Numerical Simulation and Experimental Verification of Stresses and Deformation of a Spherical Tank in the Petrochemical Industry

Spherical tanks represent key infrastructure in the petrochemical industry, playing a vital role in the safe and efficient storage of a wide range of products. These products can range from highly volatile hydrocarbons such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to various other chemicals essential for industrial processes. The very geometry of a sphere offers inherent advantages for such applications. Its uniform curvature allows for even distribution of internal pressure across the entire surface, making it an inherently strong and stable shape for containing pressurized fluids. This optimal stress distribution leads to the need for a thinner shell compared to other tank geometries for the same volume and pressure, potentially leading to material savings. Loads can arise from the internal pressure of the stored liquid, external factors such as wind and seismic activity, thermal gradients, and even localized loads at support points or connections. However, despite these advantages, spherical tanks are still susceptible to various external and internal loads that can cause stress and deformation..