Inspection and Maintenance of above Ground Storage Tanks to API Standards 620, 650 and 653

Introduction

This training program will provide a comprehensive introduction to API Standards 620, 650, and 653 for the tank inspector. A practical discussion of cost-effective tank management, including tank integrity testing; leak detection and monitoring; tank leak clean-up; selection of new tanks and monitoring equipment; new tank installation; existing tank inventory; existing tank retrofit; and compliance with tank regulations. 

Objectives

The key objectives of this course are as follows:

• To assist participants in clearly understanding and applying the various aspects of relevant API codes & Recommended Practices to ensure mechanical integrity through effective inspections in a responsible and cost-effective manner.
• To enhance the knowledge and skills of the participants in hazard identification, analysis and in risk assessment and management.
• To provide participants with practical and effective methods and tools to perform practical likelihood and consequence analyses.
• Delegates will enhance their knowledge and expertise in above-ground storage tanks design, and will be equipped with structured procedures and effective guidelines to perform design calculations.
• The participant will gain a sound working knowledge of the interdependence of design, operation, and maintenance on integrity, reliability and cost-effectiveness of above-ground storage tanks.
• The participant will extend his/her knowledge of the requirements and application of API 620, 650 and 653, as well as relevant API Codes, standards, and Recommended Practices such as 571 and 580 in above-ground storage tanks design, operation, inspection repairs and alterations.
• Participants will add to their ability and skills in above ground storage tank failure detection and analysis, estimating failure consequences, and fitness-for-service assessment.
• Participants will enhance their competence and productivity thereby enhancing their competence and performance level and making additional value-added contributions to their organizations.
• Mechanical design of above-ground storage tanks in compliance with applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Engineering materials properties and selection criteria for specific applications.
• Identification and assessment of active degradation mechanisms and the failures they may cause.
• Hazard identification and risk analysis and management.
• Application of risk-based methodologies in inspection and maintenance.
• Fitness-For-Services assessments

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations.

Who Should Attend?

Engineers, inspectors, technologists and experienced operators with technology backgrounds who are involved in the construction, inspection, maintenance and repairs of tanks for safe operations in the plant.

Course Outline

Day 1: An introduction to Above Ground Storage Tanks

• Codes, Standards, and Regulations
  • API 620, 650, and 653
• Storage Tank Construction and Design Calculations
• Shell thickness calculations
• Stress evaluation
• Cylindrical Components Under Pressure
• Safety
• Resources
• Tank Inspection

Day 2: Damage Mechanisms & Repair

• Nondestructive Examination
  • NDE techniques & technologies
  • Inspections on line and off line
• Materials & Corrosion
• Corrosion and Corrosion Prevention
• Typical damage mechanisms
• Repair and Alterations
• Tank Dismantling and Reconstruction

Day 3: Roof & Floor

• Tank Roofs
  • Floating roofs (internal & external)
  • Inspection of roof sealing
  • Inspection & repair of roof
• Tank Foundations & Tank Settlement
• Evaluation of tank bottom settlement
• Foundation repair or replacement
• Actual & minimum thickness determination
• Annular plate ring considerations
• Shell and Bottom Evaluation

Day 4: Practical Considerations

• Tank Inspection, Repairs, and Reconstruction
  • Shell penetrations
  • Repair of tank bottoms
  • Repairs within the critical zone
  • Entire bottom replacement
  • Roof repairs
• Welding
• Procedures for shell, bottom and critical zone.
• Welder Qualifications
• Weld inspections
• Groundwater Protection
• Seismic Considerations

Day 5: Inspection Considerations

• Frequency of inspections
• Internal/external
• Alternate inspections

Associated API Recommended Practices

• Fitness for Service API RP 579
• Risk-Based Inspection API RP 580