Analysis of Influence of Floating-Deck Height on Oil-Vapor Migration and Emission of Internal Floating-Roof Tank Based on Numerical Simulation and Wind-Tunnel Experiment

Abstract

Internal floating-roof tanks (IFRTs) are widely used to store light oil and chemical products. However, if the annular-rim gap around the floating deck becomes wider due to abrasion and aging of the sealing arrangement, the static breathing loss from the rim gap will be correspondingly aggravated. To investigate the oil-vapor migration and emissions from an IFRT, the effects of varying both the floating-deck height and wind speed on the oil-vapor diffusion were analyzed by performing numerical simulations and wind-tunnel experiments. The results demonstrate that the gas space volume and the wind speed of an IFRT greatly influence the vapor-loss rate of the IFRT. The larger the gas space volume, the weaker the airflow exchange between the inside and outside of the tank, thereby facilitating oil-vapor accumulation in the gas space of the tank. Furthermore, the loss rate of the IFRT is positively correlated with wind speed. Meanwhile, negative pressures and the vortexes formed on the leeward side of the tank. In addition, the higher concentration areas were mainly on the three vents on the downwind side of the IFRT. The results can provide important theoretical support for the design, management, and improvement of IFRTs.