SETTLEMENT EVALUATION

Edge Settlement [Refer API 653 Annex B.2.3, Figure B.5]

Bottom Settlement Near the Tank Shell [Refer API 653, Annex B.2.4, Figures B-6, B-7, B-9 B-10, B-11, B-12, B- 13]
Localized Bottom Settlement Remote from the Tank Shell [Refer API 653, Annex B.2.5, Figure B.8)

7. NUMBER OF SETTLEMENT POINTS

Number of survey points calculations for determining tank settlement. [Refer API 653 12.5.2, Annex B, Figure B.1 & Figure B.2]

Bew, when bottom welds are (±20o) parallel to the shell,

B.2.3.4 Methods for evaluation of measured edge settlement (B)

Bew is more conservative than Be so at first evaluate measured settlement (B) against Bew for all settled areas
If all areas meet this criterion, the settlement is acceptable and no further evaluation is necessary
If necessary, different settled areas can be evaluated separately against Bew and Be.
l to do this assessment first (B-2.3.4).
When Bew or Be are ≥75% of their limit (and larger than 2 in) the welds in the region should be inspected visually and
with MT or PT to check for cracking (API 653 Figure B.11 and B.12).
Any bottom plate exhibiting a strain (permanent plastic deformation) of more the 2–3% should be replaced (B.4.2).
The settlement graphs were originally developed for ¼” thick tank bottoms but can also be applied with reasonable
accuracy for thicknesses between 5/16” and 3/8”
In general, settlement occurs fairly slowly over the first few years of service (B.3.4.5)
Watch out for the edge settlement clause B.3.4.6 (a to d). There are possible exam questions in here.

Edge settlement, B is called either Be or Bew

Be = allowable settlement in an area with no bottom welds, or only butt-welds in the bottom, or lap welds in the
bottom that are essentially perpendicular (±20°) to the shell
Bew = allowable edge settlement in an area where there is a bottom lap weld in the settled area that is essentially
parallel (±20°) to the shell.
 If the edge settlement is in an area where the tank bottom
plate welds run near-perpendicular (±20o) to the shell, the
extent of edge settlement is called Be.
Note the following key points
B.2.3 Edge Settlement: occurs when the tank shell settles sharply
around the periphery, resulting in deformation of the bottom plate
near the shell-to-bottom corner junction. Figure B.6
Edge settlement, B is called either Bew or Be
Bew = allowable edge settlement in an area where there is a
bottom lap weld in the settled area that is essentially parallel
(±20°) to the shell.
Be = allowable settlement in an area with no bottom welds, or
only butt-welds in the bottom, or lap welds in the bottom that are
essentially perpendicular (±20°) to the shell
Methods for evaluation of measured edge settlement (B)
Bew is more conservative than Be so at first evaluate measured
settlement (B) against Bew for all settled areas
If all areas meet this criterion, the settlement is acceptable and
no further evaluation is necessary
If necessary, different settled areas can be evaluated separately
against Bew and Be.
Allowable Bew or Be is assessed using Figure B.11 (for Bew)
and B.12 (for Be)
When Bew or Be are ≥75% of their limit (and larger than 2 in) the
welds in the region should be inspected visually and with MT or
PT to check for cracking (API 653 Figure B.11 and B.12).
Any bottom plate exhibiting a strain (permanent plastic
deformation) of more the 2–3% should be replaced (B.4.2).
The settlement graphs were originally developed for ¼ inch thick
tank bottoms but can also be applied with reasonable accuracy for
thicknesses between 5/16 inch and 3/8 inch
In general, settlement occurs fairly slowly over the first few years
of service (B.3.4.5)