What is a metal plate installed inside a tank to prevent surging?

A baffle is a metal plate installed inside a tank specifically designed to prevent surging. Surging refers to the rapid movement of liquid within the tank that can occur due to changes in motion or sudden shifts in the tank's environment. The primary function of a baffle is to disrupt this flow, thereby minimizing the impact of the surging liquid against the tank walls and helping to stabilize the contents.

Baffles work by creating zones of lower velocity within the tank, which reduces the likelihood of turbulence. This stabilization can be crucial in various applications, particularly in processes where maintaining a consistent liquid level and minimizing agitation is important for both safety and operational efficiency. By controlling the movement of liquids, baffles can also help in the mixing process and in maintaining temperature uniformity within the tank.

Understanding the function of a baffle is essential, as it plays a critical role in storage tanks and processing equipment across many industries, including chemical processing, petroleum storage, and food manufacturing.