Pressure Tanks
Pressure tanks are pressure vessels that most often contain fluids, vapors or gases at pressure levels greater than that of atmospheric pressure. A pressure tank maintains working pressure sufficient at all times to prevent vapor or gas loss to the atmosphere. Pressure tanks are often used in conjunction with wells to maintain pressure.
Pressure tanks contain a wide variety of substances used for various industrial applications in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, oil and fuel, and plastic industries. The substance contained and the industrial applications of the pressure tank determine such design components as vessel material, size, shape, temperature, and pressure level.
During the design process, engineers determine the logistics of pressure tank creation. Engineers must determine the pressure level, temperature, material components, size, and shape of the tank. Pressure levels are also taken into account before deciding upon a material and shape. Pressure tanks range from a few hundred pounds per square inch (psi) to measuring up to 150,000 psi. Temperature must also be considered before deciding on a material, as materials like steel are susceptible to damage from exposure to extreme temperatures. Materials used to make pressure tanks can include carbon alloy steel, stainless steel, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, nickel alloys, and niobium.