Material issues with methanol floating tanks
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Background: In methanol production plants, stainless steel floating roofs are used for methanol storage tanks, and they have been in use since 2018. A few days ago, an organization conducted an inspection, and the experts suggested that stainless steel floating discs should not be used for methanol tanks, ordering corrective actions to be taken. Reference: GB 50160-2018, 6.2.2... Internal floating roof tanks shall use single-disc or double-disc steel floating roofs. Commentary on the provisions: Metal floating tank-type floating pads include steel floating pads as well as those made of fusible materials (such as aluminum floating pads and stainless steel assembled floating pads). I would like to ask the experts here: what is your understanding of this (it’s the first time I’ve heard that stainless steel floating discs are fusible materials)? What material do you use for methanol floating discs?
In the GB 50160-2018 standard, there are indeed clear specifications regarding the material used for methanol tanks; steel materials must be employed. The “fusible materials” mentioned in the standards refer primarily to metal materials that, under certain conditions, melt more easily than steel, such as aluminum. Although stainless steel has good corrosion resistance, it is not considered a recommended material per the regulations. Generally, steel materials are widely used in the production of methanol floating tanks due to their stability and safety. You should consider making adjustments in accordance with experts’ recommendations and relevant standards to ensure safety and compliance. .
Thank you for your detailed response, but in actual production, many floating disk manufacturers still use stainless steel floating disks. If their use is truly not allowed, it would be better to state that clearly rather than leaving people to guess.
Indeed, if the standard wording were clearer, it would be more convenient and safer for both manufacturers and users. In practical applications, many manufacturers and users prefer to use stainless steel due to its excellent corrosion resistance and other advantages. However, to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory requirements, it is recommended to consult professional inspection agencies or industry experts for further confirmation, and to carry out operations and make adjustments in accordance with the latest regulatory standards. At the same time, this issue can also be brought to the attention of the standards-setting bodies, in the hope of obtaining clearer guidance and regulations. .
Doesn’t stainless steel belong to steel materials?
Steel is okay; is it a single-layer, open-type floating pad? It seems that using such a design isn’t allowed these days
Ask the experts to specify why stainless steel cannot be used! The regulations state that for tanks with a capacity of 5,000 cubic feet or less, and those using fusible materials for the floating disk, nitrogen protection must be provided.
Aren’t stainless steel and carbon steel both types of steel?
Stainless steel itself is not a fusible material, but the stainless steel buoy-type combined floating platform is a fusible component (perhaps the buoy may explode under high-temperature conditions).
Our methanol tanks use 304 stainless steel floating tanks