Storage Tanks

Storage tanks can contain pressurized and unpressurized liquids, as well as pressurized or refrigerated gases. Tanks that typically contain hazardous materials are shown and described below. To identify the tank's contents, check for labels or markings and for printed documentation. More tips on where to look for identifying informationMore tips on where to look for identifying information

To identify the contents of a tank, check for:

  • Labels or markings. Look on each tank for markings or on an attached label showing (a) the chemical name (or common name) of the substance in the tank, (b) the UN/NA numberUnited Nations-North American number. (Also UN number or DOT number.) Four-digit number identifying an individual chemical or group of chemicals with similar characteristics. Required on shipping papers; often shown on placards. The four-digit number is often preceded by UN (such as UN1219). for the hazardous material it contains, and (c) any hazard warnings (e.g., "flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily." or "causes lung damage") that may be displayed.
  • List of hazardous materials on site. This list must be posted in a prominent place on site.
  • SDSs (or MSDSs) for hazardous materials on site. The SDS (or MSDS) for each hazardous material must be prominently displayed in the same workspace as the material. Look for a binder in a central location, a clipboard on the wall, or other reasonable locations. If you don't see paper SDSs and there is a computer in the workspace, check it for electronic SDSs (if you can get access). Review the SDS for each hazardous material in the workspace.
Note: Multiple substances sometimes share the same UN/NA number. To be sure of a chemical identification, look for other identifiersNames, identification numbers, and other information used to identify a chemical., such as the shipping nameOr 'proper shipping name'. Either: (a) the specific name of a hazardous material that is frequently shipped (e.g., 'Ammonia, anhydrous'), or (b) the generic name for a less frequently shipped hazardous material, which categorizes the material by its family, its use, or a key characteristic (e.g., 'Acids, n.o.s.' or 'Flammable solids, n.o.s.'). (shown on shipping papersDocuments used for billing, accountability, and other day-to-day activities involving the transport of hazardous materials., cargo manifestsDocument describing the contents of a shipment., and container tags and labels).
Note:Ìý´¡ diamond-shaped NFPA placard on the tank indicates the substance's hazards, but does NOT reveal its identity.
Note: Shipping documents, labels, and placards sometimes contain errors. Chemical names are often misspelled on shipping documents, and a small error of a letter or two can make a big difference.ÌýUse as many information sources as you can to identify the tank's contents.Ìý

Once you haveÌýfound identifiers for the chemical, you can look up its datasheet in CAMEO 365betÓéÀÖ.

Click on the link below each picture to see a description of that type of tank and its possible contents.

Atmospheric Tanks

Contents stored under atmospheric pressure: internal tank pressures range from 0�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure..

Drawing of a cone roof tank.

Cone Roof TankCone Roof Tank

  • Designed to store liquids of low volatilityReadiness to evaporate. The volatility of a given substance increases with temperature.. Typically stores fuel oils (such as diesels and heating oil). Contents may be flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily., combustibleCan be ignited and burned., or corrosiveLiquid or solid that can destroy human skin or lung tissue or corrode metals..
  • Contents stored at atmospheric pressure (0â€�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).
  • Tank can be up to 300 feet in diameter and 64 feet high.

Drawing of a covered top floating roof tank.

Covered Top Floating Roof TankCovered Top Floating Roof Tank

  • Typically stores flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily. and combustibleCan be ignited and burned. liquids.
  • Contents stored at atmospheric pressure (0â€�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).
  • An internal roof floats on top of the liquid; an additional roof protects tank contents from the elements.

Drawing of a covered top floating roof tank with geodesic dome.

Covered Top Floating Roof Tank with Geodesic DomeCovered Top Floating Roof Tank with Geodesic Dome

  • Typically stores gasoline and other volatileEvaporates readily., flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily. liquids.
  • Contents stored at atmospheric pressure (0â€�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).
  • An internal roof floats on top of the liquid; an additional domed roof protects tank contents from the elements.

Drawing of an open top floating roof tank.

Open Top Floating Roof TankOpen Top Floating Roof Tank

  • Typically stores gasoline and other volatileEvaporates readily., flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily. liquids.
  • Contents stored at atmospheric pressure (0â€�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).
  • Tank is typically large.

Drawing of a horizontal cylindrical tank.

Horizontal Cylindrical TankHorizontal Cylindrical Tank

  • Used to store liquids of low volatilityReadiness to evaporate. The volatility of a given substance increases with temperature., typically fuel oils (such as diesel fuel and heating oil).
  • Contents stored at atmospheric pressure (0â€�1 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).
  • Tank typically has dished ends, and can be up to about 12 feet in diameter and 60 feet long.

Pressure Tanks

Drawing of a dome roof tank.

Dome Roof TankDome Roof Tank

  • Typically stores flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily. or combustibleCan be ignited and burned., volatileEvaporates readily. liquids (such as gasoline, liquid fertilizers, and solventsA solute is a gas, liquid, or solid substance that is uniformly dispersed in a liquid solvent substance, forming a solution. The solvent molecules act to break the solute molecules' attraction for one another, and also the solvent's natural structure. For instance, water is a highly-structured substance, in the absence of any solutes.).
  • Contents stored at low pressure (0.5â€�15 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).

Drawing of a hemispheroid tank.

Hemispheroid TankHemispheroid Tank

  • Typically stores volatileEvaporates readily. liquids (such as gasoline).
  • Contents stored at low pressure (0.5â€�15 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).

Drawing of a high-pressure horizontal tank.

High-Pressure Horizontal Tank (or "Bullet")High-Pressure Horizontal Tank (or "Bullet")

  • Typically stores gases liquefied by pressure (such as LNGLiquefied natural gas., LPGLiquefied petroleum gas., propane, butane, hydrogen, and ammonia). May also store volatileEvaporates readily., flammableEasy to ignite and burns readily. liquids. Will not contain low-volatility liquids.
  • Contents stored at high pressure (above 15 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).

Drawing of a high-pressure spherical tank.

High-Pressure Spherical TankHigh-Pressure Spherical Tank

  • Typically stores gases liquefied by pressure (such as LNGLiquefied natural gas. and LPGLiquefied petroleum gas.). May also contain ammonia, propane, butane, or hydrogen.
  • Contents stored at high pressure (above 15 psigPounds per square inch gauge; pressure relative to atmospheric pressure.).

Specialized Tanks

Drawing of a cryogenic liquid tank.

Cryogenic Liquid TankCryogenic Liquid Tank

  • Typically stores liquid nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, argon, or other cryogenicVery low temperature. gases.
  • Tank is heavily insulated and at low pressure; normally vents some vaporThe gas given off by a substance that is liquid (or solid) at normal temperatures and pressures..