Measurement of tank-bottom deformation reduces volume errors

When liquids are added or removed from storage tanks, the tank bottom plate experiences elastic deformation caused by the changing load. This deformation results in tank volume inaccuracies not currently accounted for in tank calibrations. Field evaluations show that the deformation can cause the tank volume to vary by as much as 0.1% from empty to full. This additional volume contributes to custody transfer understatements in both gauged receipts and sales that can result in losses to refiners, terminal operators, or transporters. Here are some measuring techniques and analytical procedures to measure the amount of volume change caused by elastic deformation that will reduce the volume errors.