Rectangular Tank
File: PVE-613
Last Updated: April 2004
LB
The Problem:
A rectangular settling tank required a sloping bottom. The application allowed the use of tie rods between the long sides, but not the two ends. Side and top supports were required, but how to account for the interaction between the tie rods and the supports?
Analysis:
Finite element analysis was used for this tank because it allowed the interaction between the different types of supports to be calculated. A plate model was created of the desired geometry. The thickness of the different components were altered during the analysis to optimize the design.
 Plate model of the tank, side and bottom supports, tie rods and base - inside view. Material thicknesses are specified during the analysis and can be easily changed to optimize the design. |
|
 Plate model - outside view. |
 Outside surface stresses in the tank. All support sizes and plate thicknesses were kept the same. The maximum stresses were kept bellow allowable limits. Deflections are shown magnified by 75x. |
|
 Inside surface stresses in the tank. |
 Deflection plot of the full tank. High deflection locations can be avoided for connections. Peak deflection is 0.066 inches. |
|
|
The Solution:
For ease of manufacturing, all the supports sizes and all wall thicknesses were kept the same. The support size and plate thicknesses were minimized. With the finite element method, the deflections were easily checked, and where possible, connections moved away from the highest deflection areas.
For this application, finite element analysis cost less than traditional calculations and provided savings on materials and a better design.
Credits:
This tank was built by Price Schonstrom Inc., 35 Elm Street, Walkerton, Ontario, Canada, N0G 2V0
