Work out storage tank capacity instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Tank capacity is cross-sectional area times height, but the working capacity uses the maximum safe fill height rather than the shell height, leaving freeboard for thermal expansion, overfill protection response and any floating roof. One cubic metre is 6.2898 barrels.
Tank capacity
Volume = pi x D^2 / 4 x height; barrels = m3 x 6.28981
Mass
Mass (t) = volume x density / 1000
Tank overfill protection, bunding and vapour control are regulated safety requirements. Never rely on capacity arithmetic alone in place of instrumented overfill protection.
Freeboard is required for thermal expansion, for the high-level alarm and trip to act before overfill, and for floating roof clearance. Losing that margin is what causes overfill incidents.
Yes. Volumes must be corrected to a standard temperature, usually 15 C or 60 F, using the product's volume correction factor for custody transfer.