1 Scope

This document provides useful information and recommended practices for the maintenance and
inspection of atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks. While these maintenance and inspection
guidelines may apply to other types of tanks, these practices are intended primarily for existing tanks
which were constructed to one of the following four standards: API 12A, API 12C, API 620, or API 650.
This document addresses the following:

a) descriptions and illustrations of the various types of storage tanks;

b) new tank construction standards;

c) maintenance practices;

d) reasons for inspection;

e) causes of deterioration;

f) frequency of inspection;

g) methods of inspection;

h) inspection of repairs;

i) preparation of records and reports;

j) safe and efficient operation;

k) leak prevention methods.

This Recommended Practice (RP) is intended to supplement API 653, which provides minimum requirements for
maintaining the integrity of storage tanks after they have been placed in service.

2 Normative References

Codes, Standards, and Related Publications

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
3 Terms and Definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following definitions apply.

3.1 alteration
Any work on a tank involving cutting, burning, welding, or heating operations that changes the physical
dimensions and/or configuration of a tank. Examples of alterations include:

a) the addition of a manway or nozzle exceeding 12 in. NPS (nominal pipe size),

b) an increase or decrease in tank shell height.

3.2 applicable standard

The original standard of construction, such as API standards or specifications or Underwriter
Laboratories (UL) standards, unless the original standard of construction has been superseded or
withdrawn from publication; in this event, applicable standard means the current edition of the
appropriate standard. See API 653, Annex A for background on editions of API welded storage tank
standards.

3.3 atmospheric pressure

When referring to (vertical) tanks, the term atmospheric pressure usually means tanks designed to
API 650, although API 620 uses the term atmospheric pressure to describe tanks designed to withstand
an internal pressure not exceeding the weight of the roof plates. API 650 also provides for rules to
design tanks for higher internal pressure up to 2.5 lbf/in.2 (18 kPa). API 653 uses the generic
meaning for atmospheric pressure to describe tanks designed to withstand an internal pressure up to,
but not exceeding 2.5 lbf/in.2 (18 kPa) gauge.

3.4 authorized inspection agency

The inspection organization having jurisdiction for a given aboveground storage tank. It can be one of
the following.

a) The inspection organization of an insurance company which is licensed or registered to and does
write aboveground storage tank insurance.
b) An owner or operator of one or more aboveground storage tank(s) who maintains an inspection
organization for activities relating only to his equipment and not for aboveground storage tanks
intended for sale or resale.

c) An independent organization or individual under contract to and under the direction of an owner or
operator and recognized or otherwise not prohibited by the jurisdiction in which the aboveground
storage tank is operated. The owner or operators inspection program should provide the controls
necessary for use by authorized inspectors contracted to inspect aboveground storage tanks.
3.5 authorized inspector
An employee of an authorized inspection agency that is certified as an aboveground storage tank
inspector per API 653, Annex D.

3.6 bottom-side
The exterior surface of the tank bottom, usually used when describing corrosion. Other terms with the
same meaning are under-side or soil-side.

3.7 change-in-service
A change from previous operating conditions involving different properties of the stored product such as
specific gravity or corrosivity and/or different service conditions of temperature and/or pressure.

3.8 examiner
A person who assists the API authorized tank inspector by performing specific non-destructive
examination (NDE) on the tank but does not evaluate the results of those examinations in accordance
with API 653 or this recommended practice, unless specifically trained and authorized to do so by the
owner or user. The examiner does not need to be certified in accordance with API 653 nor needs to be
an employee of the owner or user, but should be trained and competent in the applicable procedures in
which the examiner is involved. In some cases, the examiner may be required to hold other
certifications as necessary to satisfy owner or user requirements. Examples of other certification that
may be required are American Society for Non-Destructive Testing SNT-TC-1A or CP189, or
American Welding Society Welding Inspector Certification. The examiners employer should maintain
certification records of the examiners employed, including dates and results of personnel qualifications
and should make them available to the API Authorized Inspector.

3.9 inspector
An authorized inspector and an employee of an authorized inspection agency who is qualified and
certified to perform tank inspections under this standard.

3.10 magnetic flux leakage MFL

An electromagnetic scanning technology for tank bottoms also known as MFE (magnetic flux
exclusion).

3.11 minimum acceptable thickness

The lowest thickness at which a tank component should operate, as determined by the parameters in the
applicable tank design standard (such as API 650, API 653, etc.), the fitness for service principles in
API 579, or other appropriate engineering analysis.

3.12 product-side
The interior surface of a tank bottom, usually used when describing corrosion. Other terms with the
same meaning are top-side or product-side.

3.13 owner/operator
The legal entity having control of and/or responsibility for the operation and maintenance of an existing
storage tank.
3.14 reconstruction
The work necessary to re-assemble a tank that has been dismantled and relocated to a new site.

3.15 reconstruction organization

The organization having assigned responsibility by the owner/operator to design and/or reconstruct a
tank.

3.16 repair
Any work necessary to maintain or restore a tank to a condition suitable for safe operation. Typical
examples of repairs include:

a) removal and replacement of material (such as roof, shell, or bottom material, including weld metal)
to maintain tank integrity,

b) re-leveling and/or jacking of a tank shell, bottom, or roof,

c) addition of reinforcing plates to existing shell penetrations,

d) repair of flaws, such as tears or gouges, by grinding and/or gouging followed by welding.

3.17 shell capacity

The capacity that the tank can hold based on the design liquid level (see API 650).

3.18 soil-side
See definition for bottom-side.

3.19 storage tank engineer

One or more persons or organizations acceptable to the owner or user who are knowledgeable and
experienced in the engineering disciplines associated with evaluating mechanical and material
characteristics affecting the integrity and reliability of tank components and systems. The tank
engineering, by consulting with appropriate specialists, should be regarded as a composite of all entities
necessary to properly address technical requirements and engineering evaluations.

3.20 tank specialist

Someone experienced in the design and construction of tanks per API 620 and/or API 650, and the
inspection and repair of tanks per API 653.

3.21 top-side
See definition for product-side.
4 Types of Storage Tanks

General

Storage tanks are used to store fluids such as crude oil, intermediate and refined products, gas, chemicals,
waste products, water, and water/product mixtures. Important factors such as the volatility of the stored
fluid and the desired