Recently, Türkiye's largest liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) spherical storage tank project, built by CSCEC, was completed and handed over.

Located in Ceyhan, Adana Province, the project covered the design, procurement, and construction of six high-pressure spherical LPG storage tanks, each with a capacity of 5,000 cubic meters.

The project was carried out in a challenging environment characterized by high temperatures and salt-laden air. To ensure construction quality and efficiency, the project team transformed complex technical procedures into clear, step-by-step operating guidelines.

Construction was executed in strict compliance with standards set by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the European Union’s Pressure Equipment Directive (PED). After establishing a multi-standard technical database and conducting comparative assessments, the team selected SA-537M CL.2 steel plate, known for its high strength and favorable hardness properties. The material helped shorten fabrication time by 20 percent while maintaining quality standards.

Each spherical storage tank weighs more than 700 tonnes. To improve assembly accuracy and material management, the team divided each tank into 96 individual panels and assigned a unique identification number to every panel. A real-time digital material tracking system enabled workers to quickly locate and retrieve components on site.

Through secondary processing, precision cutting, and fine grinding, the team controlled assembly gaps and edge misalignment to within 2 millimeters.

During the lifting stage, the team used Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology to simulate lifting operations and calculate load data. This allowed precise alignment of panels during installation at height, with all welds successfully passing inspection. A high-capacity ventilation system and smart air-quality monitoring devices were also deployed, improving welding efficiency inside the tanks by 20 percent.

For heat treatment, the team adopted a full-tank internal combustion method. Fifty-five thermocouples installed across each tank continuously transmitted temperature data, enabling precise control of fuel supply and airflow throughout the process.

The team also carried out digital simulations to analyze the adhesion performance of protective coatings on steel surfaces under different environmental conditions. The research findings were compiled into an academic paper on fire-resistant coating failure mechanisms and durability enhancement strategies for steel structures, which was published in Modern Transportation and Road & Bridge Construction.