Fixed Roof Storage Tanks

Operational Integrity and Tank Protection

Fixed-roof storage tanks depend on controlled tank breathing and reliable explosion Explosion Abrupt oxidation or decomposition reaction producing an increase in temperature, pressure, or in both simultaneously. safeguards to maintain safe operating conditions. Where flammable liquids are involved, protection systems must manage pressure and vacuum Vacuum Vacuum is the pressure in an enclosed space that is lower than the ambient pressure. fluctuations while preventing flame propagation and stabilizing vapor behavior during routine operation and abnormal events.
The application examples shown here describe integrated concepts built around pressure and vacuum relief, vapor displacement control, and explosion protection Explosion protection An explosion protection is a flame arrester that prevents flame propagation into plant sections to be protected during explosions. . Together, these measures help reduce explosion risk and support safe operation in refinery and chemical processing environments.

Coordinated protection for fixed-roof tank operation

Fixed-roof tanks handling flammable liquids require coordinated protection across normal breathing, filling and emptying, and emergency scenarios.

An engineered approach combines dedicated pressure and vacuum protection with controlled vapor displacement and explosion prevention measures. This supports stable tank conditions during routine operation while maintaining protection margins when process conditions deviate from normal ranges. 
Typical configurations integrate pressure relief valves and vacuum relief valves with or without integrated flame arrester unit Flame arrester unit Flame arrester casing with FLAMEFILTER® set. on the tank roof, supported by in-line detonation flame arresters Detonation flame arrester Flame arrester designed to prevent the transmission of a detonation. positioned to protect vent and vapor paths. Where required, inert gas Inert gas Non-flammable gas which will not support combustion and does not react to produce a flammable gas. blanketing systems are used to further control the vapor space and reduce ignition risk.

Engineered venting and explosion safeguards

Optimal protection for fixed-roof storage tanks containing flammable liquids relies on balancing normal tank breathing with high-capacity emergency relief.

Pressure and vacuum valves with integrated flame arresters Flame Arresters A flame arrester, deflagration arrester, or flame trap is a device or form of construction that will allow free passage of a gas or gaseous mixture but will interrupt or prevent the passage of flame. are used to maintain stable internal conditions during atmospheric breathing, while emergency vent relief valves provide additional capacity during abnormal pressure events.
End-of-line and in-line detonation flame arresters are applied on vent lines and liquid transfer connections to safeguard against flame transmission into the tank. These devices are designed for stable detonations and deflagrations, with right-angle configurations, shock absorbers, and unidirectional flow designs where applicable.

Advanced safeguarding measures to maintain integrity and safety

Optimal protection for fixed-roof storage tanks containing flammable liquids is vital for safety and operational integrity.

Our advanced solutions integrate pressure and vacuum control, vapor management, and safeguards against flame propagation, helping stabilize tank conditions and reduce the likelihood of explosion-related incidents.

Protection of Fixed-Roof Storage Tanks for Non-Flammable Liquids.

For tanks storing non-flammable liquids, reliable pressure and vacuum control remains essential to preserve structural integrity and operational reliability.

In these applications, protection systems focus on managing normal breathing and emergency pressure relief without the need for flame arrestor components.
Typical arrangements include pressure and vacuum valves for normal operation, supplemented by emergency vent relief valves to protect the tank during abnormal pressure or vacuum conditions.

Highlights

Zero flashback incidents
when sized, located, and maintained per application
Higher uptime & lower losses
via correct tank breathing and emissions control
Compliance made simpler
with documented test data and manuals

PROTEGO® breather valves, after evaluation, have been added to the approved vendors list within Shell Global Solutions (US). This list, also know as the SMFL (Suggested Manufacturers and Fabricators List), is used by our Refineries, Chemical Plants, and Capital Projects Group in the United States. 

Technical Safety Specialist 

Shell Global Solutions

Contact CSR Department 

Talk to a PROTEGO® engineer to request guidance for your vessel or terminal loading application

Picture of Mrs. Auris-Nadine Hillen
Mrs. Auris-Nadine Hillen

CSR Department

+49 (0)5307 809 108