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API 653

Tank
Inspection
Intervals

Presented by:

Mark A. Baker, P.E.


Baker Consulting Group, Inc.

Inspection Frequency
Considerations
a) the nature of the product stored;
b) the results of visual maintenance
checks;
c) corrosion allowances and corrosion rates;
d) corrosion prevention systems;
e) conditions at previous inspections;
f) the methods and materials of
construction and repair;

Inspection Frequency
Considerations
g) the location of tanks;
h) the potential risk of air or water pollution;
i) leak detection systems;
j) change in operating mode
k) jurisdictional requirements;
l) changes in service

Internal inspection is required


to:

Ensure that the bottom is not severely


corroded and / or leaking.

Gather the data necessary for the minimum


bottom and shell thickness assessments.

Identify and evaluate bottom settlement.

API 653
Initial
Inspection
Interval

The interval from initial service


until the initial internal inspection
shall not exceed 10 years.

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval


With one or more of the leak prevention,
detection, corrosion mitigation or
containment safeguards:
The initial internal
inspection date shall be
based on incremental
credits for the additional
safeguards which are

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval

Tank Safeguard
Fiberglass-reinforced lining of the product-side

Add to Initial Interval


5 yrs

of the tank bottom installed per API 652.


Installation of an internal thin-film coating as

2 yrs

installed per API 652.


Cathodic protection of the soil-side of the tank

5 yrs

bottom installed, maintained and inspected


per API 651.
Release prevention barrier installed per API

10 yrs

650, Annex I.
Bottom corrosion allowance greater than 0.150 (Actual corrosion
allowance - 150 mils) /
in.
15 mpy

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval


EXAMPLE
With

Tank Safeguard of:


Thin-film coating
Release Prevention Barrier

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval


EXAMPLE
Initial Interval
Thin-film coating
Release Prevention Barrier

+10 years
+ 2 years
+10 years

Inspection Interval = 22 Years

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval

The initial interval shall not exceed:

20 years for tanks without a RPB

30 years for tank with a RPB

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval

If an RBI (Risk Based


Inspection) assessment has
been performed,
the maximum initial internal
interval does not apply to
tanks storing the following:

EXCEPT..

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval

1. Viscous products which


solidify at temperatures of
110F or below.

API 653 Initial Inspection Interval


2 Any substance that is:
not identified or regulated
either as a hazardous
chemical, and
that the owner/operator has
determined will not adversely
impact surface or groundwater
beyond the facility or affect
human health or the
environment.

API 653
Subsequent
Inspection
Interval
(re-inspection)

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval

Determined using the


corrosion rate procedures
6.4.2.3

Or, using the RBI


procedures
6.4.2.4

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval

During any examination to


determine corrosion rates the
owner/operator should ensure they
understand the effectiveness of the
inspection techniques employed
for detecting and measuring
potential damage mechanisms.
Hole

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval


MRT = (Min of RTbc or RTip) Or (StPr + UPr)

Steps for corrosion rate


calculations

Determine reporting thickness


Coated
Bottom

Uncoated
Bottom

Steps for corrosion rate


calculations

Scan

the bottom

Perform

UT prove up to determine
minimum thickness.

Finally - Calculate Subsequent


Inspection
MRT = (Min of RTbc or RTip) Or (StPr + UPr)

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval

Subsequent
Inspection Interval
with no RPB
Maximum

Interval = 25 years

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval


Subsequent Inspection
Interval
and a RPB
Maximum

30 years

Interval of

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval

RBI
PROCEDURES
6.4.2.4

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval


An owner/operator can establish the
subsequent internal inspection interval
using risk based inspection (RBI)
procedures in accordance with API RP
580 and the additional requirements of
API 653

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval

The RBI assessment shall be


performed by a team including
inspection and engineering
expertise knowledgeable in :
tank

design, construction,

and
modes of deterioration, and
the proper application of API
RP 580 principles

API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval


The RBI assessment shall be reviewed
and approved by a team at intervals
not to exceed 10 years.

Some people BEARly


consider the following.

Factors to Consider in a RBI


Assessment
The

tank design and material of


construction
Details about the foundation and
surrounding area
Operational history
Inspection history
Product characteristics
Etc.

Consequences to Consider
Product

type and volume


Mode of failure
slow leak,
bottom rupture,
Shell brittle fracture

Public

health and safety


Environmental impact
Cost

RBI Inspection
RBI

Assessments may include other


types of inspections such as acoustic
emissions

RBI Assessments
Perception is it provides a
methodology to extend the inspection
interval
May

shorten the inspection interval

May

result in additional focused


inspections
Allows

a company to focus its resources

Comparison
Direct Measurements in API 653: Based on
the sum of the product side and soil side
bottom corrosion rates

Traditional approach for determining


inspection intervals in API 653

Tends to be a conservative approach


because it is based on the sum of
corrosion rates

Comparison
RBI Assessment with 10-Year Update
Assessments based on API 580/581 as
implemented in API 653: Based on direct
measurements or conservative-provided
estimates of the bottom corrosion rates

Tends to be considered realistic estimates


because it is based on the maximum
corrosion rate of the bottom

Then
If all else fails.

Questions ?

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