BRITISH STANDARD BS 2594:1975

Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for
carbon steel welded
horizontal cylindrical
storage tanks

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

UDC 621.642.037 – 111.2:669.14:621.791

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Co-operating organizations

The Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee, under whose

supervision this British Standard was prepared, consists of representatives
from the following Government departments and professional and industrial
organizations:

Associated Offices Technical Committee

Association of Consulting Engineers
Association of Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers Ltd.
Association of Mining Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
British Compressed Air Society
British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers’ Association
British Gas Corporation*
British Gear Manufacturers’ Association
British Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturers’ Association
British Mechanical Engineering Confederation
British Pump Manufacturers’ Association
British Steel Corporation
British Steel Industry*
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Crown Agents for Oversea Governments and Administration

Department of Employment (HM Factory Inspectorate)
Department of the Environment*
Department of Industry — Mechanical Engineering
Department of Industry — National Engineering Laboratory
Department of Trade
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Engineering Equipment Users’ Association
Federation of Manufacturers of Construction Equipment and Cranes
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Heating and Ventilating Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Institution of Plant Engineers
Institution of Production Engineers
London Transport Executive
Machine Tool Trades Association
Ministry of Defence
National Coal Board
Process Plant Association*
Railway Industry Association of Great Britain
Royal Institute of British Architects
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
Telecommunication Engineering and Manufacturing Association
This British Standard, having The Government departments and industrial organizations marked with an
been approved by the asterisk in the above list, together with the following, were directly
Mechanical Engineering
Industry Standards represented on the committee entrusted with the preparation of this British
Committee, was published Standard
under the authority of the
Executive Board on Chemical Industries Association Ltd.
29 August 1975
Council of British Manufacturers of Petroleum Equipment
Oil Companies Materials Association
© BSI 10 January 2003

First published April 1955

First revision August 1975
Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this 3274 May 1980 Indicated by a sideline in the margin
standard:

Committee reference MEE/138

Draft for comment 73/37789 DC

ISBN 0 580 08563 5

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Contents

Page
Co-operating organizations Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Information to be supplied by the purchaser 1
4 Working conditions 1
5 Standard tank sizes 2
6 Forms of construction 2
7 Materials 5
8 Design 6
9 Shop fabrication 7
10 Tank testing 8
11 Calibration 9
12 Inspection 9
13 Marking 9
14 Preparation for despatch 10
Figure 1 — Dished and flanged end configuration 5
Figure 2 — General dimensions 11
Figure 3 — Types of shell construction 12
Figure 4 — Method of welding ends to shell 13
Figure 5 — Method of attaching internal partitions to shell 13
Figure 6 — Method of welding lapped circumferential seams 13
Figure 7 — Manhole details 14
Figure 8 — Lifting lugs 15
Figure 9 — Saddle supports 16
Table 1A — Dimensions and capacities of horizontal underground
and above-ground storage tanks with dished and flanged ends 3
Table 1B — Dimensions and capacities of horizontal underground
and above-ground storage tanks utilizing existing imperial dished
and flanged ends 4
Table 2A — Dished and flanged end configuration (metric) 5
Table 2B — Dished and flanged end configuration
(existing imperial sizes) 5
Table 3 — Dimensions for manholes 14
Table 4 — Dimensions for cradle supports 16
Publications referred to 17

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
i
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Foreword

This British Standard, which was first published in 1955 under the joint
authority of the Mechanical Engineering Industry Standards Committee and the
Petroleum Equipment Industry Standards Committee, is intended to provide for
tanks of adequate safety and reasonable economy, in a range of sizes to suit the
requirements of user industries for the static storage of petroleum and other
chemical products vented to atmosphere. Tanks intended for the storage of
liquids corrosive to mild steel should be suitably protected.
In this revision, dimensions are based on chosen metric capacities. Dished and
flanged ends of only four sizes are used, which are convenient for the manufacture
of compartmented tanks; these are based on metric outside diameters. Imperial
dimensions for dished ends are retained for current production purposes, but as
and when existing tooling requires renewal it should be replaced to suit the
metric sizes specified in this standard.
Due to the current low demand, unflanged ends and flanged ends butt-welded to
the shell are not included in this revision. However, if justified by demands from
industry, consideration will be given to the reinstatement of either or both of
these forms of construction at a future date.
Dimensions for lifting lugs are included and certain of the requirements dealing
with welding and testing have been revised.
Manhole details are given and manholes are shown positioned near one end of the
tank, with the advantages that:
a) it is easy to avoid a joint weld through the manhole;
b) some degree of production standardization can be achieved;
c) tank manlid connections can be grouped at one end, which can be particularly
useful in multitank installations.
The above-ground tanks specified in this standard comply with the performance
requirements for Type A tanks in BS 799-5.
Certification. Attention is drawn to the certification facilities described on the
inside back cover of this standard.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 17 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Sidelining in this document indicates the most recent changes by amendment.

ii
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for the design and construction of carbon steel fusion welded
horizontal cylindrical storage tanks with dished and flanged ends for the storage of liquids. The standard
includes both above-ground tanks with saddle supports and underground tanks.
Details of the range of dished and flanged ends upon which the range of standard diameter tank sizes has
been based are given in Table 2A and Table 2B.
The overall lengths given in Table 1A and Table 1B relate to tanks with butt-welded circumferential seams.
Tanks wholly fabricated at the manufacturer’s works may be constructed using either of the types of
construction illustrated in Figure 3, provided the overall lengths specified are maintained.
NOTE 1 The above-ground storage tanks specified in this standard are not intended for mobile applications.
NOTE 2 Except where otherwise stated the requirements specified apply to both above-ground and underground tanks.
NOTE 3 Attention is drawn to regulations concerning the storage of flammable liquids. Petroleum spirit must be stored in tanks
complying with the requirements of licensing authorities.

2 References
The titles of the British Standards referred to in this standard are listed on the inside back cover.
3 Information to be supplied by the purchaser
The following information, as appropriate, shall be supplied by the purchaser with his enquiry.
a) The diameter and length or the nominal capcity of the tank.
b) The shell and end plate thickness required.
c) The diameter, number and position of any extra manholes required (see 8.3.2).

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
d) The material to be used for the manhole and other gaskets (see 8.3.2.6).
e) Whether the tank is to be wholly fabricated at the manufacturer’s works or to be supplied “plate small”.
For tanks supplied “plate small”, the purchaser shall indicate the shell plating arrangement required
(see 6.2).
f) Whether any treatment is required for the removal of mill scale (see 7.1.2).
g) Dimensioned drawings giving details of the type class and position of any fittings or mountings.
h) Whether welding procedure drawings are required (see 9.4.2).
i) Whether the test to be carried out shall be particularly hydraulic or pneumatic (see 10.1.1.1).
j) Whether a test certificate is required (see 10.5).
k) Whether the capacity of the tank is to be calibrated (see clause 11).
l) The protection required on internal and external surfaces (see 14.1).
m) Whether the tank has to be specially packed or marked for transit (see 14.2).
n) For above-ground tanks, the relative density of the liquid to be stored.
o) For above-ground tanks, whether or not integral saddle supports are to be supplied.
4 Working conditions
Tanks complying with this standard shall be suitable for a maximum internal working pressure up to and
including 0.40 bar1), measured at the top of the tank, and a maximum internal vacuum of 10 mbar. Tanks
shall not be used at pressures or vacua higher than these values.
NOTE The plate thicknesses specified in this standard are based on a liquid contents relative density of unity (water). Special
consideration should be given if the relative density of the liquid to be stored is significantly greater.

1) 1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 102 kPa.

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
1
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

5 Standard tank sizes

5.1 Standard tank sizes shall conform to the dimensions given in Table 1A or Table 1B. The corresponding
dished ends and compartment plates shall conform to the dimensions given in Table 2A or Table 2B as
appropriate.
5.2 The ullages of the tanks given in Table 1A and Table 1B relate to tanks constructed with all
butt-welded shells overlapping the dished ends. Depending on the type of shell plate arrangement used and
the plate sizes available, there will necessarily be small variations in overall nominal capacities.
6 Forms of construction
6.1 The minimum thickness of dished end and compartment plates and shell plates shall be as given in
Table 1A or Table 1B.
6.2 Two different methods of shell plate arrangement are permitted as follows:
a) shell plated circumferentially; all seams with butt welds;

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
b) shell plated circumferentially; lapped circumferential seams with butt welds for the longitudinal
seams (by prior agreement with the purchaser only).
The method of welding lapped circumferential seams is illustrated in Figure 6.
6.3 Permissible forms of shell construction are illustrated in Figure 3.
6.4 The method of welding dished and flanged ends to the shell and a method of welding compartment
plates to the shell are illustrated in Figure 4 and Figure 5.

2
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 Table 1A — Dimensions and capacities of horizontal underground and above-ground storage tanks with dished and flanged ends
© BSI 10 January 2003

Nominal capacity Shell Tangent Overall External Approximate volume Thickness [see clause 3 b)] Approximate
inside length length end depth of two ends ullage (above
tb shell plate (min.) End plate and

Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,

nominal

08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
diameter (see Figure 2) compartment plate
capacity)
Under- Above- (min.)a
ground ground te
tanks tanks
D A L H
m3 litres mm mm mm mm m3 litres mm mm mm %
5.0 5 000 1 500 2 750 3 118 184 0.368 368 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5

the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.

7.5 7 500 1 500 4 250 4 618 184 0.368 368 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
10 10 000 2 000 3 100 3 560 230 0.804 804 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
15 15 000 2 000 4 750 5 210 230 0.804 804 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
20 20 000 2 000 6 500 6 960 230 0.804 804 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
20 20 000 2 500 4 000 4 540 270 1.456 1 456 6.0 6.0 8.0 +4
25 25 000 2 500 5 000 5 540 270 1.456 1 456 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
25 25 000 2 750 4 000 4 638 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
30 30 000 2 750 4 900 5 538 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
35 35 000 2 750 5 750 6 388 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
40 40 000 2 750 6 600 7 238 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
45 45 000 2 750 7 500 8 138 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
50 50 000 2 750 8 300 8 938 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
55 55 000 2 750 9 200 9 838 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
60 60 000 2 750 10 000 10 638 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
70 70 000 2 750 11 750 12 388 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
80 80 000 2 750 13 500 14 138 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 9.0 8.0 +3

Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy

90 90 000 2 750 15 250 15 888 319 2.050 2 050 6.0 9.0 8.0 +3
a The finished thickness at the knuckle radius shall not be reduced by more than 5 % of the specified minimum plate thickness.

BS 2594:1975
Copyright British Standards Institution
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
3
 Table 1B — Dimensions and capacities of horizontal underground and above-ground storage tanks utilizing existing imperial
4

BS 2594:1975
dished and flanged ends
Nominal capacity Shell Tangent Overall External Approximate volume Thickness [see clause 3b)] Approximate
inside length length end depth of two ends ullage
tb shell plate (min.) End plate and
diameter (see Figure 2) (above
compartment plate
nominal
Under- Above- (min.)a capacity)
ground ground te
tanks tanks

Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,

08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
D A L H
m3 litres ft in mm mm mm m3 litres mm mm mm %
5.0 5 000 4 6 3 400 3 676 138 0.232 232 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
7.5 7 500 4 6 5 200 5 476 138 0.232 232 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
10 10 000 6 6 3 200 3 576 188 0.644 644 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
15 15 000 6 6 4 900 5 276 188 0.644 644 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5

the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.

20 20 000 6 6 6 600 6 976 188 0.644 644 6.0 6.0 6.0 +5
20 20 000 8 0 4 200 4 678 239 1.214 1 214 6.0 6.0 8.0 +4

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
25 25 000 8 0 5 300 5 778 239 1.214 1 214 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
25 25 000 9 0 4 100 4 692 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
30 30 000 9 0 5 000 5 592 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
35 35 000 9 0 5 900 6 492 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +4
40 40 000 9 0 6 600 7 192 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
45 45 000 9 0 7 500 8 092 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
50 50 000 9 0 8 400 8 992 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
55 55 000 9 0 9 300 9 892 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
60 60 000 9 0 10 200 10 792 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
70 70 000 9 0 11 900 12 492 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 8.0 8.0 +3
80 80 000 9 0 13 700 14 292 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 9.0 8.0 +3
90 90 000 9 0 15 400 15 992 296 1.868 1 868 6.0 9.0 8.0 +3
a The finished thickness at the knuckle radius shall not be reduced by more than 5 % of the specified minimum plate thickness.
© BSI 10 January 2003

Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy

Copyright British Standards Institution
 BS 2594:1975

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
Figure 1 — Dished and flanged end configuration

Table 2A — Dished and flanged end configuration (metric)

Inside diameter of Crown radius Knuckle radius Outside depth of Approximate capacity of end (hatched
tank end portion)
D R r H
mm mm mm mm m3 litres
1 500 2 000 50 184 0.184 184
2 000 2 700 50 230 0.402 402
2 500 3 500 50 270 0.728 728
2 750 3 500 50 319 1.025 1 025

Table 2B — Dished and flanged end configuration (existing imperial sizes)

Inside diameter of Crown radius Knuckle radius Outside depth of Approximate capacity of end (hatched
tank end portion)
D R r H
ft in ft in in mm m3 litres
4 6 7 6 1½ 138 0.116 116
6 6 10 6 1½ 188 0.322 322
8 0 12 0 1½ 239 0.607 607
9 0 12 0 1½ 296 0.934 934

7 Materials
7.1 Plates for shell and ends
7.1.1 For normal applications, tanks shall be constructed of carbon steel plates complying with the
requirements of grade 43A of BS 4360:1979. Attention is drawn to situations where low temperature
conditions apply and where steels complying with the requirements of BS 4360 with specified impact
properties at low temperatures are necessary.
By agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer, steels equivalent to the above may be used.
7.1.2 Where specified by the purchaser the plates for the shell and ends shall be pickled or blast cleaned or
otherwise treated for the removal of the mill scale.
NOTE Attention is drawn to BS 4232.

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
5
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

7.2 Tank fittings

7.2.1 Plate material used for fabricating tank fittings, including cradle wrapper plates, if welded to the
tank shall be in accordance with 7.1.1 or from an equivalent and compatible material.
7.2.2 All piping used shall comply with the requirements of BS 1387 or BS 3601 or as may be otherwise
specified by the purchaser.
7.3 Structural bolts. Any bolts used in connection with the tank, e.g. for manhole lid or mounting
attachments, shall comply with the requirements of BS 4190.
8 Design
8.1 Dimensions. The tanks shall be constructed to dimensions selected from Table 1A or Table 1B.
8.2 Tolerances
8.2.1 Tolerance on shell diameter. The diameter at any point on the length of the tank shell shall be
calculated from an external circumferential measurement and the tolerance shall not exceed ±0.25 % of the
specified diameter.
8.2.2 Tolerance on circularity. The tolerance on circularity at any point on the length of the shell,
i.e. the difference between maximum and minimum internal shell diameter, shall not exceed 1 % of the
nominal diameter, due allowance being made where necessary for outside lapped plates.
8.2.3 Tolerance on overall length L (see Figure 2 and Table 1A or Table 1B). The overall length of the tank
shall not differ by more than 0.5 % of the nominal overall length given in Table 1A or Table 1B.
8.3 Design of tank
8.3.1 Shell plate arrangement. When the shell length is produced from more than one single plate the
longitudinal seams shall break joint at intermediate circumferential seams.
It is recommended that whenever possible a longitudinal seam should not be situated in the lower third of
a tank or on the top centre-line.
8.3.2 Manhole
8.3.2.1 Unless otherwise specified, the manhole centre-line shall be positioned 450 mm from one end of the
shell and shall be fabricated in accordance with Table 3 and Figure 7.
NOTE The use of 460 mm inside diameter manholes is recommended on tanks up to and including 2 000 mm inside diameter. On
tanks over 2 000 mm diameter and on tanks where personnel have to wear protective clothing for entry, the use of 600 mm inside
diameter manholes is recommended.

8.3.2.2 Bolt holes shall be drilled off the tank longitudinal axis. Bolts or studs, nuts and washers shall be
provided.
8.3.2.3 The height of the neck from the tank shell to the top face of the flange shall be not less than 75 mm.
8.3.2.4 When manhole frames are formed as pressings from one single plate, the thickness at any point
after pressing shall be not less than that of the tank shell plate.
8.3.2.5 In cases where manhole necks protrude inside the tank a vent shall be provided on each side of the
neck, on the longitudinal axis, to prevent air locks.
8.3.2.6 A full-face manhole gasket shall be provided in a material agreed between the purchaser and the
manufacturer.
8.4 Lifting lugs. Lifting lugs shall be provided in accordance with Figure 8. These are to be used only for
lifting empty tanks.
8.5 Manlid connections for underground tanks. The following connections shall be fitted to the
manlids of underground storage tanks only.
a) An Rc 4 screwed combined dip and fill socket (double tapered) complying with the requirements of
BS 1387 and BS 21.
b) A 50 mm diameter flanged suction pipe.
c) An Rc 2 screwed vent socket complying with the requirements of BS 1387 and BS 21.
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

6
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

8.6 Above-ground tanks: special requirements

8.6.1 Saddle supports. Where supplied, saddle supports shall be constructed and located generally in
accordance with Figure 9 and Table 4.
8.6.2 Drain point. A drain socket, screwed Rc 2 complying with the requirements of BS 1387 and BS 21,
shall be fitted at the lowest point in the tank and ground flush with the inside of the shell plate.
8.6.3 Filling point (other than manhole). A filling socket, screwed Rc 3 complying with the requirements of
BS 1387 and BS 21, shall be fitted to the highest point in the tank shell.
8.6.4 Vent and dip point. A vent socket, screwed Rc 3 complying with the requirements of BS 1387 and
BS 21, shall be fitted, preferably to the centre of the manhole lid. Where a dip point is required, the vent
connection may be used by inserting a suitable pipe T-piece complete with dip cap so that the tank vents
through the side of the T-piece.

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
NOTE Attention is drawn to the appendix dealing with capacity and overfilling of oil storage tanks in BS 799-5 (in course of
preparation).

8.6.5 Draw-off. A horizontal socket, screwed not less than Rc 2 complying with the requirements of BS 1387
and BS 21, shall be welded near the base of the tank on the vertical centre-line and at the opposite end to
the drain point.
9 Shop fabrication
9.1 Plate preparation. Plate edge preparation for welding may be done by any one of the following
methods:
a) planing;
b) flame cutting by machine;
c) flame cutting by hand, followed by removal of slag and irregularities by machining, grinding, chipping
or filling;
d) shearing, unless otherwise specified by the purchaser.
9.2 Laminations. After cutting to size, the plate edges shall be examined visually for laminations. Where
such faults are found, the plate shall be deemed unsuitable for the fabrication of tanks to comply with this
British Standard.
9.3 Shell plate rolling. All plates shall be rolled to the required curvature over the full width or length of
the plate. The fabricator shall ensure that there is continuity of curvature at the longitudinal butt welds.
9.4 Fabrication
9.4.1 Fabrication shall be by welding using any suitable fusion welding process.
9.4.2 Welding procedure drawings shall be supplied by the manufacturer when specifically asked for by the
purchaser (see BS 5135).
9.5 Welding consumables
9.5.1 Manual metal-arc welding electrodes shall comply with the requirements of BS 639:1972 sections 1
and 2, 1 and 3, or 1 and 4.
9.5.2 Consumables for submerged arc welding shall comply with the requirements of BS 4165:1971
section 1 and either section 2 or 5.
9.5.3 Welding consumables used in other processes shall deposit weld metal with physical properties not
less than the minima specified in BS 639.

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
7
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

9.6 Welds
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

9.6.1 All butt welds shall have a throat section not less than the thickness of the plates being joined and
shall be welded from either:
a) both sides;
b) one side with removable backing strips, or
c) one side with consumable backing strips with the prior agreement of the purchaser.
9.6.2 In butt joints the root edges or root faces shall not be out of alignment by more than 25 % of the
thickness of the thinner material, or 3 mm, whichever is less.
9.6.3 The leg length of fillet welds shall not be less than the thickness of the thinnest plate or parts that
they join and they may be mitre or convex in profile.
9.6.4 In fillet welded joints the gap due to faulty workmanship or incorrect fit-up shall not exceed 1.5 mm.
9.7 Quality of welds
9.7.1 The welded joints shall be free from defects that would impair the service performance of the
construction, but slight incomplete root penetration in butt welds shall not be a cause for rejection.
9.7.2 The weld metal shall be properly fused with the parent metal without serious undercutting or
overlapping at the toes of the weld.
9.7.3 Whenever practicable all welding shall be carried out in the flat position.
9.7.4 All slag shall be removed from welds and the visible surfaces shall be clean, regular and of
consistently uniform contour.
9.7.5 Examination of welds shall be by visual means. Non-destructive techniques such as X-rays or
ultrasonics shall not form criteria of acceptance for welds produced to this standard.
NOTE Attention is drawn to BS 5289.

9.8 Repair of welds. Defective welds found during the pressure test described in clause 10 shall be cut
out for a distance of not less than 25 mm on either side of the defect and shall be rewelded.
10 Tank testing
10.1 Pressure test
10.1.1 Each tank shall be thoroughly cleaned internally of all loose matter and then tested to a pressure of
0.7 bar2), measured at the top of the tank.
10.1.2 It is recommended that tanks be tested hydraulically, but a pneumatic test may be substituted at
the discretion of the manufacturer unless otherwise specified by the purchaser [see clause 3ii)]. Where a
pneumatic test is made the procedure in 10.3 shall be followed.
10.2 Hydraulic testing
10.2.1 The pressure shall be raised slowly and steadily until the test pressure is reached.
10.2.2 The pressure shall be maintained while a thorough examination is made to ensure that the tank is
sound and shows no leaks or undue distortion.
10.2.3 After the test the tank shall be thoroughly dried out.

2) 1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 102 kPa.

8
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

10.3 Pneumatic testing

10.3.1 Pneumatic testing is potentially a much more dangerous operation than hydraulic testing because,
irrespective of tank size, any failure during test is likely to be of a highly explosive nature.
The manufacturer shall ensure that as far as is reasonably practicable, no person is exposed to injury
should the tank fail during the test operation. The manufacturer shall take special precautions to minimize
the risk of such injury.
NOTE 1 Examples of appropriate precautions are the following:
a) adequate blast protection;
b) an adequate safety area cleared for test purposes;
c) adequate inspection of the tank before testing.
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to Guidance Note GS 4, “Safety in pressure testing” produced by the Health and Safety Executive and
obtainable from HMSO.

10.3.2 The following test procedure shall be used.

a) Raise the pressure slowly and steadily to 0.7 bar2) and maintain this pressure for 5 minutes.
b) Reduce the pressure to 0.4 bar and carry out an inspection to ensure that the tank is sound and that
there are no leaks or distortion.
The tank shall not be approached until the pressure is reduced to 0.4 bar.
10.4 Repeat pressure tests. Following the execution of any repairs found to be necessary (see 9.8) the

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---
tank shall again be tested in accordance with 10.2 or 10.3 as appropriate.
10.5 Test certificate. A test certificate, recording the results of the pressure test carried out, shall be
established and a copy shall be supplied to the purchaser on request.
11 Calibration
11.1 When the purchaser requires the tank to be calibrated for capacity he shall state the form of such
calibration on his enquiry and order.
NOTE Commercially precalibrated dip rods are not normally considered to be an accurate means of tanks contents measurement.

11.2 It is recommended that when frequent dipping of the tank is necessary a reinforcing pad be welded to
the inside of the bottom of the tank directly under the dipping opening.
12 Inspection
12.1 The inspector representing the purchaser shall have free access, at all reasonable times, to those parts
of the manufacturer’s works which are concerned with the manufacture and testing of the tank and he shall
be afforded all reasonable facilities to satisfy himself that the tank is being manufactured in accordance
with the requirements of this standard.
12.2 Unless otherwise specified, inspections of tanks shall be made at the place of manufacture before
despatch and shall be conducted so as not to interfere unnecessarily with the operation of the works.
13 Marking
13.1 The following information shall be permanently and clearly marked on a nameplate attached adjacent
to the manhole or shall be stamped on the manhole neck.
a) The number of this British Standard, i.e. BS 2594.
b) Nominal capacity (cubic metres or litres).
c) Test pressure and date of test.
d) Manufacturer’s name or trade mark.
e) Manufacturer’s reference number.
13.2 If the manufacturer’s reference number [see 13.1 e)] has been permanently marked on the tank, the
information in items a) to e) above may be given on a nameplate attached to the manhole lid or be stamped
on the lid.

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
9
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

14 Preparation for despatch

14.1 Protection
14.1.1 External and internal surfaces of completed tanks shall be protected in a manner specified by the
purchaser.
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the guidance given in BS 5493.

14.1.2 All openings in tanks shall be adequately covered to exclude dirt and other foreign matter from the
interior of the tank during transit.
14.2 Packing and marking for transit
14.2.1 Packing and marking shall be in accordance with the purchaser’s requirements as specified on the
order.
14.2.2 Any necessary requirements for the support or stiffening of the tank for transit and lifting purposes
shall be agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
14.2.3 The net weight of the tank shall be clearly painted on one end of the tank.

10
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI

Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure 2 — General dimensions

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
11
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure 3 — Types of shell construction

12
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Figure 4 — Method of welding ends to shell

Figure 5 — Method of attaching internal partitions to shell

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure 6 — Method of welding lapped circumferential seams

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
13
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Figure 7 — Manhole details

Table 3 — Dimensions for manholes
All dimensions are in millimetres
Inside diameter of manhole d1 460 600
Minimum plate thickness of manhole body tp 6.0 6.0
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Diameter of manhole flange d2 570 720

and lid
Minimum plate thickness of manhole flange and lid tf 10 10
P.C.D. for bolts d3 530 680
Diameter of bolt holes 18 18
Designation of bolts M16 M16
Number of bolts 16 24

14
Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI
Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Figure 8 — Lifting lugs

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
15
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Figure 9 — Cradle supports

Table 4 — Dimensions for cradle supports

Nominal capacity Shell inside Tangent Saddle Steel saddle Steel saddle Thickness of
diameter length position width (min.) breadth top plate
(min.) (min.)
D A E B C ts
litres m3 mm mm mm mm mm mm
5 000 5.0 1 500 2 750 2 050 150 1 300 6.0
7 500 7.5 1 500 4 250 3 550 150 1 300 6.0
10 000 10.0 2 000 3 100 2 100 250 1 750 6.0
15 000 15.0 2 000 4 750 3 750 250 1 750 6.0
20 000 20.0 2 000 6 500 5 500 250 1 750 6.0
20 000 20.0 2 500 4 000 2 800 250 2 200 6.0
25 000 25.0 2 500 5 000 3 750 250 2 200 8.0
25 000 25.0 2 750 4 000 2 640 250 2 400 8.0
30 000 30.0 2 750 4 900 3 540 250 2 400 8.0
35 000 35.0 2 750 5 750 4 390 250 2 400 8.0
40 000 40.0 2 750 6 600 5 240 250 2 400 8.0
45 000 45.0 2 750 7 500 6 140 250 2 400 8.0
50 000 50.0 2 750 8 300 6 940 250 2 400 8.0
55 000 55.0 2 750 9 200 7 840 250 2 400 8.0
60 000 60.0 2 750 10 000 8 640 250 2 400 8.0
70 000 70.0 2 750 11 750 10 390 250 2 400 8.0
80 000 80.0 2 750 13 500 12 140 250 2 400 9.0
90 000 90.0 2 750 15 250 13 890 250 2 400 9.0

16
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

Copyright British Standards Institution © BSI

Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International 10 January
B.V./5924979112, 2003
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

Publications referred to

This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:

BS 21, Pipe threads for tubes and fittings where pressure-tight joints are made on the threads.
BS 639, Covered electrodes for the manual metal-arc welding of mild steel and medium-tensile steel.
BS 799, Oil burning equipment.
BS 799-5, Oil storage tanks.
BS 1387, Steel tubes and tubulars suitable for screwing to BS 21 pipe threads.
BS 3601, Steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes: carbon steel with specified room temperature
properties.
BS 4165, Electrode wires and fluxes for the submerged arc welding of carbon steel and medium-tensile steel.
BS 4190, ISO metric black hexagon bolts, screws and nuts.
BS 4232, Surface finish of blast-cleaned steel for painting.
BS 4360, Weldable structural steels.
BS 5135, Metal-arc welding of carbon and carbon manganese steels.
BS 5289, Code of practice for visual inspection of fusion welded joints.
BS 5493, Code of practice for protective coating of iron and steel structures against corrosion.

--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

© BSI 10 January 2003

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112, 17
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.
 BS 2594:1975

BSI — British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001.
Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. Email: orders@bsi-global.com. Standards are also
available from the BSI website at http://www.bsi-global.com.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the
BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7111. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7048. Email: info@bsi-global.com.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001.
Email: membership@bsi-global.com.
Information regarding online access to British Standards via British Standards
Online can be found at http://www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.
Further information about BSI is available on the BSI website at
http://www.bsi-global.com.

Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
--`,`,,`,`,,,``,``,`,,`,`,,`,``-`-`,,`,,`,`,,`---

permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
BSI written permission of BSI must be obtained.
389 Chiswick High Road Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
London Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.
W4 4AL

Copyright British Standards Institution Document provided by IHS Licensee=Shell Services International B.V./5924979112,
Reproduced by IHS under license with BSI - Uncontrolled Copy 08/02/2004 09:11:19 MDT Questions or comments about this message: please call
the Document Policy Group at 303-397-2295.