Issue of spherical tank steel plate thickness
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Everyone, according to GB12337, section 4.2.2 specifies that the thickness of the steel plates used for spherical shells should not exceed 50 mm. So if the thickness exceeds 50 mm, which standards can be applied to such spherical tanks?
Personal opinion: Based on the actual conditions of manufacturing and installation of spherical tanks, there aren’t many tanks with a thickness exceeding 50 mm; it is not advisable to use thicknesses greater than 50 mm. If such thicknesses are required, then materials with higher allowable stress should be used in order to reduce the thickness of the material. If the designed thickness per rule exceeds 50 mm, it is recommended to use analytical design to further reduce the thickness. If it has to be greater, I think that’s fine too.
It’s not advisable; it’s just not possible. Of course, considering the various costs associated with manufacturing and testing, as well as quality assurance, it is beneficial to reduce the thickness.
The standard definition provides detailed explanations: a greater thickness does not mean the material is unusable; rather, it requires more detailed and stringent requirements regarding the material, manufacturing, and on-site welding processes.
Materials with large thicknesses generate significant internal stresses after deformation, and the increase in these internal stresses leads to a decrease in the external forces applied to them. Even a certain thickness can lead to economic inefficiencies.