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API 650 Impact Test
API 650 Impact Test
For example, let´s consider an ASTM A36 As Rolled, Semi-Killed plate for a shell 12,5mm thick with a
design metal temperaure of 10°C. Will it be safe for use?
In our example, the plate is As-rolled, semikilled material, which makes it a group I, according to Table
4.4a or 4.4b of API 650.
Excerpt of table 4.4a. Material groups (SI)
Design Metal Temperature is defined as “the lowest temperature considered in the design,
which, unless experience or special local conditions justify another assumption, shall be
assumed to be 8 °C (15 °F) above the lowest one-day mean ambient temperature of the
locality where the tank is to be installed”. The values for mean temperatures in any location in
the United States can be found in Figure 4.2—Isothermal Lines of Lowest One-Day Mean
Temperatures, not seenin this article. Maximim design temperature is 93°C for tanks designed
to API 650.
Our design metal temperature is 10°C and our shell thickness is 12,5mm for a group I material.
This combination of materials, design, and construction features, makes our steel safe for use
(See figure 1)
For a new tank, the impact test requirements and the definition of “controlling thickness” for
pipings and forgings used as shell nozzles and manholes is found in numeral 4.5 of API 650.
The inspector should understand the importance of tank materials having adequate toughness.
The inspector should be able to determine:
a) Tank design metal temperature (API-650, 4.2.9.3 & Figure 4-2)*
b) Material Group Number for a plate (API-650, Tables 4-3a and 4-3b)*
c) If impact testing is required (API-650, Figure 4-1)
d) If impact test values are acceptable (API-650, Table 4-4)*
As you can see, impact testing it is not a very difficult subject to understand. The standards are very
clear regarding old and new tanks. Notice that the BOK works exclusively with API 650 and not with API
653.
Figure 4.1a—Minimum Permissible Design Metal Temperature for Materials Used in Tank Shells without
Impact Testing (SI)
(normalized, normalized and tempered, or quenched and tempered), notch toughness shall be demonstrated on
each
plate as heat treated when 4.2.11.2 requirements are specified. Isothermal lines of lowest one-day mean
temperature
are shown in Figure 4.2.
4.2.10.4 Plate used to reinforce shell openings and insert plates shall be of the same material as the shell plate to
which they are attached or shall be of any appropriate material listed in Table 4.4a, Table 4.4b, Figure 4.1a, and
Figure 4.1b. Except for nozzle and manway necks, the material shall be of equal or greater yield and tensile
strength
and shall be compatible with the adjacent shell material (see 4.2.10.1 and 5.7.2.3, Item d).
4.2.10.5 The requirements in 4.2.10.4 apply only to shell nozzles and manholes. Materials for roof nozzles and
manholes do not require special toughness.
Figure 4.1b—Minimum Permissible Design Metal Temperature for Materials Used in Tank Shells without
Impact Testing (USC)
4.2.11.3 For plate in the as-rolled condition, the thickest plate from each heat shall be impact tested. For TMCP
material, each plate-as-rolled shall be impact tested. Impact testing shall be in accordance with 4.2.9 and shall
fulfill
the impact requirements of 4.2.11.2 at the design metal temperature.
4.2.11.4 The Manufacturer shall submit to the Purchaser test data for plates of the material demonstrating that
based on past production from the same mill, the material has provided the required toughness at the design
metal
temperature.