BS 7777 2 1993, Flat Bottomed

BRITISH STANDARD BS 7777-2:
1993
Licensed Copy: Institute Of Technology Tallaght, Institute of Technology, Mon Sep 04 10:12:06 BST 2006, Uncontrolled Copy, (c) BSI
Flat-bottomed, vertical,
cylindrical storage
tanks for low
temperature service —
Part 2: Specification for the design and
construction of single, double and full
containment metal tanks for the storage
of liquefied gas at temperatures down
to – 165 °C
BS 7777-2:1993
Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Pressure Vessel
Standards Policy Committee (PVE/-) to Technical Committee PVE/15, upon
which the following bodies were represented:
British Chemical Engineering Contractors’ Association

British Compressed Gases Association
British Gas plc
Concrete Society
Energy Industries Council
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’ Association
Institution of Gas Engineers
Institution of Mechanical Engineers
Process Plant Association
Thermal Insulation Contractors’ Association
Welding Institute
This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Pressure
Vessel Standards Policy
Committee, was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
15 June 1993
© BSI 04-1999
Amd. No. Date Comments
The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference PVE/15
Draft for comment 90/73024 DC
ISBN 0 580 21163 0

BS 7777-2:1993
Contents
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iv
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
2.1 Normative references 1
2.2 Informative references 1
3 Definitions 1
4 Design conditions 1
5 Information to be exchanged between the purchaser and
the contractor 1
5.1 Information to be supplied by the purchaser 1
5.2 Optional and/or alternative information to be supplied by
the purchaser 1
5.3 Information to be agreed between the purchaser and
the contractor 1
6 Materials 2
6.1 Materials for inner or outer tank designed to contain
refrigerated liquid 2
6.2 Steel for outer tanks and outer containers 4
7 Design of components for single containment tank 5
7.1 Steel outer container of double shell single containment tank 5
7.2 Inner tank of double shell single containment tank 28
7.3 Steel single shell single containment tank for temperatures
down to – 50 °C 38
8 Design of components for double containment tank 38
8.1 Inner tank of double containment tank 38
8.2 Steel outer tank of double containment tank 38
9 Design of components for full containment tank 39
9.1 Inner tank of full containment tank 39
9.2 Steel outer tank of full containment tank 39
10 Shop fabrication of tank components 39
10.1 Workmanship 39
10.2 Flattening 39
10.3 Hard stamping 39
10.4 Plate edge preparation 39
10.5 Rolling and pressing 40
10.6 Shell nozzles and manholes 40
10.7 Bolt holes 40
10.8 Shop painting 40
10.9 Erection marks 40
10.10 Packaging and identification 40
10.11 Handling and transport 40
11 Site erection of tank components 40
11.1 General 40
11.2 Workmanship 40
11.3 Foundations 40
11.4 Rectification of materials damaged prior to erection 40
11.5 Erection of plates 40
11.6 Inner tank and outer tank or container erection tolerances 41
© BSI 04-1999 i
BS 7777-2:1993
Page
11.7 Manual cutting of plates 41
11.8 Protection of shell during erection 41
11.9 Erection of tank roof 41
11.10 Erection holes 42
11.11 Welding 42
11.12 Welding procedure approval and welder approval 43
11.13 Non-destructive testing 45
12 Pressure testing of both inner and outer tank 47
12.1 Hydrostatic testing 47
12.2 Pneumatic testing 48
13 Insulation 49
14 Foundations 49
15 Internal positive and internal negative pressure relief 49
16 Commissioning and decommissioning 49
17 Name plate 49
Annex A (informative) Guidance for the determination of
%T-shift for the impact testing of steels 50
Annex B (informative) Guidance for the tensile testing of 9 %
nickel steel weld metal using strain-gauged tensile specimens 52
Annex C (informative) Guidance for the use of aluminium and
aluminium alloys for liquid containing tanks 54
Annex D (informative) Worked example of stiffener design for a
fixed-roof container 55
Figure 1 — Typical bottom layout for tank or container 6
Figure 2 — Typical cross joints in bottom plates where three
thicknesses coincide 7
Figure 3 — Typical sketch plate joint under shell plates for tank
or container without annular plates 7
Figure 4 — Typical annular plate joint under shell plates for tank
or container with annular plates 7
Figure 5 — Shell stiffeners 9
Figure 6 — Shell-roof compression areas 12
Figure 7 — Shell-insert-type reinforcement 14
Figure 8 — Barrel-type nozzle reinforcement 15
Figure 9 — Graph for the determination of the thickness of a
barrel-type nozzle reinforcement 16
Figure 10 — Flanged roof nozzles 17
Figure 11 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through
type when t = 20 mm maximum and tp = 12.5 mm maximum
(preferred details) 18
type when t = 20 mm maximum and tp = 12.5 mm maximum
(preferred details) 18
type when 20 mm # t # 40 mm (preferred details) 19
type when ti > 40 mm (preferred details) 20
type (alternative details) 20
Figure 16 — Weld details for connection of mountings: compensated
set-through type (preferred details) 21
ii © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Page
Figure 17 — Weld details for connection of mountings: compensated
set-through type (alternative details) 21
Figure 18 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-on type 23
Figure 19 — Standard weld details for connection of mountings 24
Figure 20 — Reinforcement details for low-type nozzles 25
Figure 21 — Details of weld overlay for nozzles 26
Figure 22 — Treads welded to roof plates 28
Figure 23 — Typical detail of earthing boss site-welded to shell plates 29
Figure 24 — Detail of stiffening ring radial joint 34
Figure 25 — Typical shell and roof opening with expansion/contraction
device 37
Figure 26 — Typical shell and roof opening with flexible loop 37
Figure 27 — Location of Charpy V-notch impact energy test specimen 45
Figure A.1 — Details of test plate 51
Figure A.2 — Typical multi-run weld 51
Figure A.3 — Location of Charpy V-notch impact energy test specimens 51
Figure A.4 — Temperature shift (%T) at the 27 J toughness level 52
Figure B.1 — Dimensions of tensile test specimen 53
Figure B.2 — Method of attaching strain gauges 53
Figure B.3 — Test circuit 53
Table 1 — Reference list of metal components for single, double and full
containment tanks 1
Table 2 — Material types for tank shell and bottom 2
Table 3 — Longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact testing 3
Table 4 — Maximum shell plate thickness 3
Table 5 — Weld metal Charpy V-notch impact test energy 3
Table 6 — Steels for outer tank compression area, roof and roof
structure where the minimum design temperature is based on ambient
temperature 4
Table 7 — Steel for outer containers for single containment tanks 5
Table 8 — Container nominal shell plate thickness 8
Table 9 — Manhole and nozzle body thickness 13
Table 10 — Minimum thickness of annular plate 28
Table 11 — Determination of the maximum allowable design stress 29
Table 12 — Minimum shell plate thickness 30
Table 13 — Manhole and nozzle body thickness 33
Table 14 — Tank radius erection tolerances 41
Table 15 — Tank shell profile tolerance 41
Table A.1 — Test plate welding characteristics 50
Table C.1 — Aluminium alloy bolting materials 54
Table C.2 — Manhole and shell nozzle thickness 54
List of references 58
© BSI 04-1999 iii

BS 7777-2:1993
Foreword
This Part of BS 7777 has been prepared under the direction of the Pressure
Vessels Standards Policy Committee.
Flat-bottomed, vertical, cylindrical, storage tanks for refrigerated liquefied gases
have traditionally been of the single containment design where the liquid is
contained in a single shell surrounded by a conventional low bund wall at a
considerable distance. Where a double shell construction was used, the outer shell
was mainly there to contain the insulation.
These tanks were built according to two British Standards:
BS 4741:1971, Specification for vertical cylindrical welded steel storage tanks for
low temperature service: single wall tanks for temperatures down to – 50 °C.
BS 5387:1976, Specification for vertical cylindrical welded storage tanks for
low-temperature service: double-wall tanks for temperatures down to – 196 °C.
Until the 1970s it was normal practice to store all refrigerated products in single
containment tanks. Since that time it has increasingly become the practice for the
inner tank for hydrocarbons or ammonia to be surrounded by an outer tank or
wall. It is still the practice to store liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen or liquid argon
in single containment tanks. This outer tank or wall is intended to prevent the
release of the liquefied products into the surrounding area in case of leakage from
or damage to the inner tank. This philosophy results in increased safety for the
surrounding area. Such constructions are known as double containment tanks
and full containment tanks.
Depending on the lowest service temperature, the inner tank may be made from
carbon-manganese steel, low nickel steel, 9 % nickel steel, aluminium or stainless
steel. The double containment tanks and full containment tanks generally have
outer tanks or walls made from prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete with an
earth embankment or one of the metals specified for the inner tank. BS 4741 and
BS 5387 specified the requirements for single containment tanks only and
consequently did not include the requirements for material selection, design,
construction, loading cases, etc. that are necessary for double containment tanks
and full containment tanks.
To redress this situation, the Storage Tank Committee of The Engineering
Equipment and Materials Users’ Association (EEMUA) published in 1986
Recommendations for the design and construction of refrigerated liquefied gas
storage tanks, Publication No. 147[1]. The intention of EEMUA was that this
document would form the basis of a British Standard to be published a few years
later. Together, BS 7777-1 to BS 7777-4 supersede BS 4741:1971 and
BS 5387:1976, which are withdrawn.
Although experience has demonstrated that the risk of failure of a single
containment tank designed and fabricated in accordance with British Standards
is very low, this can be further reduced by more stringent requirements for
material selection, design, construction, inspection and testing. For certain stored
products, however, the consequences of failure may be considered so great that an
outer tank or wall is deemed necessary. Thus a further reduction of risk of failure
can be achieved through the use of a double or full containment storage concept.
The definitions of single, double and full containment tanks are given in 3.1 of
BS 7777-1:1993.
The selection of the storage concept should take into account the location, the
operational conditions and the environmental conditions. This standard covers
only flat-bottomed, cylindrical, stand-alone, storage tanks. However, it is not
intended to exclude the use of other concepts and designs which have been proven
in service.
This British Standard comprises four Parts:
— Part 1: Guide to the general provisions applying for design, construction,
installation and operation;
iv © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
— Part 2: Specification for the design and construction of single, double and full
containment metal tanks for the storage of liquefied gas at temperatures down
to – 165 °C;
— Part 3: Recommendations for the design and construction of prestressed and
reinforced concrete tanks and tank foundations, and for the design and
installation of tank insulation, tank liners and tank coatings;
— Part 4: Specification for the design and construction of single containment
tanks for the storage of liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen or liquid argon.
NOTE This standard has been written in the form of a practice specification (see clause 6 of
PD 6501-1:1982).
To comply with this specification, the user has to comply with all its
requirements. The user may responsibly depart from the recommendations, but
would be expected to have good reasons for doing so.
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 to vi,
pages 1 to 58, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
© BSI 04-1999 v
vi
blank
BS 7777-2:1993
1 Scope 3 Definitions
This Part of BS 7777 specifies requirements, based For the purposes of this Part of BS 7777, the
on the loading cases given in Table 1 of definitions given in clause 3 of BS 7777-1:1993
BS 7777-1:1993, for the materials, design, apply, together with the following.
fabrication, inspection and testing of metal 3.1
components of single, double and full containment manufacturer
storage tanks.
the organization carrying out the shop fabrication
NOTE 1 A reference list of metal components is given
in Table 1. 3.2
NOTE 2 Where it is not possible to specify requirements which erector
can be verified, but it is considered that the information available
demands consideration, commentary and recommendations are the organization carrying out the construction on
added to the text. site
2 References 3.3
electrode manufacturer
2.1 Normative references
a specific manufacturer of electrodes
This Part of BS 7777 incorporates, by reference,
provisions from specific editions of other 3.4
publications. These normative references are cited designer
at the appropriate points in the text and the the organization carrying out the engineering
publications are listed on page 59. Subsequent design of the tank
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these
publications apply to this Part of BS 7777 only when 4 Design conditions
incorporated in it by updating or revision.
The design conditions referred to in this Part of
2.2 Informative references BS 7777 shall be those given in clause 4 of
This Part of BS 7777 refers to other publications BS 7777-1:1993.
that provide information or guidance. Editions of
these publications current at the time of issue of this 5 Information to be exchanged
standard are listed on page Inside back cover, but between the purchaser and the
reference should be made to the latest editions. contractor
Table 1 — Reference list of metal components 5.1 Information to be supplied by the
for single, double and full containment tanks purchaser
Subclause Description of tank Typical stored
referencea component products The information to be supplied by the purchaser
shall be as given in 5.1 of BS 7777-1:1993.
7.1 Single Ethane, ethylene,
containment: steel liquid natural gas 5.2 Optional and/or alternative information to
outer container (LNG) be supplied by the purchaser
7.2 Single The optional and/or alternative information to be
containment: inner supplied by the purchaser shall be as given in 5.2 of
tank BS 7777-1:1993.
7.3 Single Butane, ammonia, 5.3 Information to be agreed between the
containment: steel propane, purchaser and the contractor
tank propylene The information to be agreed between the purchaser
8.1 Double Butane, ammonia, and the contractor shall be as given in 5.3 of
containment: inner propane, BS 7777-1:1993.
tank propylene, ethane, In addition, the purchaser and manufacturer shall
8.2 Double ethylene, LNG agree on the areas of the tank whose material is to
containment: steel be impact tested (see 6.2.2).
outer tank
9.1 Full containment:
inner tank
9.2 Full containment:
steel outer tank
a
More detail is given at respective clause references for
particular tank types.
© BSI 04-1999 1
BS 7777-2:1993
6 Materials Longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact test

requirements shall be as specified in Table 3. In
6.1 Materials for inner or outer tank designed
addition, the general and testing requirements of
to contain refrigerated liquid
BS 1501-2:1988, BS 1501-3:1990 and
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1. The BS EN 10028-3:1993 shall be satisfied. Other
material selection given in this clause does not product forms shall conform to this Part of BS 7777,
constitute a new interpretation of low temperature and to the general and testing requirements of the
toughness capabilities of carbon-manganese and low following standards:
nickel steels already in use for equipment a) for forgings, BS 1503:1989;
applications at design temperatures less than 0 °C.
It differs from these by the incorporation of some of b) for piping, BS 3603:1991 and BS 3605-1:1991.
the environmental safety considerations associated Table 2 — Material types for tank shell and
with large low temperature and cryogenic bottom
temperature storage installations. Product Single Double or Typical
The degradation effect of welding has been containment full product
containment storage
considered in material selection. There is the intent temperature
to specify stringent quality control Charpy V-notch Butane Type II Type I – 10 °C
impact test requirements for base material subject to Ammonia Type II Type I – 35 °C
welding (see Annex A), which, in conjunction with Propane/ Type III Type II – 50 °C
the design, inspection and testing requirements in propylene
this Part, should satisfy the provisions set out in
BS 7777-1. The tensile testing of 9 % nickel steel Ethane/ Type IV Type IV – 105 °C
weld metal using strain gauge testing specimens ethylene
LNG Type V or Type IVa – 165 °C
should be in accordance with Annex B.
VI
The use of aluminium for the inner tank is by
a For thicknesses greater than 30 mm and less than or equal
agreement between the purchaser and manufacturer
to 40 mm, Type V or VI is necessary.
(see Annex C).
6.1.1 Plate and fitting materials 6.1.2 Maximum shell plate thickness
Plate materials used for the manufacture of tanks The maximum shell plate thicknesses with regard
shall be as follows. to material type shall be in accordance with Table 4.
a) Type I steel: normalized carbon-manganese The measured thickness at any point:
steel conforming to grade P275 NL1 or NL2 or a) more than 15 mm from the edge of any steel
grade P355 NL1 or NL2 of BS EN 10028-3:1993. shell plate, where the thickness is to conform
NOTE BS 1501-1 was superseded by BS EN 10028 and has to 7.1.4.2, or
been withdrawn. Existing steels 224 grade 430 and 510 grade b) more than 15 mm from the edge of any roof
LT 50 conforming to BS 1501-1 should be treated as type I
steel. plate, where the thickness is to conform
to 7.1.5.3, or
b) Type II steel: improved toughness
carbon-manganese steel. c) on the bottom or annular plate,
c) Type III steel: low nickel steel. shall be not less than the specified thickness less
half of the total thickness tolerance specified in
d) Type IV steel: 9 % nickel steel conforming to
BS EN 10025:1990.
type 510 of BS 1501-2:1988.
The measured thickness at any point:
e) Type V steel: improved 9 % nickel steel
conforming to type 510 improved of 1) more than 15 mm from the edge of any steel
BS 1501-2:1988. shell plate, where the thickness is to conform
either to 7.1.4.2 or 7.2.4.3, or
f) Type VI steel: austenitic stainless steel
conforming to BS 1501-3:1990. 2) more than 15 mm from the edge of any roof
plate, where the thickness is to conform
The steel types for the various products shall be as
to 7.1.5.4, shall be not less than the calculated
given in Table 2.
minimum thickness.
2 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Table 3 — Longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact testing

Classification Steel type Tested per plateab 120 J tested per 40 t
batchc
Type I Normalized carbon-manganese 27 J at – 50 °C Not required
Type II Improved toughness carbon-manganese 27 J at – 50 °C – %Td – 20 °C
Type III Low nickel steel 27 J at – 80 °C – %Td – 50 °C
Type IV 9 % nickel steel 35 J at – 196 °C Not required
Type V Improved 9 % nickel 100 J at – 196 °C Not required
Type VI Austenitic stainless steel No impact testing required
a Energy value is the minimum average of three specimens, with only one single value less than the value specified and with no
single value less than 75 % of the value specified.
b
For material thickness less than 11 mm, 10 mm × 5 mm sub-size specimens are to be used, and demonstrate 70 % of the values
specified in this table. For Type V steel, the value is to be 50 % of the value specified in this table.
c
Impact testing is carried out on each plate to demonstrate the required impact value. In addition, testing at a frequency of one test
per 40 t batch is to be carried out to demonstrate the 120 J requirement (see Annex A). The definitions of plate and batch are given
in BS EN 10025.
d
Reference should be made to Annex A.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.2. Table 5 — Weld metal Charpy V-notch impact
Local thinning remote from the plate edge, due to test energy
rolled-in scattered scale on the surface of 9 % nickel Weld metal for designated Charpy V-notch impact test
steel, is acceptable provided that the measured steel type energya
thickness is not less than 90 % of the calculated
thickness of the plate. This is permissible only when For materials used at 27 J at – 10 °C
design thickness is based on weld metal strength and ambient temperatures
not the stronger plate material property value. For Type I steels 50 J at – 30 °Cb
Table 4 — Maximum shell plate thickness For Type II steels 50 J at – 50 °Cb
Material type Maximum shell thicknessa For Type III steels 50 J at – 80 °Cb
Type I 30 mm For Type IV steels 35 J at – 196 °Cc
Types II and III 25 mm For Type V 35 J at – 196 °Cc
Types IV and V 30 mmb For Type VI Not required
NOTE Where austenitic weld metal is used for welding
Type VI 25 mm Type II or Type III steels, Charpy V-notch impact testing of the
a When weld metal is not required.
material thicknesses are required in excess of these
a
values, additional requirements to maintain the same level of Energy value is the minimum average of three specimens,
safety are to be agreed between purchaser and manufacturer. with only one single value less than the value specified and
b
See footnote to Table 2. with no single value less than 75 % of the value specified.
b
The intent of this specification is to ensure that the
6.1.3 Welding production welds in the tank meet the 20 J minimum at the
test temperature given above. In order to achieve this, the
The welding procedure used for the construction of procedure test of weld metal for Types I, II and III steels is
steel tanks shall be that used in the welding required to demonstrate a higher Charpy V-notch energy value
to compensate for the scatter of results inherent in Charpy V
procedure approval tests. testing of weld materials.
All welding procedures shall be approved in Employing the foregoing welding procedure, production test
plates are normally unnecessary, and are not a feature of this
accordance with 11.12. standard. However, if production test plates are called for by the
Weld metal toughness for the shell, bottom annular purchaser, minimum average energy values of 27 J for three
and roof compression area butt welds, including the specimens with no single value less than 20 J are required at the
test temperature given.
connections between bottom annular-to-shell, and c The
shell nozzles, mountings and other permanent minimum average impact energy for the weld metal for
Types IV and V is based on the high nickel, austenitic weld
attachments, shall be in accordance with Table 5. metal. In the event of weld metal being offered in composition
6.1.4 Bolting materials matching that of 9 % nickel plate, additional specialist advice
should be obtained.
Bolting materials shall be in accordance with
BS 1506:1990 and, when non-austenitic steels are
used, shall demonstrate a fracture toughness of 27 J
at the design temperature.
© BSI 04-1999 3
BS 7777-2:1993
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.4. Where the minimum design temperature is based
Where austenitic steel is used, such as on the ambient value, steel for outer tank roof
grades 304, 321 or 347 of BS 1506, bolts may relax plates, roof structure, roof fittings and, where
on cooling to subzero temperatures. This is caused by applicable, also for the outer tank compression area,
a permanent transformation of the structure from shall be in accordance with Table 6.
austenite to martensite which results in an increase COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.2.1. It is
of length. The extent of transformation increases permissible to increase the maximum thickness of
with the applied stress. the roof compression area to 1.5 × the permitted
Bolts that cannot be retightened after cooling should limits (see 6.1.2), where the minimum design
be made from steel bar having a stable structure, temperature is based on the product temperature,
such as 25 Cr 20 Ni steel in accordance with and 1.5 × 35 mm, where the minimum design
BS 1501-3 (BS 1501-310S16), or nitrogen bearing temperature is based on ambient temperature.
austenitic steel in accordance with BS 1501-3 Table 6 — Steels for outer tank compression
(BS 1501-347S51) or with BS 1501-3 area, roof and roof structure where the
(BS 1501-304S61). minimum design temperature is based on
6.1.5 Mountings ambient temperature
Nozzle bodies and insert plates shall be of the same Minimum Thickness Materialb
design metal
specified nominal strength as the plates to which temperaturea
they are attached.
°C mm
Permanent attachments, insert plates, nozzle
bodies and flanges shall meet the notch ductility T$0 t # 15 BS EN 10025:1990
requirements of 6.1.1. Fe 430 B or
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.1.5. Fe 510 B
For 9 % nickel steel tanks the nozzle body should be 15 < t # 35 BS EN 10025:1990
made from 9 % nickel steel. Austenitic stainless steel Fe 430 C or
pipe or flange may be welded to the nozzle body Fe 510 D1
provided that the butt weld is located at a distance T $ – 20 t # 15 BS EN 10025:1990
greater than that calculated from the equation: Fe 430 B or
d = √(rt) Fe 510 C
15 < t # 35 BS EN 10025:1990
where Fe 430 D1 or
d is the welding distance for austenitic Fe 510 DD1
stainless steel measured from the face of the a See6.2.2.
reinforcement (in mm); b Other materials may be used provided they are equivalent to
r is the inside radius of the nozzle body those specified, and provided the purchaser and manufacturer
(in mm); agree to such a substitution.
t is the thickness (in mm). 6.2.2 Outer gas containers for single
containment tanks
6.2 Steel for outer tanks and outer containers
Material selection for an outer gas container shall
6.2.1 Outer liquid containing tanks, with be based on the minimum design metal temperature
internal or external insulation, for double of the tank shell, bottom or roof. All material used
containment or full containment shall be in accordance with Table 7.
For outer tank shells, bottoms, reinforcing plates, All material, such as forgings or piping, that is to be
mountings and permanent attachments, material welded to the outer container shall have a carbon
shall be in accordance with Table 2 for double content of less than 0.25 %.
containment tanks or full containment tanks.
The purchaser and manufacturer shall agree on the
For compression area, roof, roof structure and roof areas of the tank whose material shall be impact
fittings where the minimum design temperature is tested at a temperature determined in accordance
based on the product temperature, material shall be with Table 7, the ruling thickness of the part and
in accordance with Table 2 for double or full the minimum design metal temperature (see 5.3).
containment tanks.
4 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
The notch ductility of a reinforcing plate shall be The welding consumables used for the welding of
determined by reference to its maximum thickness the outer container shall be those used for the
and to Table 7. If the plate is more than 35 mm qualification of the welding procedure. Where
thick, the steel shall be impact tested at – 50 °C and manual metal arc welding is employed in
shall have an impact energy value of not less construction, hydrogen controlled electrodes shall
than 27 J. be used for welding steels with specified minimum
The reference thickness of a permanent attachment, tensile strengths greater than 430 N/mm2 and a
reinforcing plate, nozzle body or structural item thickness greater than 13 mm.
shall be taken as equal to its maximum thickness. A COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.2.2. The
nozzle flange shall have a reference thickness that is minimum design metal temperature for the
either the thickness of the branch to which the United Kingdom is – 10 °C. For areas outside the
flange is attached or 25 % of the flange thickness, United Kingdom, the minimum design metal
whichever is the greater. temperature is the lowest daily mean temperature
Table 7 — Steel for outer containers for single i.e. 0.5 × (maximum temperature + minimum
containment tanks temperature).
Minimum Thickness Materialb 7 Design of components for single
design metal t
temperaturea containment tank
T
7.1 Steel outer container of double shell single
°C mm containment tank
T $ + 10 t # 30 BS EN 10025:1990 NOTE An illustration of a steel outer container of a double
Fe 360 B, shell, single containment tank is given in Figures 1c and 1d of
Fe 430 B or BS 7777-1:1993.
Fe 510 B 7.1.1 Outer container materials
+ 10 > T $ 0 t # 25 BS EN 10025:1990 All materials used for the manufacture of outer
Fe 360 B, containers shall be in accordance with clause 6.
Fe 430 B or 7.1.2 Outer container loadings
Fe 510 B
The outer container loadings shall be in accordance
25 < t # 35 BS EN 10025:1990 with Table 1 of BS 7777-1:1993.
Fe 360 C,
Fe 430 C or 7.1.3 Design of the outer container bottom
Fe 510 D1 7.1.3.1 General
0 > T $– 20 t # 12.5 BS EN 10025:1990 The container bottom shall be fully supported by the
Fe 360 B, foundation.
Fe 430 B or The minimum thickness of both sketch or annular
Fe 510 B plates shall be 6 mm and the minimum length of
12.5 < t # 20 BS EN 10025:1990 straight edge of a sketch plate shall be 500 mm.
Fe 360 C, Containers with a bottom shell course greater
Fe 430 C or than 10 mm thick shall have a ring of butt-welded
Fe 510 C annular plates with a minimum plate thickness
20 < t # 35 BS EN 10025:1990 of 8 mm.
Fe 360 D1, The minimum distance between individual
Fe 430 D1 or three-plate joints shall be 300 mm.
Fe 510 DD1
Annular plates shall have a minimum width
a See6.2.2. of 500 mm.
b
Other materials may be used provided they are equivalent to The minimum distance from the outer surface of the
those specified, and provided the purchaser and manufacturer
agree to such a substitution. bottom shell plate to the outer edge of the bottom
plate shall be 50 mm (see section D-D and
section E-E of Figure 1).
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.3.1.
Recommendations for the construction of
foundations are given in BS 7777-3.
© BSI 04-1999 5
BS 7777-2:1993
A container with a bottom shell course not greater For the minimum distances, reference should be
than 10 mm thick may have a ring of annular plates, made to section D-D of Figure 1.
or it may be constructed with sketch plates to the
perimeter.
Figure 1 — Typical bottom layout for tank or container
6 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 2 — Typical cross joints in bottom plates where three thicknesses coincide
Figure 3 — Typical sketch plate joint under

shell plates for tank or container without
annular plates Figure 4 — Typical annular plate joint under
shell plates for tank or container with
annular plates
© BSI 04-1999 7
BS 7777-2:1993
7.1.3.2 Bottom plating where

Layouts and details for tank bottom plating shall be t is the calculated shell plate thickness
in accordance with Figure 1 to Figure 4. (in mm);
All joints in rectangular and sketch plates shall be p is the internal pressure, as a combination of
lapped and welded on the top side only with a full internal gas pressure and insulation pressure
fillet weld, and with a minimum lap of five times the [in mbar (gauge)a];
thickness of the plate (see section C-C of Figure 1).
S is the allowable design stress (in N/mm2);
The rectangular plates and the sketch plates shall
be lapped over the annular ring of segmental plates, D is the container diameter (in m);
where used, and welded on the top side only with a c is the corrosion allowance (in mm).
full fillet weld, the minimum lap being 60 mm
a1 mbar = 10–3 bar = 100 N/m2 = 100 Pa.
(see section E-E of Figure 1).
At the ends of cross joints in rectangular plates and Table 8 — Container nominal shell plate
sketch plates, where three thicknesses occur, the thickness
upper plate shall be hammered down and welded
(see section X-X and section Y-Y of Figure 2). Nominal container Nominal shell thicknessa
diameter
For tanks where annular plates are not used, the
D
ends of the joints in the sketch plates under the
bottom course of shell plates shall be welded for a m mm
minimum distance of 150 mm (see Figure 3). D < 10 5
For tanks where annular plates are used, the radial 10 # D < 30 6
seams connecting the ends of the annular segmental
plates shall be butt welded with a backing strip the 30 # D < 60 8
minimum thickness of which shall be 5 mm 60 # D < 75 10
(see section F-F of Figure 4). 75 # D 12.5
The attachment between the bottom edge of the a
The requirement for minimum nominal thickness is needed
lowest course of shell plates and the bottom sketch for construction purposes, and may include any corrosion
plate or annular plate shall be fillet welded allowance, provided that the shell is shown by calculation to be
continuously on both sides of the shell plate. The leg safe in the corroded condition and to be in accordance
with 7.1.4.2 and 7.1.4.3.
length of both fillet welds shall be equal to the
thickness of the shell plate or sketch plate or The maximum allowable compressive stress in the
annular plate whichever is the least shell due to vertical compressive forces shall be
(see section D-D and section E-E of Figure 1). calculated at each horizontal welded seam and shall
7.1.4 Outer container shell design not exceed the value of Sc calculated in accordance
with the formula:
7.1.4.1 Shell design stress
The design stress in any plate shall be 260 N/mm2 (t – c)
S c = 12.5 ---------------G
or two-thirds of the material minimum yield R
strength (in N/mm2) at room temperature, where
whichever is the lesser. This shall apply to all
container courses. Sc is the allowable compressive stress
7.1.4.2 Shell thickness (in N/mm2);
t is the shell plate thickness at the point
The nominal thickness of shell plates shall be not
under consideration (in mm);
less than that given in Table 8. The maximum
thickness of shell plates shall be 35 mm. c is the corrosion allowance, if applicable
(in mm);
The forces in the outer shell shall be calculated from
the most severe combination of loadings determined R is the radius of the container (in m);
from Table 1 of BS 7777-1:1993. G is a factor, for different loading
The following equation shall be used in calculating combinations, as follows:
the minimum thickness of shell plates for internal = 1.00 for deadweight above the point
pressure: under consideration plus insulation
load plus 50 % of pipe load plus
pD superimposed load.
t = ----------- + c
20S
8 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
= 1.25 for deadweight above the point

under consideration plus insulation
load plus pipe load plus wind load
plus 50 % of superimposed load.
= 1.33 for deadweight above the point
under consideration plus insulation
load plus pipe load plus seismic
load plus 50 % of superimposed
load.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.4.2. The
maximum allowable compressive stress varies with
different loading combinations. The design should
take into account the different values of factor G for
different loading combinations.
Since the calculated container thickness is generally
significantly less than that for a tank designed to
contain a liquid, the design of the shell should be
checked. This ensures that it is capable of
withstanding the axial compressive load resulting
from the roof weight, shell self-weight, snow load,
internal negative pressure loading, live load, loads
transmitted to the shell from loose-fill insulation, Tank or container Angle ring (other shapes
diameter D may be provided having
wind and seismic loads. equivalent section
m modulus)
7.1.4.3 Shell stiffeners for wind loading and internal
negative pressure loading mm
Shell stiffeners shall be fitted where there is a m × n × ta

requirement to maintain roundness over the full D # 20 100 × 65 × 8
height of the shell under wind loading and/or 20 < D # 36 125 × 75 × 8
internal negative pressure loading. 36 < D # 48 150 × 90 × 10
Shell stiffeners, though not required to carry panel 48 < D 200 × 100 × 12
loading, shall be fitted to prevent preferential local Figure 5 — Shell stiffeners (see 7.1.4.3)
buckling of the shell.
The fixing of shell stiffeners shall be in accordance The size and location of shell stiffeners shall be
with Figure 5. determined from the formulae as follows:
The vertical positioning of shell stiffeners shall be
calculated by determining the height of a complete
shell of equivalent stability, at the same diameter
and of the same thickness as the top course of shell
plating.
A stiffener ring shall be located not less
than 150 mm from a main horizontal
circumferential seam.
The wind speed used in the calculation shall be in
accordance with BS 7777-1:1993.
The design internal negative pressure shall
be 6 mbar (gauge).
© BSI 04-1999 9
BS 7777-2:1993
where The procedure used for welding vertical and

D is the tank or container diameter (in m); horizontal butt welds shall be as qualified in the
welder approval tests (see 11.12).
tmin is the thickness of the top course (in mm);
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.4.5. It is
t is the thickness of each course in turn recognized that in practice continuous full
(in mm); penetration welds may not always be achieved. This
h is the height of each course in turn (in m); need not be cause for rejection provided that the lack
of full penetration is intermittent and longitudinal.
He is the equivalent stable height of each
course at tmin (in m); Discretion is recommended in rectifying a lack of
penetration since repair welds may not improve the
HE is the equivalent stable full shell height integrity of the tank.
at tmin (in m);
7.1.5 Outer roof design
Vw is the design wind speed (in m/s); 7.1.5.1 Roof loads
Va is the internal negative pressure for The roof shall be designed to support the loadings
design [in mbar (gauge)]; given in Table 1 of BS 7777-1:1993.
K is a factor; 7.1.5.2 Type of roof
Hp is the maximum permitted spacing of The roof shall be of the dome or cone type.
stiffeners on shells of minimum thickness For a cone roof, the slope shall be 1 in 5.
(in m).
For a dome roof, the radius of curvature shall be
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.4.3. The subject to agreement between the purchaser and the
size of stiffeners is not related to the design loads but manufacturer, but shall be in the range
is determined, with respect to tank or container of 0.8 to 1.5 × the diameter of the shell.
diameter, in accordance with the table of Figure 5. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.5.2.
An analysis of an equivalent shell, in association Other cone roof slopes should be agreed between the
with the required wind and internal negative purchaser and manufacturer.
pressure design criteria, determines the number of 7.1.5.3 Roof plating with supporting structure
stiffeners. In many cases these stiffeners are located The minimum nominal thickness of all roof plating
on the top course, or on a course of similar thickness, shall be 5 mm.
but if the location is not on such courses, the actual
positioning should be determined by converting the The steel used for construction of the roof members
equivalent shell course heights back to their actual shall have a nominal thickness of not less
values. than 5 mm.
Self-supporting fixed-roof tanks, or containers with The roof-supporting structure shall be designed in
roof structure, are considered to be adequately accordance with BS 449-2:1969 and with BS 5950.
stiffened at the top of the shell by the roof structure. The spacing of roof purlins for cone roofs shall be
such that the span between them does not
Guidance on shell stiffener design is given in exceed 1.70 m. Where one edge of the panel is
Annex D, with an example of the calculation. supported by the top curb of the shell, the maximum
7.1.4.4 Shell plate arrangement span permitted shall be 2.0 m.
The container shall be designed to have all courses Lapped roof plates shall be continuously fillet
vertical. welded on the outside, with a minimum lap
The diameter on the centre line of each course shall of 25 mm.
be equal to the nominal diameter of the container. Seams in the roof plating, that are included as part
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.4.4. It is of the compression area, shall be butt welded.
recommended that the distance between vertical The roof plate thickness shall be checked for
joints in adjacent courses should not be less than internal pressure using the equations of 7.1.5.4. The
one-third of the plate length. When this distance is joint efficiency shall be taken as 1.0 for butt
less than one-third of the plate length, additional welds, 0.35 for single-sided lap welds and 0.65 for
precautions may be necessary to prevent distortion. double-sided lap welds. The allowable stress shall
7.1.4.5 Shell joints be two-thirds of the yield strength of the plate
material.
Shell seams shall be butt welded.
10 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Where the roof plate is not ultimately to be welded where

to the supporting frame, the roof framing shall be R1 is the radius of curvature of roof (in m) (for
provided with bracing in the plane of the roof conical roofs = R/sin ½ [see Figure 6)];
surface or between trusses, where these occur, as
Pe is the external loading (in kN/m2);
follows.
a) Cross-bracing in the plane of the roof surface E is Young’s modulus (in N/mm2);
shall be in at least two pairs of adjacent bays on p is the internal pressure [in mbar (gauge)];
all roofs exceeding 15 m diameter. Pairs of braced
bays shall be spaced evenly around the tank S is the allowable design stress (in N/mm2)
circumference. (see 7.1.4.1);
b) Additional vertical ring bracing, on trussed ½ is the joint efficiency factor (see 7.1.5.3);
roofs only, shall be provided in an approximately tr is the roof plate thickness (in mm).
vertical plane between the trusses, as follows:
1) 15 m < roof diameter # 25 m: 1 ring; 7.1.5.5 Compression area
2) roof diameter > 25 m: 2 rings. The compression area shall be in accordance with
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.5.3. For Figure 6 and shall be not less than that determined
coned roofs with plates of greater than minimum by the following equation:
thickness and for domed roofs, the purlin spacing
permitted may be increased by agreement between 50 pR 2
A = ---------------------
the purchaser and manufacturer. S c tan F
For roofs that are lapped, the lower edge of the
uppermost plate should be beneath the upper edge of where
the lower plate to minimize the possibility of A is the area required (in mm2);
condensate entering the lap joint.
p is the internal pressure, less weight of roof
For roof plating outside the compression area, seams
sheets [in mbar (gauge)];
may be either butt welded or lap welded.
For roofs designed to be welded to the roof F is the slope of the roof meridian at roof-shell
supporting structure, there should be adequate connection (in degrees) (see Figure 6);
stiffness. It may not be necessary to include R is the radius of the shell (in m);
cross-bracing in accordance with 7.1.5.3, but care Sc is the allowable compressive stress
should be exercised during construction and before (in N/mm2). This shall be taken
the welding is complete. Temporary cross-bracing as 120 N/mm2.
should be fitted as necessary.
7.1.5.4 Roof plating without supporting structure The effective compression area shall be made up of
plates and/or sections where the maximum width is
Roofs without supporting structure shall be of
in accordance with Figure 6. Lap-welded roof plates
butt-welded or double lap-welded construction.
shall not contribute to the compression area.
Roofs shall be checked for internal pressure and
The compression area shall be proportioned such
shall be designed to resist buckling due to external
that the horizontal projection of the effective
loading, as given by the following equations:
compression area has radial width of not less
a) For internal pressure than 0.015 × the horizontal radius of the tank.
R Additional compression area shall be provided by
p 1
t r = -------------- (for spherical roofs) thickening the roof or shell plate, or by adding a bar
20S ½
or structural member, or by a combination of these.
R The additional compression area shall be arranged
p 1 such that the centroid of the compression area falls
t r = ------------- (for conical roofs)
10 S within a vertical distance equal to 1.5 × the average
½
thickness of the two members intersecting at the
b) For buckling corner, above or below the horizontal plane through
10Pe ½ the corner.
tr = 40R1  -------------
 E  The compression area shall be checked for tension
loading due to external loads and/or internal
negative pressure loading.
© BSI 04-1999 11
BS 7777-2:1993
Correlation of top curb angle section and shell Terminology for compression area junction of shell and
diameter roof
Shell diameter Size of curb angle R1 = radius of curvature of roof (in m) (for conical
D roofs = R/sin Ú);
m mm R = radius of shell (in m);
D # 10 60 × 60 × 6 t = thickness of shell (in mm);
10 < D # 20 60 × 60 × 8 ta = thickness of angle stiffener (in mm);
20 < D # 36 80 × 80 × 10 tr = thickness of roof plate at compression ring
36 < D # 48 100 × 100 × 12 (in mm);
48 < D 150 × 150 × 10 Wc = maximum width of shell plating considered
NOTE When applicable, the above minimum sizes of top to make up the compression area;
curb angle should be provided. Wn = maximum width of roof plating considered
to make up the compression area.
Figure 6 — Shell-roof compression areas

COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.5.5. The 7.1.6 Design of outer container mountings
compression area is the region at the junction of the 7.1.6.1 General
shell and the roof that is considered to resist forces
imposed by the internal pressure. The maximum The design of mountings attached to the outer
widths of plates making up the compression region is container shall be in accordance with 7.1.6.2
indicated by the shaded area of Figure 6. to 7.1.6.10.
When utilizing a structurally supported roof, care COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.6.1.
should be taken to avoid excessive bending in the Openings in the outer shell or roof normally fulfil one
compression region at the rafter connection to the of the following needs.
shell periphery. a) They provide entry or exit of personnel,
Where different from 120 N/mm2, an allowable insulation or purge medium to or from the
compressive stress should be agreed between the interspace between inner tanks and outer
purchaser and the manufacturer. containers.
12 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
b) They provide entry or exit of personnel, product The maximum insert plate thickness shall be not
or vapour to or from the inside of the inner tank. greater than 2t (see Figure 7).
Normally this also includes gauging devices that The corrosion allowance on any surface shall be
are sealed against vapour pressure. excluded from the computation of reinforcement
For openings that are directly attached to the outer thickness.
container, see 7.1.6; for other openings, see 7.2.7. b) The reinforcement shall be made by a thickened
7.1.6.2 Shell manholes and shell nozzles 80 mm nozzle body protruding on both sides of the shell
outside diameter and above plate (see Figure 8). The thickness of the nozzle
shall be determined such that the stress
Shell manholes shall have a minimum diameter
of 600 mm. concentration factor (j) does not exceed 2
(see Figure 9).
The thickness of the manhole or nozzle body shall be
not less than that given in Table 9.
Reinforcement can be provided by any one, or any
Table 9 — Manhole and nozzle body thickness combination of, the following three methods.
Outside diameter Minimum manhole and
nozzle body nominal a) A thickened shell insert plate (see Figure 7 and
dn thickness Figure 20) or a circular reinforcing plate: the
tp
mm limit of reinforcement is such that:
mm 1.5d # do # 2d
dn # 50 5.0 where
50 < dn # 75 5.5
75 < dn # 100 7.5 do is the effective diameter of reinforcement
100 < dn # 150 8.5 (in mm);
150 < dn # 200 10.5 d is the nominal diameter of the hole cut in the
200 < dn 12.5 shell plate (in mm).
Reinforcement shall be provided in accordance with The limiting reinforcement should be met when a
either item a) or item b), as follows. non-circular reinforcing plate is used.
a) The cross-sectional area of reinforcement, b) A thickened nozzle or manhole body: the
measured in the vertical plane containing the portion of the body which may be considered as
axis of the mounting, shall be not less than: reinforcement is that lying within the shell plate
0.75 dt thickness and within a distance of 4 × the body
where thickness from the shell plate surface unless the
d is the diameter of the hole cut in the shell body thickness is reduced within this distance,
when the limit is the point at which the reduction
plate (in mm);
begins.
t is the thickness of the shell plate (in mm).
c) A shell plate thicker than that of 7.1.4.2, and
subject to the limits of 7.1.4.1: the limit of
reinforcement is that of item a) of this
recommendation.
© BSI 04-1999 13
14
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 7 — Shell-insert-type reinforcement (see 7.1.6.2)
© BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 8 — Barrel-type nozzle reinforcement (see 7.1.6.2)

7.1.6.3 Shell nozzles less than 80 mm outside 7.1.6.5 Additional loads
diameter. Nozzles shall be designed to withstand the loads
There shall be no additional reinforcement, specified in Table 1 of BS 7777-1:1993.
provided that the thickness of the body is not less 7.1.6.6 Nozzle welding details
than that given in Table 9.
Weld details for nozzles, manholes and other
openings shall be in accordance with
Set-on nozzles (see Figure 18) may be used, provided Figure 11 to Figure 18. Standard weld details for the
that the plates are checked close to the opening to connection of mountings shall be as shown in
ensure that no detrimental laminations are present.
Figure 19.
For this purpose, ultrasonic and/or
magnetic-particle crack detection is recommended. Partial penetration welds, as shown in Figure 11
and Figure 17 c, shall only be used when the shell
7.1.6.4 Roof manholes and nozzles thickness (t) is not more than 12.5 mm and the
Roof openings shall be reinforced as for shell allowable design stress (S) is less than 190 N/mm2.
openings (see 7.1.6.2 and 7.1.6.3). The toes of fillet welds connecting a nozzle or
A roof manhole shall have a minimum inside reinforcing plates to the shell, or the centre line of
diameter of 500 mm. It shall be suitable for butt welds connecting insert plates to the shell,
attachment by welding to the tank roof plates. shall not be closer than 100 mm to the centre line of
The manhole covers shall be of the multiple-bolt any other shell butt joint, or to the toe of the
fixed or hinged type. shell-to-bottom fillet weld, or to the toe of a fillet
weld of an adjacent attachment.
Flanged nozzles for fixed-roof tanks shall be as
shown in Figure 10.
© BSI 04-1999 15
BS 7777-2:1993
The dimensions of the welds connecting set-through COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.6.6.
nozzles to the shell shall not be larger than twice the Other forms of joint preparation are permitted by
wall thickness of the mounting agreement between the manufacturer and the
(see Figure 12 to Figure 17). purchaser.
When the thickness of nozzle bodies manufactured The reinforcing plate or insert plate may be extended
from rolled plate exceeds 20 mm, either material to the shell-to-bottom junction provided the plate
with specified through-thickness properties shall be intersects the bottom at 90° (see Figure 20).
used, or a minimum layer of 3 mm of weld metal With regard to Figure 11 to Figure 18 inclusive, and
shall be applied to the surface of the body, prior to in cases where the shell thickness (t) is used to derive
welding the nozzle to the shell (see Figure 21). other dimensions, or as a recommended restriction
Butt joints connecting insert plates to the shell on the use of a detail, the insert plate thickness ti
plates shall have full penetration and complete should be substituted in the text when insert plates
fusion. are used.
The leg length of fillet welds around the periphery of Reinforcing fillets should at least cover the
reinforcing plates shall equal the thickness of the penetration welds beneath.
reinforcing plate or 20 mm, whichever is less.
NOTE Reference should be made to R.T. Rose, Strength of rim reinforcements for manholes in welded storage tanks, British
Welding Journal, October 1961[2].
Figure 9 — Graph for the determination of the thickness of a barrel-type
nozzle reinforcement (see 7.1.6.2)
16 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Nominal Outside Diameter of Height of nozzle

diameter of diameter of hole in roof
nozzle pipe plate
dr hn
in mm mm mm mm
1 25 34 36.5 150
2 50 60 63.5 150
3 80 89 92.5 150
4 100 114 117.5 150
6 150 168 171.5 150
8 200 219 225.5 150
10 250 273 279.5 200
12 300 324 330.5 200
NOTE 1 Fillet weld (FW) sizes refer to leg lengths.
NOTE 2 When a roof nozzle is used for venting purposes, the neck may be
trimmed flush with the reinforcing plate or roof line.
NOTE 3 The specification for roof manholes and nozzles should be agreed
between the manufacturer and the purchaser.
NOTE 4 The dimensions of plate ring flanges should conform to class 150 of
BS 1560-3.1 in all respects, except that the extended hub at the back of the
flange may be omitted. Slip-on flanges conforming to class 150 (forged steel)
may be substituted for plate ring flanges.
Figure 10 — Flanged roof nozzles (see 7.1.6.4)
© BSI 04-1999 17
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE 1 For key to symbols. see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

NOTE 2 For standard weld details, see Figure 19.
Figure 11 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through type when t = 20 mm
maximum and tp = 12.5 mm maximum (preferred details)
NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Figure 12 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through type when t = 20 mm
maximum and tp exceeds 12.5 mm (preferred details)
18 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993

Figure 13 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through type
when 20 mm # t # 40 mm (preferred details)
© BSI 04-1999 19
BS 7777-2:1993

Figure 14 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through type when ti > 40 mm
(preferred details)

NOTE 3 For details a) and b), where tp $ 16 mm, the root should be back gouged to sound metal and welded.
Figure 15 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-through type (alternative details)
20 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE For key to symbols, see Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 10.
Figure 16 — Weld details for connection of mountings: compensated set-through type
(preferred details)

(alternative details)
© BSI 04-1999 21
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7, Figure 8 and Figure 10.
NOTE 3 These details are alternative to those shown in Figure 16.
(alternative details) (concluded)
22 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993

NOTE 3 For set-on nozzles, the shell plate should be examined for laminations around the branch hole.
NOTE 4 If the welding procedure does not ensure sound positive root penetration, joints should be back chipped or gouged and
back welded. The internal penetration bead of joints welded from one side only should be ground smooth and flush with the inside
bore.
NOTE 5 Details c) and d) are given for where the bore of the nozzle is readily accessible for welding. The joint should be back
gouged from the side most accessible and suitable for the purpose, but generally the outside.
Figure 18 — Weld details for connection of mountings: set-on type
© BSI 04-1999 23
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE 1 For these details, discretion should be used in applying the maximum and the minimum dimensions quoted, since they
are subject to variation according to the welding procedure employed (e.g. size and type of electrodes). Further, the position in which
the welding is carried out, and the welding process adopted, should be considered carefully.
NOTE 2 It is considered that in no case should the gap between nozzle and adjacent plate exceed 3 mm. Wider gaps increase the
tendency to spontaneous cracking during welding, particularly as the thickness of the joined parts increases.
Figure 19 — Standard weld details for connection of mountings
24 © BSI 04-1999
© BSI 04-1999
Figure 20 — Reinforcement details for low-type nozzles
25
BS 7777-2:1993
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE For nozzle attachment, an alternative is to remove 3 mm from the nozzle and replace with two layers of weld overlay.
Figure 21 — Details of weld overlay for nozzles (see 7.1.6.6 and 7.1.6.7)
26 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
7.1.6.7 Inspection of shell nozzles and manholes Stairway treads shall have a maximum rise
Butt welds connecting insert plates to the shell plate of 200 mm. Successive treads above should overlap
shall be 100 % radiographed. All fillet welds and the lower tread by a minimum of 16 mm, measured
butt welds that cannot be examined by radiography at the centre line of the stairway, and have a nosing
shall be fully magnetically crack detected before the depth in the range 25 mm to 50 mm.
pressure test. Stairways and gangways shall be capable of
When the thickness of nozzle bodies manufactured supporting a superimposed load of 2.4 kN/m2.
from rolled plate exceeds 20 mm, that area of the Where the vertical rise of stairways exceeds 6 m, an
body to be welded to the shell shall be ultrasonically intermediate landing (or landings) shall be provided
examined for laminations. with a minimum length of 900 mm.
Access to roof fittings shall be by stairways and
Surface irregularities that may confuse or mask any gangways supported from the tank roof.
defect should be carefully removed. Toe boards shall be provided at gangways, platforms
and roof peripheries where peripheral handrailing
7.1.6.8 Flange drilling
is provided. They shall consist of a 150 mm × 6 mm
The flanges of all nozzles and manholes shall be flat installed with a 10 mm gap beneath the lower
made and drilled in accordance with the edge of the flat.
requirements for class 150 flanges of
Tank gangways that extend from one tank to an
BS 1560-3.1:1989.
adjacent tank, or to the ground or to any other
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.6.8. structure, shall be supported in such a way as to
Flanges may be made from plate. They should be permit free relative movement of the structures
shown by calculation to be suitable for the design joined by the gangway.
conditions and to provide leak tight joints.
7.1.6.9 Access to the tank or container roof For conical roof tanks, where the roof slope does not
Means of access to the roof shall be provided by one exceed 1 in 5, and there is no external roof insulation,
of the following. access to roof fittings may be by treads welded
directly to the roof plating, with handrailing on both
a) A gangway from an adjacent tank or item of
sides (see Figure 22).
plant.
b) A tower stairway which may also be used to 7.1.6.11 Handrailing
support pipework and other services to the roof. Handrailing shall be provided on the outer side of a
c) A spiral stairway supported by an outer shell. spiral stairway. Handrailing shall be provided on
This shall only be permitted for steel outer both sides of a gangway and/or stairway, and on a
containers. spiral stairway where the distance between either
the shell or the outside of the shell insulation and
Design of structural steelwork associated with tank the stairway inner stringer exceeds 200 mm.
access shall be in accordance with BS 449-2:1969 or
BS 5950. Handrailing shall be of solid or tubular steel with a
minimum diameter of 30 mm. Handrail stanchions
shall be of the solid forged type or angle section and
Other forms of access, such as stairways around
shall be spaced around the periphery of a roof, on
tubular columns, should be by agreement between
gangways, platforms and stairways (measured
the purchaser and the contractor. along the slope of the stairway), at a distance not
7.1.6.10 Stairways and gangways exceeding 1.8 m.
Stairways and gangways shall be of metallic Handrailing shall be capable of resisting a
construction and the minimum clear width shall uniformly distributed horizontal load of 750 N per
be 600 mm. metre run applied to the top of the handrail.
Stairway angle to the horizontal plane shall not COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.1.6.11.
exceed 42°. Where the roof slope exceeds 1 in 5, consideration
Stairways shall be of the double stringer type should be given to the provision of a higher standard
(see 7.1.6.9). of handrailing around the periphery.
Stairway treads, landings and gangways shall be Handrailing should be provided around the whole of
galvanized, non-slip, rectangular mesh type in the periphery. In some instances, however, it may
accordance with BS 4592. only be necessary to provide handrailing around
part of the periphery.
© BSI 04-1999 27
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 22 — Treads welded to roof plates

Particular care should be taken in the jointing of 7.2.1 Inner tank materials
handrailing to ensure the full strength of the Materials to be used in the manufacture of inner
members. tanks shall be in accordance with clause 6.
7.1.6.12 Ladders 7.2.2 Inner tank loadings
Fixed steel ladders exceeding 4 m in height shall be The inner tank loadings shall be in accordance with
provided with a safety cage. Table 1 of BS 7777-1:1993.
If the height of the ladder exceeds 6 m, an
7.2.3 Inner tank bottom
intermediate landing shall be provided.
7.2.3.1 General
Ladders shall be designed to carry a suspended load
of 2 kN. Bottom and annular material shall be the same type
as that for the shell (see clause 6).
Ladders may be considered for both the inside and The tank bottom shall have a ring of annular plates
outside of tanks. under the shell in accordance with Figure 1. The
minimum width of annular plates shall be 650 mm.
The line of a ladder should preferably be broken at The joints between these plates shall be butt
an intermediate platform. welded. Other bottom plates shall be lap and/or butt
There should be a minimum clearance of 230 mm welded.
between the centre line of the rungs and the nearest The minimum nominal thickness of bottom plates
structure. shall be 6 mm.
7.1.6.13 Earthing connections The minimum thickness of annular plates shall be
All tanks or containers shall be fitted with suitable in accordance with Table 10.
earthing connections (see Figure 23). Table 10 — Minimum thickness of annular
7.1.6.14 Anchorage plate
For information on anchorages, see 7.2.9. Bottom course shell plate Minimum annular plate
thickness t1 thickness
7.2 Inner tank of double shell single
containment tank mm mm
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2. An t1 #19 The lesser of 8 mm or t1

illustration of the inner tank of a double shell single 19 < t1 # 32 10
containment tank is given in Figures 1c and 1d of 32 < t1 12.5
BS 7777-1:1993.
28 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
NOTE Fillet weld sizes refer to leg length.

Figure 23 — Typical detail of earthing boss site-welded to shell plates
7.2.3.2 Bottom design The maximum allowable design stress in service of
Lap joints shall have a minimum overlap of 5 × the any plate or weld shall be the lowest value
thickness of the plate and shall be welded on the top determined from Table 11, but in no case shall it
side only. exceed 260 N/mm2.
For all materials, the fillet welds on the top side Table 11 — Determination of the maximum
shall consist of at least two passes of welding. allowable design stress
At the ends of cross joints, in lap-welded plates Carbon-manganese steels UTS/2.35 or YS/1.5
where three thicknesses occur, the upper plate shall Improved toughness UTS/2.35 or YS/1.5
be fitted and welded as indicated in Figure 2. carbon manganese steels
Low nickel steels UTS/2.35 or
Butt welds in annular, sketch or bottom plates shall
0.2 % PS/1.5
be welded either from both sides, or from one side
9 % nickel steel UTS/2.35 or 0.2 %
using a backing strip.
PS/1.5
The attachment between the bottom edge of the Austenitic stainless steels UTS/2.5 or 1% PS/1.5
lowest course of shell plates and the annular plates
shall be fillet welded continuously on both sides of The ultimate tensile stress (UTS), proof stress (PS)
the shell plate. Each fillet weld shall consist of and yield stress (YS) as specified in this clause and
at least two passes. The leg length of each fillet weld in Table 11 shall be the minimum specified or the
shall be equal to the thickness of the annular plate. guaranteed value given at room temperature in the
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.3.2. appropriate material specification for the parent
Where a full penetration weld is used between the plate. In the case where the weld metal strength
lowest course and the annular plate, additional values are less than the parent plate strength
distortion might occur. values, the weld metal tensile and proof strengths
used shall be those demonstrated to have been
7.2.4 Inner tank shell achieved when tested in accordance with the tensile
7.2.4.1 Design stresses test of 11.12.3.
The maximum allowable stress in any plate or weld
under hydrostatic test shall be limited to 85 % of the
specified minimum yield or proof strength of the
parent plate or weld metal, whichever is lower, but
in no case shall it exceed 340 N/mm2.
© BSI 04-1999 29
BS 7777-2:1993
7.2.4.2 Shell plate thickness b) The following equation is used for calculating
For construction purposes, the minimum shell the thickness of shell plates under product
thickness shall be in accordance with Table 12. The conditions:
maximum shell thickness shall be in accordance D
t = ----------- { 98W ( H – 0.3 ) + P } + c
with 6.1.2. 20S
Table 12 — Minimum shell plate thickness
where
Tank diameter D Minimum shell thickness
t is the calculated minimum plate thickness
m mm (in mm);
D < 30 8 H is the height from the bottom of course under
30 # D < 50 10 consideration to the highest liquid level
50 # D 12 (in m);
NOTE This thickness may include any corrosion allowance
provided that the shell is shown by calculation to be safe in the
D is the tank inside diameter (in m);
corroded condition and in accordance with the requirement W is the maximum density of the liquid under
of 7.2.4.3.
storage conditions (in g/ml);
7.2.4.3 Internal loading S is the allowable design stress (in N/mm2)
The forces in the tank shell shall be calculated (see 7.2.4.1);
assuming that the tank is filled to the maximum P is the design pressure and is equal to zero in
specified product level and taking into account the the case of an inner tank with no attached
superimposed design roof pressure. The maximum roof [in mbar (gauge)];
specified product level shall be not higher
than 0.5 m below the top of the shell (see 7.2.3 of c is the corrosion allowance (in mm).
BS 7777-1:1993).
The tensile force in each course shall be calculated
The thickness of the shell plate shall be taken as the at 300 mm above the centre line of the horizontal
greater of tt or t, as determined from either the joint in question. No course shall be constructed at a
equation in item a) or the equation in item b) as thickness less than that of the course above,
appropriate. irrespective of materials of construction.
a) The following equation is used for calculating The inner tank shall be hydrostatically tested to a
the thickness of shell plates under test level equal to the maximum specified product level
conditions: (see 7.2.5 of BS 7777-1:1993).
D
t t = ------------- { 98Wt ( H – 0.3 ) + P t } COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.4.3. The
20S t ullage for earthquake sloshing need not be included
where in the design product level. The compression area at
tt is the calculated minimum plate the top of the shell can be thicker than the shell plate
thickness (in mm); of the tier below.
H is the height from the bottom of the 7.2.4.4 Design for external loading
course under consideration to the highest The tank shell shall include stiffening to maintain
liquid level (in m); roundness and to prevent buckling under negative
D is the tank inside diameter (in m); differential pressure and pressure exerted by the
insulation.
Wt is the maximum density of the test water
(in g/ml);
Loose powder insulants, used for filling the
St is the allowable stress under test interspace between the inner and outer shells, exert
conditions (in N/mm2) (see 7.2.4.1); an external pressure on the inner shell of a
magnitude depending on:
Pt is the test pressure and is equal to zero in
the case of an inner tank with no a) the resilience of the powder and any resilient
attached roof [in mbar (gauge)]. cushion included in the insulation system;
b) the characteristics of the powder such as angle
of repose and coefficient of friction, and external
pressure;
c) the number of thermal cycles and their
magnitude;.
30 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
d) the configuration of the annular space and the 7.2.5 Inner tank roof design
height of the shell at the point of consideration. 7.2.5.1 Types of roof
After making allowance for the accuracy in the
The roof shall be one of the following types:
determination of the design external pressure,
horizontal ring stiffeners are required where pitch is a) roof plating with supporting structure;
determined in accordance with 7.1.4.3. An assumed b) roof plating without supporting structure;
value for Va (mbar) as 2 × the value determined from c) reinforced membrane roof;
the criteria above, should be used.
d) suspended deck, supported from outer tank
Each horizontal ring stiffener should be designed for roof.
the panel loading associated with that ring, taking
into account that portion of the shell considered to
Where a dome roof is adopted, the radius of
contribute to the stiffness of the ring and the stiffness
curvature should be the subject of agreement between
characteristics of the insulation system.
the purchaser and the manufacturer. The radius
7.2.4.5 Design for thermal loading should normally be in the range of 0.8 to 1.5 × the
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.4.5. The diameter of the tank shell.
effect of the transient thermal conditions during 7.2.5.2 Compression area
cool-down and warm-up, as well as those that occur
Compression area shall be provided (see 7.1.5.5).
during service, should be considered.
7.2.5.3 Roof plating with supporting structure
7.2.4.6 Shell plate arrangement
The roof shall be designed, and the plate thickness
The tank shall be designed such that all courses are
shall be checked, in accordance with 7.1.5.3.
vertical and the diameter on the centre line of each
course is equal to the nominal diameter of the tank. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.5.3.
BS 449 or BS 5950 specify allowable design stresses
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.4.6. The
for steels manufactured in accordance with
distance between vertical joints in adjacent courses
BS EN 10025 or BS 4360.
should be not less than one-third of the plate length,
but in no case less than 150 mm. For other materials permitted by this standard for
the inner tank, the allowable design stresses are to be
Where the distance between vertical joints is less
agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
than one-third plate length, additional precautions
may be necessary to prevent undue distortion. 7.2.5.4 Roof plating without supporting structure
7.2.4.7 Shell joints The roof shall be designed in accordance with
7.1.5.3 and 7.1.5.4.
Vertical seams shall be butt joints, with full
penetration and complete fusion. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.5.4.
Where reinforced membrane roofs are used, special
Horizontal seams shall be butt joints and, for a
calculations may be necessary.
distance of 150 mm at either side of each vertical
seam T-junction, shall have full penetration and 7.2.5.5 Suspended decks
complete fusion. The procedure used for welding A suspended deck support structure shall be
portions of the girth seams between the T-junctions designed for the lowest temperature encountered in
shall be as qualified in welding approval tests practice, of any section under consideration. The
(see 11.12). design shall ensure that the outer roof shall always
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.4.7. It is be at ambient temperature where support hangers
recognized in practice that continuous full are attached to it.
penetration for the welding of horizontal joints may The structure shall be designed to allow for any one
not always be achieved between T-junctions. This hanger rod or rope becoming ineffective.
need not necessarily be a cause for rejection,
Materials for suspended decks shall be agreed
provided that the lack of full penetration is
between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
intermittent, longitudinal in nature, and does not
exceed approximately 10 % of the thickness of the
thicker plate joined.
Rigorous rectification of a lack of full penetration in
horizontal joints should be avoided, since repair
welds may not improve the integrity of the tank.
© BSI 04-1999 31
BS 7777-2:1993
A suspended deck shall be so insulated that the Nozzles which pass through the outer tank and
outer roof does not cool below its design metal which contain a cold medium shall be thermally
temperature, that the boil-off of the product is insulated from the tank structure to prevent local
controlled and that ice-formation leading to cold spots.
excessive roof loads is prevented. The system of Loads from connecting piping shall be incorporated
insulation and support structure shall be designed in the design of the shell or roof.
to prevent passage of insulation into the stored
At least two manholes shall be installed for access to
product, but shall allow gas to breathe from below to
the inside of the tank.
above the suspended deck, and vice versa, such that
the differential pressure across the suspended deck NOTE Manholes should be in the roof, with a minimum diameter
of 600 mm.
does not exceed 2.4 mbar. Where no access opening is possible in the outer
Direct gas streaming to the roof interspace shall be tank, a manhole shall be installed in the inner steel
avoided. tank to act as access opening into the inter-tank
Fittings that pass through the roof interspace and space during construction. An all-welded
that could substantially cool the interspace gas shall construction of double plate cover shall be used, so
be insulated. that the cover can be air pressure tested after the
The position of the deck shall be at a level not less hydrostatic test at the end of the construction of the
than 0.5 m above the product design liquid level tank.
(see BS 7777-1). COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.2.6. All
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.5.5. A
pipe connections should preferably be made via the
suspended deck has generally the form of a roof of the tank. This is based on the philosophy that
nominally flat surface attached by hangers to the the risk of serious leakage from the inner tank is
outer roof. Its purpose is to support insulation and thereby reduced to a minimum. In this way, the
inhibit the flow of cold gas from the inner tank to the possibility of surroundings flooded by leaking
gas space between the inner and outer tank roofs. product, with the risk of fire and explosion, is
Since a suspended deck does not seal gas, the outer minimized.
tank contains the gas pressure whilst the inner tank Where side or bottom entry is specified, the design
contains the hydrostatic pressure of the contained should take account of the possibility of nozzle
product. For tanks erected in areas of high leakage, and its consequences, from the following
earthquake incidence, consideration should be given causes:
to the suitability of suspended decks, owing to the — differential movement;
effect of wave impact.
— thermal stress;
The design should take into account the effects of
— stress intensification;
thermal contractions that may arise in any part of
the roof or shell under any possible operating — pipe loads;
conditions, as well as differential pressures that may — difficulty of inspection/maintenance;
occur across the suspended deck. — foundation heating discontinuities;
Depending on the lowest design temperatures, — vulnerability of pipework to damage.
possible materials for suspended decks are as
Local reinforcement at roof nozzles as a result of
follows:
piping loads is permissible, particularly for tanks
— carbon-manganese steel; where the discharge is via submerged pumps.
— aluminium alloy; For tank ancillaries, like level gauges, which are
— 9 % nickel steel; supported by the bottom of the tank, expansion
— stainless steel; facilities such as bellows are required at the roof
penetrations to allow for differential movement
— timber.
between roof and pipe.
Hanger attachments to the outer roof can be of
Platforms or ladders or stairways should be
material suitable for ambient temperature if the provided for access to roof nozzles which are
hanger locations can be shown to be at ambient equipped with instruments and valves.
temperature.
During construction of the tank, a temporary
7.2.6 Inner tank nozzle and access openings opening may be made by leaving out a plate in the
Inner tank nozzles and access openings shall be lowest course. This plate should be welded in at the
designed in accordance with 7.2.7. end of the construction.
32 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
7.2.7 Design of inner tank mountings 7.2.7.3 Roof openings

7.2.7.1 General Pressure roof openings shall be designed in
The design of mountings attached to the inner tank accordance with 7.1.6.4.
shall take account of 7.1.6. Safe access shall be provided through the suspended
Where the inner tank has a fixed roof, the outlets deck (see 7.2.5.5).
shall be designed such that under normal operating 7.2.7.4 Bottom openings
conditions sufficient liquid remains in the tank to Connections to the inner tank bottom shall be
provide pressure on the floor plates to balance the provided with shut-off valves for internal emergency
interspace purge pressure. shut-off conditions.
Openings in the inner tank shell or roof normally Connections to the inner tank bottom should be
provide for entry or exit of personnel, product or avoided.
vapour to or from outside the outer tank to the inside
of the inner tank. These openings pass through and Bottom connections for totally emptying the tank
form part of both tanks. 7.2.7 covers those parts that prior to warm up and inspection are normally of
are directly attached to the inner tank. 7.1.6 covers small diameter. It is not advisable to operate the
those parts attached to the outer container and 7.2.8 tank through the bottom connections, unless the
covers the interconnections between inner and outer design allows some liquid to remain in the tank.
tanks. Where openings are unavoidable, the following
design procedure should be adopted.
7.2.7.2 Shell openings
a) Entry to the tank is as close to the shell as
Connections to the inner shell shall be designed in
possible, but not less than 650 mm.
accordance with 7.2.6.
b) The nozzle is positioned in an annular or
Shell manholes and shell nozzles of outside
sketch plate, enlarged if necessary for this
diameter greater than or equal to 80 mm shall be purpose.
designed in accordance with 7.1.6.2, except that the
thickness of the manhole or nozzle body shall be not c) The nozzle opening is reinforced on a
less than that given in Table 13. replacement of area basis by a doubler plate, or
thickened annular or sketch plate.
Table 13 — Manhole and nozzle body
thickness d) The design should impose negligible bending
moment on the inner tank bottom under all
Outside diameter Minimum manhole and conditions of operation, particularly with
nozzle body thickness
reference to the differential contraction of the
dn tp inner tank relative to the outer tank. (One way of
mm mm
doing this is to support the horizontal portion of
the pipe from the underside of the inner tank
dn # 50 5.0 shell/bottom junction by a strap welded to the
50 < dn # 70 5.0 underside of the annular plate and the top side of
70 < dn # 100 6.0 the pipe.)
100 < dn # 200 8.0
e) The pipe is always full of product in service.
200 < dn # 300 10.0
300 < dn 12.5 f) A high standard of construction and inspection
is specified. (It is advised that the nozzle
Shell nozzles of outside diameter less than 80 mm assembly is prefabricated into the thickened
shall require no additional reinforcement, provided bottom plate and subject to inspection and testing
that the thickness of the body is not less than that prior to laying on the base insulation.)
given in Table 13. g) The unsupported area under the nozzle is kept
Shell nozzles shall be designed for the appropriate to a minimum, and the surrounding insulation is
loads given in BS 7777-1:1993. designed for the higher load imposed on it. (It
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.7.2. should also be capable of withstanding damage
Connections to the inner tank should be avoided. at the edges of the hole.)
Where possible, shell mounted nozzles should be h) The space surrounding the nozzle and pipe is
shop-fabricated into shell plate. filled with suitable insulating material. (This is
required elsewhere in this standard, for
Where used, shell mounted inlet and outlet maintaining design metal temperature, local heat
connections should be provided with internal insulation characteristics, etc.)
shut-off valves.
© BSI 04-1999 33
BS 7777-2:1993
i) Anti-vortex provisions are considered. 7.2.7.8 Permanent attachments other than manholes
j) Additional localized base heating is considered. and nozzles
7.2.7.5 Nozzle welding details Vertical attachment welds shall not be located
within 150 mm of any main vertical seam and
Nozzle welding details shall be in accordance horizontal attachment welds shall not be made on
with 7.1.6.6. Set-on nozzles shall not be used top of any main horizontal or vertical seam.
(see Figure 18).
Permanent attachments shall be welded in
7.2.7.6 Inspection of mountings accordance with 6.1.3. The soundness of fillet welds
The butt welds associated with fittings and insert to the shell shall be checked by crack detection
plates shall be fully radiographed in accordance (see 11.13.2).
with 11.13.1. Radial joints in inner tank stiffeners shall be full
All fillet welds and butt welds that cannot be penetration butt welds. Mouse holes shall be
examined by radiography shall be fully crack provided at the shell vertical weld seams and at the
detected before the hydrostatic test (see 11.13.2). stiffener butt joints (see Figure 24).
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.7.6. The 7.2.7.9 Temporary attachments
weld surface should be such that interpretation by Temporary attachments shall be cut off the shell
crack detection or radiography is not impaired. plate 3 mm to 6 mm proud of the plate surface.
7.2.7.7 Flanges COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.7.9.
The flanges of all nozzles and manholes shall be Temporary attachments may be knocked off the shell
made and drilled in accordance with class 150 of plate where the securing weld is weakened by
BS 1560-3.1:1989. chipping or gouging. Care should be taken not to
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.7.7. The damage the parent plate. The resultant scar should
design of the bolting system should take into account be ground to a smooth profile, minimizing local
the low temperature conditions. Consideration reduction in thickness of the plate. After grinding,
should be given to differential contraction between the surface should be checked for cracks.
bolt and flange, transient operating conditions and
electrolytic corrosion (see 6.1.4).
Figure 24 — Detail of stiffening ring radial joint (see 7.2.7.8)
34 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
7.2.8 Design of connections between the 7.2.8.5 Bottom openings

openings of the inner and outer tanks Where welded pipe is used, the welded seams shall
7.2.8.1 General be 100 % radiographed in accordance
Connections shall have a detailed design. with 11.13.1.3.
Particular attention should be paid to the design of Connections should be made from seamless pipe.
details for the interconnecting mountings. This is to 7.2.8.6 Materials
ensure that no maintenance or inspection is Materials selection for interconnecting pipework
necessary during the operational life of the tank, shall be in accordance with 6.1.
since access to the interspace between the inner and
outer tank is normally impossible. 7.2.9 Tank anchorage design
Thermal and hydrostatic forces cause relative 7.2.9.1 General
movement between the inner and outer tank, thus Uplift of both inner and outer tanks or containers
increasing or decreasing the interspace gap. due to internal pressure shall be checked to
Strain-absorbing connections are necessary to determine if there is a possibility of the shell and
ensure that the relative movement does not induce adjacent bottom plating lifting off their seating
unacceptable local stressing of the inner and/or outer under any condition of operating or testing. Where
tank. there is a possibility of uplift occurring, tank
7.2.8.2 Heat break anchorages shall be provided.
A heat break shall be fitted to connections between COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 6.2.9.1.
the inner and outer tank. Anchors should be capable of meeting seismic
loading, where applicable, and wind loadings.
Heat breaks should be designed to prevent The designer of the tank foundation is responsible
over-cooling of the outer shell. for the adequacy of the anchorage connection to the
tank foundation.
7.2.8.3 Shell openings
Special attention should be given to the anchorage of
Connections between openings in the inner and the inner tank where it penetrates the outer tank
outer tank shells shall be designed to accommodate bottom.
the differential movement between the shells
(see Figure 25 and Figure 26). 7.2.9.2 Design
Flanged joints shall not be located within the The internal tanks and external tanks or containers
interspace between the inner and outer shells. shall be regarded as independent structures of
which neither contributes to the other in resisting
Where welded pipe is used, the welded seams shall
uplift.
be radiographed for the full length of the weld.
A suspended deck shall be considered as an integral
part of the outer tank.
Connections should be made from seamless pipe.
Where insulation of the loose-fill type is used in the
7.2.8.4 Roof openings annular space between the inner tank shell and the
Connections between openings in the inner and outer tank shell or container, it shall not be
outer tank roofs shall be designed to accommodate regarded as providing resistance to uplift.
the differential movement between the roofs. The inner tank anchorage shall take into account
For the suspended deck, connections shall be the following loads.
designed as an extension to the nozzle in the outer a) Service loads. The uplift produced by roof
tank roof. design vapour pressure with seismic loads,
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.8.4. counteracted by the effective weight of the shell,
Movement between inner and outer tank roofs arises roof, roof structure, roof insulation and any
from either differential thermal expansion or permanently attached insulation.
contraction, or differing internal or external loads. b) Test loads. The uplift produced by roof test
For suspended decks, the connection should be a able vapour pressure counteracted by the effective
to move freely through the suspended deck, thus weight of the shell and roof structure.
eliminating additional loads on either the outer roof The outer tank or container anchorage shall take
or the suspended deck (see 7.2.5.5). into account the following loads.
© BSI 04-1999 35
BS 7777-2:1993
c) Service loads. The uplift produced by the structure by ensuring that the weakest point of the
annular space design pressure, with either: structure is not at the bottom, but should not be
1) wind uplift and overturning, or regarded as a load condition for an undefined
overpressure situation. The recommendation applies
2) seismic loads,
to all single containment tanks, the inner tanks of
but not item 1) and item 2) simultaneously, double containment tanks and the outer steel tanks
counteracted by the effective weight of the shell, of full containment tanks. The outer steel tanks of
roof, roof structure, any associated structure double containment tanks have an interspace open to
attached to shell or roof, and/or any permanently the atmosphere which safeguards the outer shell or
attached insulation. wall from overpressure.
d) Test loads. The uplift produced by the annular Where the top shell course is thickened to provide
space test pressure, plus 60 % of wind uplift and additional compression area, but a normal
overturning, counteracted by the effective weight anchorage is retained, the use of emergency pressure
of the shell, roof, roof structure and any relief valves should be considered for single
associated structure attached to the shell or roof. containment tanks, the inner tanks of double
Wind uplift pressure applied uniformly to the whole containment tanks and the outer steel tanks of full
cross-sectional area of the tank or container shall be containment tanks.
calculated in accordance with Insulation firmly attached to the inner or outer tank
CP 3: Chapter V-2:1972. may be regarded as resisting uplift on either tank. It
Anchorages shall not be directly attached to shells is not normal to apply insulation until after the
or to bottom plates, but shall be attached to pads or satisfactory testing of both tanks.
brackets. Anchorage design should allow for adjustment due
The design temperature for anchorage and to settlement prior to commissioning. All anchorages
anchorage attachments shall be either the design should be firmly embedded into the foundations. On
metal temperature of the tank or container, or a no account should inner tank anchorages be
temperature agreed between the purchaser and the embedded in the base insulation for the purpose of
designer. resisting uplift.
Under service conditions, the allowable stress for an Tank design should accommodate movements due to
anchorage shall not exceed 0.5 of yield strength for temperature change to minimize induced bending
the material of construction. stress in the shell. Any additional stress induced in
The anchorage shall be capable of resisting the the shell by the anchorage attachment to the shell
uplift produced by the test loads. For this condition should be checked to ensure that the allowable stress
the stress in the anchorage shall not level of the shell is not exceeded for the condition of
exceed 0.85 × the minimum yield strength of the anchorage load considered.
anchorage material. Heat breaks may be required at the anchorage of
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.9.2. inner tanks to prevent chilling of the outer tank and
Both the inner tank and outer tank or container foundations. Heat transfer to the colder parts of the
should be checked for combinations of loadings to tank structure should be limited, to avoid failure of
establish the worst conditions of uplift. The the anchorage or tank due to ice formation or water
anchorage and its attachment to the shell and condensation.
foundation for each tank or container should be A corrosion allowance of 1 mm should be applied to
designed in accordance with the worst conditions of all surfaces of anchorage parts.
uplift. Any initial tension in the anchorage members,
Where the top shell course is thickened to provide resulting from bolting loads or loads due to transient
additional compression area, the anchorage should or long term thermal movement, should be
be designed for 3 × the design vapour pressure. The considered in the anchor loadings.
allowable stress for this loading may be increased No initial tension should be applied to the
to 90 % of the minimum specified yield strength of anchorage. It should become effective only when an
the anchorage material. The reason for this is that, uplift force develops in the shell of the tank or
with a thickened top shell course, the anchorage is container. Steps should be taken before the tank goes
underdesigned relative to the shell-to-roof into service to ensure that anchorage bolts cannot
connection. Designing the anchorage for 3 × the work loose or become ineffective over a long period.
design pressure ensures that the anchorage is in line
with the roof-to-shell connection, in the event of an
extreme overpressure. This recommendation should
be regarded as a further increase in the safety of the
36 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 25 — Typical shell and roof opening with expansion/contraction device
Figure 26 — Typical shell and roof opening with flexible loop
© BSI 04-1999 37
BS 7777-2:1993
7.2.9.3 Construction 8.1.2 Tanks containing products at

Any anchor bar, bolt or strap shall have a minimum temperatures down to – 50 °C
cross-sectional area of 500 mm2. The inner tank shall be designed in accordance
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2.9.3. with 7.3.
Anchorage points should be spaced at a minimum 8.1.3 Tanks containing products at
of 1 m and at a maximum of 3 m and should, as far temperatures down to – 165 °C
as possible, be spaced evenly around the The inner tank shall be designed in accordance
circumference of the tank.
with 7.2.
7.3 Steel single shell single containment tank 8.2 Steel outer tank of double containment
for temperatures down to – 50 °C
tank
NOTE For illustrations of a single shell single containment
tank, see Figures 1a and 1b of BS 7777-1:1993. NOTE 1 For an illustration of an outer tank of a double
containment tank, see Figure 2a of BS 7777-1:1993.
7.3.1 Materials NOTE 2 Recommendations for outer tanks of prestressed
concrete or reinforced concrete with an earth embankment are
All materials used in the manufacture of inner given in BS 7777-3. Requirements for steel outer tanks are given
tanks to this standard shall be in accordance with in 8.2.1 to 8.2.6.
clause 6. 8.2.1 General
7.3.2 Loadings The outer tank shall be designed to hold the liquid
Tank loadings shall be in accordance with Table 1 of resulting from leakage of the product from the inner
BS 7777-1:1993. tank.
7.3.3 Bottom design 8.2.2 Design
Bottom design shall be in accordance with 7.2.3. The design of the outer tank with steel shell and
7.3.4 Shell design bottom shall be in accordance with 8.1 and 8.2.4
to 8.2.6.
The shell design shall be in accordance with 7.2.4
and, in respect to wind and internal negative 8.2.3 The maximum liquid filling height for
pressure design, shall be in accordance with 7.1.4.3. outer tanks
7.3.5 Roof design The maximum liquid filling height for outer tanks
shall be equal to the level reached when all the
Roof design shall be in accordance with 7.1.5. liquid from the inner tank is stored in both the inner
7.3.6 Tank anchorage and outer tanks, and results in equal levels in both.
Anchorage shall be in accordance with 7.2.9. 8.2.4 Steel cover over the annular space
7.3.7 Shell mountings The steel cover shall be designed in accordance with
Mountings shall be in accordance with 7.2.6. BS 449-2:1969.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 8.2.4.
If pipe connections are made in the tank shell they
A steel cover may be installed over the annular space
shall be in accordance with 7.1.6.1 to 7.1.6.6.
between the inner and outer tanks, to prevent
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.3.7. All rainwater entering.
pipe connections should be through the roof of the
tank (see 7.2.6). 8.2.5 Ventilation of the annular space
7.3.8 Roof mountings Where a steel cover is installed over the annular
space, a ventilation opening shall be installed in the
Roof mountings shall be in accordance with 7.1.6. cover or in the top of the shell of the outer tank.
8 Design of components for double Wire netting frames shall be installed in ventilation
openings to deny access to the interspace to nesting
containment tank birds.
NOTE For illustrations of a double containment tank,
see Figure 2 of BS 7777-1:1993. 8.2.6 Design for wind loading
8.1 Inner tank of double containment tank The shell of the outer tank shall be designed in
accordance with 7.1.4.3.
8.1.1 General
Where no steel cover is installed over the annular
The inner tank shall be designed to store the space between the inner and outer tanks, or when it
product during service. is not rigidly connected to the roof of the inner tank,
then a top wind girder shall be installed on the steel
outer tank in accordance with BS 2654:1989.
38 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
9 Design of components for full 10.2 Flattening

containment tank The mill tolerance shall be in accordance with the
NOTE For illustrations of components for a full containment relevant plate material specification.
tank, see Figure 3 of BS 7777-1:1993. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.2. It
9.1 Inner tank of full containment tank may be necessary to specify closer tolerances in order
9.1.1 General to achieve the weld preparation tolerances required
by the weld procedure. This will be dependent on the
The inner tank shall be designed to store the method of preparation specified.
product under normal operating conditions.
10.3 Hard stamping
9.1.2 Design
For tanks designed for liquid containment, hard
For tanks containing the product at temperatures stamping of materials shall be permitted for plate
down to – 50 °C or down to – 165 °C, the inner tank identification only. In such cases, round-nosed
shall be designed in accordance with 7.2. stamps shall be used.
The design of the inner roof shall be in accordance COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.3. The
with 7.2.5. hard stamping of materials should be controlled and
9.2 Steel outer tank of full containment tank limited.
NOTE For an illustration of the outer tank of a full containment 10.4 Plate edge preparation
tank, see Figure 3a of BS 7777-1:1993.
The edges of plates shall be prepared by either
9.2.1 General machining, shearing, chipping, grinding, saw
The outer tank shall be designed to hold the liquid cutting or cutting with a machine-operated cutting
and vapour resulting from leakage of the product torch.
from the inner tank. For butt-welded joints, shearing shall be limited
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 9.2.1. The to 10 mm thickness of plates and shall be subject to
outer tank may be constructed as follows: agreement between purchaser and manufacturer.
a) having a steel shell, bottom and roof The sheared edge shall be cut back by either
(see Figure 3a of BS 7777-1:1993); chipping, machining or grinding to smooth sound
metal.
b) having a prestressed concrete wall with a
concrete floor and a concrete or steel roof Plate laminations detrimental to welding shall be
(see Figure 3b of BS 7777-1:1993); repaired or the plate replaced. All cut edges shall be
visually examined.
c) having a reinforced concrete wall surrounded
by an earth embankment, with a concrete floor Butt-welded plates shall be profiled to a tolerance
and a concrete or steel roof (see Figure 3c of of ± 2 mm for both length and width.
BS 7777-1:1993). To ensure that plates are nominally rectangular,
9.2.2 Design the diagonals, measured across the rectangle
formed by scribing lines 50 mm from each edge,
The design of the outer tank with steel shell and shall not differ by more than 3 mm.
bottom shall be in accordance with 8.2.2, except as
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.4. Plate
follows.
edge preparation should enable welding to be
a) The maximum filling height for an outer tank undertaken. In plate edge preparation, any incorrect
shall be in accordance with 8.2.3. profiling, edge imperfection, oxide, cutting scale, or
b) The steel outer roof design shall be in burnt metal should be either machined, ground or
accordance with 7.1.5. chipped to sound metal before welding commences.
If accuracy is not a major consideration, manual
10 Shop fabrication of tank thermal cutting may be used for trimming the
components outside circumferential edges of roof or bottom sketch
10.1 Workmanship plates. Where thermal cutting followed by welding is
to be carried out, radius arms, straight-edges and
The workmanship and finish shall be inspected by nozzle guides should be used wherever possible. The
the manufacturer.
thermal cutting should leave sufficient metal for
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.1. The subsequent chipping, grinding or hand dressing to
purchaser may waive any part of his own inspection. ensure welding is carried out on smooth sound metal
to the profile requirements of the weld procedure.
© BSI 04-1999 39
BS 7777-2:1993
10.5 Rolling and pressing 10.10.2 Welding electrodes

Shell plates shall be rolled to a prescribed Welding electrodes shall be supplied in containers.
curvature. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.10.2.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.5. Welding electrodes should be given adequate
Preset of the ends of the shell plates is sometimes protection against damage and moisture, in transit
undertaken. and during storage on site. The type of packing to be
10.6 Shell nozzles and manholes employed should previously have been specified by
the electrode manufacturer.
For shell nozzles and manholes, 7.1.6.7 applies.
10.11 Handling and transport
10.7 Bolt holes
All materials shall be handled and transported as
All bolt holes shall be drilled from a template so that agreed between the purchaser and the erector.
similar parts are interchangeable.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.11.
Misaligned bolt holes shall not be corrected by
9 % nickel steel is easily magnetized, and this can
drifting.
cause welding difficulties. Handling and
10.8 Shop painting transportation should be such that the plate, on
The method and extent of surface painting of tank arrival at site, has a residual magnetism that is not
materials shall be agreed between manufacturer detrimental to welding operations.
and purchaser. A level of residual magnetism of 50 Gs is generally
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.8. considered acceptable.
Consideration should be given to protecting welding
margins, machined surfaces, nuts and bolts from 11 Site erection of tank components
corrosion during shipment and construction. 11.1 General
10.9 Erection marks The erector shall supply all labour, false work,
Erection marks shall be painted on plates and scaffolding, tools, welding machines, cables and
structural members in symbols not less than 50 mm electrodes for the erection of the tank.
high. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.1.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 10.9. For Alternative or additional items of supply should be
tanks erected by the manufacturer, plates and subject to agreement between the purchaser and the
structural members should be marked in accordance erector.
with the manufacturer’s normal practice, or as 11.2 Workmanship
specified by the purchaser.
The workmanship and finish shall be inspected by
For tanks not erected by the manufacturer, to the erector.
facilitate erection, plates and structural members
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.2. The
should be marked in accordance with a marking
diagram supplied by the manufacturer. purchaser may waive any part of his own inspection.
10.10 Packaging and identification 11.3 Foundations
10.10.1 Structural materials and tank plates Foundations shall be in accordance with
BS 7777-3:1993.
All structural materials shall be suitably bundled
and packaged. 11.4 Rectification of materials damaged prior
to erection
Whenever possible, each case, bundle or package Any damage to materials shall be corrected to the
should be provided with suitable identification satisfaction of the purchaser, prior to erection.
marks giving weight and other relevant details. 11.5 Erection of plates
The handling facilities available in transit and the A procedure shall be prepared prior to
mode of transport should be taken into account when commencement of erection. The method proposed to
sizing the package to guard against damage or loss. hold the plates in position for welding shall be
Flange gaskets should be packed separately for included in the procedure.
protection against damage in transit. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.5. The
Roof and shell manholes, nozzles and bottom sumps first course of shell plates to be erected should be held
on which covers are bolted, should be sent loose. in position by metal clamps or other devices, whilst
it is plumbed and checked for circularity, and before
it is tack welded or welded.
40 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Allowance should be made for the contraction of the Sharp changes in form should not be permitted. At
vertical joints of the first shell course during horizontal and vertical joints the shell profile should
welding. not deviate from the theoretical versine, measured
All shell courses should be erected on a common over a gauge length of 1 m, by more than is
centre line. recommended in Table 15.
On all lap joints, the plates should be held in contact The inner and outer tank should be checked for
during the welding operation. circularity, dimension and level during the course of
erection.
The surfaces where the weld metal is to be applied
should be thoroughly cleaned before assembly. Table 15 — Tank shell profile tolerance
Attachments welded to the inner tank and needed Tank plate thickness t Profile tolerance
only for purposes of erection should be removed in mm mm
accordance with 7.2.7.9.
t # 12.5 10
11.6 Inner tank and outer tank or container 12.5 < t # 25 8
erection tolerances 25 < t 6
The foundation levels shall be checked by the
erector before and during erection. 11.7 Manual cutting of plates
After welding the first erected course, the internal Manual cutting of plates shall be in accordance
radial tolerance, when measured horizontally from with 10.4.
the centre of the tank to any point on the inside of 11.8 Protection of shell during erection
the tank shell, shall be as given in Table 14. The
The erector shall protect the shell from
overall height of the shell shall not be out of vertical
unacceptable damage during erection.
by more than 1 in 200.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.8. When
Table 14 — Tank radius erection tolerances
required by the purchaser, full details of the methods
Tank Diameter D Radial Tolerance used for protection should be made available for
m mm approval. The factors which should be taken into
account when determining the suitability of the
D # 12.5 ± 13 proposed method of protection are:
12.5 < D # 45 ± 19
45 < D ± 25 a) tank size;
b) construction method;
Plates to be joined by butt welding shall be matched c) location and degree of exposure to wind loads;
accurately and retained in position during the
welding operation. Misalignment of the plates shall d) number and type of key plate equipment;
not exceed the following. e) availability of reliable meteorological data
a) For completed vertical joints: during all periods of erection.
1) for plates up to and including 19 mm Consideration should be given to the use of
thick, 1.5 mm or 10 % of plate thickness, temporary wind girders, since the use of steel wire
whichever is the greater; guys or cables may not be adequate.
2) for plates over 19 mm thick, 3 mm or 10 % of 11.9 Erection of tank roof
plate thickness, whichever is the greater. Temporary support shall remain in position until
b) For completed horizontal joints: the completion of the main and secondary framing.
1) for plates up to and including 8 mm COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.9. When
thick, 1.5 mm or 20 % of the upper plate assembling roof plates on the framing, no excessive
thickness, whichever is the greater; unsymmetrical loading should be applied to the roof
members due to the stacking of roof plates.
2) for plates over 8 mm thick, 3 mm or 20 % of
the upper plate thickness, whichever is the The strength of the temporary support should be
greater. calculated using the most unfavourable loading
condition during erection.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.6. The
overall vertical tolerance should apply to each When agreed between the purchaser and the erector,
individual course erected. roofs may be erected on the tank bottom and raised
into position by air pressure or other means.
© BSI 04-1999 41
BS 7777-2:1993
11.10 Erection holes 11.11.4 Storage and handling of welding

Erection holes shall not be made in the plate work of consumables
shells and bottoms. 11.11.4.1 Consumables
11.11 Welding Consumables shall be stored and handled in
11.11.1 Welding procedure accordance with the electrode manufacturer’s
recommendations. Electrodes, filler wires, rods and
All welding, including repair, tack or attachment fluxes exhibiting damage or deterioration shall not
welding shall be carried out in accordance with the be used.
procedure established in 11.12.2 and by welders
approved in accordance with 11.12.4.
Damaged or deteriorating electrodes, including
For the following materials, the indicated welding those with cracked or flaked coatings, rusty or dirty
processes shall be used. electrode wires, and wires with flaked or damaged
a) Carbon steels copper coatings, should not be used.
Manual metal arc and multi-run submerged arc 11.11.4.2 Covered electrodes
welding shall be used for all seams, except that
Covered electrodes shall be stored in their original
CO2 welding, using the spray transfer technique,
containers in a dry heated place adequately
is permitted for girth seams only. protected from the effects of the weather.
b) 9 % nickel steel and stainless steel Special conditions for protection or treatment
Manual metal arc, metal inert gas and tungsten during storage, or immediately prior to use shall be
inert gas welding shall be used for all seams, implemented.
except that submerged arc welding is permitted Hydrogen-controlled covered electrodes shall be
for girth seams only. stored and baked.
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.11.1. Electrodes shall be removed from their original
When it is proposed to utilize welding processes other containers before drying or baking. After removal
than those specified in this clause it may be from the oven, the electrodes shall be protected from
necessary to modify or amplify the qualification tests exposure to conditions conducive to moisture
to ensure a satisfactory result. Additional tests on absorption.
welding procedures should be the subject of
agreement between the purchaser and the erector. Covered electrodes, when returned to stores, shall
be conditioned like new electrodes before reissue.
11.11.2 Welding sequences
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.11.4.2. If
The production sequence for welded joints shall be electrodes have been exposed to poor storage
the subject of agreement between the purchaser and conditions, or it is suspected that they have become
the erector. damp, the advice of the manufacturer should be
The sequence employed for tack welding and sought before use.
welding the bottom, shell or roof plates shall be such Where the lowest hydrogen levels are required,
that the distortion due to welding shrinkage is welders may be issued with electrodes in quivers or
minimized. sealed containers.
11.11.3 Weather conditions 11.11.4.3 Semi-automatic, automatic and
When the parent metal temperature is lower mechanized welding
than 0 °C, the surfaces on both sides of the joints Wire or cored electrodes shall be packed to guard
shall be preheated to the temperature specified in against damage, including that during
the welding procedure and to a distance of not less transportation. When stored, the wire or electrode
than 4 × the plate thickness or 75 mm, whichever is shall be kept in its original bundle or package in a
the greater, in any direction before welding begins. dry storeroom.
During the course of the welding operation, this Flux shall be packed such that it is protected from
preheat temperature shall be maintained. moisture pick-up and damage during storage and
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.11.3. transportation. Flux with a guaranteed moisture
Welding should not be undertaken when the surfaces level, or giving a controlled hydrogen level as
of the parts to be welded are wet, when rain or snow deposited, shall be packed in moisture-resistant
is falling on such surfaces, or when there are periods containers. When stored, the flux shall remain in its
of high wind, unless the welder and the work are original container in a dry storeroom.
properly shielded.
42 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
If the composition of the flux is such that special COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.11.8.
protection during storage or special treatment The exposed surface should be suitable for proper
before use is necessary, details of such special interfusion with the deposited weld metal. This may
protection or treatment shall be provided by the be done by chipping, grinding or gouging, or, where
electrode manufacturer, and implemented by the the back of the initial bead is smooth and free from
erector. crevices that might entrap slag, no preparation is
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.11.4.3. required.
The performance of copper coated wires depends on 11.11.9 Weld reinforcement
the continuity and regularity of the copper coating,
The weld metal on each side of a butt joint shall be
which is often not apparent on visual inspection but built up so that the finished face in the area of fusion
could be important in critical applications. This extends above the line between the edges of
consideration should be agreed between the erector
adjoining plates.
and the supplier of the copper coating wires.
11.11.10 Undercutting
For unused flux, moisture pick-up, particle
break-down or alloy balance should be assessed. Undercutting of the base metal shall not be greater
Unfused recovered flux can be reused where its than 0.5 mm in depth. On horizontal butt joints and
properties are acceptable. fillet welds, undercut shall not exceed 1 mm in
depth.
11.11.5 Tack welds
For tanks designed for liquid containment, tack The edges of welds should merge smoothly with the
welds used in the assembly of the vertical joints of surface of the parent plate and sharp angles should
tank shells and manually welded horizontal joints of be avoided.
tank shells shall be removed from the finished joint.
11.11.11 Peening
Tack welds in the bottom, shell-to-bottom, roof and Peening of welds shall not be permitted.
automatically welded horizontal joints of the tank 11.11.12 Repairs
shell, and other joints, need not be removed provided Unacceptable defects in welds shall be brought to
they are sound and the subsequent weld passes are the attention of the purchaser’s inspector.
thoroughly fused into the tack welds.
Approved methods of repair shall be utilized.
For tanks not designed for liquid containment, tack
For a tank designed to contain liquid, a repair shall
welds by qualified welders need not be removed
be carried out where welded joints do not conform
provided they are sound and the subsequent weld
to 11.13.1.4. The repair shall be 100 %
passes are thoroughly fused into the tack welds.
radiographed.
11.11.6 Visual inspection
For a tank not designed to contain liquid, where a
All welds shall be visually inspected in accordance section of weld, shown by radiography, is
with BS 5289:1976. unacceptable, and the limit of the defective welding
11.11.7 Cleaning of welds is not defined by such radiography, two adjacent
spots shall be examined by radiography. If the weld
Each run of weld metal shall have slag and other
at either of these sections fails to conform
deposits removed before the next pass is applied.
to 11.13.1.4, two additional spots shall be examined
Slag shall be removed from the finished weld before until the limits of such welding are determined.
inspection.
All defects outside the scope of 11.13.1.4 shall be
Where air-arc gouging is used, the surfaces shall be removed by chipping, grinding or gouging from one
chipped or ground back to bright metal before or both sides of the joint, and rewelded.
welding.
11.12 Welding procedure approval and welder
11.11.8 Back gouging and chipping approval
The reverse side of a full-penetration butt weld shall 11.12.1 General
be cleaned prior to the application of the first bead
Welding processes used for the construction of a
to this side.
tank or container shall be in accordance with the
welding procedure approval test and welder
approval test (see 11.12.3 and 11.12.4).
© BSI 04-1999 43
BS 7777-2:1993
Welding procedures for liquid containing tanks 11.12.3.2 Test plates

shall be approved in accordance with 11.12.3 and all Butt welded test plates shall be prepared,
welders shall be approved in accordance radiographed and assessed in accordance with
with 11.12.4. BS EN 288-3:1992. Destructive testing shall be in
Welding procedures for non-liquid containing outer accordance with BS EN 288-3:1992, except that two
containers (see 7.1) shall be approved in accordance transverse tensile specimens shall be tested.
with BS EN 288-3:1992. Transverse tensile test specimens shall be full plate
Previously approved procedures and previously thickness. The transverse test strength shall be not
approved welders shall be accepted as agreed less than the value used in design (see 7.2.4.1) for
between purchaser and manufacturer and/or vertical welds, or 80 % of that value for horizontal
erector. welds. If fracture occurs in the weld metal or the
Consumables used for weld procedure approval and heat affected zone, the weld metal proof stress or
welder approval shall be the same as those to be yield stress shall be determined in accordance with
used for construction. item a) or item b), as follows.
11.12.2 Welding procedure approval a) Strain-gauged transverse tensile testing shall
be in accordance with Annex B. The weld metal
The welding procedure specification shall include proof stress and tensile stress shall be not less
details of the welding process and the welding than the value used in design (see 7.2.4.1) for
procedure to be used by the erector, including vertical welds, or 80 % of that value for horizontal
details of repair, tack and attachment welds. The welds.
results of approval testing of the welding procedure
shall be included on the test certificate. b) For the longitudinal all-weld metal tensile test,
the cross-sectional area of the reduced section of
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.12.2. No
the test specimen shall be etched to demonstrate
procedure test is necessary for welding a lap welded that it is all weld metal. The weld metal proof
suspended deck, where the pressure is balanced stress and tensile stress shall be not less than the
across it. value used in design (see 7.2.4.1) for vertical
Where service conditions require limits on hardness, welds, or 80 % of that value for horizontal welds.
the weld procedure qualification should be agreed Charpy V-notch impact test specimens shall be
between the purchaser and the erector. selected, machined and tested in accordance with
11.12.3 Approval tests of welding procedure Figure 27 and with BS EN 10045-1:1990. Weld
11.12.3.1 General metal impact values shall be in accordance
with 6.1.3.
The number and type of test plates shall be selected
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.12.3.2. If
from item a), item b) or item c), as appropriate:
a strain gauged tensile test is used, the initial
a) one butt welded in the horizontal position and transverse tensile specimens need not be tested.
one butt welded in the vertical position, of
thicknesses equal to the minimum shell plate 11.12.3.3 Retesting
thickness ± 25 % and the maximum full tensile Where tests fail to meet the specified requirements,
stressed shell plate thickness ± 25 %; for each test piece that fails, retests shall be
b) in accordance with BS EN 288-3:1992; permitted as follows.
c) in accordance with this standard. a) If a tensile test result is unacceptable, but is
not less than 95 % of the minimum specified
Welding procedure tests for nozzle repair, tack and
value, two retests shall be made and both shall be
attachment welds shall not be required, provided
in accordance with specified requirements.
that the process and consumables have been
Where the tensile test result is less than 95 % of
approved on a weld test plate in accordance with
the minimum specified value, a new procedure
BS EN 288-3:1992.
shall be tested.
Welding procedure tests for lap or butt welded
b) If one Charpy V-notch specimen fails, three
bottom plates shall not be required, provided that
further specimens shall be prepared and tested. If
the welding consumables have been qualified in
any of the retests fail, the procedure shall be not
accordance with 11.12.1.
accepted and a new procedure shall be tested.
Where a weld joint factor of 0.35 for single fillet
weld, or 0.65 for a double fillet weld, is exceeded for
a particular application, or the roof is wholly or
partially butt welded, welding procedure tests shall
be required.
44 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure 27 — Location of Charpy V-notch impact energy test specimen

11.12.3.4 Changes to welding procedure Each butt welded test plate shall be radiographed
A welding procedure test shall be required when any and assessed in accordance with BS EN 287-1:1992.
of the changes specified in BS EN 288-3:1992 and/or COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.12.4.
the following changes are made to an approved Welder approval is not necessary for tack welding the
welding procedure: shell, roof or bottom, where the tack weld can be
a) for the welding consumable, a change of brand; removed by gouging or can be completely fused.
Non-approved operators for such welding should be
b) for the welding procedure, an increase or instructed and supervised.
decrease in the diameter of the electrode;
11.12.5 Welding records
c) for a specified weld preparation in
plates 12.5 mm thick and thicker, a change of Copies of welder approval records shall be available
more than ± 25 % in the number of runs. If the for examination on site by the purchaser.
cross-sectional area of the groove is increased, the A welder approved in accordance with 11.12.4 shall
number of runs shall be increased in proportion not be prevented from undertaking production
to the area; work, pending examination of the welding records,
d) for automatic girthseam welding, a change or certified copies.
from multiple runs per side to a single run per 11.13 Non-destructive testing
side;
11.13.1 Radiography
e) for automatic girthseam welding, a change
from single arc to multiple arc or vice versa. 11.13.1.1 Surface preparation
Surface irregularities that confuse or mask any
objectionable defect shall be removed.
11.12.4 Welder approval
Welders shall be approved before undertaking The rigorous removal of surface irregularities,
welding on the tank. A welder who has successfully particularly those in 100 % radiographed horizontal
completed a welding procedure test plate shall be seams, should be avoided.
considered to be approved.
Each welder shall be approved in accordance with
BS EN 287-1:1992 and this Part of BS 7777.
© BSI 04-1999 45
BS 7777-2:1993
11.13.1.2 Extent of radiography e) An image quality indicator in accordance with

For butt welds, the extent of radiography shall be as BS 3971:1980 shall be used, with dimensions
follows. appropriate to the thickness of the weld. The
method of assessing the radiographic sensitivity
a) Tank shells not designed to contain liquid shall be in accordance with BS 3971:1980.
For each welder, there shall be one radiograph f) Film shall be located adjacent to the weld
for the first 2 m of a completed vertical joint surface during exposure.
welded.
g) An identification marker, the image of which
Without regard to the number of welders, the appears on the film, shall be placed adjacent to
following incidence of radiography shall be the weld at each spot examined and its location
maintained: accurately marked near the weld on the outside
1) 1 % of vertical seam length for each plate surface, so that a defect appearing on the
thickness; radiograph shall be accurately located.
2) 1 % of horizontal seam length for each plate h) A reference marker shall be visible on each
thickness. film.
A change of ± 1 mm shall be considered as the i) Radiographs shall be submitted to the
same thickness. purchaser’s inspector.
b) Tank shells designed to contain liquid COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.13.1.3.
Vertical and horizontal shell seams, butt welded Care should be taken to ensure that films are
joints in shell stiffeners and butt welded joints in carefully handled and stored. They should not be
shell and roof compression areas shall be 100 % subject to mechanical or chemical damage and it is
radiographed. important to guard against inadvertent exposure to
All butt welds in bottom annular plates, insert actinic light, radiation or excessive heat.
plates and fittings shall be 100 % radiographed. 11.13.1.4 Radiographic acceptance
Butt welds in liquid containing pipework Radiographic acceptance shall be as follows.
between tanks shall be 100 % radiographed. a) Sections of weld shall be sentenced as
No radiographic inspection shall be required for unacceptable if shown by radiography to have
shell to annular welds or for butt welds used in any of the following imperfections.
the roof or bottom. 1) Cracks or lack of fusion.
11.13.1.3 Radiography procedure 2) Incomplete penetration except as permitted
Radiography procedure shall be as follows. in 7.1.4.5 and 7.2.4.7.
a) For tanks designed to contain liquid, 3) Individual elongated inclusions having a
radiography shall be carried out in accordance length greater than two-thirds of the thickness
with BS 2600-1:1983, using techniques 1 or 2. For of the thinner plate of the joint. Regardless of
tanks not designed to contain liquid, the plate thickness, no inclusion shall be
gamma-radiography shall be in accordance with longer than 19 mm nor shall inclusions shorter
BS 2600-1:1983, using techniques 3, 6 or 7 and than 6 mm be considered non-compliant.
iridium 192. 4) Any group of inclusions in line, where the
b) Lead intensifying screens shall be used and sum of the longest dimensions of all such
their thicknesses shall be in accordance with imperfections is greater than t, where t is the
Table 3 of BS 2600-1:1983. thickness of the thinner plate joined, in a
c) Radiographic film shall show clearly a length 6t. Where the individual spaces
minimum of 300 mm of weld length. It shall be between imperfections is greater than 3 × the
centred on the weld and shall be sufficiently wide length of the longest of the adjacent
to permit adequate space for the location of imperfections, the imperfections shall be
identification markers and an image quality judged as individual or groups.
indicator. b) Inspection of repaired welds (see 11.11.12).
d) Exposing, processing and handling procedures c) Record of radiographic examination shall be as
for film shall be demonstrated and subject to the follows.
approval of the purchaser. A standard test 1) The erection contractor shall make a record
radiograph shall be prepared and shall be made of all films, with their identification marks, on
available for inspection. a developed shell plate diagram.
46 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
2) After completion of the tank, the films shall b) For tanks designed to contain liquid, with a
be retained for a minimum period of 5 years. double fillet welded shell-to-bottom joint, the
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 11.13.1.4. weld shall be tested for leakage inside and
Scattered porosity is not detrimental to the outside, by pressurizing the volume between the
mechanical properties of welded joints. It is better to welds with air [3 to 7 bar (gauge)] and applying a
limit repairs to a minimum, rather than to cut out soap film or other suitable material to both welds.
minor local porosity, unless it is consistently in c) For tanks designed to contain liquid, with full
excess of 2 % by area (as seen in a radiograph). The penetration welds between shell and bottom
area considered should be the length of the weld joints, the welds shall be 100 % magnetic particle
affected by porosity multiplied by the maximum inspection (MPI) or dye penetrant inspection
width of the weld locally. (DPI), internally and externally, and vacuum box
11.13.2 Surface crack detection tested internally.
Tank anchorage to shell welds shall be crack
For tanks designed to contain liquid, where the
detected before and after the hydro-pneumatic test.
double fillet shell-to-bottom weld is tested for
The compression ring to shell welds shall be crack leakage, to ensure that air pressure reaches all parts
detected inside and outside. of the weld, a sealed blockage in the annular passage
Nozzle welds in liquid containing tanks shall be between the inside and outside weld should be
crock detected inside and outside. provided by welding at one point only. A small pipe
Stiffener welds on liquid containing tanks shall coupling welded to the outside fillet weld,
be 100 % crack detected. communicating with the space between the welds,
should be welded on each side of and adjacent to the
The bottom to shell joints of liquid containing tanks
blockage. The air supply should be connected to one
shall be 100 % crack detected.
of the couplings and a pressure gauge to the other.
Crack detection shall be performed in accordance Couplings should be removed after satisfactory
with BS 6072:1981 or with BS 6443:1984. testing and the weld made good.
11.13.3 Leak testing
11.13.3.1 Extent of vacuum box examination
12 Pressure testing of both inner and
outer tank
Extent of examination by vacuum box shall be as
follows. 12.1 Hydrostatic testing
a) Bottom seams of outer tanks, not designed to 12.1.1 Inner tank testing
contain liquid, shall be examined for leakage The inner tank shall be filled with the test liquid to
for 100 % of their length prior to the construction the maximum design product level (see 7.2.4.3).
of tanks designed to contain liquid.
All joints shall be examined for leakage. The
b) Bottom seams of tanks designed to contain vacuum box test on the bottom plate welds
liquid and single containment tanks shall be (see 11.13.3) shall be repeated after the hydrostatic
examined for leakage for 100 % of their length test to detect for small leaks.
before hydrostatic testing. After hydrostatic
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 12.1.1. Full
testing, examination shall be carried out on
height hydrostatic testing ensures that the tanks and
single containment tank bottoms and inner tank
their foundations are satisfactorily designed and
bottoms of double and full containment tanks.
constructed, the tanks are liquid tight and peak
c) More extensive vacuum box examination than stresses in the steel introduced during fabrication
specified in items a) and items b) shall be by are reduced at ambient temperature.
agreement between the purchaser and the
12.1.2 Testing of outer steel tanks for double
contractor.
and full containment
11.13.3.2 Vacuum box procedure
The outer tank shall be filled to such a height that it
Bottom seams shall be tested using a pressure contains the test liquid of a full inner tank.
of 650 mbar absolute (i.e. 350 mbar of vacuum).
11.13.3.3 Testing of shell-to-bottom junction When the outer steel tank is tested, care should be
Testing of the shell-to-bottom junction shall be as taken during emptying to prevent damage to the
follows. inner tank. The liquid level in the annular space
should be equal to or less than that of the inner tank,
a) For tanks not designed to contain liquid, this
to prevent compressive stresses in the inner tank or
junction shall be tested by a specially constructed
bottom uplift.
vacuum box and in accordance with 11.13.3.2.
© BSI 04-1999 47
BS 7777-2:1993
The bottom insulation of the inner tank should be 12.2 Pneumatic testing
adequately protected against the danger of liquid 12.2.1 Testing of inner tanks with integral
penetration during testing. roofs
12.1.3 Test procedure For a tank filled with water to the test water level,
The test procedure shall be agreed between the and after completion of all requirements of 12.1.3,
purchaser and the erector. the enclosed space above the water level shall be
COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 12.1.3. The pressurized with air equal to 1.25 × the pressure for
test procedure assumes that water at ambient which the vapour space is designed.
temperature is available as a test fluid for the inner The test procedure shall be agreed between the
tank. purchaser and the erector.
The rules given in the test procedure are formulated COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 12.2.1. A
to give stresses appropriate to the design conditions typical pneumatic test procedure is as follows.
and the materials of construction. a) Adjust the pressure relief vents to enable the
The limits for differential and uniform settlement enclosed space to be pressurized in accordance
should be specified, and a comprehensive test with 12.2.1. Increase the pressure to this value
procedure should be agreed. Water filling should be and hold for 15 min.
stopped immediately if the settlement exceeds that b) Reduce the air pressure to the vapour space
specified. design pressure. Check all welded joints above
Attention should be paid to the control and the water level by applying soap film or other
monitoring of pressures during all stages of testing, suitable material to the welded joints. This
including the checking of internal positive pressure should include all shell joints, all welded joints
and vacuum relief vents. in the roof, around openings and in all piping
Climatic changes cause sharp fluctuations in test against which the pneumatic pressure is acting.
pressure. Provision should be made for the safe relief c) Readjust the pressure relief vent setting so that
of internal positive pressure or internal negative the normal opening pressure can be checked by
pressure in the event of such fluctuations, or if the pumping air into the space above the water level.
relief vents fail to operate at the design pressures Check the opening pressure for the vacuum vent
whilst under test. by partial withdrawal of water from the tank.
The hydrostatic test should be completed before the d) Vent the tank to atmosphere and empty the
application of the shell and external roof insulation. tank of all test water.
The suitability of the water for hydrostatic testing e)Recheck and retighten the anchorage (if
should be considered, taking account of the time the provided) after the tank has been emptied of
tank is exposed to it. Attention should be paid to the water and is at atmospheric pressure.
chloride content, and in the case of 9 % nickel steel f) Apply air pressure, equal to the design
tanks, to the hydrogen sulphide content. pressure, to the empty tank and check the
The tank should be freely vented to atmosphere anchorage and foundation for uplift.
during filling and emptying. 12.2.2 Testing of outer tanks and containers
During filling, and when filled to the test level, the
With a pneumatic pressure, in accordance
tank and foundations should be inspected for with 12.2.1, acting against the outer tank or
leakage, mechanical damage and foundation container, the testing requirements shall result in a
settlement.
test of the outer tank or container.
To counter possible compaction of the bottom
The test procedure shall be agreed between the
insulation, the anchorage, if provided, should be
purchaser and the erector.
checked and retightened, after filling with water but
before applying, the air test. COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 12.2.2.
This agreed test procedure is intended for that part
During the water filling, all welded joints should be of the outer tank or container that has not been
visually examined for leakage.
pressurized during the testing of the inner tank. It is
recommended that the inner tank is filled with water
to reduce air volume during the test.
A typical pneumatic test procedure is as follows:
48 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
a) Either vent the inner tank to atmosphere and 17 Name plate

pump in sufficient water to balance the upward
A name plate shall be permanently fixed at a place
pressure against the inner tank bottom that is
agreed between the purchaser and the contractor
produced by the pneumatic test of the outer tank
and shall give the following information when
or container; or, as an alternative, equalize the
pressure between inner and outer tanks, but applicable:
consider the possibility of pressure differentials a) the name of the contractor;
across the inner tank bottom when testing the b) the stored liquid;
vacuum relief vent setting. c) the tank capacity;
b) Apply air pressure to the space enclosed by the d) the construction, i.e. single, double or full
outer tank or container equal to at least the containment;
design gas pressure, but not exceeding a pressure
that would overstress either the inner tank or the e) the inner tank design pressure, positive and
outer tank or container. negative;
c) Test all welded joints by applying soap film, or f) the inner tank design temperature, maximum
other suitable material, at the air pressure and minimum;
specified. g) the outer tank or container design pressure,
d) Adjust the air pressure to the design gas positive and negative;
pressure for the outer tank or container and check h) the outer tank or container design
the pressure relief valve. Evacuate the air enough temperature, maximum and minimum;
to check the vacuum relief valve. i) the year of construction;
e) Vent both outer space and inner tank to j) the number and date of this British Standard,
atmosphere and withdraw any water from the i.e. BS 7777-2:1993.
inner tank.
There is the intent that the outer tank or container
should be leaktight before the commencement of
commissioning. Mechanical joints should therefore
be tested for leaktightness during the testing of the
tank, but any joints subsequently broken and remade
should be inspected and possibly retested prior to
cooldown.
13 Insulation
Insulation shall be in accordance with 6.6, clause 10
and clause 14 of BS 7777-3:1993.
14 Foundations
Foundations shall be in accordance with clause 7 of
BS 7777-3:1993.
15 Internal positive and internal

negative pressure relief
Internal positive and internal negative pressure
relief shall be in accordance with clause 8 of
BS 7777-1:1993.
When additional relief capacity is fitted to the inner
tank, the additional devices shall, under normal
operating conditions, be available for operation.
16 Commissioning and
decommissioning
Commissioning and decommissioning shall be in
accordance with clause 9 of BS 7777-1:1993.
© BSI 04-1999 49
BS 7777-2:1993
Annex A (informative)
Guidance for the determination of %T-shift for the impact testing of steels
A.1 Introduction
This annex gives the test method to be used by the steelmaker to determine %T.
There is not a requirement to determine %T for a weld procedure test (see 11.12.3). Guidance has therefore
been included as an annex since it is recognized that Charpy V (Cv) testing is the most widely used
standardized method for materials toughness testing, despite its limitations.
The desired impact value for any plate in the tank measured in the heat affected zone (HAZ) is 27 J at the
design temperature for double and full containment tanks, and 27 J at 25 °C ± 5 °C lower than the design
temperature for single containment tanks.
To ensure that the material does not have a flat energy versus temperature relationship, the material
should demonstrate that the Cv transition temperature is within 30 °C of the test temperature. To this end,
a higher energy value of 120 J gives a reasonable demonstration.
To achieve the necessary value of 27 J for any tank plate, with a degree of assurance, the steel should be
tested to demonstrate the shift in temperature at the 27 J Cv level for the HAZ, compared with the plate
material. This shift is defined as %T.
The determination of %T for a specific steel is required to be repeated when a steelmaking process route is
amended, since minor micro-alloy elements, desulfurization, deoxidation, casting and other steelmaking
practices can affect the response of the steel to welding.
After determining %T, each plate should then be tested at a temperature %T below the design temperature,
hence ensuring that the 27 J will still be achieved in the degraded HAZ, and tested on a batch basis at the
higher temperature to demonstrate the 120 J requirement.
A.2 Frequency of testing
Where it is necessary to determine %T, the tests should be carried out on the steel, and should be repeated
if any changes are made to the following:
a) steelmaker;
b) steelmaking process;
c) deoxidation practice;
d) desulfurization practice;
e) casting practice;
f) heat treatment;
g) change in specified chemical composition including micro-alloy additions.
A.3 Test plate
The test plate should be in accordance with Figure A.1, and should be welded in the flat position using
manual metal arc welding.
The welding should be carried out in accordance with Table A.1, and with Figure A.2.
The purchaser and the manufacturer or the erector should agree which electrode should be used for the
test.
Table A.1 — Test plate welding characteristics
Electrode diameter Typical current Typical run-out length/electrode Necessary heat input
mm A mm kJ/mm
5 270 140 3.5 to 4
A.4 Testing
On completion of welding, Charpy impact specimens should be removed in accordance with Figure A.3. The
HAZ and plate Charpy specimens should be tested at suitable temperatures to determine the transition
curves for the two sets of specimens. Particular attention should be paid to testing at temperatures
where 27 J is obtained.
From the two curves, %T is determined. This is the shift in temperature of the 27 J transition temperature
(see Figure A.4).
50 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Where a transition temperature at 27 J cannot be determined, because of a high energy level bottom shelf,
then a 45 J level should be used, or a value agreed between the purchaser and the manufacturer or erector.
A.5 Verification
The testing should be witnessed and verified by an independent inspection authority and full
documentation should be supplied by the tester on request.
Test plates should be unrestrained.
Test plates should be welded complete with a maximum time of 1 h between runs.
Figure A.1 — Details of test plate
Figure A.2 — Typical multi-run weld
NOTE 1 A minimum of 15 plate specimens are taken at mid thickness from the same side of the weld as HAZ.
Longitudinal axis of specimens is to be perpendicular to weld axis.
NOTE 2 A minimum of 15 specimens are taken at mid thickness, with the notch located in the HAZ, and are etched to demonstrate
that the notch is not in weld metal or parent plate.
Figure A.3 — Location of Charpy V-notch impact energy test specimens
© BSI 04-1999 51
BS 7777-2:1993
Figure A.4 — Temperature shift (%

%T) at the 27 J toughness level
Annex B (informative)
Guidance for the tensile testing of 9 % nickel steel weld metal using
strain-gauged tensile specimens
B.1 Introduction
The all-weld metal tensile specimen from a thin butt-welded test plate is of such a small cross-sectional
area that there is large variation in results. These results are not representative of the actual joint
strength.
Since weld metal tensile properties for 9 % nickel steel do not exceed the tensile properties of the parent
plate, it is necessary to obtain a value of weld metal proof stress and tensile stress to carry out an effective
design.
The principle of this tensile test is that a localized spot, judged to be the weakest point in a welded joint, is
measured while stressed in a similar manner to the service condition, i.e. transverse stress on a vertical
joint due to the hoop stress.
Since design is based on yield stress and tensile stress, the proof stress is measured by means of small
gauge-length strain gauges on a joint tensile specimen from a test plate welded in accordance with the
welding procedure to be used on the tank.
B.2 Method of testing
The method of testing should be as follows.
a) The test specimens should be the full thickness of the plate at the welded joint, and in accordance with
Figure B.1.
b) The weld should be ground flush with the parent plate. There should be an adequate surface finish
for strain gauge attachment.
c) Misalignment should be a minimum.
d) Flattening of the specimen should be carried out where necessary to achieve an angular misalignment
of less than 1°.
e) The strain gauges should be attached, using a recognized strain gauge adhesive, in accordance with
Figure B.2.
f) The strain gauges on either side should have equal length and characteristics. The maximum strain
gauge length consistent with being completely within the weld metal surface width should be used.
g) Initially, the gauges should be monitored independently when employing a preload, to check the gauge
bonding and the extent of induced bending. If satisfactory, the gauges should be wired up with two
dummy gauges mounted on similar weld metal, to eliminate the bending strains.
h) Where there are strain gauges self-compensated for temperature, precision resistors may be used in
the bridge circuit to replace the dummies. This should be in accordance with Figure B.3. The output is
the sum of axial strain outputs from the two gauges on the specimen.
52 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
i) The specimen should be loaded and the change in resistance of the strain gauges measured with
equivalent loads, from which a stress/strain curve should be obtained.
Figure B.1 — Dimensions of tensile test specimen
Figure B.2 — Method of attaching strain gauges
Figure B.3 — Test circuit
© BSI 04-1999 53
BS 7777-2:1993
Annex C (informative)
Guidance for the use of aluminium and aluminium alloys for liquid containing
tanks
C.1 Introduction
The use of aluminium and aluminium alloys, though not specified in the standard, are acceptable for
liquid-containing tanks, subject to agreement between the purchaser and the contractor.
In the event that aluminium or aluminium alloys are used, detailed evaluation of the complete design and
construction requirements by experienced and competent personnel is necessary.
C.2 Materials
Materials should be in accordance with BS 1470, BS 1471 and BS 1474.
The maximum shell plate thickness should not exceed 55 mm.
Material in accordance with Table C.1 should be used for bolting aluminium and aluminium alloy
components.
Table C.1 — Aluminium alloy bolting
materials
Alloy BS 1473
AlMg5 5056A H4
AlCu4SiMg 2014A TF
AlSiMgMn 6082 TF
C.3 Design
When the bottom is lap welded, it should be welded on the top and bottom sides (see 7.2.3.2).
The use of a backing strip may produce unacceptable porosity or inadequate penetration due to improper
cleaning. To ensure adequate quality it may be necessary to remove the backing strip and undertake
repairs (see 7.2.3.2).
The maximum allowable design stress in service in any plate of the shell should
be the least of UTS/2.67, 0.2 % PS/1.33 or 93 N/mm2.
For the compression area, the maximum allowable compressive stress should be 44 N/mm2 (see 7.1.5.5).
For NS8 aluminium alloy, the roof supporting structure should be designed in accordance with BS 8118-1
or CP 118 (see 7.1.5.3).
Manholes and shell nozzle bodies should not have a thickness less than that given in
Table C.2 (see, also, 7.2.7).
Table C.2 — Manhole and shell nozzle thickness
Outside diameter Minimum manhole and nozzle
body thickness
dn tp
mm mm
dn $ 50 5
50 < dn # 70 8
70 < dn # 100 10
100 < dn # 200 12.5
200 < dn # 300 15
300 < dn 20
C.4 Fabrication
Thermal cutting of aluminium and aluminium alloys is permitted only if plasma arc is used, followed, if
necessary, by cleaning to sound metal (see 10.4).
C.5 Welding and testing
Welding processes should be metal inert gas, or tungsten inert gas without using flux.
Welding procedures should be in accordance with 11.12.3 of this standard and BS EN 288-4.
54 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
Welders should be approved in accordance with 11.12.4 of this standard and BS EN 287-2.
Radiographic techniques should be in accordance with BS 3451 (see, also, 11.13.1.4).
A section of weld which is shown by radiography to have linear porosity parallel to the axis of the weld,
indicating a lack of fusion or lack of penetration, is unacceptable. This recommendation is in addition to
the requirements of 11.13.1.
Annex D (informative)
Worked example of stiffener design for a fixed-roof container (see 7.1.4.3)
A fixed-roof container 48 m in diameter, 35 m high and having fourteen 2.5 m courses of
thickness 9.0 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.0 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 9.5 mm, 10.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 10.5 mm, 11.0 mm,
11.0 mm, 11.5 mm, 11.5 mm and 11.5 mm, is to be designed for a wind speed of 55 m/s. How many
stiffening rings are required, and what is their location and size?
Course h t He
1 2.5 9.0 2.5

2 2.5 9.0 2.5
3 2.5 9.0 2.5
4 2.5 9.5 2.184
5 2.5 9.5 2.184
6 2.5 9.5 2.184
7 2.5 10.0 1.921
8 2.5 10.0 1.921
9 2.5 10.5 1.700
10 2.5 11.0 1.514
11 2.5 11.0 1.514
12 2.5 11.5 1.355
13 2.5 11.5 1.355
14 2.5 11.5 1.355
Total SHe = 26.687
Since Vw = 55 and Va = 6, then K = 6.663.
 9 5  1/2
Whence Hp = 6.663  --------- = 4.869.
 483
As 5Hp <CHe < 6Hp, five stiffening rings are required.
CH CH CH 2CH 5CH
These are located -----------e-, -----------e-, -----------e-, ---------------e , and ---------------e i.e 4.448 m, 8.896 m, 13.344 m, 17.791 m and 22.239
6 3 2 3 6
m, from the equivalent shell top.
First ring. The first ring is on a shell course of minimum plate thickness so no adjustment is needed. The
remaining four rings are not on courses of minimum plate thickness, hence their positions relative to the
actual top of the shell have to be determined.
Second ring. 8.896 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 = 1.396 m, therefore the ring is located on the fourth course
5
---
9.5 2
1.396  -------- + (3 × 2.5) = 9.098 m from the top of the shell.
 9.0
Third ring. 13.344 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.5 – 2.184 – 2.184 = 1.476 m, therefore the ring is located on the sixth
course
5
---
9.5 2
1.476  -------- + (5 × 2.5) = 14.190 m from the top of the shell.
 9.0
© BSI 04-1999 55
BS 7777-2:1993
Fourth ring. 17.791 – (3 × 2.5) – (3 × 2.184) – 1.921 = 1.818 m, therefore the ring is located on the eighth
course
5
---
10.0 2
1.818  -----------  + (7 × 2.5) = 19.866 m from the top of the shell.
 9.0 
In its ideal position, this ring stiffener comes within 150 mm of a horizontal seam; therefore it has to be
moved. It is obvious in this instance to move the ring to 19.850 from the top of the shell. Therefore,
repositioning of fourth ring on equivalent shell:
19.850 – ( 7 × 2.5 )
----------------------------------------------- = 1.806 m down on the eighth course.
5
 10.0
----------- ---
 9.0  2
Therefore on equivalent shell = 17.791 – (1.818 – 1.806) = 17.779 m.

Therefore remaining unstiffened equivalent shell = 26.687 – 17.779 = 8.908 m.
Therefore one more ring is required at 17.779 + 8.908/2 = 22.233 m
as 8.908/2 = 4.454 < Hp < 8.908.
Fifth ring. 22.233 – (3 × 2.5) – (3 × 2.184) – (2 × 1.921) – 1.7 – 1.514 = 1.125 m, therefore the ring is located
on the eleventh course
5
---
11 2
1.125  ------  + (10 × 2.5) = 26.858 m from the top of the shell.
9
The stiffening rings are, therefore, 4.418, 9.098, 14.190, 19.850 and 26.850 m from the top of the shell and
are 150 × 90 × 10 angle rings (see Figure 5).
NOTE The fourth ring could have been positioned at 20.150 m from the top of the shell and the shell would still have been stable
under the stated design conditions.
56 © BSI 04-1999
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57
BS 7777-2:1993
List of references (see clause 2)

Normative references
BSI standards publications

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London
BS 449, Specification for the use of structural steel in building.
BS 449-2:1969, Metric units.
BS 1501, Steels for pressure purposes.
BS 1501-2:1988, Specification for alloy steels: plates.
BS 1501-3:1990, Specification for corrosion- and heat-resisting steels: plates, sheet and strip.
BS 1503:1989, Specification for steel forgings for pressure purposes.
BS 1506:1990, Specification for carbon, low alloy and stainless steel bars and billets for bolting material to
be used in pressure retaining applications.
BS 1560, Circular flanges for pipes, valves and fittings (Class designated).
BS 1560-3, Steel, cast iron and copper alloy flanges.
BS 1560-3.1:1989, Specification for steel flanges.
BS 2600, Radiographic examination of fusion welded butt joints in steel.
BS 2600-1:1983, Methods for steel 2 mm up to and including 50 mm thick.
BS 2654:1989, Specification for manufacture of vertical steel welded non-refrigerated storage tanks with
butt-welded shells for the petroleum industry.
BS 3603:1991, Specification for carbon and alloy steel pipes and tubes with specified low temperature
properties for pressure purposes.
BS 3605, Austenitic stainless steel pipes and tubes for pressure purposes.
BS 3605-1:1991, Specification for seamless tubes.
BS 3971:1980, Specification for image quality indicators for industrial radiography (including guidance on
their use).
BS 4592, Industrial type metal flooring, waterways and stair treads.
BS 4592-1:1987, Specification for open bar gratings.
BS 4592-2:1987, Specification for expanded metal grating panels.
BS 4592-3:1987, Specification for cold formed planks.
BS 4592-4:1992, Specification for glass reinforced plastics open bar gratings.
BS 5289:1976, Code of practice. Visual inspection of fusion welded joints.
BS 5950, Structural use of steelwork in building.
BS 5950-1:1990, Code of practice for design in simple and continuous construction: hot rolled sections.
BS 5950-2:1992, Specification for materials, fabrication and erection: hot-rolled sections.
BS 5950-3, Design in composite construction.
BS 5950-3.1:1990, Code of practice for design of simple and continuous composite beams.
BS 5950-4:1982, Code of practice for design of floors with profiled steel sheeting.
BS 5950-5:1987, Code of practice for design of cold formed sections.
BS 5950-7:1992, Specification for materials and workmanship: cold formed sections.
BS 5950-8:1990, Code of practice for fire resistant design.
BS 6072:1981, Method for magnetic particle flaw detection.
BS 6443:1984, Method for penetrant flaw detection.
BS 7777, Flat-bottomed, vertical, cylindrical storage tanks for low temperature service.
BS 7777-1:1993, Guide to the general provisions applying for design, construction, installation and
operation.
BS 7777-3:1993, Recommendations for the design and construction of reinforced and prestressed concrete
tanks and tank foundations, and the design and installation of tank insulation, tank liners and tank
coatings.
58 © BSI 04-1999
BS 7777-2:1993
CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.

CP 3:Chapter V, Loading.
CP 3:Chapter V-2:1972, Wind loads.
BS EN 287, Approval testing of welders for fusion welding.
BS EN 287-1:1992, Steel.
BS EN 288, Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials.
BS EN 288-3:1992, Welding procedure tests for the arc welding of steels.
BS EN 10025:1990, Specification for hot rolled products of non-alloy structural steels and their technical
delivery conditions.
BS EN 10028, Specification for flat products made of steels for pressure purposes.
BS EN 10028-3:1993, Weldable fine grain steels, normalized.
BS EN 10045, Charpy impact test on metallic materials.
BS EN 10045-1:1990, Test method (V- and U-notches).
Informative references
BSI standards publications

BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London
BS 1470:1987, Specification for wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering
purposes: plate, sheet and strip.
purposes — drawn tube.
purposes — rivet, bolt and screw stock.
purposes: bars, extruded round tubes and sections.
BS 1501, Steels for pressure purposes.
BS 1501-3:1990, Specification for corrosion- and heat-resisting steels: plates, sheet and strip.
BS 3451:1973, Methods of testing fusion welds in aluminium and aluminium alloys.
BS 4360:1990, Specification for weldable structural steels.
BS 7777, Flat-bottomed, vertical, cylindrical storage tanks for low temperature service.
BS 7777-4:1993, Specification for the design and construction of single containment tanks for the storage of
liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen or liquid argon1).
BS 8118, Structural use of aluminium.
BS 8118-1:1991, Code of practice for design.
PD 6501, The preparation of British Standards for building and civil engineering.
PD 6501-1:1982, Guide to the types of British Standard, their aims, relationship, content and application1).
CP 118:1969, The structural use of aluminium.
BS EN 287, Approval testing of welders for fusion welding.
BS EN 287-2:1992, Aluminium and aluminium alloys.
BS EN 288, Specification and approval of welding procedures for metallic materials.
BS EN 288-4:1992, Welding procedure tests for the arc welding of aluminium and its alloys.
Other references
[1] THE ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS USERS’ ASSOCIATION (EEMUA).
Recommendations for the design and construction of refrigerated liquefied gas storage tanks. EEMUA
publication 147:19861).
[2] ROSE, R.T. Strength of reinforcements for manholes in welded storage tanks, British Welding Journal,
October 1961.
1) Referred to in the foreword only.
© BSI 04-1999 59
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BRITISH STANDARD BS 7777-2:

Committees responsible for this

British Chemical Engineering Contractors’ Association

This British Standard, having

The following BSI references

ISBN 0 580 21163 0

© BSI 04-1999 iii

6 Materials Longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact test

Table 3 — Longitudinal Charpy V-notch impact testing

Figure 1 — Typical bottom layout for tank or container

Figure 3 — Typical sketch plate joint under

7.1.3.2 Bottom plating where

= 1.25 for deadweight above the point

Shell stiffeners shall be fitted where there is a m × n × ta

where The procedure used for welding vertical and

Where the roof plate is not ultimately to be welded where

Figure 6 — Shell-roof compression areas

Figure 7 — Shell-insert-type reinforcement (see 7.1.6.2)

Figure 8 — Barrel-type nozzle reinforcement (see 7.1.6.2)

Nominal Outside Diameter of Height of nozzle

Figure 10 — Flanged roof nozzles (see 7.1.6.4)

NOTE 1 For key to symbols. see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Figure 17 — Weld details for connection of mountings: compensated set-through type

NOTE 1 For key to symbols, see Figure 7 and Figure 8.

Figure 22 — Treads welded to roof plates

COMMENTARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON 7.2. An t1 #19 The lesser of 8 mm or t1

NOTE Fillet weld sizes refer to leg length.

7.2.7 Design of inner tank mountings 7.2.7.3 Roof openings

Figure 24 — Detail of stiffening ring radial joint (see 7.2.7.8)

7.2.8 Design of connections between the 7.2.8.5 Bottom openings

Figure 25 — Typical shell and roof opening with expansion/contraction device

Figure 26 — Typical shell and roof opening with flexible loop

7.2.9.3 Construction 8.1.2 Tanks containing products at

9 Design of components for full 10.2 Flattening

10.5 Rolling and pressing 10.10.2 Welding electrodes

11.10 Erection holes 11.11.4 Storage and handling of welding

Welding procedures for liquid containing tanks 11.12.3.2 Test plates

Figure 27 — Location of Charpy V-notch impact energy test specimen

11.13.1.2 Extent of radiography e) An image quality indicator in accordance with

a) Either vent the inner tank to atmosphere and 17 Name plate

15 Internal positive and internal

5 270 140 3.5 to 4

Figure A.1 — Details of test plate

Figure A.2 — Typical multi-run weld

Figure A.4 — Temperature shift (%

Figure B.1 — Dimensions of tensile test specimen

Figure B.2 — Method of attaching strain gauges

Figure B.3 — Test circuit

1 2.5 9.0 2.5

Since Vw = 55 and Va = 6, then K = 6.663.

Therefore on equivalent shell = 17.791 – (1.818 – 1.806) = 17.779 m.

List of references (see clause 2)

BSI standards publications

CP 3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.

BSI standards publications