Horizontal wave-reflecting visor for lowering the height of the protective wall of “glass-in-glass” tank type

Abstract

Purpose. The article states the possibility of lowering the protective wall of the “glass-in-glass” tank type thanks to fitting out a horizontal wave-reflecting visor facing the main tank wall. The empirical formula obtained on the basis of the processed experimental data for determining the optimal height of the protective wall depending on the geometrical dimensions of the main tank, interwall distance and length of the wavereflecting visor departure is presented. ABSTRACT Methods. In the process of the research work methods of similarity theory and hydraulic laboratory modeling, physical experiment, observation, comparison, finding empirical dependence based on mathematical processing of experimental data, description and generalization have been used. Findings. It has been found that fitting out a horizontal wave-reflecting visor on the protective wall of a “glass-in-glass” tank type is an effective method aimed at lowering the protective wall height to or below the maximum level of combustible liquid in the main tank. The empirical dependence has been obtained for finding the optimal ratio between the wavelength of the wavereflecting visor and the interwall distance for main tanks with the nominal volume from 700 to 30 000 m3. Research application field. The proposed method of lowering the height of the protective wall and empirical dependence can serve as a background for developing the relevant conditions of the regulatory document on ensuring fire safety of “glass-inglass” tanks type, and it can also be used by engineering companies to find optimal solutions for designing and locating the considered types of tanks. Conclusions. The proposed design solution will allow designing and operating “glass-in-glass” tanks type, providing the standard level of fire safety under observance of compliance with the requirements for stability of protective wall and wavereflecting visor to the hydrodynamic effect of liquid flow and dynamic impact of collapsing structures of the main tank in case of on accident. As an upcoming trend of the research, the fitting of the wave-reflecting visor of an inclined shape on the protective wall in relation to the wall of the main tank can be considered.