Accurate characterization of heat dissipation loss of settling tank is of great significance for energy saving and consumption reduction of the crude oil gathering and transportation system. In this paper, by building the heat dissipation characterization experimental system of the crude oil settling tank, the experimental measurement of the internal temperature field and heat flow distribution in different parts of the settling tank during the heat dissipation process is carried out. The results show that the heat conduction loss of the bottom surface is greater than that of the side surface and greater than that of the arch top surface. The development of the system has played a positive role for students majoring in oil and gas storage and transportation to deeply understand the application of the heat transfer knowledge in the engineering field, and cultivates students’ practical ability.