ENSURING THE INTEGRITY OF LARGE TANKS

NAEHSS 2011

CHRIS BROOKS, HEARTLAND TANK SERVICES, INC.

www.heartlandtankservices.com
cbrooks@heartlandtankservices.com
DUE TO THE CORROSIVE NATURE OF MOST LIQUID FERTILIZER SOLUTIONS & THE
SPECIFIC GRAVITIES (WEIGHT) OF THOSE SOLUTIONS, LIQUID FERTILIZER STORAGE
TANKS REQUIRE ROUTINE AND QUALIFIED MECHANICAL INTEGRITY PRACTICES TO
MAINTAIN A SAFE STORAGE ENVIORNMENT.

OUR DISCUSSIONS WILL FOCUS EXISTING STORAGE TANKS AND WHAT MECHANICAL
INTEGRITY PRACTICES (API 653 INSPECTIONS) SHOULD BE PERFORMED AND AT WHAT
INTERVALS.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION WILL FOCUS ON NEW STORAGE TANK CONSTRUCTION

(API 650 SPECIFICATIONS).
REFERENCES ARE MADE IN THIS DISCUSSION TO API 653 AND API 650 SPECIFICATIONS
FOR WELDED STEEL TANKS AS WELL AS THE FERTILIZER INSTITUTE, “ABOVEGROUND
STORAGE TANKS CONTAINING LIQUID FERTILIZER, RECOMMENDED MECHANICAL
INTEGRITY PRACTICES, DECEMBER 2009”.

Log on to www.tfi.org to download a free copy of this document.

DEFINITIONS

Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) –

Any storage tank, 100,000 gallons
or greater, used for liquid fertilizer that is flat bottom, cylindrical, vertical with a fixed
roof and constructed of carbon steel, stainless steel or aluminum.

API – The American Petroleum Institute is the national trade association representing
the petroleum industry in areas of exploration and production, transportation, refining
and marketing.

API 650 – Standard 650 of the American Petroleum Institute, titled, “Welded Steel
Tanks for Oil Storage.”

API 653 – Standard 653 of the American Petroleum Institute, titled, “Tank Inspection,
Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction.”
Authorized Inspection Agency – One of the following types of organizations that
employ certified API AST inspectors:
1. The inspection organization operated by the jurisdiction in which the AST is
operated;
2. The inspection organization operated by an insurance company licensed or
registered to provide AST insurance at the location in question;
3. An owner / operator organization that maintains its own inspection activities
relating to ASTs it controls; or
4. An independent organization (company or individual) that contracts AST
inspection services to an owner / operator as allowed by the local jurisdiction
using API Authorized Inspectors.

Authorized Inspector – An employee of an Authorized Inspection Agency that is

certified as an AST Inspector per API 653 requirements.
Baseline Inspection – An initial, complete API 653 out-of-service internal and external
inspection performed to establish the condition of an existing AST and to determine
the AST’s suitability for continued service.
Bladders – A non-adhering liner physically attached to the AST and constructed of
synthetic material to provide physical separation of liquid product from the tank
bottom and shell. Bladders, sometimes referred to as internal containment liners, are
constructed of materials that are compatible with the contact materials.
Coatings – An applied lining material that is chemically/physically bonded to the
substance being covered. Coating include, but are not limited to, paint, epoxy
coatings (such as coal tar epoxy and epoxy phenolic), attached fiberglass covering and
other such products.
Liquid Fertilizer – A non-pressurized mixture of water and one or more compounds of
nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium that is produced and stored in commerce as a
source of plant nutrients.
RBI – Risk Based inspection using a methodology acceptable to the authorized
inspector and an experienced storage tank engineer.
Soil-Side – The exterior side of bottom plate regardless of what they come in contact
with.
API 653 Inspection –
What does it mean and what is involved?

IF YOU CANNOT SEE IT, AN INSPECTOR MAY MISS A DEFECT.

Tanks without coatings or bladders must be cleaned from the top of the internal shell
down including the floor. This means scaffolding the tank interior and power washing
with high pressure water and sometimes a bio-degradable surfactant to help cut the
grease film created by certain products. In some cases, tanks may require a brush
sandblast to remove hardened scale from the steel. Make sure the tank is properly
prepared and ready for an inspection so you get the most for your inspection dollar.
 WHAT AN API INSPECTOR SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR

• On older tanks without any information about a tank history, inspectors have to
make judgments as to the original specification the tank was constructed.

• Inspectors should conduct a visual inspection to look for shell and floor plate
pitting, weld deterioration or other weld defects throughout the tank, both
internal and external. The condition of the welds and weld heat-affected zones
(HAZs) are of particular concern because these areas tend to be more commonly
affected by exposure to liquid fertilizers.
• Inspector is looking for proper weld spacing,
proper reinforcement pads on nozzles
and shell man-ways.

• Inspector should take accurate U.T (ultra-sonic thickness) measurements of the

shell, floor and roof and map the location of the U.T. shots with readings taken
and logged.

In some cases, a complete Magnetic Flux

Leakage (MFL) scanning of the floor is
necessary to identify soil side corrosion or
cutting out test coupons to validate bottom
side corrosion.
• Inspector should inspect roof rafters and
attachments as well as roof support column(s)
and identify areas of corrosion.

• Inspector should conduct a vacuum test

of all floor weld seams along with a visual of welds.

• Inspector should conduct a settlement survey

of the tank to check for planar tilt. If the tank
has settlement problems, the maximum fill
height may be reduced or commonly called
“de-rating” of the tank.

• Inspector should look for shell distortions

such as “peaking” or “banding” of the tank
shell.
 WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION REPORT TO THE OWNER

• An Executive Summary describing the tank, location, owner, what inspection

activities did they perform along with a Summary of Conclusions, maximum fill
height for the tank and a Summary of Recommendations for any necessary
repair or operating parameters.
1.0 Executive Summary

The inspection was conducted in accordance with client criterion for Non Destructive
Examination (NDE) which included visual and Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) examinations.
This inspection was conducted to collect data in order to evaluate the tank’s
mechanical integrity and fitness for continued service. Neither radiograph nor soil
reports were available at the time of the inspection. Complete tank information is
depicted on the Tank Data page, section 2.0.

Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) examinations of tank components (shell, roof and floor)
were completed on all accessible surfaces. UT measurements were performed on the
tank’s shell plates in six (6) locations according to a consistent test pattern. On the
lower courses, every sheet was numbered and tested. On the upper courses, four (4)
sheets on each course were numbered and tested. On the roof plates, a single
measurement was taken in the center of each plate. The sheet numbers and locations
are depicted in the appendices, section 5.0.
Summary Conclusions:
The tank shell is fit for continued service:
Shell UT readings are above minimum thickness requirements.
Welds are in full configuration.
The tank roof is fit for continued service:
Roof UT readings are above minimum requirements.
Welds on the roof plates are in good condition.
The tank floor is fit for continued service:
Welds on floor plates are above minimum requirements
Floor UT readings are above minimum thickness requirements.
RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM FILL HEIGHT IS XX’ X” WITH xxxxxxxxx SOLUTION .

Summary Recommendations:
To meet API Specifications
None.

Discretionary recommendations
Apply an external coating to the tank
• A Tank Data page that highlights specific information for that tank, diameter
and height, specific gravity of product stored and joint efficiency used in the
shell calculations.

Tank #: # Diameter: 120’

Client: Height: 32’
Location: Corr. Allowance
Inspection Date: Joint Efficiency: .095
Type Inspection: API 653 Out-of-Service Specific Gravity 1.33
Test Methods: UT, Visual & Vacuum Plate Spec: A 36 M
Manufacturer: XYZ Tank Company Course 1 t: 0.312
Year Built: 2011 Course 2 t: 0.250
Const. Code: API 650 Course 3 t: 0.250
Capacity: gallons Course 4 t: 0.250
Shell Const: Butt-welded Course 5 t:
Roof Type: Fixed / Cone Course 6 t:
Foundation: Earthen Course 7 t:
Max fill height: 32’ Course 8 t:
Product: 32% Nitrogen Solution Roof / Head 1 t: 0.187
Recommended Safe Fill Height 31’ 2” Bttm / Head 2 t:
• An in-depth discussion of the inspection results:

3.1 Foundation:
3.1.1 The tank was constructed on a raised grade band. The foundation was observed to be in good condition.
3.1.2 A settlement survey of the tank was completed from the outside of the tank. Beginning at the north side of the tank moving
clockwise around the tank, 12 equally-spaced measurements were performed around the outer circumference of the tank. Results
from these findings reveal the foundation to be within the parameters of API Specifications and fit for continued service.

3.2 Shell:
3.2.1 UT measurements were performed on all shell courses on the tank. A weld joint efficiency of 0.80 and a specific gravity of
1.33 were used in the minimum thickness calculations. Results reveal all shell courses to be above API minimum thickness
requirements. The tank shell is fit for continued service.
3.2.2 Calculation results from this inspection reveal the maximum fill height of the tank to be 46’, however to keep product below
the internal rafters, the RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM FILL HEIGHT IS XX’ XX” WITH XXXXXX.
3.2.3 Welds in external vertical and horizontal shell joints were found to be in good condition.
3.2.4 Welds of the internal shell plates were found to be in good condition.
3.2.5 The chime weld was visually examined inside and outside of the tank and found to be in good condition.
3.2.6 External coating was visually examined and found to be in good condition.

3.3 Appurtenances:
3.3.1 The tank is equipped with:
two (2) 4” nozzles.
one (1) 24” man-way.

3.3.2 Welds on all nozzles and man-ways were visually examined and UT tested. Welds were found to be in good condition and fit
for continued service. The nozzles and man-way were found to have proper reinforcement pads with threaded tell-tale holes for
testing as required by API Specifications. Welds on nozzles and man-ways are fit for continued service.
3.4 Roof:
3.4.1 The plates on the roof joints are lap-welded. UT measurements were performed in the center of each roof plate. Results
reveal all roof plates to be above API minimum thickness requirements and fit for continued service.

3.4.2 Welds in roof plate joints were visually examined and found to be in good condition with no corrosion present.

3.4.3 The tank is equipped with one (1) 8” vent. Vent is equipped with a proper screen to prevent debris from entering roof vent
and restricting air-flow during the filling and emptying processes. Roof welds were visually examined and found to be in good
condition.

3.4.4 The roof of the tank is equipped with one (1) 20” man-way. Welds on man-way were visually examined and found to be in
good condition.

3.4.5 The coating on the roof is in good condition.

3.5 Floor:
3.5.1 The plates on the floor are lap-welded. UT readings were completed on all floor plates. Readings range from .244 to .273.
Results reveal floor plates to be above API minimum thickness requirements and fit for continued service.

3.5.2 All weld joints were vacuum tested and no evidence of leaks were found in the weld seams.

3.6 Ancillary Equipment:

3.6.1 Access to the tank roof was made by way of a spiral stairway welded to the shell. The stairway is equipped with a proper
handrail for safety as required by OSHA. Welds on stairway, handrail and attachments were visually examined and found to be in
good condition. The external coating was found to be failing.

3.6.2 The tank’s center roof support column and roof support rafters appear to be in good condition.
• A recommendations section depicting required repairs prior to placing tank back in
service:

4.0 Recommendations

4.1 Foundation:
Jack and level tank to pass settlement survey as required.
Recommend remove soil and dirt from the external chime to prevent external corrosion.

4.2 Shell:
Repair weld joint corrosion damage where marked, with a certified welder to API Specifications.
Install patches over excessive pitting areas where marked to remove tank from de-rated status.

4.3 Appurtenances:
Recommend installing tell-tale holes on nozzles for testing.
Repair welds on man-way where marked with paint, with a certified welder to API Specifications.

4.4 Roof:
Recommend installing a screen on vent to prevent debris from entering and restricting air flow on filling
and emptying processes.
Recommend applying an external coating to roof to prevent corrosion.

4.5 Floor:
Repair weld joint corrosion damage where marked, with a certified welder to API Specifications.
Install patches over excessive pitting areas where marked to remove tank from de-rated status.
• Shell remaining life (RL) calculations.

• Roof and floor remaining life (RL) calculations.

• Settlement Survey data and calculations.

• A mapping and log of all U.T. readings taken on the floor, shell and roof.

• Pictures taken during inspection.

• NDE (non-destructive examination) certificates of the inspector and NDE Level of

achievement.
Shell CML Locations

NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST

23 24 25 26

19 20 21 22

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

24”
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1

6” Nozzles
Roof CML Locations
Floor CML Locations

6” nozzles

gauge float
 API 650 STANDARD FOR NEW TANK CONSTRUCTION

API 650 is the worldwide recognized standard for new tank construction, regardless of
the service for field welded tanks.

Just because a tank erection company says the tank is constructed to API 650
Standard, does not mean they always follow API 650 Standard and specifications. Ask
the right questions before entering into a contract to design and build your companies
next storage tank.
 Questions you need to ask and verify:

• Ask for design calculations from the tank erector and verify
that the correct specific gravity for your product is used so
you know you are getting a tank of adequate thickness for
each shell course.

• Verify the specification of the plate being used. This also

means the floor and roof. API specifies the use A-36 modified
material or greater. In colder regions, based upon lowest
mean temperatures, Grade 516-60 or Grade 516-70 is
required on the bottom shell course due to brittle fracture
concerns.

You have the right to ask for and receive mill test
certifications on all of the steel used for your tank.
Competitive reasons have some tank erection companies
using de-coil material on the roof and floor plate (and
sometimes on the shell) which do not have mill test heat
numbers stamped on the plate. De-coil material does not
usually meet the minimum or maximum thickness tolerances
required.
• If the tank is to be 100’ or larger, ask if the design includes an annular ring attached
to the shell.

• Ask if the tank erector can provide to you the Weld Procedure Manual they use.
You have a right to have a copy and review those procedures prior to any erection.
Ask if the tank erector can provide you with individual welder testing certifications
for each welder assigned to the tank erection. Your company has the right get this
information prior to erection.
• Radiograph (spot X-Ray) is a requirement of API 650.
A independent third party X-Ray company should be used. Most radiograph
companies are familiar with the requirements of API 650 for spot X-ray. Formulas
are called out in API 650 for the number of shots taken and location of those shots
based upon the thickness of the material, number of welders welding on the tank
and the tank diameter.

Do not allow the erector to specify the location of the X-Ray shots. Remember,
this is a quality control check for your tank and you do not want X-Rays taken only
where the best welder was performing the work.
• Ask what other quality control measures the erector is performing such as diesel or
penetrant test of chime (floor to shell weld) and vacuum testing of floor weld
seams.

• If at any point you are concerned about your tank erection or any of the above,
your company has the right to bring in a independent third party API Certified
Inspector to inspect the work.

• Bottom line, make sure you are getting what you specified and paid to have
completed.