Storage tanks, as crucial components for industrial safety, require meticulous design and operation. The potential hazards associated with internal pressure and capacity necessitate effective control and management through a series of carefully designed safety accessories. These accessories are not merely ancillary devices; they play a pivotal role in safeguarding the tank and its surrounding environment during critical situations. Below is an introduction to some of the primary safety accessories for
storage tanks.
A safety valve is a critical safety device within pressure vessels. Its function is to automatically open and release gas or liquid when the internal pressure of the storage tank exceeds safe limits. This action reduces internal pressure, preventing overpressure accidents. Safety valves are designed as pressure relief devices that rapidly respond once the preset pressure is reached, safeguarding the entire system from the effects of high pressure.
A rupture disc is a device that automatically ruptures when the pressure reaches a dangerous level. It operates based on the specific strength of its materials and a designed weak point, bursting to release a large amount of medium and thereby lowering the internal pressure of the tank. Rupture discs respond swiftly and effectively to sudden overpressure situations, ensuring the safety of the pressure vessel and its surroundings.
Combining safety valves with rupture discs integrates the advantages of both devices. In design, they can be installed in parallel or in series to provide enhanced safety and flexibility in adapting to different pressure conditions. This combination ensures safety under normal operating conditions and provides additional protective measures during extreme circumstances.
Fusible plugs are melt-type safety relief devices mainly used in small pressure vessels like liquefied gas cylinders. When the container wall temperature exceeds a safe range, the fusible plug melts, releasing the medium and effectively reducing pressure. This prevents safety issues caused by excessively high temperatures.
An emergency shut-off valve is typically installed in series with a globe valve on the outlet pipeline. Its function is to quickly shut off the flow of medium in the event of a large leak, preventing the accident from spreading further. Pressure relief valves, on the other hand, control fluid pressure to ensure it remains within safe limits in the pipeline system, avoiding potential risks from excessive pressure.
These devices are crucial tools for monitoring and controlling the operational status of storage tanks. Pressure gauges display internal pressure, providing vital information for preventing pressure anomalies. Level gauges monitor the filling status of the tank, particularly critical for containers storing liquefied gases. Thermometers measure the temperature of the medium and container walls, aiding in the prevention of safety issues caused by temperature abnormalities.
In summary, these safety accessories on storage tanks are not only requirements of regulations and standards but also vital safeguards for industrial production and personnel safety. Only with a thorough understanding and proper configuration of these safety accessories can storage tanks operate stably under various conditions, providing solid assurance for production efficiency and environmental protection. Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and updates ensure that storage tank systems remain in optimal safety conditions, ready to meet future challenges and demands.