Tankvolumen

Tankvolumen, or tank volume, is the total internal capacity of a tank—the maximum amount of liquid it can contain under specified conditions. It is a key parameter in storage, process engineering, and vehicle fuel systems, used for inventory control, dosing, mixing, and safety planning.

In many contexts two concepts are distinguished: gross (total) capacity and usable (net) capacity. Gross volume describes the complete internal space, while net volume accounts for dead zones, baffling, fittings, and required headspace for vapor, overflow, or agitation. The usable volume is the portion effectively available for storage or processing under normal operation.

Calculating tank volume depends on geometry. For simple shapes, formulas include: vertical right circular cylinders V = π r^2 h, and spheres V = 4/3 π r^3. Horizontal cylinders and tanks with flat or curved ends require specialized formulas or calibration charts. For irregular tanks, volume is often determined by calibration methods, 3D modelling, or manual gauging using weighted measurements and tank tables.

Practical considerations include measurement units (liters, cubic meters, gallons), temperature effects ( liquids expand with temperature, so volumes are specified at a reference temperature), and aging or wear that can alter internal dimensions. In addition, tank volume interacts with safety and regulatory concerns, such as sufficient headspace, venting, and avoidance of overfill.

Tankvolumen is a foundational concept across industries—from storage tanks in chemical plants to fuel tanks in vehicles—supporting accurate planning, control, and risk management.