Foundations of sulphuric acid storage tanks

It is essential to design and construct a proper foundation for sulphuric acid storage
tanks. Not only must the foundation adequately support the weight of a fully loaded
tank, it must be designed to keep the bottom of the tank dry. A wet foundation can
lead to external corrosion in the form of general metal loss or more localized pitting
corrosion. Detection of pitting corrosion is extremely difficult especially in a large
tank since the entire bottom must be scanned ultrasonically. Pitting corrosion is
usually discovered when a leak occurs.

Accumulation of wet dirt or debris at a shell-to-bottom joint will result in general

corrosion of the metal. This can easily be prevented by keeping the area clean and
dry. However, if the tank is not sitting on a proper foundation is may be settling or in
constant contact with the wet soil.

These problems underline the importance of proper foundation design and

construction. There are generally 3 types of foundations commonly in use:

 Reinforced concrete slab foundation

 Steel I- Beams and concrete supports
 Concrete ring wall foundation

Reinforced Concrete Slab Foundation

This type of foundation is generally suitable for tanks under 12 m (39’) diameter. The
bottom of the tank rest completely on a raised reinforced concrete slab. The ground
around the tank is sloped away from the foundation and an asphalt covering ensures
that water will run away from the foundation.
Steel I-Beams and Concrete Supports

This type of foundation is generally suitable for tanks under 12 m (39’) diameter. The
bottom of the tank rests on steel I-beams that sit on concrete supports. The space
under the tank and between the I-beams is left open so leaks in the bottom of the
tank can be easily detected.

Concrete Ring Wall Foundation

This type of foundation is generally suitable for tanks over 12 m (39’) diameter. The
edge of the tank sits on the concrete ring wall which carries the weight of the tan
shell. The space inside the foundation and under the tank is filled with compacted
granular fill that is topped with crushed stone graded to a maximum size of 19 mm
(3/4”). Limestone is never used as the fill material. Drains should be provided in the
ring wall so that any acid leaks will drain out and be detected.