tankvolum

Tankvolum, or tank volume, is the maximum internal capacity of a tank expressed as a volume. It represents how much liquid the tank can hold when filled to its design limit. In practice, two figures are commonly used: gross capacity (the total internal volume) and usable or net volume (the portion available for storage, after accounting for dead space, fittings, and internal structures).

Volume depends on the tank’s geometry and dimensions. For a vertical cylindrical tank with radius r and height h, the volume is V = π r^2 h. A horizontal cylinder requires a different calculation, and rectangular tanks use V = length × width × height. Real tanks also have internal features such as baffles, sumps, or slope tops that reduce usable volume and create partial fill zones known as heel or dead spaces.

Determining tank volume can be done from design specifications or by calibration. Common methods include geometric calculation from dimensions, or filling with a known liquid and measuring the volume added. Temperature affects liquid volume, so stated volumes are usually specified at a reference temperature; liquids expand with increasing temperature.

Tank volume is a key parameter in inventory control, dosing, billing, and regulatory compliance across industries such as water supply, fuel, chemical processing, and agriculture. Volumes are typically given in liters or cubic meters, with conversions to gallons as needed.