Inspection of Storage Tanks Construction and Installation based on API 650

Inspection of Storage Tanks Construction and Installation based on API 650

The Inspection of Storage Tanks Construction and Installation based on API 650 course is designed to provide individuals with a comprehensive understanding of the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing requirements for storage tanks as per the American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 650. This standard governs the construction of welded steel tanks used in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and refineries for storing liquid products.

Course Overview:

The course covers all the important aspects of storage tank construction, including design principles, material selection, welding procedures, non-destructive testing (NDT), inspection requirements, and final testing. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to inspect storage tanks during construction and installation phases to ensure compliance with API 650.

Objectives of the Course:

• Understand the API 650 standard for the construction of storage tanks, including design, materials, fabrication, and inspection.
• Learn about the design requirements for different types of tanks, including welded steel storage tanks for oil, chemicals, and water.
• Acquire skills to inspect welding, materials, and construction techniques according to the code.
• Gain knowledge in non-destructive testing (NDT) methods used to inspect storage tanks.
• Learn about post-construction inspection, such as hydrostatic testing and documentation requirements.
• Be able to perform installation and commissioning inspections to ensure proper placement and integrity of storage tanks.

Key Topics Covered in the Course:

1- Introduction to API 650 Standard

• Overview of the API 650 standard, its scope, and applicability for the construction of welded steel storage tanks.
• Understanding the different types of storage tanks covered by the standard, including fixed-roof tanks, floating-roof tanks, and open-top tanks.
• Importance of API 650 in ensuring tank safety, structural integrity, and long-term reliability.

2- Design of Storage Tanks Based on API 650

• Design criteria for storage tanks, including calculation of thickness, diameter, height, and capacity.
• Materials of construction: Requirements for carbon steel, stainless steel, and other materials as per API 650 Section 4.
• Corrosion allowance and its importance in the design of storage tanks.
• Roof designs: Inspection of different tank roof types, such as fixed-roof, floating-roof, and domed-roof tanks.
• Nozzles and penetrations: Design and inspection of tank openings, manways, and other connections.

3- Materials and Welding in Tank Construction

• Material selection: Review of materials that meet API 650 requirements for storage tanks, including low-alloy and carbon steel.
• Material inspection: Verifying material certificates (e.g., Material Test Reports – MTRs) and compliance with the specifications.
• Welding procedures: Overview of the welding processes used in tank construction, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Submerged Arc Welding (SAW).
• Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) and Procedure Qualification Records (PQR) as per API 650 Section 9.
• Welder qualification tests to ensure that welders meet the API requirements.

4- Welding Inspection Based on API 650

• Pre-weld inspection: Ensuring that joints are prepared correctly, materials are clean, and fit-up is according to design.
• In-process welding inspection: Monitoring welding parameters such as temperature, heat input, and Interpass cleaning.
• Post-weld inspection: Performing visual inspection to identify surface defects, such as cracks, porosity, and undercut.

5- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) for Storage Tanks

• Overview of API 650 Section 8 and its requirements for NDT.
• Common NDT methods used in storage tank inspection:
  • Radiographic Testing (RT): Detecting internal flaws in welds.
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Measuring wall thickness and identifying subsurface defects.
  • Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): Detecting surface and near-surface defects.
  • Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT): Identifying surface-breaking flaws.
  • Visual Testing (VT): Primary method of inspecting welds and tank surfaces.
• NDT documentation: Ensuring proper record-keeping of all NDT results and corrective actions, if required.

6- Inspection During Construction

• Foundation and site inspection: Ensuring proper foundation design and installation as per API 650 Appendix B, such as soil compaction, leveling, and settlement considerations.
• Shell plate installation: Inspecting the alignment, fit-up, and verticality of the tank shell plates during assembly.
• Roof and bottom plate installation: Ensuring correct placement and welding of the roof and bottom plates.
• Nozzles and accessories: Inspection of the installation of nozzles, manholes, and other attachments to ensure they meet the design requirements.

7- Hydrostatic Testing and Leak Testing

• Hydrostatic testing: Testing the tank’s integrity by filling it with water and pressurizing it to the specified test pressure (1.5 times the design pressure).
• Leak testing: Inspecting for any leaks, particularly at the weld joints, using methods like soap bubble testing or vacuum box testing.
• Settlement testing: Monitoring and measuring the tank’s settlement during and after hydrostatic testing to ensure proper foundation support and tank stability.

8- Post-Construction Inspection and Documentation

• Final dimensional inspection: Verifying the final dimensions of the tank, including diameter, height, and nozzle locations, to ensure they conform to the design.
• Documentation and records: Reviewing all inspection and testing documentation, including material certifications, weld maps, NDT results, and testing records.
• API 650 certification: Ensuring the tank meets all API 650 requirements before final certification and commissioning.

9- Tank Installation and Commissioning

• Installation of storage tanks: Inspecting tank erection procedures and ensuring that the tank is installed according to the site plan.
• Tank anchoring: Checking the tank’s anchoring system to ensure it can withstand wind, seismic forces, and internal pressures as per API 650 design criteria.
• Tank commissioning: Final inspection before placing the tank into service, ensuring that all construction, testing, and safety requirements are met.

Target Audience:

• Storage Tank Inspectors: Individuals looking to gain expertise in the inspection of welded steel tanks as per API 650.
• Welding Inspectors: Professionals involved in the welding and quality control of storage tanks.
• Project Managers and Engineers: Those responsible for overseeing the construction and installation of storage tanks.
• Quality Control Personnel: Engineers and supervisors tasked with ensuring compliance with codes and standards in tank construction.
• NDT Technicians: Individuals involved in non-destructive testing of welds and materials used in tank construction.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course, participants typically receive certification that demonstrates their understanding of the API 650 standard and their ability to inspect storage tanks. This certification is valuable for individuals seeking careers in industries like oil & gas, petrochemicals, and chemical processing, where storage tanks are an essential part of infrastructure.