Heat loss estimation in a small vertical cylindrical stratified oil storage tank

An experimental method to estimate heat losses in a small stratified vertical cylindrical oil storage tank based on Newton´s law of cooling is presented. The simplified experimental technique measures the cool-down temperature profiles in the segments of the stratified storage tank. Two experimental tests are performed, one with a non-insulated storage tank and the other with an insulated storage tank. The heat loss coefficients are determined for both cases. Heat loss coefficients obtained using insulation are found to be about 3.5 times less than those obtained without insulation. The method can be used by designers of storage tanks to quickly evaluate the performance of insulating materials without the need of knowing the U values of the insulating materials. The experimental setup can also be used as a teaching tool for the practical application of Newton´s law of cooling.