Impact of wave-reflecting visor inclination on the height of the protective wall of “glass-in-glass” type tank

PURPOSE. The article presents the results of experimental studies analysis on the influence of horizontal and inclined wave-reflecting visors proposed for installation on the protective wall of glass-in-glass tank type for reducing its height to or below the maximum possible level of liquid in the main tank. 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 a horizontal or inclined wave-reflecting visor on the protective wall of a “glass-in-glass” type tank is an effective method of reducing its height. At the same time, the best results are shown by a wave-reflecting visor at an angle of 135° to the protective wall which allows, in the interwalled distance ranged from 1.8 to 3 m given the length of its handling radius reducing the height of the protective wall to 85 % of the maximum possible level of liquid in the main tank. RESEARCH APPLICATION FIELD. The proposed method of reducing the height of the protective wall, design schemes and empirical dependencies can serve as the foundation for the development of a regulatory document on ensuring fire safety of “glass-in-glass” type tanks, as well as be used by design organizations to find optimal solutions for the design and placement of typical tanks with a nominal volume of 700 to 30.000 m3. CONCLUSIONS. The proposed design solution will allow designing and operating “glass-in-glass” type tanks, ensuring the required level of fire, industrial and environmental safety provided compliance with the requirements for stability of the protective wall and wave-reflecting visor to the effect liquid flow and collapsing structures in case of the accident of the main tank. At the same time, the application of an additional barrier is not required, since all liquid in case of possible destruction of the main tank will be held by the proposed structure of the protective wall with a wave-reflecting visor.