Tank Insulation Savings Calculator

Model cylindrical tanks with ends and convection options. Enter temperatures, fuel price, and installation cost. Download reports, compare scenarios, and plan smarter upgrades now.

Calculator

Fill the fields below, then click Calculate. Results appear above this form.

Dimensions and temperatures convert automatically.
m (outer diameter of the cylinder).
m (straight-side height).
Scales heat loss and savings linearly.
°C of stored fluid or shell.
°C surrounding air temperature.
mm (set 0 for bare tank).
mm after upgrade.
Choose the insulation property you know.
W/m·K (typical: 0.03–0.05).
ft²·°F·hr/Btu per inch (typical: 3–6).
W/m²·K (use 10–50 if unsure).
W/m²·K (wind increases this value).
Adds heat loss through the two flat surfaces.
Use 365 for continuous service.
Use 24 for continuous service.
Fraction (1.0 for direct electric heating).
Cost per kWh of fuel/electric input.
Examples: $, €, £, ₨.
Total project cost for all tanks.
Use 0.08 for 8% per year.
Expected annual energy price growth.
Used for NPV and ROI metrics.
kg CO₂ per kWh input (0 disables).
Reset
Tip: If you only heat part-time, reduce hours per day.

Example data table

These sample values illustrate typical magnitudes. Your real savings depend on temperatures, size, operating time, and local energy prices.

Scenario Diameter (m) Height (m) Thot (°C) Tamb (°C) Thickness (mm) Annual savings (at $0.12/kWh, η=0.90)
Bare tank (baseline) 2.0 3.0 80 25 0 —
Add insulation 2.0 3.0 80 25 50 $6,924 / year
Thicker insulation 2.0 3.0 80 25 75 $7,258 / year
Example assumes k = 0.04 W/m·K, hin=hout=10 W/m²·K, includes ends, and runs 8,760 hours/year.

Formula used

This tool models steady-state heat loss using a resistance network. For the cylindrical wall:

  • Temperature difference: ΔT = Thot − Tamb
  • Inside film resistance: Rin = 1 / (hin · 2πr1 · L)
  • Insulation conduction: Rcond = ln(r2/r1) / (2πkL)
  • Outside film resistance: Rout = 1 / (hout · 2πr2 · L)
  • Heat loss (side wall): Q = ΔT / (Rin + Rcond + Rout)

If you enable ends, the top and bottom are approximated as flat surfaces with:

  • Rend = 1/(hinAin) + t/(kAmean) + 1/(houtAout)
  • Qends = 2 · ΔT / Rend

Annual energy is computed from heat loss using operating hours, then converted to input energy by dividing by system efficiency. Annual cost = (kWhthermal / η) · price.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose units and enter tank diameter, height, and tank count.
  2. Enter the operating and ambient temperatures for your typical conditions.
  3. Fill existing and proposed insulation thickness, then select k or R-value.
  4. Set operating hours, efficiency, and your energy price.
  5. Add installed cost and optional discount and escalation rates for NPV.
  6. Press Calculate. Use the download buttons to save results.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.