When discussing the design and functionality of tanks and pressure vessels, it’s important to understand their distinct roles in industrial and residential applications. A gas tank typically refers to a container used to store gases at atmospheric or low pressure. In contrast, a pressure vessel is designed to contain substances under high pressure. However, both share similarities in storage capabilities and are used in various industries, such as manufacturing, energy, and chemical processing.
But what does it actually mean when we refer to the inside of a gas tank? Let’s take a closer look.
For further understanding of how storage tanks and pressure vessels are designed to handle different environments, you can check out this National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) resource on containment systems that explores various containment system designs.
Tanks and pressure vessels both play crucial roles in industries that rely on safe and efficient containment of liquids, gases, or solids. However, the key difference lies in the pressure levels they are built to withstand.
Inside a gas tank, gases like natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas are stored at low or atmospheric pressure. The tank’s design doesn’t need to handle high pressures, so the structure is relatively simpler.
A pressure vessel, on the other hand, must be engineered to withstand high internal pressure. The structural integrity of these vessels is vital, as they are often subjected to immense forces from the contained fluid or gas. Examples include steam boilers and reactors used in chemical plants.
For a detailed look at what happens inside a pressure vessel, check out this guide on pressure vessels.
The internal structures of both tanks and pressure vessels vary considerably, and understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right container for your needs.
Gas tanks are generally less complex than pressure vessels. They are designed to hold gases at or near atmospheric pressure, with the internal components focusing on preventing leaks and ensuring safe storage. The inside of a gas tank is often equipped with safety features to handle slight variations in pressure, but the focus is more on preventing external hazards than managing high internal pressure.
If you’re curious about the specific functioning and checks involved in pressure vessels, you can explore more on how to check a pressure vessel.
Pressure vessels, as the name suggests, are built to handle significant internal pressure. Their internal design must be robust and resilient. Commonly, they are cylindrical or spherical, with thicker walls and reinforcements such as ribs or stiffeners to withstand the pressure. The interior must also be designed to resist corrosion, heat, and other factors that can affect the stored gas or liquid.
To understand the fundamentals of pressure vessels, consider reading our comprehensive guide on pressure vessel fundamentals.
For a more global perspective on pressure vessel safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) has comprehensive guidelines related to chemical safety and containment systems that are useful in understanding the global standards.
The design and internal structures of tanks and pressure vessels make them suitable for specific industrial applications:
Tanks are used for storing substances like water, fuel, and chemicals at atmospheric pressure. Their design ensures safe storage, but they are not designed for high-pressure containment.
Pressure vessels are crucial in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, and power generation, where substances must be stored under high pressure. The safety of the pressure vessel’s internal structure is critical to preventing catastrophic failure.
To learn how pressure vessels work in a boiler, explore this article on pressure vessel operations in boilers.
Understanding the difference between tanks and pressure vessels—and what’s happening inside a gas tank—is key for industries involved in the safe containment of liquids and gases. Whether it’s the simplicity of a tank or the engineered complexity of a pressure vessel, selecting the right container for your application can make all the difference in ensuring operational safety and regulatory compliance.
At Red River, we specialize in designing and manufacturing high-quality pressure vessels tailored to meet stringent safety standards. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you achieve the best containment solutions.
Red River specializes in the design and manufacturing of pressure vessels. We also fabricate related items such as prefabricated spools and skid packages.
Reach out to us today and experience the Red River difference. Where American-made products and American Values come together, we care more.
A gas tank is designed for low-pressure storage, whereas a pressure vessel is built to safely handle high internal pressures.
No, tanks are not designed to handle the high-pressure environments that pressure vessels are. Using a tank as a pressure vessel can be extremely dangerous.
Pressure vessels are critical in industries like chemical processing, oil and gas refining, power generation, and compressed gas storage.
These shapes help distribute internal pressure evenly, reducing stress and minimizing the risk of failure.
Inside a gas tank: Typically designed for low or atmospheric pressure with simpler internal structures.
Pressure vessels: Built to withstand high pressures, featuring reinforced structures and compliance with rigorous safety codes.
Tanks vs Pressure Vessels: Tanks store substances under low pressure; pressure vessels are used for high-pressure containment.
Regulatory Compliance: Pressure vessels require strict adherence to safety standards like ASME BPVC.
In the realm of industrial solutions, Red River emerges as a pioneer, offering a diverse range of custom-engineered products and facilities. Among our specialties is the design and production of Custom/OEM Pressure Vessels, meticulously crafted to meet individual client requirements, ensuring performance under various pressure conditions. Our expertise extends to the domain of prefabrication, where Red River leads with distinction.
The company excels in creating prefabricated facilities, modules, and packages, reinforcing its stance as a forerunner in innovation and quality. This proficiency is further mirrored in their Modular Skids offering, where they provide an array of Modular Fabricated Skid Packages and Packaged equipment. Each piece is tailored to client specifications, underlining their commitment to delivering precision and excellence in every project they undertake.
