Enhancing Efficiency: The Role of API 650 in KBK’s HG DFSD® Tank for High-Gas Environments
Meeting the Challenge of High-Gas Operations
In oil and gas production, high-volume produced water streams often carry sand, gas, and other contaminants. Without the right infrastructure, these conditions can disrupt operations, create safety risks, and increase costs.
KBK Industries’ patented DFSD® (De-sanding, Flow-Splitting, and De-gassing) tanks have long set the standard for reliable produced water management in central tank batteries and saltwater disposal (SWD) facilities.
For sites where entrained gas is a bigger challenge, our High Gas (HG) DFSD® variant delivers enhanced safety and performance—thanks to its compliance with API 650 Appendix F standards.
What Makes the DFSD® Tank Unique
A DFSD® tank is designed to solve three major problems in one vessel:
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De-sanding – Cyclone technology removes solids as fine as 50 microns.
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Flow-splitting – Hydraulic spillways evenly distribute fluids to downstream tanks.
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De-gassing – Entrained gases are released before they can disrupt operations.
The standard DFSD® thrives in atmospheric applications. But in environments with higher gas-to-liquid ratios, the HG DFSD® model adds critical pressure-handling capability.
Why API 650 Appendix F Matters
API 650 is the gold standard for welded steel storage tanks. Under its base rules, tanks are limited to very low pressures (~0.072 psi). That works for many applications—but not for facilities where gas surges build internal pressure.
The HG DFSD® Tank is built to API 650 Appendix F, which allows designs up to 2.5 psig.
Key Advantages of Appendix F Compliance
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Reinforced construction for structural integrity under pressure
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Pressure-rated manways with Viton gaskets
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Enhanced anchoring and thicker materials where needed
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Protective coatings including coal tar epoxy bottoms and Macropoxy 646 linings
The result: a tank that can safely manage pressure fluctuations without the cost of an ASME-rated vessel.
What “High Gas” Really Means
In produced water handling, “high gas” refers to fluids with elevated entrained or dissolved gases—such as natural gas, CO₂, or vapors.
This is common in:
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Fracking flowback operations
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High-GOR (gas-oil ratio) fields
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Truck offloading into central batteries
As fluids enter the tank, gases separate and expand, creating internal pressure. A standard atmospheric tank isn’t built to handle this. The HG DFSD® Tank is engineered for controlled pressure management and efficient venting, ensuring separation performance while keeping facilities safe and compliant.
Benefits for Operators
Choosing KBK’s High Gas DFSD® Tank delivers measurable advantages:
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Operational stability – Handles gas surges without downtime.
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Regulatory compliance – API 650–built tanks meet stringent environmental standards.
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Cost-effectiveness – Provides pressure capability without the expense of high-pressure vessels.
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Longevity – Designed and coated for corrosive, abrasive environments.
Conclusion
Gas surges no longer have to compromise safety or performance. KBK’s HG DFSD® Tank, engineered under API 650 Appendix F, provides the strength, reliability, and efficiency operators need for today’s high-demand oil and gas environments.
At KBK, we don’t just build tanks—we engineer solutions.
👉 Contact our team today to learn more about how the HG DFSD® Tank can support your produced water management and oil-water separation needs.