USA S Z11.

1 99- 1966

USA STANDARD

METHOD FOR
MEASUREMENT AND CALIBRATION OF
SPHERES AND SPHEROIDS

API Standard 2552

ASTJ'I'I Designation: D 1'108- 65
(Datc of Joint API/ ASTM Appwval, 1965)

Publ ished b y
AiVlERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE
Division of Science and T echnology
1271 AYellHe of the Americas
Nell' York, N .Y. 10020

)
 USA Standard

A USA Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. A USA Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of a USA Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether hE' has approved the standard or not, from manu-
facturing, marketing, purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not con-
forming to the standard. USA Standards are subject to periodic review and users arc
cautioned to obtain the latest editions. Ilrociucers of goods made in conformity with a
USA Standard are encouraged to state on their own responsibility in advertising, pro-
motion material, or on tags or labels that the goods arc produced in conformity with
particular USA Standards.

NOTE: API Siandard 2552-ASTJ.lJ D 1408 was approved as a USA Standard Dec. 30, 19M.
 FOREWORD
The standard in this publication is one of a series approved jointly by the American
Petroleum Institute and the American Society for Testing and :Matcrials. This standard
is the result of a cooperative arrangement established by the two organizations to
develop and jointly approve and publish standards dealing with quantitative and quali-
tative measurements of petroleum products and lubricants.
The American Petroleum Institute and the American Society for Testing and 1\1a-
terials take no position as to whether any method, apparatus, or product mentioned
herein is covered by an existing patent, nor as to the validity of any patent alleged to
cover any such method, apparatus, or product. Furthermore, the information contained
in this standard does not grant the right, by implication or otherwise, for manufacture,
sale, or use in connection with any method, apparatus, or product covered by letters
patent; nor does it insure anyone against liability for infringement of letters patent.
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responsible or liable in any way either for loss or damage resulting therefrom, or for
the violation of any federal, state, or municipal regulations with which it may conflict.
Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the director of the Divi-
sion of Science and Technology, American Petroleum Institute, 1271 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, N. Y. 10020.
 COKTEKTS
PAGE
Scope..... . ........ . 7
PART I. RPHERlCAL TANKS
Definition. 7
Outline of Procedure. 7
Liquid Calibrat.ion .............................. . 7
Calibration by Meter. 7
Calibrat.ion by Tank ............................. . 8
Tank-l\fensuring Equipment. 8
Field j\Ieasurements. D
Cnlculations. 9
Effect of Thermal Changes un Spherical Tank Rhells. 9
PART II. SPHEROIDAL TANKS
Definit.ions. 9
Outline of Procedure. 10
Liquid Calibrat.ion. 10
Calibration by 1Idete1'. 11
Calibration by Tank. 11
Tank-l'deasurillg Equipment. 11
Volume Below Bottom Capacity Line. 11
Field IHeasuremcnts. 11
Calculations. 11
Effect of Thermal Changes on Smooth Spherical Tank Shells. 12
APPENDIX I-Sample Calculation for a as-Ft-Diameter Spherical Tank. 13
APPENDIX II-Sample Calculat.ion for a 50DO-RbI Spheroidal Tank. . . . . .. ...... .. . 14
APPENDIX III-Procedure for Computing t.he Yolume Correction for Thermal Expan-
sion or Contract.ion of HphericaJ and Smoot.h Spheroidal Tanks. Hl
)

Stalldard Nlethod for

MEASUREMENT AND CALIBRATION OF SPHERES AND SPHEROIDS'

API Standard: 2552

ASTM Designation: D 1408 - 65
ADOPTED, 1965,2,3

This standard of the American Petroleum Institute issued under

the fixed designation API 2552 is also a standard of the American
Society for Testing and ~latcrials issued under the fixed designa-
tion D 1408; the final number indicates the year of original adop-
tion as standard, or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.
This method was adopted as a joint API-ASl'JI standard ill 1965.

Scope
') 1. This standard describes the proce-
dures for calibrating spheres and spheroids
which are used as liquid containers. It
is presented in two parts: Part I (Sections
2 to 10) outlines the procedures for the
measurement and calibration of spherical
tanks; Part II (Sections 11 to 20) ou\-
lines the procedures for the measurement
and calibra han of spheroidal tanks.
Non: 1.-Calibration procedures for other
types of tanks arc contained in the foHm\,-
ing standards:
API Btal1dard 2550-A8'1'M D 1220: Meas-
urement and Calibration 0/ Upright
Cylindrical1'anks
API Standard 2561-AS'l'M D 1410: Meas-
u.rement and Calibral£on oj Horizontal
Tanks
API Standard 2553-ASTM D 1401: Meas-
urement and Calibration of Barges
API Standard 2654-ASTM D 1409: Meas-
urement and Calibration of Tank Cars
API Slandard 2555-ASTM D 1406: Liquid
Calibration 0/ Tanks

PART I. SPHERICAL TANKS

Definilioll
2. A Sphere is a stationary liquid stor-
age tank, supported on columns so that
the entire tank shell is abovcgrade. There
1 Under the standardization procedures of
t.he API and the ASTM, this :;tandanl is under
t.he jurisdiction of the API Cent.ral Committee
on Pet.roleum Measurement. and the AS'l'M
Committee D-Z on Petroleum Products and
Lubricant.s.
2 The API method was adopted as API
Standard 2552 in Oct.ober, 1965.
Prior to its present. 1mblicatioll, t.he API
Hecommended Practice 50B was ol'iginaUv
adopted as tentative in November, 1937, an~l
as finnl in November, 1941; t.he second edition
was issued in May, 1942; t.he third edition was
issued ill June, 1949, and reissued in January,
1952; t.he fOUl1h edition was issued in June.
1957.
3 Revised and ndopted as standard June,
1965, by action of t,he ASTM at the Annual
Meet,iug and confirming letter bnllot,.
) Prior to adoption as ASTM stnndard, t.his
hct-hod was publi'lhed as tentative from 1956
and revised in 1958.
are, usually, no internal structural mem-
bers. A typical sphere is shown in Figs.
1 and 2.
Outline of Procedul'e
3. (a) Practical difficulties limit tape
paths for measuring great circles on the
f>phere where the tape will lie flat and
not tend to slip sidewise. Three repre-
sentative great circles are chosen-one
at the horizontal equator and two passing
vertically through the poles at right
angles to each other. The total volume is
caicula ted based on these three measure-
ments. Partial volumes are then distri-
buted over the measured inside height by
a formula or table based on the partial
volume versus depth in a true sphere.
(b) In a sphere the bottom capacity
liue is the lowest point of the spherical
shell inside the sphere. No water bottom
01' dead capacity exists. This same point
is zero gage.
Liquid Calihl'alion
4. (a) Liquid calibration is preferred
for any tank or portion of a tank not
susceptible to adequate or accurate meas-
urement (see API Standard 2555-ASTM
D 1406).
(b) Capacity Table.-The capacity
table should be prepared in any desired
increments (usually Va in.) using graphs
01' mathemat.ical met.hods to establish a
smooth curve.
Calibration hy lUeteI'
5. The sphere may initially be either
empty or full. Calibration should pro-
ceed by int.roducing or withdrawing
liquid. rvIeter readings should be taken
for each inch of the upper 25 pel' cent.

7
8 l\IEASURE~IEX'l' AX!) C.\I,IBRATIOX 01<' SPHBHE~ A:\'"J) SPHEHOIDS (API 2;),!)2-ASTi\I D 1,108)

and the luwer 25 per cont of the height

between the bottom and top capacit;</
lines and for each 2 in. of the intervening
height. The increments filled should be
measured by mea lIS of a tape and bob or
by gnge glass r('adings.
Point for
Horizontal
Circumference Calihration by Tank
n, ((I) When calibration tanks are
used, each tank should be no smaller
than one-half of the largest I-in. incre-
llwnt of the sphere and should have a
maximulll capacity of the largest I-in.
increment of the sphere. Each calibration
tallk should have been accurately cali-
brated.
(b) The sphere should be filled with
water to the top capacity line. The \yater
should be discharged into calibration
tanks where it is accurately measurcd.
Structural Calibra tions should be obtaincd for each
SupporfS
inch of t.he upper 25 pel' cent and the
lower 25 pCI' ccnt of the height between
the bottom and top cnpacity lines and
fol' each 2 in. of the intervening height.
The increments discharged should be
g[lged by means of tape and bob or by
FIG. l.~SPHERICAL TANK.
gagc glass readings.

Tank~l\Icasul'iJlg Elluipmcnt
7. (a) The equipment used for measur-
ing spherical tanks is the same as t.hat
dC'scribed for upright cylindrical tanks
in API Standard 2550-ASTlvI D 1220.
The measurcment. of anyone tank will
not. necessarily require the use of all of
the equipmC'nt listed. Thcrefore, the in-
dividual tank and the measurement pro-
cedure should bc considered before 80-
lect.ing the equipment.
(b) The equipment should include
steel measuring tapes for both height and
circumference measurements. These tapes
should he cnlihra ted as described for up-
right. cylindrical tanks in API Standard
2550--ASTM D 1220.
(c) Other equipment such as reels, tape,
clamps, rope, scat., 6-ft rulers, and spirit
lcvel should he [IS described for upright {~
cylindrical tanks in API Standard 2550--
ASTM D 1220.
(d) To fneilitatc the measurement of
the largest horizontal circumference, the
builder should tack-weld short rods per-
pendicular to the shell at the point where
the shell is tangent to a vertical line, and
spaced not more than 10 ft apart t;
FIG. 2.-SPHERICAL TANKS. support the tape at that location. \
 ilIEASUHE"EXT AX" CALIBRATION OF SPIIEHES AX" SPHEHOIDS
Field l\Ieasurements
S. (0) :Mensure the circumference of the
horizontal great circle at the equator.
The columns supporting a sphere usually
extend a few inches above the equator;
where this occurs step-oyCl's will be re-
quired. It is permissible to make this
circumference measurement at a location
just above the tops of the columns where
the tape path is clear. \Vhen this is done,
record the measured circumference, C,
and the height, H, above the equator at
whieh C was measured.
(b) :''vleasure the circumference of a
v(>rtical great circle passing through the
poles.
(c) l\Jeasure the circumforence of an-
other vert.ical great circle at right angles
to the first vertical great circle.
(d) rdeasure the total inside height,
D) at t.he vcrt.ical centerliIle of t.he sphere.
(e) There is usually a manhole or other
fitting at this centerline. In this eYent,
measure the vertical inside height, D m )
at. a convenient distance, tn, from the
centerline. Record D", and III for later
calculation of the centerline height.
(f) Spherical tanks should be rc-cali-
) b.rated as a result of the following condi-
hons:
(1) "Then the deadwood is changed,
or additional deadwood such as concrete
is installed inside the tank.
(2) 'Vhen the tank is repaired or
changed in any manner which may affect
the total or incremental volume.
(3) 'Vhen the tank is moved.
Calculations
9. (a) If the field measurement of the
outside circumfercnce [Sect.ion 8(a)] was
made at a height, H, above the equator
to clear the tops of t.he columns, com-
pute t.he outside circumference, Co, at
the equator as follows:
Co ~ ,/·"C"'+-("'2"di'}
(b) Correct each outside circumference
to the inside of the shell plates, by sub-
tracting 21ft, For t, use the weighted
Definitions
11. (a) A Spheroid is a stationary liq-
uid storage tank having a shell of double
curvature. Any horizontal cross-section
)is circular and a vertical cross-section is
average thickness along cach tape path.
Designate the corrected circumferences
C1 , C2 , and 0 3 •
(c) Compute the total volume as fol-
lows:
l' = ~!_ X G> __X C3
6n'
(d) If the Yertic,tl inside height, D""
was mcasured nt a distance, lIl, from the
centerline of the Rphere to 11. manhole or
other fitting [Section 8 (e)], calculate the
total inside height, D, at. the centerline
as follows:
D = \/D",2 + 4m 2
(e) Compute the partial volume at each
desired incremental depth, A method em-
ploying a calcula ting machine may be
set. up as follows:
Let:
l' = total volume of sphere.
G = gage increment.
A = one-half of the yert.ical inside
height.
Ji-H
G strllcted of a different luelal, the coef-
11 = gage height to bott.om of increment.
For the bottom increment:
1'", = Kj
For each sllcceeding increment:
17,'1 = 17",+1 + J.l[[{2
The volume of each increment above
the bottom increment is jlJ[(2 greater
t.han that of thc increment directly below,
NOTE 2.-Tables of partial yolumes arc
lwailable but the interpolations required arc
PART II. SPHEROIDAL TANKS
a series of circular arcs. The height is
reduced compared wit.h that of a sphere,
The bottom rests directly on a prepared
grade. The spheroid has a base plate rest-
ing on the grade and projecting beyond
(API 2;);)2-AS'l'M D 1408) 9
often more laborious than machine calcula-
tion u8il1g the fm'egoing procedure. A ~ample
calculation for a 38-ft-diameter spherical
tank if.; shown in Appendix L
Effect of Thel'lllUI Changes on Sphel'icul
Tank Shells
10. (a) The effect of expansion or COll-
traction of tanks containing liquids at
normal temperature may be disregarded,
Correction for expansion or contraction
will not. be necessary except under con-
(Utions of use requiring very accura te re-
sults as to the partial or total volumes of
hea ted or refrigera ted contents,
(b) 'Vhen corrections for temperature
effect are reqnired) it is necessary to
estimate the r:;ervice temperature of the
contents and compute volume correc-
tions due to the difference in temperature
from 60 F, the normal calibration tem-
perature. Compute the volume correction
as follows:
Volume correction, per cent = J{ Ct. - 60)
where:
J( = a coefficicnt (see Appendix III).
t, = service temperature of tank shell, in
degrees Fahrenheit.
The coefficient, [(, is hased 1I1)on a
low-carhon sleel having a coefficient
of thermal expansion of 0.0000065
l)er deg F. When the tank is con-
ficient of expansion shall he calcu-
lated in accordance with Appendix
III.
(c) For llollinsulated metal tanks, the
temperature of the shell may be taken
as the mean of the adjacent' liquid and
ambient air temperatures on the inside
and the out;.;ide of the shell at the same
location. In applying t.hese principles to
both spheres and spheroids, only the
horizontal dimensions are functions of
tank calibration correct.ions. The liquid
height dimension is a function of gaging
the liquid level; accordingly, the effect
of thermal expansion or cont.raction on
il111age and outage gage readings should
be considered separately.
the shelL Structural members rest on the
base plate and support the overhanging
part. of t.he shell for a short distance above
the base plate, A drip bar is welded to t.he
shell in a horizontal circle just above the
10 J\f EASUHE;\fENT ANn CAL1BRA'l'IO~ OF SPHERES AXD SPHEROIDS (API 2552-AST~T D 1408)

Onlline of Procedure

Poinls for 12. Practical difficulties prohibit meas-

Circumferentlol
Measurements uring a spheroid except at two locations,
One of these is on t.he shell at the upper
edge of the drip bar; the other is at the
largest horizontal circumference where
,~i--I--+------'---t-- the :-::hell is tangent. to a vertical line.
At other locntions it would be difficult,
if not impossible, to support the meas-
Bose uring tape. The theoretical horizontal
Plale radii arc calculated and t.hen adjusted to
{
conform with the measured circum fer- ~l
CHers.

FIG. 3.-S).IQOTH SPHEROlIlAL T.-\;\K. Liquid Calibration

l:~, (a) Liquid calibration is preferred

Top.
Capacity
tfl7t1k'-f-+---I'--f---I'-+--t1 Line
Bottom
Capacity
Line
±-::-Ht--:--t1 \
FIG. 'L-XODED SI'HEROTllAI, TANK.
FlO. 5.-NoflEIl SPIIEHOIDAr~ TANK.
structural supports to intercept. rain wa- 3, usually has no inside structural mem-
ter, hers to snpport the shell 01' roof.
(c) A Noded Spheroid, shown in Figs.
NOTE 3.-Since the drip bar is used as a 4 and 5, has abrupt breaks in the vertical
tape path in measuring, the builder should
exercise care to locate it accurately.
curvature called nodes which are sup-
ported by ,1 circular girder and structural
(b) A Smooth Spheroid, shown in Fig. members inside the tank.
for any tank or portion of a tank not sus-
ceptible to adequate 01' accurate meas-
urement.. Because circumferential meas-
urements un a spheroid are limited to
t \Yo, liquid caliiJm tion (see API Standard
2555-ASTM D 1406) is preferred to
the measuremcnt. procedure.
(b) Adequate facilities are not always
availablc and the measurement procedme
is given as n satisfactory altcrnative for
spheroids. 'Vhen visibly distorted, the
spheroid should be liquid calibrated,
(c) Liquid calibm tion may be per-
formed by meter, using either water 01' a
product of low volatility such as No.2
fuel oil. If calibration tanks are used, the
liquid iihould be water.
(d) When calibrated by liquid, t.he
spheroid should have been filled at least
once with a liquid at least as heavy as the
liquid to he stored.
(e) "Then calibration tanks are used,
they shall be accurately calibrated by the
critical measurement procedure (as out-
lined in API Standard 2550--ASTM D
1220), or by the water draw procedure,
into National Bureau of Standards stand-
ardized measures (as outlincd in API
Standard 1101: l1Ieasuremellt of Petro- ,!
lcwn Liquid IIydrocarbons by Positive I
Displacement .Meter). I'•
(f) \Vhen meters are used, they should
he installed, operated, and proved accord-
ing to the systems outlined in API Stand-
ard 1101 (see also API Standard 2555-
AS'Df D 1406).
(g) Capacity Tab/e.-The capacity
table should be prepared in any desired
incrrments (usually Va in.) using graphs
or mathematical methods to establish a(
smooth curve,
 MEASUHE"ENT AND CALIllHA'l'ION OF SPHERES AND SPI!I<JROIDS (API 2552-AST11'I
,Calibl'ation by Metel'
14. The spheroid may initially be either
empty or full. Calibration should pro-
ceed by introducing 01' withdrawing
liquid. 1\loto1' readings should be taken
for each inch of the upper 25 pel' cent
and the lower 25 per cent of the height
between the bottom and top capacity
lines and for each 2 in. of the intervening
height. The increments filled should be
measllred by means of 11. tape and bob or
{
~l by gage glass readings. After emptying
the spheroid, the elevation of the cla tum
plate relative to the bottom capacity line
should be checked.
CaHbl'alion hy Tank
15. (a) 'Vhell calibration tanks are
used, each tank should be no smaller than
one-half of the largest 1-in. increment of
the spheroid and should have a maximum
capacity of the largest 1-in. increment of
the spheroid. Each calibration tank should
have been accurately calibrated.
(b) The spheroid should be filled with
water to the top capacity line. The water
should bo dischal'ged into calibration
tanks whore it is accurately measured.
,Calibrations should be obtained for each
inch of the upper 25 pel' cent and the
lower 25 per cent of t.he height between
the bottom and top capacity lines and
for each 2 in. of the intervening height.
The increments discharged should be
gaged by means of a tape and bob or by
gage glass readings. After the water is
discharged, the level of the datum plate
relative to the bottom capacity line
should be checked.
Tank-Measul'ing Equipment
16. (a) The equipment used for meas-
uring spheroids is the smue as that de-
scribed for upright cylindrical tanks in
API Standard 2550--ASTM D 1220. The
measurement of anyone tank will not re-
quire the use of all of the equipment
listed. Therefore, the individual tank and
the measurement procedure should be
considered before selecting the equip-
ment.
(b) The equipment should include
steel measuring tnpes for both height
and circumference measurements. These
tapes should be calibrated as described
fbI' upright cylindrical tanks in API
Standard 2550--ASTM D 1220.
(c) Other equipment snch as reels, tape,
clamps, rope, seat, 6-ft rulers, and spirit
level should be as described for upright
cylindrical tanks in API Standard 2550-
ASTiII D 1220.
(el) To facilitate the measurement of
the largest horizontal circumference 1 the
builder should tack-weld short rods per-
pendicular to the shell at the point where
the shell is tangent to a vertical line and
spaced no more than 10 ft apart to sup-
port the tape at that location.
Volume Below Bottom Callacity Line
17. (a) The volume below the bottom
mpacity line i'3 not usually included in
the tank capacity. Zero gage or the gage
datum should coincide with the level of
the bottom capacity line. The main cali-
bration table should not include any
volume below that level.
(b) In noded spheroids, a circular
girder at the bottom node forms a dam
which nt very low levels would permit the
product sUl'face or the interface surface
of a· water bottom to stand at different
leyels in the bottom troughs. To avoid
this condition, equalization holes should
be provided in the circular girder by the
buildel\ and the bottom capacity line
should be above these holes. The eleva-
tion below datum of the lmvcst point at
which the water level will equalize be-
tween nodes should be noted on the
calibration table.
(c) If a dam pIa to or weir is used to
keep water away from the outlet connec-
tion, its elevation relative to the datum
should be noted on the calibration table.
(el) The volume below the bottom
cnpacity line should be noted on the
calibration table. It should be marked
Happl'oximate," unless it was obtained
by liquid calibration. An auxiliary table
giving incremental volumes below the
bottom capacit.y line may be furnished if
required.
Field Measurements
18. (a) :Measure t.he elevation of the
datum plate relative t.o t.he bottom capac-
it.y line.
(b) IVleasure t.he elevation of the top
of t.he drip bar at. four points equally
spaced around the spheroid, relative to
the bottom capacity line.
(c) r.-Ieasure the outside circumference
of the spheroid at the largest horizontal
D H08) 11
circumference where the shell is tangent
to a vertical line, supporting t.he tape
on the rods provided by the builder.
(el) l\'leasure the outside circumference
of the spheroid on the shell at the upper
edge of the drip bar.
NOTE 4.-During the measurements pre-
scribed in Paragraphs (c) and (d), the
spheroid should be approximately 75 per
cent full.
(e) Spheroidal tanks should be re-
calibrated as a result of the following
conditions:
(1) 'Vhen t.he deadwood is changed,
or additional deadwood such as concrete
is installed inside the tank.
(2) 'Vhen the tank is repaired 01'
changed in any manner which may affect
t.he total or incremental volume.
(3) When the tank is moved.
Calculations
19. (a) Using dimensions from the
builder's drawings, compute the hori-
zontal radius to the inside of the shell
at the midheight of each 1-in. increment
of depth above t.he capacit.y line.
(b) Similarly compute the inside hori-
zontal radius at the largest horizontal
circle and at the elevation of the top of
t.he drip bar.
(c) Divide the field measurements
[Seetion 18 (c) and (d) 1 by 271' to get the
average outside radius at each of these
locations and subtract the horizontal
t.hicknesses to get the inside radius.
(d) Adjust all horizontal radii com-
puted in Paragraph (a) by Illultiplying
by t.he inside radius fronl Paragraph (c)
and dividing by the corresponding calcu-
lated inside radius from Paragraph (b).
Use t.he drip bar adjustment. to an eleva-
tion midway bot.ween the drip bar and the
largest horizontal circumference. Use tho
largest horizontal circumference adjust-
ment for all higher incl'ements.
(e) Using the adjusted radii, compute
the volume of each 1-in. increment as-
suming that each is a cylinder.
(f) Correct for dead\\'ood.
(g) Complete the gage table by totaling
the net incremental volumes, starting with
zero at t.he bottorn capacity line. The gage
table may be prepared in any desired
increments (usually Ys in.) using graphs
or mathematical methods to establish a
smooth curve.
(h) Record on the gage table the elc-
12 j\IEASURE1lENT AND CAI,IBRATION OF SPHERES AND SPHEROIDS (API 2552-ASTj\I D 1408)

vation of the datulll plate with relation
to the bottom capacity line.
(i) The capacity table should bear a
notation stating whether it was pre-
pared £1'0111 data obtained by water
calibration or by the measurement method.
NOTE 5.-A sample calculation for a
5000-bbl spheroidal tank is shown in Ap-
pendix II.
Effect of Thel'lllal Changes on Smooth
Spherical Tank Shells
20. The effect of volume changes in
the shell of smooth spheroidal tanks,
ea using changes in the illcremen tal 01
total tank volumes as a result of differ-
ences in temperature, may be computed
as described for spherical tanks in Section
10.
 APPENDIX I

SAMPL!, CALCULATION FOil A 3S-FT-DIAMETEIl SPHEHICAL TANK

FRO~I REPOHT OF FUn,D l\h;ASURE~IE:,,\TS:

Horiwntal circumference, C r = 119.0S0 ft

Circumference t.aken in a vertical plane, C 2 = 119.760 ft
Circumference taken 90 deg from C 2 in a vert.ical piane, C 3 = 1HL740 ft
Inside vertical height measured 34 in. off centerline, D'1 = 37 ft, 6% in.
Distance C was t.aken above equator, H = 10 in.

CORHECTI';D HomzoxTAL CrHcuMFEHE:"CE:

Co ~ 2, ,I(~)' + H' ~ 6.28318(\ .,/(i0.Q47GG)' + (0.8333333)'

Co = 119.7945 ft

INSIDE CIRCU~IFEHENCES:

C} = 119.7945 ft ~ (0.72 in. X 7r/6) = 119..1175 ft.. (Plate thickness = O.fiS in. and 0.76 in.j
Average = 72 in.)
C, 110.760 It - (0.6783333 in. X ,(G) ~ 110.404S It
C3 119.740 ft - (0,6783333 in. X 7r/G) = 119.3848 ft. (Plate thickness = 0.65 in., 0.68 in.,
and 0.72 in.j Weight.ed average = 0.6783333 in.)

VEH'l'ICAI, CEN'rEHLINE ])IA~I};'l'lm:

1 D ~ ,Iv"' + ·jm' ~ ;/(37.56250), + ·1(2.833333)' ~ 37.987&1 It

where:
111- distance oft' centerline, in fcet.
J) = vertical diameter at ccnterline, ill feet.

Y OJ,Ul\IE OF SPHER}~:

110.H75 X 119.4048 X 110.3848

~ 28,746.68 en It
59.217(\4

1728
V ~ 28,746.G8 X 231 X 42 5120.002 bbl

PAHTIAL VOLU~lES FOR IXCRK\IEi'\TAI-, \'AL1;};S (>:3'-IN. INCRE:\IENTS):

y ~ 5120.002 bbl
G = 1 in.

37.98754 .
A ~ - - 2 - X 12 ~ 227.9252 lB.

" Inside height 37.987&1 ft

where:
G = incremental height., in inches.
A = one-half vertical height of tank, in inches.

G
~ 0.004387404
,1

(Q
~ ~ )'
A
~ 0.00001924932

13
14 J\IEASUI<E"ENT AND CAl,IBRATWN OF SPHERES AXD SPHEROIDS (API 2552-ASTi\I D 1·108)

(AG)' ~ 0.0000000844545a

3 - CD' ~ 2.999981

K, ~ f (~) [a - (nJ ~ lUS4753

I(., ~ -
~
3(G)'
21' 11
- ~ 0.0006486110

A
.11 ~ G~ 227.9252

Y,., ~ ltl.84753 - 10.77372 ~ 0.07381 bbl

VOl,U~IE OF EACH SUCCEEDING INCHE:\lEN'l':

y,., = 1'",+1 + jl[]{ 2

Incremental Heigllt J[ ZJIK'l Partial Volume Barrels per Ys in.
(Dill. Vol. -;- 8)
---,,- -----_.
Oft 1 in. 0.07381' 0.07381 0.0092
Oft2iu ... 226.9252 0.22100 0.20481 0.0276
Oft3iu ... 225.9252 0.3675:1 0.66n4 0.0459
Oft4in. 224.9252 0.51342 1.17576 0.0642
Oft.5 in. 223.9252 0.65866 1.83442 0.0823
...

* Volume of bott.om lIlCl'ement mc1uded 1112:: ,lI]{z.

APPENDIX II

SAMPLE CALCULATION FOR A 5Ooo·BBL SPHEROIDAL TANK

FumI HEPOHT QI.' Fa;r,D l<.IEASURE:>.lENTS:

(a) Dutum plate set at elevation of bottom capacity line.

(b) Top of drip bar to bottom capacity line:
(1) 5 It 8Y, in.
(2) 5 it gin.
(8) 5 It 0 in.
(,0 5 it {l% in,
Average = 5 ft 9 in. (checks with blueprint).
(c) i\JaximUIll horizontal circumference = 129,080 ft.
(d) Circumference at drip bar = 118.330 ft.

CAI.CU1,A'l'IONS:

Inside radius at maximum circumference =

129.680 + 21r ~ 0.0225 ft· (plate)
20.61671 It ~
Inside radius at maximum circumference (from blueprint) = 20,00080 ft

1\ . I'leI' f 01' a d"JustIng

'I u 1hp I"
l'ft( . upper portIOn
11 III . 0 I tan k = 20.61671
- - - = 1000'81
. -:t
20.60680

Inside radius at drip bar = (118.330 + 27r) ~ (horizontal thickness of plate)

~ 18.83280 - 0.03222 ~ 18.80058 It
175.1425 0.33
Horizontal thickness of plate = - - - X - = 0.03222 ft
H9.5008 12
 :i\IEASUHE~IEN'l' AND CAI.IBRATION OF SPHERES AND SPHEROIDS (API 25i")2-ASTAI D 1408) 15

where:
175.1425 = outside radius of vert,ical curvature, in inches.
149.5008 = horizontal dist.ance from drip bar to center of radius of vertical curvature,
in inches.
0.33 = plate t.hickness at. drip bar, in inches.

Inside radius at drip bar (from blueprint) = 18.78130 ft.

18.80058
l\'Iult.iplier for adjusting radii in lower portion of t.ank = 1.001027
18.78130
EX,\1IPJ,}<] OF RUN SHEE'l' (l'ARTL\L)

Horizontal
Incremental Height R L Radius

----------- .
" " \fR'-a'

.-
\!Rl_a 2 +L

Oft. 1 in. o ft, 0.% in. 157. D688 in. 174.8125 in. 7<1.86834 in. 75.8750 in.
150.7433 in.
Oft2in. o ft 1}--2 in.150.DOSS in. 174.8125 in. 76.{J-!2-87 in. 75.8750 in. 152.8179 in.
0ft.3in. Oft. 2>-2 in. 155.D{)88 in. 174.8125 in . 78.95020 in. 75.8750 in. 154.8253 in.

.
Horizontal Radius X Gross, bbl Deadwood, bbl
Applicable Radius per Vs in. per % in. Net, bbl per Vs in. Total, bbl
;\hlitiplicr (0.0000-1047610 R)
--,~

150.8981 in. 0.9217 0.0023 0.9194 7.3552

152.97·18 in. 0.9·172 0.0023 0.9449 14.9144
154.9843 in. 0.9722 0.0023 0.9699 22.6736
.

where (see Fig. G):

11 = vertical distance from center of segment to bottom capacit.y line.
a = vertical distance from center of segment to center of radius of vert.ical curvat.ure.
R radius of vert.ical cllrvat.ure.
L horizontal distance from centerline of t.ank to center of radius of vert.ical curvature.

I /Cenh:r of' radius or

--o~ vertical curvatur~
Inside 01
tank. ~hell ! ~
I
,
~ I,
~

I l

capacity line
FIG. 6,

(
16 j'vIEASURE'IEN'l' AND CALIBRATION OF SPHERES AND SPHEHOIDS (API 2552-AST:lT D 1408)

AI'PENDIX III

PROCEDURE FOR C011PUTING THE YOLU:l\n~ connECTION FOR THER1\JAL EX~

PANSION OJ{ CONTRACTION OF SPHEIUCAL AND SMOOTH SPHEROIDAL TANKS

0.0020
I I I I

m
0
0,0018

0.0016 -
QJ
0= Diameter of Tonk at 60 F
/
/

"g,c H= True Height of Liquid Measured

with Goge Tope Corrected 10 60F /
~ .~
0 u
ooo ••• 0.0014
-
II
0
o.U0
/
.
~
0

•"" ~• 0.0012
r V
~ •
~ ~
e /
t;~ r /
0.0010
·S
IE
•
u
0 /
0.0008 '/
r ./
V
0.0006
V j I j
o 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
Value of HID

FIG. 7.-VOLUME CORRECTION COEFFICIENT FOB THER)fAI> }i;XPANSlON OR CONTRACTION OF

SPHERICAl, AND SMOOTH SPHEROIDAl. TANKS CONSTRUCTED OF LOW-CARBON STEEL.
 jHEASURE~lENT AND CALIBRATIO~ 01<' SPIIEHES AND SPHEROIDS (API 2552-AST.iH D 1408) 17

The basis and met.hod of correct.ing the volume of spherical and smooth spheroidal tanks
which have been affected by changes in temperature is described in SecHon 10. The coefficient,
[{I, is obtained from the curve shown in Fig. 7 which is based on a mean thermal expansion co-
efficient, am, of 0.000006511er deg F. The value, ]{l, taken from the curve must be adjusted
t.o the act.ual t.hermal expansion, am, of t.he tank material at. t.he :lctual t.ank temperature, i.
For low-carbon steel Hlld st.ructural aluminum the values of am nre:

Tank Shell Temperature, Value of am

I, QF per of

Steel
-70 to -21 O.OOOOOGO
-20 to +28 O.OOOOOGl
+29 to 78 0.00000G2
79 to 128 0.00000G3
129 to 177 0.00000G4
178 to 227 0.00000G5
228 to 276 0.00000G6
277 to 326 0.00000G7
327 to 376 0.00000G8
377 to 425 0.00000G9
Aluminmu
-70 to -II 0.0000122
-10 to +49 O.ooool:bl
+50 to 109 0.0000126
IIO to 169 0.0000128
170 to 229 0.0000130
230 to 289 0.0000132
290 to 349 0.0000134
350 to 409 0.0000136
The yalue of [{ for use in Sect.ion 10 is equal to [{l from the curve shown in Fig. 7, divided
by 0.0000065 pel' deg F and multiplied by the propel' value of am. for the tank shell material
and temperaturej that is:

]( = Kl _..::"::"::'-
0.0000065

where:
am = the mean coefficient of linear expansion between temperatures, i, and 60 F.

4M-Sept. 1966

.
;