Chapter 3, Problem 3.49P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Calculate the mass of molasses in the tank and the pressure at the bottom of the tank. Explain the reasons for this tragedy.

Concept introduction:

It is given that 2.3 million gallons of crude molasses flowed out from a 30-foot-high storage tank due to a rupture. The specific gravity of the crude molasses is 1.4.

Pressure of the bottom of the tank is due to the pressure exerted by the liquid column.

Pressure at the bottom of tank can be calculate as,

$\text{Pressure}\text{=}\text{hρg}$

Where, h = height of the liquid column, ? = density of the liquid

In addition,

$\begin{array}{l}\text{Mass}\text{=}\left(\text{Density}\right)\left(\text{Volume}\right)\\ \text{Specific}\text{gravity}\text{=}\frac{\text{Density}\text{of}\text{the}\text{oil}}{\text{Density}\text{of}\text{water}}\end{array}$