Abstract

Sets out designs and specifications for a range of steel tanks for the bulk storage of flammable and combustible liquids.
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE
Technical Committee ME-017 has reviewed the content of this publication and in
accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been
determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the
original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest
versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this
Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for
reconfirmation on 28 April 2016.
The following are represented on Technical Committee ME-017:
Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council
Australasian Institute of Dangerous Good Consultants
Australian Industry Group
Australian Institute of Petroleum
Australian Paint Manufacturers' Federation
Department of Defence (Australian Government)
Department of Justice (TAS)
Department of Mines and Petroleum (WA)
Engineers Australia
Fire Protection Association Australia
Insurance Council of Australia
Plastic & Chemicals Industries Association
SafeWork NSW
SafeWork SA
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
Worksafe New Zealand
WorkSafe Victoria

Scope

This Standard specifies requirements for the design and construction of steel tanks for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids. It sets out requirements for tank joints and accessories (e.g. vents, manholes, fill level indicators) and specifies tank testing requirements.
This Standard applies only to tanks that are used to store substances that are liquid at normal temperatures and pressures.
The shell thicknesses of tanks specified in this Standard are based on the following assumptions:
(a) Stresses on the tank will be comparatively low.
(b) The liquid being stored is no more corrosive than normal petroleum products.
(c) The density of the liquid being stored is not greater than 1000 kg/m3.
(d) The tank needs to be reasonably sturdy for handling and any transport.
(e) An allowance for corrosion needs to be made.
(f) Liquid levels after normal filling will not be substantially above the ‘tank full’ level.
(g) No allowance is made for the effect of filling an extended pipe to a level that is substantially above that of the tank.
(h) The pressure in the vapour space will not exceed 35 kPa.
(i) The length-to-diameter ratio of an above-ground tank on two supports does not exceed 5.
(j) The tank shell is not stiffened.
(k) The material of construction is commercial-grade, low-carbon steel.
The possibility of using thinner materials, compensating by shaping, corrugating, bracing or stiffening, is recognized, especially for stainless steel. In such cases the design will need to demonstrate mechanical properties that are at least equivalent to a similar size of tank built to this Standard if such a tank is to be used for flammable or combustible liquids.
This Standard does not insist on compliance with any particular material Standards, or the use of specific grades of materials.

General Product Information

Published
Document Type	Standard
Status	Current
Publisher	Standards Australia
ProductNote	Reconfirmed 15/07/2016. This standard has been reconfirmed in Australia in 2016 and remains current in New Zealand. Reconfirmation Notice 15/07/2016
Pages
ISBN
Committee	ME-017
Supersedes	DR 05392 AS 1692-1989