API 575

REVIEW
1. +The simplest type of atmospheric storage tank is the:
 Cone-roof tank. 4.2.3
2. The simplest type of floating-roof tank is the:
 Pan type. 4.2.3
3. Cone-roof tanks can reach ________ in diameter and ________ in height.
 300’ / 64’, 4.2.3
4. Large diameter cone-roof tanks usually are supported by:
 Internal structural members. 4.2.3
5. Another type of tank is one with a fixed roof plus an interior pan floating roof. The
fixed roof is usually a ________.
 Cone. 4.2.3
6. Atmospheric storage tanks are generally inspected to determine the:
 Physical condition, rate of corrosion, and cause of deterioration. 5.1
7. The prime cause of deterioration of steel storage tanks is:
 Corrosion. 5.2
8. If you find cinders present in the pad of a tank, what would you expect?
 It is a possible source of corrosion if sulfur compounds and moisture is
present. 5.2.1
9. During the inspection of a tank, a section of the bottom is removed. Several globs of
clay are found in the pad. What would you expect?
 Pitting corrosion could exist at each point of contact (electrolytic corrosion).
5.2.1
10. A tank that is supported above grade has some of its bottom exposed, i.e., saddle
supports on a horizontal tank. As an inspector, what would you do to prevent possible
bottom corrosion?
 The saddles and piers should be sealed to prevent moisture accumulation and
corrosion. 5.2.1
11. During an external inspection of a tank, the inspector notices that the soil is at or just
above the grade line of the tank on the south side. What should he do?
 Require removal of soil & check the tank shell in the area of corrosion. 5.2.1
12. A riveted tank in a humid environment is located adjacent to a series of heaters that
burn high sulfur fuel gas. The prevailing winds cause the heater gases to contact the
tank often. What type of problem would you suspect?
 Atmospheric corrosion-damage to coating. 5.2.1
13. The occurrence of internal corrosion of a storage tank depends on the ______ of the
tank and the _________ of construction.
 Contents / material. 5.2.2
14. Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the vapor zone is usually caused
by:
 Hydrogen sulfide vapor, water vapor, oxygen, or a combination of all 3). 5.2.2
15. Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the area covered by stored liquid,
corrosion is most commonly caused by:
 Acid salts, hydrogen sulfide, or other sulfur compounds. 5.2.2

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 API 575
REVIEW
16. While internally inspecting the shell of an atmospheric storage tank the inspector
shines his flashlight approximately parallel with the shell surface. He notices shadows
which he at first thinks are pits. When he checks closer, he finds that they are small
blisters. What type of attack would cause the blisters?
 Hydrogen blistering. 5.2.2 & 7.2.9.4
17. During an external inspection of an AST, an inspector finds an indication of a leak in
the shell. What is the most likely sign that he found?
 Discoloration or absence of the paint in the area below the leak. 5.4 & 7.2.9.5
18. Where is one of the most likely points and one of the potentially most critical points
for a crack to occur in a large storage tank?
 The lower shell to sketch plate or annular plate weld. 5.4
19. What type of failure is characterized by sudden loss of tank contents and extensive
damage to equipment in the vicinity of the tank (little or no loss of metal thickness
throughout the tank).
 Brittle fracture. 5.4
20. What is of prime importance in controlling the settlement of an above ground storage
tank?
 A proper foundation must be provided.
21. What would be the expected problem encountered with water draw off on a floating
roof tank if an elbow or the pipe develops a leak?
 The leak will allow product to escape or possible water to leak into the
product. 5.5
22. If a pan type floating roof has a plugged water draw off, what could be the most likely
consequence?
 The roof could sink during or after a rain. 5.5
23. After all the required permits are obtained for an internal inspection of a tank, what
are the first checks an inspector makes prior to entering?
 Make a visual inspection of overhead parts and roof before entering. 7.1 &
7.4.2
24. Who should be informed when personnel are working on the inside of a tank?
 Personnel working in the vicinity of the tank. 7.1
25. Prior to conducting internal or external inspections, the inspector should:
 Thoroughly review the inspection records of the tank. 7.1
26. The condition of anchor bolts can sometimes be determined by VT. Name three other
methods of assessing the condition of anchor bolts.
 Hammer test, remove nuts, and UT. 7.2.4
27. If an inspector finds a low area in a platform that holds water. What is the quickest
solution to this problem?
 Drill a small drain hole in the area. 7.2.2
28. All types of foundations should be checked for:
 Settlement with a surveyor’s level. 7.2.3
29. Name three ways to check for wood rot of any wooden supports for small tanks or
wooden walkways etc.
 Hammer, scraper, and ice pick. 7.2.3

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 API 575
REVIEW
30. An inspector is checking the tank nozzles on the outside of a tank. He notices a pipe
off one of the nozzles enters the ground directly adjacent to the tank. What should he
do?
 Remove soil from point where pipe enters the ground. Check for external
corrosion. 7.2.5
31. Ground connections on tanks should be VT checked for corrosion at the point where
they enter the earth and at the mechanical connection to the tank. If any doubt exists
about the condition of the ground, its resistance can be checked. The total resistance
from the tank to earth should not exceed approximately ___________.
 25 ohms. 7.2
32. Paint blisters (film coating blisters) most often occurs:
 On the roof and on the side of the tank receiving the most sunlight. 7.2.7
33. When checking an insulated tank, careful inspection should be made around all
nozzles and around the saddles of horizontal tanks. A few samples may also be
removed for checking. These samples should be taken from:
 The shaded side of the tank. 7.2.8
34. If caustic is stored in a tank, the tank should be checked for evidence of damage from:
 Possible cracks caused by caustic embrittlement/. 7.2.9.3
35. A storage tank is used to store a product that must be kept warm (150F+). The
product has a high concentration of caustic and stress corrosion cracking is suspected
because of caustic embrittlement. Where would you look for cracks?
 Check around connections for the internal heating units or coils. 7.2.9.3&7.4.3
36. If a fixed cone roof of a tank is full (no pumping in or out) is suspected of being
extremely thin, what precaution should an inspector take to facilitate his inspection
(besides using safety belts with attachments).
 Use planks (or plywood sheeting) to span at least two roof rafters. 7.2.10
37. Flame arrester should be opened and the screens or grids should be VT inspected for
cleanliness and corrosion at what interval?
 The interval for inspection should be appropriate for each case. 7.2.11
38. What occasionally plugs tank flame arrestors (and pressure vacuum valves)?
 Bees and mud daubers. 7.2.11
39. What are common problems found with pressure-vacuum vents and breather valves?
 Plugging of the discharge side screen and build up of solids on the pallets.
7.2.11
40. UT thickness measurements are usually the method used for determining the
thickness of a tank roof, what is an alternate method?
 Hammer testing. 7.3.3
41. Roof drains on floating roof tanks (including the joints) are tested for tightness by
pressure testing with water. What test is recommended by API RP 575?
 1st test at 30psig for 1/2hour, then drop to 5psig for a 1/2hour. 7.3.3
42. Name three locations in which internal corrosion will most likely be found in a tank.
 Vapor space, the liquid-level line, and bottom. 7.4.2
43. Broken seal hangers on floating roof tanks can cause what type of problem?
 Grooving or abrasive wear on the tank shell. 7.3.3 & C.1.2.2

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 API 575
REVIEW
44. What type of problem would you expect to find around a riveted seam of a tank
bottom that has an agitator near it and weak acid in the product?
 Corrosion-erosion. 7.4.4 & Fig. 45
45. When statistical methods are used for assessing the probable condition of a tank
bottom, what controls the number of UT measurements taken?
 The size of the tank and the degree of underside corrosion found. 7.4.4
46. What size coupon is recommended for removal from a tank bottom to check for
underside corrosion?
 At least 12” in the least dimension. 7.4.4
47. Some tanks may have a bottom angle between the shell and the bottom. Where should
you check for cracks?
 The shell adjacent to any welded butt joints. 7.4.5 & Fig. 47
48. A method for checking for weld leaks in the bottom and the shell is:
 Use of a vacuum box. 7.4.6
49. When a temporary dam or seal is built around the outside of a tank; the internal joints
are coated with a soap solution; and air is injected under the bottom, what is the
maximum air pressure used?
 Three inches of water. 7.4.6
50. What is the test medium ordinarily used to test atmospheric storage tanks?
 Water. 7.5