Identification of Hazardous and Harmful Factors in Spherical Tanks

Abstract

 As critical pressure storage equipment in the petrochemical industry, the operational safety of spherical tanks is directly related to industrial production and public safety. This paper systematically identifies hazardous and harmful factors associated with spherical tanks and their ancillary facilities, analyzing them from multiple dimensions including structural integrity, pipelines and valves, safety systems, personnel management, and environmental conditions. The study highlights that the primary risks of spherical tanks include rupture, corrosion, explosion, and fatigue failure, which stem from design flaws, inadequate material performance, poor welding quality, abnormal external loads, and lapses in safety management. For different failure modes (e.g., strength failure, stiffness failure, and corrosion failure), preventive measures such as material optimization, structural design improvements, enhanced non-destructive testing (NDT), anti-corrosion technologies, and safety management system refinements are proposed. The research provides theoretical and technical references for the safe operation and risk management of spherical tanks, offering significant insights into enhancing the safety of pressure vessels throughout their lifecycle.