Abstract: This paper established a mathematical model for calculating the heat transfer in spherical tanks. Taking C₂ (ethylene and ethane) spherical tanks as the research object, it analyzed the heat transfer characteristics of the front and back surfaces of the spherical tanks in different seasons and at different times within one year, and proposed the design suggestions for heat insulation of spherical tanks at different construction sites. Meanwhile, the paper obtained the cold loss of ethylene and ethane in semi-refrigerated storage with different thicknesses of insulation and made energy saving suggestions accordingly.The research results are of certain guidance for cold insulation design of C₂ spherical tanks in practical projects.

Key words: spherical tank, mathematical models, ethylene; ethane, heat transfer characteristics