Inflection Point Engineering Vessels & Internals Design Guide

Vessel Sizing

Chapter from the Vessels & Internals Design Guide.

NAVIGATION

Design P&T Selection Vessel Sizing Nozzle Sizing Level Instruments
Vacuum Vessels Ceramic Balls Reference Data

Vessel Sizing Methodology

Parameter Formula / Value Units Notes
Liquid Residence Time 5 - 20 min typical minutes Depends on service
Vapor Space 50 - 100% of liquid volume ratio Entrainment prevention
Internals Clearance 12 - 18 inches inches Below liquid outlet
Weir Height L/3 to L/2 fraction L = vessel length
Downcomer Clearance 3 - 6 inches inches Below weir crest

Typical Vessel Dimensions (Horizontal Drums):

Capacity (bbls) Diameter (in) Length (ft) Wall Thickness (in)
100 30 10 0.25
200 36 12 0.312
500 42 20 0.375
1000 54 25 0.5
2000 60 35 0.5625

Source: Vessels_Internals_Design_Guide_v1.xlsx · sheet “Vessel Sizing”