A prominent marine terminal is a liquid fuel distributor operating since 1981. They provide diesel and gasoline fuel to individual retailers across the United States. Recently, they decided to expand their marine terminal located in Long Beach, California, to keep up with the rising demand for fuel consumption. This facility has a land area of 3+ acres. The terminal’s location is advantageous as it provides easy access for tanker ships.
Pacific Tank had been commissioned to work on the proposed project for the facility and installed additional storage units for marine fuel. Initially, the plan was to modify the existing terminal by extending to the west onto currently occupied by other tenants. Eventually, it was decided that it was of the best interest of the company to work within their boundaries. The initial proposal of the project included the development of 2 petroleum storage tanks, both of which have dimensions of 50+’ feet in diameter and 50 feet in height. In total, these two tanks were capable of storing an addition of 130,000 barrels of fuels such as Marine Gas Oil (MGO) delivered by ships and barges to the facility. It was later decided that 3 tanks would be installed instead of the initial plan of establishing only two. Additionally, each tank has its own specifications with regards to its dimensions and components. In order to accommodate the proposed construction of 3 additional tanks, 7 smaller tanks that were used to contain MGO additives were removed.
Tank Installation
Pacific Tank started the project in December 2017 and was concluded in July 2018. Before the tanks were installed, tank builders had to place a spiral-shaped wiring using linear anodes for Cathodic Protection. The purpose of the anodes is to prevent the underside of the tanks from corroding.
As for the building of the tanks, the seams were welded together by 3 o’clock welders, and 8 mobile welders. Other machines that were used in creating these tanks were vert buggies, a 60-ton mobile crane used to move the large pieces of carbon steel, a 300 KW generator set used to power the welding machines, and other specialty tools of the trade unique to the tank industry.
Tanks 1 and 3 both contain MGO and utilize the same building tactics. Given the relatively high flash point of marine gas oil, these two tanks do not require as much complex construction as compared to Tank 2.
Tank 1 utilizes a fixed-roof model generally considered the least expensive to construct, and is the most widespread type of fixed roof in the United States. As a distinct modification to the initial measurement planned, Tank 1, which is used as a fuel repository, is 38 feet in diameter and 55 feet in height. It can carry 11,000 barrels of fluid and is among the simplest of the constructed tanks. The tank’s body itself is made of carbon steel and tapers into a cone-shaped roof. The shape of the roof is meant to keep fluids from accumulating on the surface and also aids in preventing possible disturbances in the pressure within the tank.
Tank 3 is similar to Tank 1 in many ways. Like Tank 1, it is constructed out of carbon steel. The bottom is flat and the top again tapers into a cone shape. And just like the other two tanks, it also sits atop a coil designed for cathodic protection against corrosion. Tank 3 stands at 64 feet and has a diameter of 55 feet. Given its larger size, it carries 27,000 barrels of MGO, which is more than twice the amount that Tank 1 can carry.
Tank 2 on the other hand is a repository for transmix, thus requiring specialized construction to keep vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Tank 2, which is also made of carbon steel, stands at 64 feet and is 48 feet in diameter. This tank is capable of carrying 20,000 barrels of transmix and occupies 116,000 cubic feet.
The environmental hazards surrounding transmix require Tank 2 to be outfitted with a geodesic dome to comply with South Coast Air Quality Management District emissions regulations. This includes an internal floating roof designed to limit the space through which transmix can evaporate. The outer dome roof is constructed of numerous triangles, the geodesic dome is designed to withstand more pressure and force than a traditional roof. It is designed to cascade and distribute pressure from the top triangles to the bottom, making any break or damage in one area less likely to occur. Therefore, if bad weather or other hazards threaten to breach a hole in the roof of the tank, the geodesic dome provides better protection.
These three installed tanks are distributed throughout the facility. Tanks 2 and 3 are adjacent to one another, both situated along the southeast edge of the terminal, while Tank 1 is located at the southern corner of the facility.
Cost
The installment of the three tanks alone costs a total of approximately $3 million. Combined with other expenses, the overall project cost is pegged at approximately $15 million upon completion.
Pacific Tank takes pride in the fact that we are able to provide our services for the company and will continue to offer the same level of workmanship to other companies in the future. Through our high-quality service, satisfaction is guaranteed for all customers. As the leading source of tank construction, installation, and maintenance, Pacific Tank is the first choice for all tank-related concerns.
