How can waves in a water storage tank be prevented?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding solutions to mitigate wave formation in a large water storage tank, specifically addressing the impact of these waves on an oil skimmer float. The context includes considerations of tank design and water inlet characteristics, with a focus on practical engineering solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the position of the inlet relative to the waterline, suggesting that the method of wave generation may differ based on whether the water is splashing in or causing subsurface turbulence.
  • Another participant proposes a baffle system or flow-director as potential solutions, depending on the inlet's characteristics.
  • A question is raised regarding the presence of standing waves and their relation to the tank's diameter, indicating that wave behavior may be complex and influenced by tank geometry.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for baffles as a solution.
  • Details are provided about the tank's inlet configuration and flow rate, highlighting the potential for significant rotational flow that may exacerbate wave formation.
  • A suggestion is made to modify the inlet pipe to direct water towards the bottom of the tank and to increase the inlet's diameter to reduce flow velocity, which may help in reducing wave intensity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas and suggestions, but there is no consensus on a single solution. Multiple competing views and approaches remain under consideration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific characteristics of the waves or the effectiveness of proposed solutions, leaving several assumptions and design considerations unaddressed.

wfjer
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Hi,
I need to find a solution to the following problem:

A 45000 bbls water storage tank has a 24" water inlet, the water that enters the tank is causing a lot of waves. These waves are causing damage to an oil skimmer float located in the surface of the water.

Our client wants to find a method to avoid these waves, any ideas?
 
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Welcome to PF, Wfjer.
Does the inlet lie below or above the waterline? In other words, is the water splashing in from a height or causing subsurface turbulence?
I'm thinking along the line of a baffle system if the latter, or a flow-director if the former.
 
Do the waves have any standing wave characteristics, meaning any relation to the diameter of the tank? The standing waves could be any combination of radial and azimuthal.
 
Baffles.
 
The tank has an horizontal 24" inlet at 4' from ground and the flow is 200000 BWPD.

@Bob S
I really not sure of the waves characteristics, but they are big enough to damage internal devices inside the tank.
 
By your description, the inlet will set up some serious rotational flow in the tank. Can you modify the inlet pipe to the tank to have it take a 90° turn and direct at the bottom of the tank? It seems like you would also want to flare it out as much as possible to get the velocity down.
 

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