Storage tanks are widely used in the petrochemical sector to hold diverse compounds from upstream, middle, and downstream processes. To avoid potential threats to human life and the environment, these tanks must be safe, well-maintained, and in compliance with industry standards. This is where the API 653 standard comes into play. API 653 specifies the standards for maintaining and inspecting aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). This essay will go over API 653 in depth and examine its importance in the storage tank sector.
What is API 653?
API 653 is a standard for tanks that are more than 50 feet tall or more than 30 feet in diameter. It covers the maintenance, inspection, alteration, and repair of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) constructed of steel to API 650 or API 12C specifications. According to API (American Petroleum Institute), tanker owners and operators must follow safety requirements and maintain tanks at peak performance. Thus, the API 653 guidelines address five aspects.
What Does API 653 cover?
Issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API), API 653 ensures tank owners and operators follow safety measures and maintain their tanks at their highest performance. API 653 guidelines cover several aspects:
- Mandatory tank examination requirements
- Procedures for tank repairs and alterations
- The qualifications required for personnel involved in tank maintenance
- The paperwork for inspections and repairs.
- The standards of API 653 are crucial to prevent any mishaps that can put the public at risk and cause environmental damage.
Related article : API 653 Certification Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide
What Are The Critical Components of API 653 (Storage Tank) Inspection?
Some critical components of an API 653 storage tank inspection are mentioned in the following.
1. General Tank Information
The information includes tank specifications, construction, leak identification techniques, and spill control.
2. Bottom, Shell, and Roof of the Tank Components
Tank components inspections must include radiography, magnetic flux scan, vacuum box, tracer gas, visual, ultrasonic (spot), ultrasonic (scan), liquid penetrant, penetrating oil, and magnetic particle.
3. Bottom, Shell, and Roof of the Tank Structure
The tank structures must pass the minimum remaining thickness, minimum required thickness, and maximum corrosion rate. It makes API 653 also includes welding requirements for field-erected tanks.
4. Settlement Evaluations
The examination focuses on how the tank settles in the ground. API 653 assesses the following factors:
- Out-of-plane
- Rigid body tilting
- Uniform
- Dish type
- Edge settlement, and
- Localized dispersions
Related article : The Changes in API 653 Latest Edition: Engineers Must Read
How Often Is API 653 (Storage Tank) Inspection?
A certified Inspector must inspect the tank’s condition to determine whether it is fit for long-term operation under API 653. Internal and external storage tank inspections exist. External inspections are an important part of storage tank maintenance. Most tanks undergo inspections every ten years. However, the tank’s condition, service, location, and previous records can shorten or lengthen the time between mandatory internal inspections. This inspection must be carried out by a licensed API 653 inspector. A licensed API 653 inspector must conduct inspections at least once every five years. These checks can be done without disrupting operations because they do not need entering the tank’s interior. Given the importance of maintaining storage tanks, this is a significant advantage.
What Are API 653 (Storage Tank) Examination Requirements?
To be eligible for the API 653 exam, a candidate must fulfill one of the following requirements:
1. A Bachelor’s or Higher Degree in Engineering or Technology
At least one year of experience overseeing or completing the inspection operations defined in API 653.
Related article : API 653 Exam Success: Key Insights for Engineers
2. Two-year Associate’s Degree or Certificate in Engineering or Technology.
Must have at least two years of experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, maintenance, operation, or inspection, with one year spent supervising or performing inspection operations as stated in API 653.
3. Requirements Include a High School Diploma or Equivalent
As well as three years of experience in pressure vessel design, fabrication, repair, operation, or inspection, with one year spent overseeing or executing inspections as per API 653.
4. No Formal Education Required
At least five years of experience designing, fabricating, repairing, operating, or inspecting pressure vessels, with one year spent overseeing or executing inspections as stated in API 653.
API 653 certification is not limited to tank inspectors, engineers, and managers that are responsible for AST safety and integrity. Maintenance and operations personnel, mechanical engineers, and corrosion engineers are all eligible to obtain this qualification. API 653 certification is routinely demanded as evidence of knowledge by employers and regulatory authorities, despite the fact that it is not legally required.
If you want to obtain the API 653 certification, learning from the API Body of Knowledge and enrolling in PetroSync’s API 653 course should be game changers. API is well-known for its constantly evolving standards, with new information and techniques added each year.
Our 5-day API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction course covers relevant course content and real-world examples to help you gain a deeper and more long-term understanding. With 90% of PetroSync’s training verified to run as planned, our curriculum is intended to fit smoothly into your work calendar as soon as possible. Reserve your place!
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