BS EN 14620-1:2024

What is BS EN 14620-1:2024 - Tank systems for the storage of refrigerated liquefied gases about?

The first in a currently six-, but in due course seven-part series of European standards, BS EN 14620-1:2024 is the "umbrella" standard that specifies general recommendations for site-built, vertical steel tanks used to store large volumes of hydrocarbon products, ammonia and other non-hydrocarbon gases with low temperature boiling points, generally called “Refrigerated Liquefied Gases” (RLGs).

Who is BS EN 14620-1:2024 - Tank systems for the storage of refrigerated liquefied gases for?

1. EPC contractors
2. clients and developers
3. owners and operators of RLG terminals
4. tank designers
5. inspectors and quality assessors
6. legislators and licensing authorities

What does BS EN 14620-1:2024 Tank systems for the storage of refrigerated, liquefied gases cover?

BS EN 14620-1:2024 is a specification for vertical, cylindrical tank systems, built on site, above ground and of which either the primary liquid container or the liquid tight barrier is made of steel. It specifies principles and application rules for the structural design of the “containment” during construction, testing, commissioning, operation (accidental included), and decommissioning.

NOTE: BS EN 14620-1:2024 does not address the requirements for ancillary equipment such as pumps, pump wells, valves, piping, instrumentation, staircases etc. unless they can affect the structural design of the tank systems.

Why should you use BS EN 14620-1:2024 Tank systems for the storage of refrigerated, liquefied gases?

BS EN 14620-1:2024 helps users design and build safe and efficient storage tanks. BS EN 14620-1:2024 has been brought fully up to date:

1. in anticipation of the introduction of a new Part 6 to the series on Liquid Nitrogen (LIN), Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Argon (LAR), (hence the minimum temperature in the title is now -195°whereas before it was -165°C);
2. to accommodate today's much larger tanks (possibly up to 260,000 m3);
3. to provide more extensive advice to users on risk assessment and the selection of the most appropriate containment system. This should aid users' understanding of the risks, improving the selection of systems that mitigate the risks;
4. to provide much clearer recommendations as to the type and extent of geotechnical investigation and seismic hazard evaluation desirable. It's hoped this will encourage owners to provide more detailed information to EPC contractors at tender stage, helping parties achieve efficient tank designs;
5. to provide updated descriptions of various tank system concepts, including additional advice on membrane tanks, to help owners and designers select an appropriate storage concept.

What has changed?

BS EN 14620-1:2024 revises BS EN 14620-1:2007. The revision updates and clarifies advice given and includes the following changes:

1. general editorial update;
2. standard boundaries are defined in the scope, and applicability extended to −196°C;
3. terms and definitions adjusted;
4. normative references updated;
5. description of various tank system concepts updated, including membrane tanks;
6. risk assessment requirements are improved;
7. liquid levels and capacities are clarified;
8. foundation requirements are updated and allowable foundation settlement requirements have been added;
9. secondary containment design requirements have been clarified;
10. earthquake requirements have been clarified;
11. a new chapter on marking and documentation has been added;
12. a new informative annex with improved recommendation for geotechnical investigation and seismic hazard evaluation has been added.