Oil Tank Heat Loss

Reference data and engineering information about oil tank heat loss for thermodynamics applications.

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Overview

Engineering reference data for Oil Tank Heat Loss in thermodynamics.

Key Formulas

First Law

$\Delta U = Q - W$

Energy is conserved — heat added minus work done.

Ideal Gas Law

$PV = nRT$

Relates pressure, volume, and temperature of an ideal gas.

Carnot Efficiency

$\eta = 1 - T_C/T_H$

Maximum efficiency between two temperatures.

Variables

Symbol	Description	Unit
$U$	Internal energy	J
$Q$	Heat	J
$W$	Work	J
$P$	Pressure	Pa
$V$	Volume	m³
$T$	Temperature	K

Heat Loss Coefficients for Oil Tanks

The heat loss from oil tanks varies based on whether the tank is insulated (lagged) or not, and its exposure to environmental conditions. The following table summarizes the heat loss coefficients for different oil temperature ranges.

4 rows

Heat loss coefficients for oil tanks in W/m²K. For reference, values in Btu/hr ft² °F are: Unlagged Sheltered (1.2, 1.3, 1.4), Unlagged Exposed (1.4, 1.5, 1.6), Lagged Sheltered (0.3, 0.33, 0.35), Lagged Exposed (0.35, 0.38, 0.4).
Lagging Status	Exposure	Heat Loss (up to 10°C)(W/m²K)	Heat Loss (10-27°C)(W/m²K)	Heat Loss (27-38°C)(W/m²K)
Unlagged	Sheltered	6.8	7.4	8
Unlagged	Exposed	9	8.5	9
Lagged	Sheltered	1.7	1.8	2
Lagged	Exposed	2	2.1	2.25

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

Interactive Charts

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References

Original Source

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com