Storage methods can be categorized by the form of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) being stored: Ambient temperature high-pressure liquid storage, cryogenic ambient temperature liquid storage, and solid storage. Based on relative spatial location, they can be classified as underground storage, underground metal tank storage, and above-ground metal tank storage. Ambient temperature high-pressure liquid storage, requiring no insulation, is primarily used for transporting and storing LPG. Cryogenic ambient temperature liquid storage, with its atmospheric pressure storage facilities requiring only insulation, is generally used in tank ships for ocean transport of LPG. Solid storage is convenient to carry and use, suitable for special situations such as mountaineering and camping. Underground storage offers advantages such as large storage capacity, low metal consumption, and low investment, but finding suitable storage strata is crucial. Underground metal tank storage is divided into two types: full-pressure storage and full-refrigeration storage. Full-pressure storage is generally used when surface conditions limit the installation of above-ground tanks, while full-refrigeration storage requires additional insulation. Above-ground metal tank storage offers advantages such as simple structure, convenient construction, a wide variety of tank types, and ease of selection; however, above-ground tanks are significantly affected by air temperature, requiring cooling measures in hot regions during summer.
LPG storage tanks come in various designs and can be categorized into three types based on their capacity and application: residential, commercial, and industrial. Small residential LPG tanks typically have a capacity of 5 to 50 kg, while medium-sized commercial tanks usually range from 100 to 1000 kg. Large industrial tanks can range in capacity from several thousand to tens of thousands of tons. The structural design of LPG tanks must consider various factors, such as materials, shape, and insulation, and high-strength steel is typically used for the shell. Common shapes include spherical and cylindrical. Spherical tanks offer higher pressure but are more difficult to manufacture, while cylindrical tanks offer better stability and are relatively simpler to manufacture. The design of LPG tanks encompasses several key aspects, including volume, operating pressure, operating temperature, and safety devices, requiring the installation of safety valves, level gauges, and other safety equipment. Large industrial tanks can have capacities up to four tons, and users bear responsibility for site selection, ventilation, and safety measures.
The specific parameters of an LPG high-pressure storage tank designed according to Japanese Standard (JIS) are as follows: design pressure 1.8MPa, design temperature 40 degrees, volume 2.437 cubic meters. This equipment meets the S1 level of the Japanese Standard for Seismic Resistance of Buildings.