Perry (2) states that the calculation of volume of.This calculator determines the liquid volume in partially filled horizontal and vertical vessels.
The accuracy of the liquid volume depends on certain approximations and the precision of interpolations that may be required. The graph shows lines for tank diameters from 4 to 10 ft, and tank lengths from 1 to 50 ft. The calculation of the liquid in the heads is approximate. For certain applications, one may want to show only the calculator function for a given vessel, so that an operator would only need to enter a liquid level to quickly calculate the corresponding liquid volume.Ī number of tank heads have a dished shape, and the equation development discussed below handles all of those where the heads can be described by two radii of curvature.ĭoolittle (1) presents a graphical representation of liquid volumes in both horizontal and vertical tanks with spherical heads. The spreadsheets can be used with handheld devices (such as a Blackberry or iPhone) that can run an Excel spreadsheet. One could also turn the tabular values into a plot.Įach spreadsheet also has a calculator function, which requires the user to enter only the tank geometry parameters and liquid depth and the spreadsheet quickly returns the liquid volume. An operator could use such a spreadsheet table in lookup mode, using interpolation if necessary. This table is generated by entering four parameters that define key tank dimensions. The spreadsheets that are offered to perform the calculations produce a table of liquid volumes for a range of liquid depths that are suitable for plant use. The equations presented below are mathematically precise and have a detailed derivation. Traditional methods of calculation can be cumbersome, and some lack precision or offer little or no equation derivation. In some cases, liquid volume calibrations of these vessels exist, but for many, the liquid volumes must be calculated. Tanks with dished heads are found throughout the chemical process industries (CPI), in both storage and reactor applications. Spreadsheets that perform these calculations are available from this magazine (search for this article online at and see the Web Extras tab). Such calculations can be executed using a spreadsheet program, a programmable calculator or a computer program.
The equations can also be applied directly to calculate the liquid volume for a measured liquid depth in a specific tank. This approach can be used to prepare a lookup table for a specific tank, which yields liquid volumes (and weights) for a range of liquid depths. Horizontal tanks with true elliptical heads of any aspect ratio can also be accommodated using this methodology. Examples include: ASME flanged & dished (F&D) heads, ASME 80/10 F&D heads, ASME 80/6 F&D heads, standard F&D heads, shallow F&D heads, 2:1 elliptical heads and spherical heads. The equations accommodate all tank heads that can be described by two radii of curvature (tori-spherical heads). This article presents equations that allow the user to calculate liquid volume as a function of liquid depth, in both vertically and horizontally oriented tanks with dished heads.