance with SASD

AB-036003.

9.2.7

Nozzle flanges mating with valves having flat-faced flanges shall be

specified as flat-faced.

Piping and Manifolds

9.3.1

Block valves shall be installed directly at the tank nozzles. If more than
one line connects to the same nozzle, valves shall be installed in each
line, in addition to the nozzle block valve.

9.3.2

Where the tank cannot be emptied directly into an underground sewer

system, a 100 mm (4-inch) NPS flanged and blinded valve shall be
installed on the fill line 3.28 m (10 ft) from the tank.

9.3.3

Pump-out connections shall be provided on lines 300 mm (12-inch) NPS

and larger at the lowest point of the line and shall consists of a 100 mm
(4-inch ) NPS flanged and blinded valve.

9.3.4

An inlet diffuser shall be specified for tanks with internal floating roofs
with the following requirements:

9.3.5

[Link]

The inlet diffuser shall be sized based on the maximum

pumping in rate and the maximum permissible exit velocity
through the slots in the diffuser.

[Link]

The diffuser shall be slotted. The slots shall be located at

60 degrees (2 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions) from the
vertical centerline of the diffuser.

[Link]

The number and dimensions of slots shall be calculated so that

the exit velocity does not exceed 1 m/sec (3.28 ft/sec) at the
maximum inlet flow until there is a minimum of 1m (40 inch)
of liquid cover over the inlet.

Bellows expansion joints shall not be used in tank piping.

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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

9.3.6
9.4

9.5

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Cast iron valves shall not be used.

Floating Suction Lines

9.4.1

Floating suction lines shall be specified if required in consultation with

the operating unit at the specific facility. Tanks that store products such
as aviation fuel may require floating suction lines to allow extraction at
high levels if settlement time is limited after filling and before product
delivery is required.

9.4.2

When floating suction lines are specified, flexible hoses shall not be
used.

Vents
9.5.1

Venting requirements shall be specified in accordance with API STD

2000, SAES-J-600, SASDs AB-036003 and AD-036061 and the
following requirements:
[Link]

Fixed roof tanks with internal floating roofs shall be treated as

fixed roof tanks when determining the venting capacity
requirements for the internal floating roof.
Commentary Note:
Individual venting devices/arrangement shall be provided for
the fixed roof and the internal floating roof, when circulation
vents are not installed, according to API STD 2000
requirements.

[Link]

Floating roofs
[Link].1 As a minimum, two overpressure/vacuum bleeder
type vents shall be installed. Vents shall be sized to
handle a total of 125% of the maximum
filling/withdrawal rates that are specified on the
Storage Tank Data Sheet.
Commentary Note:
Bleeder vents shall be designed to open and close
automatically when the roof is 75 mm above its low
support legs position upon emptying and filling the
tank, respectively.

[Link].2 Vents for protection against overpressure/vacuum,

while the roof is floating, shall be provided as
follows:
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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

1)

Their overall capacity shall be determined

according to API standard 2000 requirements,
considering 25% of the filling/emptying rates
and 100% of thermal breathing.

2)

Vents shall be evenly distributed and close to

the roof periphery enough vents shall be
provided close to the inlet diffuser in services
where gas slugs are expected.

3)

Vents shall be designed so as not to allow any

carry over of stored liquid onto the floating
roof.

Commentary Notes:

9.6

i)

Normally, vents are of the open type that does not

undergo testing but rather in-situ inspection. In
case relief valves are used, their number shall be
such that the total required venting capacity is
always available when a number of valve(s) are
removed for testing.

ii)

Anticipated operation upset conditions such as an

increase in temperature of the input stream to a
tank or chemical injection that will result in
vaporization beyond that associated with the
product true vapor pressure design limit of 90 kPa
absolute (13 psia) or gas purges shall be also
considered in determining the required venting
capacity.

9.5.2

Emergency venting capacity per API STD 2000 and explosion hatch per
NFPA 68 shall be provided for API STD 650 fixed roof tanks. A
frangible shell-to-roof joint may be considered as an alternative to
additional venting devices that are normally provided to relieve excess
pressure during emergency conditions for tanks of diameters equal to or
larger than 15.24 m (50 feet). Frangible shell-to-roof joint shall conform
to the requirements of API STD 650.

9.5.3

The pressure and vacuum vent settings shall be specified on the tank data
sheet.

Mixers
9.6.1

Mixing equipment shall be specified as follows:

1)

Crude tanks
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Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Side entry propeller type mixers shall be specified for all crude
tanks.
2)

Product tanks which contain a stock produced by the blending of

two or more components and/or additives.
A jet nozzle with a recirculation system or a propeller type mixer
shall be specified.

3)

Blend stock tanks

The rundown line shall be equipped with a jet nozzle.

4)

Intermediate tanks
The rundown line shall be equipped with a jet nozzle. A
recirculation system or propeller type mixer shall be specified if the
downstream unit can be upset by the feed which is not consistent in
quality.

9.7

9.6.2

The number and location of mixer connections shall be determined by

the Design Engineer and specified on the tank data sheet.

9.6.3

Mixer nozzle connections shall not be used for regular access manways.

9.6.4

Low liquid level switches shall be positioned such that the mixer motor
will stop when the liquid level is 75 mm (3 inch) above the top of the
propellers.

9.6.5

Propeller-type mixers shall be specified in accordance with

32-SAMSS-017.

9.6.6

Jet-nozzle mixers shall not be used in tanks with internal floating roofs.

Temperature Instruments
9.7.1

Dial thermometers shall be specified on all tanks when other types of

temperature instruments are not provided. The thermometers shall be
located in the vicinity of the tank outlet nozzle and 0.3 m (12 inch) above
the tank base line. The sensing point shall be 1 m (39 inch) inside the
tank shell and located such that it will not be affected by the tank heater,
where specified.

9.7.2

Tanks with heaters shall be equipped with a self-actuating temperature

controller, unless the inlet steam temperature is such that the condensing
temperature will not exceed the process needs. The location of the
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SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

sensing point for the controller shall be the same as for a dial
thermometer.
9.7.3

9.8

9.9

9.10

9.11

Permanently installed, multiple spot temperature elements shall be used

whenever the functional specification requires automatic computation of
Gross Standard Volume (GSV) or Net Standard Volume (NSV). Design
requirements for the elements shall be according to SAES-J-300.

Level Gauging Systems

9.8.1

Level gauging systems shall be specified in accordance with

SAES-J-300.

9.8.2

A minimum of one level gauging instrument per tank, readable from

grade, shall be specified.

9.8.3

External floating roof tanks shall be provided with a radar gage assembly
in accordance with SASD AA-036256.

9.8.4

Provisions for manual gauging shall be specified for all atmospheric

tanks, in addition to the automatic gauging devices.

Sample Connections
9.9.1

Sample connections shall be specified by the operating unit at the

facility.

9.9.2

The number, size and location of sample connections shall be shown on

Saudi Aramco Form 2696-ENG.

Water Draw-off Connections

9.10.1

The Design Engineer shall specify the number of water draw-off

connections in consultation with the operating unit based on
operational requirements. For tanks in hydrocarbon service, a
minimum of one water draw-off connection shall be provided.

9.10.2

Sumps in accordance with API STD 650 and SAES-B-057 shall be

specified for water draw off connections.

Cleanout Fittings
9.11.1

A flush-type cleanout fitting shall be specified for tanks in dirty

service, such as crude tanks.

9.11.2

The cleanout fitting size shall be 914 mm x 1219 mm (36 inch x 48

inch) minimum.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

9.12

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Foam and Firewater Systems

The requirements for foam and fire water systems shall be specified in
accordance with SAES-B-017 and SAES-B-018.

9.13

9.14

Stairways, Ladders and Platforms

9.13.1

Stairways, ladders and platforms shall be specified in accordance with

SAES-B-054.

9.13.2

A spiral stairway shall be specified for external floating roof tanks. A

top platform with a guard railing shall be specified for access from the
top of this stairway to the gauge well and the rolling ladder.

9.13.3

A spiral stairway shall be specified for fixed roof tanks over 6 m (~20
ft.) in height and for tanks requiring gauging or sampling from the
roof. A platform shall also be specified for access to the gauge or
sampling hatch.

9.13.4

A vertical ladder shall be specified for tanks that do not require spiral
stairways.

9.13.5

Stairs shall be located on the upwind side with respect to the prevailing
wind direction of the tank. This arrangement shall be shown on Saudi
Aramco Form 2696-ENG.

Roof drain
External floating roofs shall be provided with primary drains of either the
flexible pipe (Coflexip or equal), or the articulated pipe type. A swing type
check valve shall be provided at the inlet of the drain. Siphon type drains are
not acceptable for primary roof drains. Siphon type drains, however, may be
provided as a secondary roof drain if specified on the Storage Tank Data Sheet.
Emergency drains for double deck floating roofs shall be of the open-type
design.

10

Painting and Coatings

10.1

Surface preparation, painting, and coating specifications shall be selected in

accordance with SAES-H-001.

10.2

The Design Engineer shall specify all painting requirements on the tank data
sheet in accordance with SAES-H-101, including the Approved Protective
Coating Systems (APCS), surface preparation, and primer type, number of coats,
total thickness and the areas or parts of the tank to be painted.

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Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

11

12

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Insulation
11.1

The Design Engineer shall specify the type and thickness of external insulation
in accordance with SAES-N-001, where required.

11.2

Insulation materials shall be noncombustible or have a flame spread index of 25

or less established per NFPA 255.

Lighting
The Design Engineer shall specify the lighting requirements in accordance with
SAES-P-123.

13

Grounding
The Design Engineer shall specify the grounding requirements in accordance with
SAES-P-111, SASD AD-036387, and API RP 2003 for tanks in hydrocarbon service.

14

15

Cathodic Protection
14.1

Cathodic protection requirements shall be in accordance with SAES-X-500 and

SAES-X-600.

14.2

The Design Engineer shall specify cathodic protection system design details that
are required to protect tank internals and the underside of the bottom from
corrosion. The Design Engineer shall also provide appropriate calculations that
verify the proposed design.

Foundations
15.1

Spacing and diking of tanks shall be in accordance with SAES-B-005.

15.2

The Design Engineer shall provide the Tank Manufacturer with a foundation
drawing showing all dimensions and tolerances in accordance with
SAES-Q-005.

15.3

Design of foundations for refrigerated storage tanks shall consider thermal

movement of the tank, the insulation required for the bottom, the effects of
foundation freezing and possible frost heaving, and the anchorage required to
resist uplift according to API STD 620 and API STD 2510.

15.4

Refrigerated storage tanks shall provided with spill containment facilities

according to API STD 2510 and API PUBL 2510A.

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Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

16

17

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Under Tank Leak Detection and Sub-Grade Protection

16.1

Tanks in services other than water shall be provided with an under tank leak
detection and sub-grade protection according to API STD 650, Appendix I.
Acceptable construction details are Figures I-1, I-2, I-3, I-8, I-9 and I-10.

16.2

Flexible membrane liner of minimum 1000 microns (40 mils) thickness

compatible with the stored product shall be specified under the tank bottom.
The liner shall be placed according to SASD AA-036355, extending to the
internal top edge of the ring foundation.

16.3

Joints in the liner shall satisfy the leak tightness, permeability, and chemical
resistance requirements for the liner material.

16.4

Alternative under-tank leak detection and sub-grade protection systems shall not
be permitted without the prior approval of the Saudi Aramco Engineer.

Drawings, Calculations and Data

17.1

The Design Engineer shall complete the tank data sheet and forms to the extent
specified in this standard.

17.2

The Design Engineer is responsible for completion of the Tank Safety

Instruction Sheet (Saudi Aramco Form 2694-ENG) in accordance with the data
provided by the Tank Manufacturer and SAES-A-005.

Revision Summary
31 December, 2003
Major revision.

Page 19 of 22

Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Appendix G Structurally Supported Aluminum Dome Roofs

G.5

Roof Attachment

G.5.3

Separation of carbon Steel and Aluminum

(Exception) Aluminum shall be isolated from carbon steel by austenitic
stainless steel spacers.

G.5.5

The dome surface paneling shall be designed as a watertight system

under all design load and temperature conditions. All edges of aluminum
panels shall be covered, sealed, and firmly clamped with batten in an
interlocking manner to prevent slipping or disengagement under all load
and temperature conditions.

G.8

Roof Vents

G.8.4.3

Surface appurtenances and closure panel joints shall be designed

watertight without the use of sealants.

Page 20 of 22

Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

Appendix L Completion of API STD 650, Storage Tank Data Sheet

The Design Engineer shall complete the following portions of the tank data sheet:
1.

2.

3.

Page 1 of Data Sheet

1)

All items on Page 1.

2)

Item 5, the maximum pumping rates must be specified in order to properly

size the vents.

3)

Nozzle loads from connected piping on shell nozzles for tanks larger than 36
m (118 ft) in diameter and nozzles 152 mm (6 inch) NPS and greater.

Page 2 of Data Sheet

1)

Item 6, tank bottom slope in accordance with paragraph 8.8 of this standard.

2)

Item 8, roof-to-shell details: API STD 650, Figure F-2: (d), (e), (g), (h), or
(i).

3)

Item 10, roof type in accordance with paragraphs 6 and 8.7 of this standard.

4)

Item 12, paint in accordance with Paragraph 10 of this standard.

5)

Item 13, tank bottom coating.

6)

Item 18, mill test reports are required.

7)

Item 19, applicable Saudi Aramco Standard Drawings and Forms shall be
listed.

8)

Item 21, 32-SAMSS-005 and other applicable SAMSSs shall also be listed.

Page 3 of Data Sheet

1)

Item 1, stairway style in accordance with paragraph 9.13 of this standard.

2)

Item 3, Draw off sump in accordance with paragraph 9.10 of this standard.

3)

Item 4, cleanout fitting in accordance with paragraph 9.11 of this standard.

4)

Item 6, internal piping in accordance with paragraphs 9.4.

5)

Item 7, siphon roof drains are not acceptable as primary drains. They may
be specified as secondary roof drains.
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Document Responsibility: Vessels

Issue Date: 31 December, 2003
Next Planned Update: 1 January, 2009

SAES-D-100
Design Criteria of Atmospheric
and Low-Pressure Tanks

6)

Items 8, 9, 10 and 11, number and size of shell and roof manholes, and shell
and roof nozzles, in accordance with completed Saudi Aramco Form 2696ENG for the tank.

7)

Other accessories, such as level gages, foam systems, grounding lugs, etc.,
which are to be supplied by the Tank Manufacturer, shall also be included on
the tank data sheet.

Page 22 of 22