Subsection J

Translated from the French.
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misinterpretation arise herefrom, the original French text alone is valid.
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SECTION I : SUBSECTION J
Design and Construction Rules for Mechanical
Components of PWR Nuclear Islands
Z I SUBSECTIONS A - GENERAL RULES
STORAGE TANKS
Z - TECHNICAL ANNEXES
2012 Edition afcen

RCC-M - 2012 Edition Subsection J
TOME I
SUBSECTION "J"
LOW PRESSURE OR
ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS
Pages
J 1000 GENERAL....................................................................................................................... J1000/1
J 1100 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. /1
J 1200 SCOPE OF APPLICATION ....................................................................................... /1
J 1210 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /1
J 1220 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN A TANK AND ITS SUPPORT ........................................... /2
J 1221 Flat bottomed tank resting on its foundation

J 1222 Tank resting on its foundation via the intermediary of a support element
J 1230 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN TANK AND PIPING ............................................................ /2
J 1300 CLASSIFICATION .......................................................................................................... /2
J 1400 TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS................................................................................ /3
J 1500 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS......................................................................................... /3
J 1510 EQUIPMENT DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................... /3
J 1511 Documents attached to the purchase order

J 1512 Preliminary design and manufacturing documents
J 1513 Documents prepared and updated during fabrication
J 1514 Post-manufacturing documents
J 1520 DOCUMENTS FOR COMPONENT PARTS .................................................................... /4
J 1521 Procurement documents

J 1522 Manufacturing documents
J 1523 Non-conformance report and deviation report
 n° 137-2012 J / 1
RCC-M - Edition 2012 Subsection J
J 1600 IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................... /5
J 1610 PURPOSE OF THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM ............................................................ /5
J 1620 ADAPTATION OF IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

TO PRODUCTION CONTROL METHODS ...................................................................... /5
J 1630 IDENTIFICATION METHODS............................................................................................. /5
J 1640 TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DATA ................................................................................... /5
J 1650 RE-MARKING AND RELABELLING................................................................................. /6
J 1660 MARKING METHODS.......................................................................................................... /6
J 1670 REFERENCING OF WELDS .............................................................................................. /6
J 1671 Rules applicable to all equipment

J 1672 Special cases
J 2000 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................. J2000/1
J 2100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1
J 2200 APPLICABLE STANDARDS .................................................................................... /1
J 2210 LIST OF AFNOR STANDARDS ......................................................................................... /1
J 2220 OTHER STANDARDS ......................................................................................................... /2
J 2300 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS ..................................................................................... /2
J 2310 MELTING PROCESS - CHEMICAL COMPOSITION ..................................................... /2
J 2311 Carbon and alloy steels for welding

J 2312 Chemical composition of austenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless steels
J 2313 Cast carbon steels
J 2320 HEAT TREATMENTS .......................................................................................................... /3
J 2330 ACCEPTANCE CONDITIONS............................................................................................ /3
J 2340 REPAIR ON PRODUCTS .................................................................................................... /3
J 3000 DESIGN ............................................................................................................................ J3000/1
J 3100 GENERAL DESIGN RULES ..................................................................................... /1
J 3110 PURPOSE .............................................................................................................................. /1
J / 2  n° 137-2012
J 3120 CONDITIONS......................................................................................................................... /1
J 3121 Design condition

J 3122 Normal conditions
J 3123 Upset conditions
J 3124 Emergency conditions
J 3125 Faulted conditions
J 3126 Test conditions
J 3130 LOADING CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................... /2
J 3131 Loads
J 3132 Design condition loads
J 3133 Loads associated with normal, upset, emergency and
faulted conditions
J 3134 Special considerations relatives to certain loads
J 3140 LEVELS OF CRITERIA........................................................................................................ /4
J 3150 MINIMUM CRITERIA LEVELS APPLICABLE UNDER

THE VARIOUS LOADING CONDITIONS ......................................................................... /5
J 3151 Design condition

J 3152 Normal operating conditions
J 3153 Upset conditions
J 3154 Emergency conditions
J 3155 Faulted conditions
J 3160 STRESS REPORT ................................................................................................................ /5
J 3170 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................... /5
J 3171 Corrosion
J 3172 Welds connecting dissimular metals
J 3180 NOMENCLATURE................................................................................................................ /6
J 3200 DESIGN RULES FOR STORAGE TANKS WITH A

RELATIVE PRESSURE LOWER THAN 0.5 BAR (50 kPa)
OR ATMOSPHERIC TANKS .................................................................................... /7
J 3210 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /7
J 3211 General requirements

J 3212 Special requirements concerning design loads
J 3213 Requirements concerning the application of rules for
determining thickness and layout
J 3214 Requirements concerning the application of analysis rules
J 3215 Requirements concerning the shape of tanks
J 3216 Determination of allowable stresses Sa for low-pressure tanks
 n° 137-2012 J / 3
J 3220 DESIGN RULES APPLICABLE TO LOW-PRESSURE TANKS .................................. /11
J 3221 General principles

J 3222 Shell roof and bottom design
J 3223 Rules for determining minimum thicknesses of low-pressure tanks
J 3224 Design of surface transition with meridian line discontinuities
for low-pressure tanks
J 3230 RULES FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM THICKNESSES

OF ATMOSPHERIC TANKS............................................................................................... /17

J 3232 Minimum thickness of shell elements
J 3233 Rules applicable to roof design
J 3234 Rules applicable to the design of the upper end of the
atmospheric tank shell
J 3235 Rules applicable to the design of flat bottoms
J 3240 RULES APPLICABLE TO THE DESIGN

OF OPENINGS AND THEIR REINFORCEMENT ........................................................... /21

J 3242 Reinforcement of isolated openings
J 3243 Reinforcement of adjacent openings
J 3250 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WALL PART JUNCTIONS ............................... /24

J 3252 Tank bottom
J 3253 Wall parts
J 3254 Tank roof or upper head
J 3260 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WELDED JOINTS............................................... /25
J 3261 General
J 3262 Manufacturing and non-destructive examination requirements
J 3263 Geometrical and dimensional requirements for various types
of joints contributing to component resistance to pressure
J 3264 Joints for connecting permanent attachments to tanks
J 3265 Joints for mounting temporary attachments to tanks
J 3266 Joints connecting tanks and supports
J 3270 RULES FOR ANALYZING COMPONENT BEHAVIOUR:

GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /29
J 3271 Scope
J 3272 Definitions
J 3280 ELASTIC ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... /30
J 3281 Definitions
J 3282 Stress classification
J 3283 Stress limits
J 3284 Special considerations
J / 4  n° 137-2012
J 4000 MANUFACTURE AND

ASSOCIATED EXAMINATIONS ................................................................. J4000/1
J 4100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1
J 4200 MARKING ........................................................................................................................... /1
J 4210 PRINCIPLE ............................................................................................................................ /1
J 4220 METHODS.............................................................................................................................. /1
J 4300 CUTTING ............................................................................................................................ /2
J 4400 REPAIRS WITHOUT WELDING ............................................................................. /2
J 4500 REPAIRS BY WELDING ............................................................................................. /2
J 4600 FORMING ........................................................................................................................... /3
J 4700 ALIGNMENT OF PARTS ................................................................................... /3
J 4800 WELDING AND RELATED TECHNIQUES ....................................................... /4
J 4810 QUALIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE ............................................................................ /4
J 4820 PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF EDGES

AND SURFACES TO BE WELDED .................................................................................. /4
J 4821 Examination prior to welding
J 4830 EXECUTION OF PRODUCTION WELDS......................................................................... /5
J 4831 General provisions

J 4832 Baking filler materials
J 4833 Tack welding
J 4834 Temporary attachments
J 4835 Weld pool protection
J 4836 Arc striking
J 4837 Weld surface finishing
J 4838 Welding related heat treatments
J 4900 EXAMINATION OF WELDS ...................................................................................... /10
J 4910 SCOPE .................................................................................................................................. /10
J 4920 NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATIONS............................................................................ /10
J 4921 Visual and dimensional examinations

J 4922 Surface examination
J 4923 Volumetric examination
J 4930 CHECKS TO BE PERFORMED ON THE CLASS 2 TANK WELDS .......................... /13
J 4931 Types of examinations

J 4932 Scope of examination
 n° 137-2012 J / 5
J 4940 CHECKS TO BE PERFORMED ON THE CLASS 3 TANK WELDS .......................... /16
J 4941 Examination types and criteria

J 4942 Scope of examinations
J 4950 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING ................................................................................................... /16
J 5000 TESTING OF LOW-PRESSURE

OR ATMOSPHERIC TANKS .......................................................................... J5000/1
J 5100 CHECKS ............................................................................................................................. /1
J 5200 TESTS ................................................................................................................................. /1
J 5210 GENERAL TEST CONDITIONS......................................................................................... /1
J 5220 TEST PRESSURE ................................................................................................................ /2
J 5230 DOCUMENTS TO BE PREPARED BEFORE TESTING ............................................... /2
J 5231 Hydrostatic test specification or procedure

J 5232 Written test request
J 5240 EXECUTION OF THE TEST ............................................................................................... /3
J 5250 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA .................................................................................................. /5
J 5260 DOCUMENTS TO BE ESTABLISHED AFTER THE TEST........................................... /5
J 5261 Test report
J / 6  n° 137-2012
J 1000
GENERAL
J 1100 INTRODUCTION
Under application of the requirements of A 4000, in particular A 4330, subsection J is applicable to

low-pressure or atmospheric storage tanks.
However, in its present form, subsection J only applies to tanks corresponding to the characteristics
specified in J 1210.
For tanks not meeting the above conditions, the design rules developed within better adapted codes
may be used.
Subchapter J 1200 specifies the scope of subsection J.
Subchapter J 1300 gives the storage tank classification rules.
Subchapter J 1400 distinguishes between the various types of tanks considered in this subsection.
Subchapter J 1500 defines the documents to be established for this subsection.
Subsection J 1600 defines the identification methods for parts and welded joints.
Chapter J 2000 sets rules for selection of materials used in component parts.
Chapter J 3000 sets rules for design of equipment.
Chapter J 4000 sets rules for manufacturing components and their parts for the examinations to be
performed during and following manufacture.
Chapter J 5000 describes hydrostatic tests for finished components.
J 1200 SCOPE OF APPLICATION
J 1210 GENERAL
Subsection J applies to storage tanks complying with the following conditions:
- tanks forming a surface of revolution with the vertical axis,
- made of steel, parts assembled by welding,
 n° 137-2012 J 1000 / 1
- construction located on a "rigid" foundation*,

- fixed self-supporting roof,
- diameter not greater than 18 metres.
- gas layer pressure less than 50 kPa (0.5 bar).
* The term "rigid" is used in the sense that subsection J is not applicable to tanks erected on loose soil or on a loose
surface simply covered with a coating of concrete.
J 1220 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN A TANK AND ITS SUPPORT

J 1221 FLAT BOTTOMED TANK RESTING ON ITS FOUNDATION
The scope of application of subsection J extends to the support datum, between the tank and its
foundation.
J 1222 TANK RESTING ON THE FOUNDATION

VIA THE INTERMEDIARY OF A SUPPORT ELEMENT
This configuration occurs when the tank is connected to its foundation via the intermediary of a
support element such as:
- a circular skirt,
- brackets welded to the tank,
- posts directly linked to the tank.
This support element is subjected to the requirements of subsection H. The scope limits of
subsection J are consequently defined by the scope limits of subsection H (defined in ZH 1200).
J 1230 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN TANK AND PIPING

The scope of application for subsection J extends to the welded or mechanical connection with the
piping. The welding link itself is produced in compliance with the requirements of subsection C or
D according to the level of the piping.
J 1300 CLASSIFICATION OF STORAGE TANKS
The class of a low-pressure or atmospheric storage tank is determined by applying A 4332.
J 1000 / 2  n° 137-2012
J 1400 TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS

In this subsection, two types of storage tanks are considered:
- those in communication with the atmosphere (called atmospheric tanks) which are in constant
contact with the external environment,
- those at low pressure, isolated from external environment on a permanent basis, excluding safety
devices limiting the relative pressure.
J 1500 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Chapter A 3000 defines these documents and describes their content.

Documents required under this subsection J shall be kept at the disposal of Surveillance Agents. The
contract shall specify which documents are to be handed over to the relevant parties.
J 1510 EQUIPMENT DOCUMENTS

The following documents shall be prepared for components falling within the scope of subsection J.
Where production conditions so permit, an entire lot of components may be covered by the same
documents.
J 1511 DOCUMENTS ATTACHED TO THE PURCHASE ORDER

- Equipment specification (technical document attached to the purchase order) - A 3100.
J 1512 PRELIMINARY DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

- Comprehensive layout and referencing documents - A 3201.
- Component parts list - A 3202.
- Sizing report - A 3203.
- Description of fabrication shops - A 3204.
- Quality plan (initial phase) - A 3801.
- Catalogue of welded joints in compliance with Annex H 1 of subsection H.
J 1513 DOCUMENTS PREPARED AND UPDATED DURING FABRICATION

- Comprehensive layout and referencing documents - A 3201.
- Component parts list - A 3202,
 n° 137-2012 J 1000 / 3
- Stress report (if required by the equipment specification) - A 3203.

- Test and welding procedure and welder qualification reports.
- Hydrostatic test reports - A 3603 (which refers to J 5000).
- Non-conformance report and deviation report - A 3700.
- Quality plan (follow-up document) - A 3801.
- Pressure test specification.
- Test report.
J 1514 POST-MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

- End-of-manufacturing report - A 3805 for class 2 components.
- End-of-manufacturing certificate - A 3804 for class 3 components.
J 1520 DOCUMENTS FOR COMPONENT PARTS

J 1521 PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS
- Acceptance report or product examination certificate or conformity certificate or quality control
report, as the case may be.
- List of subcontractors.
- Filler materials acceptance report.
J 1522 MANUFACTURING DOCUMENTS

- Fabrication procedures or instructions.
- Welding procedures or instructions.
- Examination procedures or instructions.
- Examination reports.
- Production weld data sheet.
This welding data sheet shall include at least the following:
. the identification number of the component comprising the joint, set of joints or repairs,
. the identification number of the joint, set of joints or repairs,
. the reference of the welding procedure used,
. the reference of the lot(s) of filler materials used,
. for each operation the name reference of the welder(s) or operator(s),
. for automatic welding, the reference of the welding machine used.
J 1000 / 4  n° 137-2012
J 1523 NON-CONFORMANCE REPORT AND DEVIATION REPORT

- See A 3700.
J 1600 IDENTIFICATION
J 1610 PURPOSE OF THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

The part or weld joint identification system is the means of unequivocally associating the part or
weld joint with a given set of documents.
J 1620 ADAPTATION OF IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

TO PRODUCTION CONTROL METHODS
Identification procedures must therefore be adapted to the type of production control method applied
to the part or weld:
- control of individual items, using one identification number per item,
- control by lot, using one identification number per lot.
When a part is taken directly from stock and has only a steel grade number, the identification
procedure set forth in this subsection shall not apply.
J 1630 IDENTIFICATION METHODS

Methods used to identify the components may include:
- etching,
- temporary marking (with ink, paint, etc.),
- labelling,
- routing slips.
Identification methods and shop organization procedures shall be defined with a view to ensuring
compliance with the objective set under J 1610.
J 1640 TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DATA

The RCC-M does not require information related to the origin of any part or weld (such as heat no.,
lot no., heat treatment no., welding operator no., etc.), to be marked or written on that item itself, its
label, or its routing slip.
 n° 137-2012 J 1000 / 5
However, marks or codes which provide clear reference to documents containing the information
required for production control will always be acceptable.
Where lots are divided into one or more fabrication sub-lots (e.g. for heat treatment), the original lot
number need not appear on each item, provided that the new identification system allows for
accurate identification of the item's origins.
J 1650 RE-MARKING AND RELABELLING

If an identification code is removed or erased during fabrication, the Manufacturer shall mark or
label another portion of the part as appropriate.
Machined items belonging to the same lot do not need to be re-marked after each machining
operation, provided that:
- fabrication procedures provide for total segregation of lots,
- rejects are marked immediately, visibly and indelibly.
A discard shall always be identified according to its intended use.
J 1660 MARKING METHODS

Marking methods shall comply with the requirements given in chapter F 2000.
J 1670 REFERENCING OF WELDS

J 1671 RULES APPLICABLE TO ALL EQUIPMENT
a) Radiographically examined welds
Each weld shall be given an alphanumeric symbol, at least on the drawings and on the equipment
where applicable, to establish clear correlation between the weld and its radiographs.
For equipment where there is no individual marking of welds, a reference shall be marked on the
part to enable the radiographs to be correctly positioned.
b) Ultrasonically examined welds

Each part shall be marked individually so that the reading corresponding to the part can be
identified.
c) Welds subjected to liquid penetrant or magnetic particle examination

These welds shall be identified so that each weld is associated with the relevant examination
documents.
J 1000 / 6  n° 137-2012
d) Other welds
Systematic identification of other welds is not required, as the catalogue of welded joints per tank
type stipulated in the requirements of Annex H1 of subsection H should allow the examination
and qualification documents concerning them to be identified.
J 1672 SPECIAL CASES

All identification markings shall be recorded on the Manufacturer's documents. If for technical
reasons these markings no longer exist, their original location with relation to specified points on the
equipment can be obtained from the drawing.
Templates may be used for relocating identification markings on some welded joints, specifically as
an alternative to the above mentioned drawings.
 n° 137-2012 J 1000 / 7
J 1000 / 8  n° 137-2012
J 2000
MATERIALS
J 2100 GENERAL
For the procurement of products, the Manufacturer shall use the following AFNOR standards
supplemented by the requirements of J 2300. The equipment specification or technical documents in
the purchase order can specify the standard, the nature and the grade of the product to be used.
J 2200 APPLICABLE STANDARDS
J 2210 LIST OF AFNOR STANDARDS

1) Alloy and carbon steels
The grade and quality of the steel shall be selected taking into account weather conditions
(temperature) likely to affect tanks and specifically their energy absorbed by breakage.
- Plates : NF EN 10025-1 and 2
NF EN 10028-1
NF EN 10028-2
NF EN 10028-3
NF A 36-210
- Forgings : NF EN 10083-1 to 3 NF A 35-557

NF EN 10222-1 and 2 NF A 36-602
NF EN 10250-1 to 3 NF A 36-605
NF EN 10263-1 to 4 NF A 36-606
- Pipes : NF EN 10216-1
NF EN 10216-2
NF EN 10217-1
NF EN 10217-2
- Castings: NF A 32-054
NF EN 102131
- Bolting for general use: NF EN ISO 898-1

NF EN 20898-2
 n° 137-2012 J 2000 / 1
2) Austenitic and austenitic-ferritic stainless steels

- Plates : NF EN 10028-7
NF EN 10088-2
- Castings: NF EN 10213
NF EN 10283
- Pipes : NF EN 10216-5
NF EN 10217-7
NF A 49-214
- Bars : NF EN 10088-3
NF EN 10263-5
- Forgings : NF EN 10222-5
NF EN 10250-4
- Bolting for general use: NF EN ISO 3506-1

NF EN ISO 3506-2
J 2220 OTHER STANDARDS

Subject to the Contractor's approval, the Manufacturer may propose application of other French or
foreign standards containing, either directly or by means of addenda, technical requirements
considered to be equivalent.
In this case, the Manufacturer's selection shall clearly appear in the equipment parts list. Systematic
equivalence is admitted for all materials which have been acceptance tested in compliance with
SECTION II of this Code.
J 2300 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS
The details below shall be taken into account when applying the standards mentioned in J 2210.
J 2310 MELTING PROCESS - CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

J 2311 CARBON AND ALLOY STEELS FOR WELDING
When dealing with carbon and alloy steel products for welding, the killed grades will be selected
and a ladle analysis will be made to check the contents of the following elements: C  0.25%;
S  0.040%; P  0.040%.
J 2000 / 2  n° 137-2012
J 2312 CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF AUSTENITIC OR

AUSTENITIC FERRITIC STAINLESS STEELS
If the risk of intergranular corrosion is to be taken into account, this is specified in the documents
attached to the purchase order. In this case only those austenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless grades
with a low carbon content or which are stabilized shall be adopted.
J 2313 CAST CARBON STEELS

Usable NF A 32-054 grades are GE 230, GE 280, GE 320 and GE 370.
J 2320 HEAT TREATMENTS

The products shall be delivered in the heat treated condition as per the reference standard (or in the
solution heat treated condition for austenitic or austenitic-ferritic stainless steels).
If the product is to be subjected to stress relieving heat treatment, any lowering of the mechanical
properties of it as a result of these treatments must be evaluated to ensure compatibility with the
acceptable stresses used in the calculations. Standard NF A 36-200 may be used for this.
J 2330 ACCEPTANCE CONDITIONS

Products shall be ordered in accordance with NF EN 10021:
- For class 2 components, the products shall be ordered with a specific inspection and delivered
with an acceptance certificate the indications of which correspond at least to those required in the
type 3.1 specific inspection certificate according to standard NF EN 10204.
- For class 3 components, the products can be ordered with a non specific inspection. In this case,
an inspection report the indications of which correspond at least to those required in the type 2.2
non-specific inspection certificate according to standard NF EN 10204 must be delivered.
J 2340 REPAIR ON PRODUCTS

Repairs shall be authorized on plates, bars, tubes and forgings only if so specified by the reference
standards. In this case, paragraphs J 4400 and J 4500 shall be applicable.
 n° 137-2012 J 2000 / 3
J 2000 / 4  n° 137-2012
J 3000
DESIGN
J 3100 GENERAL DESIGN RULES
J 3110 PURPOSE
This chapter provides the rules applicable to the sizing of storage tanks and to the analysis of their
behaviour under the effect of loadings stipulated in equipment specifications.
J 3120 CONDITIONS
During operation, a component may be subjected to various conditions; these conditions are
classified into four categories to which are added a conventional design condition and a test
condition.
J 3121 DESIGN CONDITION*

The design condition is characterized by the design loads (J 3132) defined on the basis of the most
severe loads to which the component is subjected under the normal conditions defined below.
* This condition corresponds to the ASME Code "Design conditions".
J 3122 NORMAL CONDITIONS*

Normal conditions are the conditions to which the component may be subjected in the course of
normal operation, i.e. steady-state power operation and transient corresponding to normal operation.
* These conditions correspond to ASME Code "Normal conditions".
J 3123 UPSET CONDITIONS*

Upset conditions are the conditions to which components may be subjected in the course of normal
operating incidents.
* These conditions correspond to ASME Code "Upset conditions".
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 1
J 3124 EMERGENCY CONDITIONS*

Emergency conditions are the conditions to which components may be subjected in the case of very
infrequent incidents, but which shall nonetheless be considered.
* These conditions correspond to ASME Code "Emergency conditions".
J 3125 FAULTED CONDITIONS*

Faulted conditions are conditions which are highly improbable but whose consequences for
component safety are nonetheless studied. Only those conditions whose probability does not make
them practically inconceivable need be considered.
* These conditions correspond to ASME Code "Faulted conditions".
J 3126 TEST CONDITIONS*

Test conditions are the conditions to which the component is subjected in the course of hydraulic,
pneumatic or hydropneumatic tests defined in J 5000.
* These conditions correspond to ASME Code "Test conditions".
J 3130 LOADING CONSIDERATIONS

There is a set of environmental effects (pressures, forces, heat flux, corrosion) corresponding to each
condition. Certain of these effects which may produce mechanical work as a function of component
deformation, are referenced as loads. Sets of loads are referred to as loadings.
J 3131 LOADS
The loads constituting loadings include, but are not limited to, the following:
a) the weight of the component and its contents, and the static and dynamic loads produced by
liquids under each condition analyzed,
b) internal pressure or underpressure, in particular during filling and draining operations,
c) external operating overloads,
d) weather induced loads (wind, snow),
e) forces resulting from weight, thermal expansion, or pressure and dynamic loads, which originate
outside the zone studied and which are applied at its boundaries,
f) loads resulting from earthquakes and vibrations, if any,
g) reactions of supports and specified foundation deformations,
h) temperature induced loads.
J 3000 / 2  n° 137-2012
J 3132 DESIGN CONDITION LOADS

Loads associated with the design condition are defined in the following subparagraphs.
J 3132.1 Dead weight

This is all the loads due to the weight of the components of the tank, as well as its insulation, should
this be provided.
J 3132.2 Design temperature

The design temperature must be at least equal to the maximum temperature likely to be encountered
by the tank during normal operating conditions.
The design temperature shall not exceed the lower of the following two values:
- 90°C,
- the boiling temperature of the liquid stored at atmospheric pressure if this temperature is less
than 90°C.
This temperature is defined in the equipment specification.
J 3132.3 Design pressure

The minimum requirements for design pressure are defined in J 3212.
J 3132.4 Stored product

The hydrostatic pressure exerted by the fluid on the wall is a function of the height to which it is
filled and the weight per unit volume of the fluid.
Unless otherwise stated in the equipment specification, the tank shall be considered filled when the
fluid reaches the overflow.
When studying the tank shell, the weight per unit volume of the fluid shall not be taken at less than
1000 kg/m3 (specific gravity = 1) and must be stated in the equipment specification.
J 3132.5 Weather-induced loads

The loadings due to wind, snow, are defined in the equipment specification.
J 3132.6 Operating overloads

Fixed roofs and structures supporting them shall be studied to accept a minimum operating overload
of 500 N/m2, acting over the entire projected surface, and in addition to its own weight and
climatic load.
The overload resulting from the actual loads shall be substituted to this minimum value, if it leads to
a larger value.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 3
J 3132.7 Other design loads

Design loads shall be selected so that when combined with the design pressure, the loading tube thus
obtained covers all loads associated with normal operating conditions.
Loads to be taken into account include, among others, earthquake effects and impact forces resulting
from either internal or external conditions.
J 3133 LOADS ASSOCIATED WITH NORMAL, UPSET, EMERGENCY AND

FAULTED CONDITIONS
The following loads associated with normal, upset, emergency and faulted conditions shall be
specified with their variations over time if so required:
- pressures acting on the component,
- loads due to weight, fluid movement and connections with adjacent equipment,
- specific seismic loads,
- thermal effects (fluid temperature and transfer conditions), if necessary.
J 3134 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS RELATIVE TO CERTAIN LOADS

The behaviour of the tank is significantly influenced by certain loads owing to the large dimensions
of the equipment and the volume of the fluid stored.
These special considerations are intended to draw the attention of the designer to certain of these
loads which must be subjected to detailed analysis, this list is not exhaustive.
a) Deformation of the foundation under the load applied by the tank supports resting on it shall be
taken into account when analyzing the stability and defining loadings.
b) Analysis of tank wall buckling conditions shall take account of the loads due to wind and those
due to earthquakes.
c) When checking the stability under loads due to earthquakes, it is necessary to introduce a
realistic relationship between the fluid and the wall so as to take correct account of the dynamic
pressures exerted on the wall of the tank.
d) If tank expansion as a result of temperature variations is likely to be blocked, a check must be

made that the strength is sufficient to resist the resultant stresses.
J 3140 LEVELS OF CRITERIA

A criteria level shall be specified for each loading associated with a condition or category of
conditions. The level to be used shall be at least as severe as the one stipulated in J 3150.
J 3000 / 4  n° 137-2012
A set of stress limits is associated with each criteria level. The limits imposed depend on the
objectives of this chapter which concern mechanical integrity.
J 3150 MINIMUM CRITERIA LEVELS APPLICABLE UNDER

THE VARIOUS LOADING CONDITIONS
J 3151 DESIGN CONDITION
Level O criteria shall be met for the design condition.
J 3152 NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

Level A criteria shall be met under normal operating conditions.
J 3153 UPSET CONDITIONS

Level B criteria shall be met under upset conditions.
J 3154 EMERGENCY CONDITIONS

The criteria stipulated in equipment specifications for emergency conditions shall be at least as
severe as level C criteria.
J 3155 FAULTED CONDITIONS

The criteria stipulated for faulted conditions in equipment specifications shall be at least as severe as
level D criteria.
J 3160 STRESS REPORT

A stress report shall be prepared for all components subject to the rules stipulated in this chapter.
This report shall demonstrate that the criteria of this chapter are met for all loadings specified in the
equipment specification.
It shall also demonstrate that any additional design requirements figuring in the equipment
specification are met.
J 3170 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

J 3171 CORROSION
If the component is subject to in-service thinning resulting from surface corrosion, erosion, or from
mechanical abrasion under the effects of fluids handled or under environmental effects, a certain
additional thickness shall be provided. This thickness, which shall compensate for thinning during
the specified service life of the component, shall be added to the thickness determined on the basis
of the rules in this chapter.
This additional thickness need not be the same for all areas of the component if different rates of
attack are expected for various areas.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 5
J 3172 WELDS CONNECTING DISSIMILAR METALS

Special attention shall be paid to the design and performance of welds connecting dissimilar metals
with different coefficients of thermal expansion in order to avoid any in-service problems.
J 3180 NOMENCLATURE
The formulae contained in this chapter are expressed in coherent units. The symbols must be
replaced respecting this condition.
The symbols used in this chapter are defined as follows:
P : Total pressure acting on the shell at the level concerned, due to the fluid and the possible
gas pressure: P = PG + PL.
PL : Pressure exerted by the liquid stored in the tank, at the level concerned.
PG : Pressure of the gas exerted above the level of the liquid stored. The maximum value is
less than 50 kPa (0.5 bar).
Pe : External pressure resulting from loadings defined in J 3132: weight, snow, operating
overload.
PT : Some of the total pressure (or underpressure) and all uniform loads (weight, overloads).
t : The minimum thickness required for the shell concerned, excluding corrosion
allowance.
d, r : Mean diameter and mean radius respectively of the cylindrical tank shell.
Rs : Mean radius of curvature of the spherical dome.
R1, R2 : Mean radii of curvature of a shell at the level concerned, R1 is the distance, measured
perpendicular to the wall, at the level concerned, from the shell of the central axis of
the tank.
The values of R1 and R2 are positive if related to lengths located inside the tank.
T1, T2 : Loads per unit length acting within the shell, at the level concerned.
T1 is the load along the meridian line.
T2 is the unit circumferential load.
The values of T1 and T2 are positive when they induce traction in the shell and negative
in the contrary case.
W : Total weight of the tank component and fluid contained above the level under
consideration in the condition analyzed.
F : Resultant force of actions outside the shell, not taken into account in W, above the level
under consideration.
W and F shall be allocated the same sign as P if they are exerted in the same direction
as P, in relation to the horizontal plane defining the level considered for analysis.
J 3000 / 6  n° 137-2012
AT : Transverse cross-section of the tank at the level considered for analysis.
AC : Total cross-section of the junction zone between the roof and the cylindrical shell,
comprising the reinforcing cross-section associated with the roof plate and the shell.
A : Reinforcement cross-section required for an opening.
A1 : Reinforcement area relating to the extra thickness provided on the tank wall.
A2 : Area of reinforcement relating to the extra thickness provided in the nozzle wall.
d, r : Inside diameter and inside radius respectively of the opening, excluding corrosion
allowance.
S : Maximum allowable stress, given in Annex Z I, or determined in accordance with

Annex Z III.
Sa : Allowable stress, taking account of possible buckling, a function of the stress range, and
taking the following values according to the case:
Sca : allowable compression stress for dual bend shells.
Scca : allowable circumferential compression stress for cylindrical shells.
Sta : allowable tensile stress.
k : Factor defined in J 3213.
Sy : Yield strength of the material, at design temperature, given in Annex Z I.
E : Longitudinal modulus of elasticity of the material at design temperature.
L : Distance between reinforcements on the cylindrical tank shell, or, if there are none, total
height of the shell.
J 3200 DESIGN RULES FOR STORAGE TANKS WITH

A RELATIVE PRESSURE LOWER THAN
0.5 BAR (50 KPA) OR ATMOSPHERIC TANKS
J 3210 GENERAL
J 3211 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This subchapter concerns the design of storage tanks subjected to low pressure from their gas layer
(less than 50 kPa = 0.5 bar) and storage tanks in communication with the atmosphere, called
"atmospheric" tanks.
The design is acceptable if it complies with the requirements of the following paragraphs.
The rules of J 3220 generally apply but for flat bottomed cylindrical atmospheric tanks the rule of
J 3230 may be substituted.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 7
J 3212 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING DESIGN LOADS

a) The requirements of J 3100 shall be met.
b) The design pressure or underpressure for the tanks shall be chosen with a sufficient margin in
relation to the normal pressure of the gas layer* and the pressure or underpressure to which the
valves are set.
This margin is defined by the equipment specification according to the pressure changes induced
by the various parameters such as temperature, filling and draining flows.
c) When the bottom of the tank is supported, either totally or in part, by the foundation (flat bottom
in particular), the risk of the shell being raised under internal pressure must be evaluated
excluding the thickness of the corrosion allowances.
Extra thickness on the roof and the shell, or on either one of them, may be added to resist this
raising.
If anchors are necessary to prevent this risk, a corrosion allowance on the anchors must be
provided - this is determined in the equipment specification.
d) If there is no way of avoiding the tank bottom being subjected to the influence of underpressure
during draining flows, corresponding loads must be evaluated and their effects on the tank
stability analysed.
* The gas layer corresponds to the space above the surface of the stored fluid, both for atmospheric and for low
pressure tanks.
J 3213 REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF RULES FOR

DETERMINING THICKNESS AND LAYOUT
For the loads covered by the rules for determining thickness, compliance with these rules is
equivalent to meeting the requirements of J 3270 and J 3280 concerning stress limits associated with
level O, A, B, C and D criteria.
To achieve equivalence, the rules for determining minimum thickness are applied by introducing
into the formulae used the most unfavourable load-stress intensity combination kSa occurring under
the conditions for which compliance with level O, A, B, C or D criteria is required.
The following table provides k values to be used in combination with the loads associated with the
various conditions characterized by the applicable criteria level.
REQUIRED CRITERIA LEVEL k VALUE TO BE USED
O 1.0
A 1.0
B 1.1
C 1.5
D 2.0
Allowable stress Sa is given in J 3216
J 3000 / 8  n° 137-2012
J 3214 REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION

OF ANALYSIS RULES
It should be noted that the rules of J 3220 and J 3230 do not cover all design details. In cases where
simplified rules are not available, where simplified rules cannot account for all specified loadings or
where the conditions under which these rules may be applied are not satisfied, design shall be
justified by analysis in accordance with the rules of J 3270 and J 3280.
The use of the latter method of justification may also be the result of a deliberate choice, on
condition that the requirements of J 3220 and J 3230 relating to minimum wall thickness are met.
J 3215 REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE SHAPE OF TANKS

Tank shells shall have a shape preventing the internal accumulation of gases during filling, or fluid
retention during drainage (for decontamination of the tank) or deposit of any nature on the outer
walls (for example, for tanks subjected to bad weather, rainwater or snow, except for snow on
the roof).
J 3216 DETERMINATION OF ALLOWABLE STRESSES Sa FOR LOW-

PRESSURE TANKS
J 3216.1 General
The maximum allowable stress Sa is determined according to the following requirements. Sa takes
the following values depending on the direction of the internal loads developed at the level studied.
J 3216.2 Allowable tensile stress Sta

n the case of an uniaxial tensile stress range, the allowable stress is equal to the value given by
Annex Z I or determined in accordance with Annex Z III.
J 3216.3 Allowable compression stress Sca for double curvature shells

In applying the rules for determining the minimum thicknesses of double curvature shells (J 3223.3
and 4), the allowable compression stresses are evaluated on the basis of that of an equivalent
cylinder subjected to axial compression.
This cylinder is characterized by the radius R equal to the mean radius of curvature of the shell in
the perpendicular plane, orthogonal to the direction of the compression stress examined. The risk of
buckling is taken into account in the expression:
1  t 
E  
16  R
S ca  min
 S y / 2 for ferritic steels

 5 / 8 S y for austenitic steels
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 9
J 3216.4 Allowable compression stress for cylindrical shells

a) Allowable circumferential compression stress.
For applying the rules for determining the minimum thicknesses for single curvature shells
(J 3223.5), the circumferential compression stresses are evaluated on the basis of a cylindrical
shell subjected to external pressure.
The risk of buckling is taken into account in the expression:
1 ( t / D) 3 / 2
E
3 ( L / D)
S cca  min

b) Allowable axial compression stress
1 t 
E  
16  R
S ca  min

J 3216.5 Conical shells

The formulae of J 3216.4 apply provided that the geometrical parameters are replaced by the
following:
D R
D and R are replaced by and respectively,
sin  sin 
where θ is the angle of the cone generatrix with the plane perpendicular to the cone axis.
H  
L is replaced by :  1  Db 
 
2 sin   D B 
where H is the total height of the conical shell measured along the axis of the cone.
Db and DB are the diameters of the small base and the large base of the cone respectively, measured
perpendicular to the cone axis.
J 3000 / 10  n° 137-2012
J 3220 DESIGN RULES APPLICABLE

TO LOW-PRESSURE TANKS
J 3221 GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The analysis principle for tanks in based on the determination of loads inside the shell, at different
levels from the top to the bottom of the tank. For this purpose, fictitious sections are made and the
loads are determined with various combinations of loadings, so that for each level, the predominant
combination of loads can be found. The shell is reduced to its mean surface, because of its low
thickness, and the basic loads pr unit length of the shell are located in the plane tangent to the
surface (figure J 3221).
Tanks containing sharp discontinuities (cylinder-cone junction for example) must be analyzed in
accordance with J 3224.
The minimum thickness required for the tank wall is determined in accordance with the rules
of J 3223.
J 3222 SHELL, ROOF AND BOTTOM DESIGN

J 3222.1 Calculation of unit forces
a) General formulae determining unit forces in the wall of a cylindrical tank are given below:
equations (1) and (2):
1  W  F 
T1   R 2   P   (1)
2  AT 
     
T
T2  R 2   PT  1   R P  1  R 2   R 2  ( W  F)  (2)
 2
 T  
 R1    2R1  2 R1 A T 
In this latter formula, parameter PT should include the component perpendicular to the surface of
the uniform loads borne by the wall under consideration (insulation, weight, etc.).
b) In particular, the analysis is necessary at all horizontal joints, and at each level where the radius
of curvature varies significantly.
c) It should be noted that the total maximum pressure due to the height of the liquid and the
pressure of the gas acting at a given level, may not be the design-determinant loading for this
level. Several analyses must be made at each level, considering each of these loads and their
affects on the structure (traction, compression) to determine that which is determinant
It is necessary to check the tank, not only for the designed operating liquid level, but also taking
account of conditions arising from filling and drainage operations.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 11
d) When the tank has elliptical heads of 1/2 major axis a and 1/2 minor axis b, the following
formulae define the radii of curvature to be taken into account at a distance x from the vertical
axis:
3/ 2
b 2  a 2  a 2  x 2 
R1    1 
 2   
a b  b2  a 2
1/ 2
 a2  a 2  x 2 
R2  a   1 
 b 2  2  2 
 b  a 
e) For usual shapes of cylindrical tanks, equations (1) and (2) are simplified and expressed below:
SPHERICAL TANK OR SPHERICAL PART OF THE TANK

R1 = R2 = RS = radius of the sphere.
1  WF 
T1  R S  P  

2  AT 
T2 = RS PT - T1
where PT includes the perpendicular component of all uniform loads.
CONICAL HEAD OR CONICAL PART OF TANK

R1 =  ; R2 = R3/cos 
1
where   angle at apex of cone
2
R3 = horizontal radius of cone at level concerned.
1 R 3  WF 

T1   P  
2 cos   AT 
PT R 3
T2 
cos 
where PT includes the perpendicular component of all uniform loads.
CYLINDRICAL SHELL OF A VERTICAL TANK

R1 =  ; R2 = Rc = Radius of cylinder.
1  WF 
T1  RC  P  
2  AT 
 
T2= PRc
J 3000 / 12  n° 137-2012
f) Flat bottom
The design rules of J 3235 are applicable.
J 3223 RULES FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM THICKNESS

OF LOW-PRESSURE TANKS
J 3223.1 General requirements
The thickness of the wall of the tank excluding corrosion allowance, at all levels, shall not be less
than the larger of the values determined by applying the following formulae, for the level under
consideration.
In any case, the minimum nominal thickness of the plates of which the tank is made, shall not be
less than 5 mm, to which should be added the special corrosion allowance.
The roofs shall not have a nominal thickness (including corrosion allowance) greater than 13 mm. If
the calculations lead to a thickness greater than this, a stiffener or support beam must be envisaged,
for which specific rules will be codified at a later date.
Locally, reinforcements shall be provided to support loads other than the internal or external
pressure.
When reinforcements are necessary because of discontinuities of meridian lines (cone-cylinder
junction for example) they shall be laid out in compliance with J 3224.
J 3223.2 Unit tensile loads

When the unit loads T1 and T2 are both tensile loads for the combination of predominant loads, the
minimum thickness required is determined by the larger value obtained (excluding corrosion
allowance).
T / kS
t  max . 1
T2 / kS
J 3223.3 Combined tensile and compression loads

When for the combination of predominant loads at a given level, one of the forces is tensile, T', and
the other is compressive, T", the minimum thickness required (excluding corrosion allowance) is
determined by the following procedure:
- For a chosen thickness, evaluation of the maximum allowable compression stress Sca or Scca,
according to the case, in compliance with J 3216.
- Calculation of the compression stress Scc, ratio of the compression load T" divided by the
thickness chosen.
- Determination of factor M, obtained by dividing the calculated compression stress by the
maximum allowable compression stress:
S cc S cc
M  or according to the case
k S ca k S cca
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 13
- Calculation of factor N allowing a definition of the allowable tensile stress:

Factors N and M shall satisfy the following equation:
M2 + NM + N2  1
or, when factor M is determined:
N 
1 
 
4  3 M 2 1/ 2
 
 M

2
- Determination of the allowable tensile stress Sta :
Sta = NS
- The calculated tensile stress, Stc, ratio of the tensile load T' by the thickness chosen, shall satisfy
the following equation:
Stc  k.Sta
If not, the procedure must be repeated with a greater thickness t.
J 3223.4 Unit compression loads in double curvature shells

When the unit loads T1 and T2 are both compressive, for the combination of predominant loads at a
given level, the minimum thickness required is determined using the following procedure:
- T' corresponds to the greatest unit compression load.
- T" corresponds to the smallest unit compression load (or possibly equal to the above).
For a chosen thickness t (excluding corrosion allowance):

- Calculation of the maximum allowable compression stress relative to effort T' (J 3216.3), S'ca.
- Calculation of the maximum allowable compression stress relative to effort T" (J 3216.3), S"ca.
- The check concerns the simultaneous compliance with the following two conditions:
(T' + 0,8 T") / t  k.S'ca
1,8 T" / t  k.S"ca
If these two conditions are not simultaneously complied with, the procedure is repeated with a
higher value of t.
J 3223.5 Unit compression loads in single curvature shells
For cylindrical or conical shells, when the unit loads are both compressive for the predominant
combination of loads at a given level, the minimum thickness required (excluding corrosion
allowance) is determined using the following procedure:
- Calculation of the maximum allowable circumferential compression stress Scca (J 3216.4.a).
J 3000 / 14  n° 137-2012
- Calculation of the maximum allowable axial compression stress Sca (J 3216.4.b).

- The check concerns compliance with the following condition:
T / t T / t
 1
k Scca k Sca
where T' is the circumferential compression unit load and

T" is the axial compression unit load.
- If the condition is not complied with, the procedure is repeated with a higher value of t.
J 3224 DESIGN OF SURFACE TRANSITION WITH MERIDIAN LINE

DISCONTINUITIES FOR LOW-PRESSURE TANKS
J 3224.1 General
The following design rules apply:
- to transitions of the roof and the bottom with the tank shell, excluding flat bottoms,
- junctions of surfaces resulting in a discontinuity of the meridian generatrix (cone-cone junction
for example).
Under specified loadings, both internal and external, unit compression or tensile loads are
developed uniformly in the junction between the two surfaces.
If necessary, a reinforcement ring is placed in compliance with the requirements of J 3224.2.
However, if the junction is through a crotch radius, the reinforcing ring is not necessary provided
that the crotch radius is at least equal to 6% of the diameter of the junction (it is recommended
that crotch radii close to 12% of the junction diameter be used).
The thickness of the walls at any point of the junction shall comply with the requirements
of J 3223.
J 3224.2 Analysis of the junction region (Fig. J 3224.2)

The circumferential loads which develop in the junction between the two surfaces, are taken up by a
zone comprising:
- for each surface of the junction, a resistant strap of width w equal to 30 times their thickness,
- a reinforcing ring, if this is necessary.
The calculation of this junction zone is made in accordance with the following:
a) The calculation of the total load Q which develops in the junction zone:
Q = T2h . wh + T2s . ws + T1 R cos 1 (tg 2 – tg 1)
where the subscripts h and s are relative to the surface located above and the surface located
below the junction plane respectively.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 15
1 and 2 are the angles at the tangents to the meridian lines in relation to the vertical, of the
upper and lower surfaces respectively, in relation to the junction plane.
T1 is the meridian load developing in the upper surface at the junction level.
In the most frequent particular cases, this formula becomes:
- Cylindrical tank with conical roof or spherical cap:
Q = T2h . wh + T2s . ws - T1 R sin 
- Junction of a conical reducer and a cylindrical opening:
Q = T2h . wh + T2s . ws + T1 R tg 
b) The area of the junction zone must be at least equal to:

Ac = Q/Sa
where Sa is the allowable stress equal to:
. S, when Q is a tensile load,
3
. S, when Q is a compression load.
4
c) If the total area of the resistant strips of each surface of the junction is less than Ac,
reinforcement is necessary:
- by increasing the thickness of the resistant strips in which case the value of Q should be
recalculated to take account of the new resistant section,
- by the addition of a reinforcing ring meeting the requirements of d) below.
d) When a reinforcement ring is added, it must be located inside the junction zone, and as close as
possible to the surface discontinuity.
1) The cross-section of the ring must at least compensate for the difference between area Ac
required and the total area of the resistant strips.
2) The height/thickness ratio of the flat reinforcing rings should not exceed 16.
3) Welded profile reinforcing rings, not meeting the requirements of 2) above, should not have a
web height/web thickness ratio greater than 50, nor a free length of flanges greater than 16
times their thickness.
When calculating the inertia of the profile, the following formula may be used:
7  Q p  R c2
I
E  (n 2  4)
where n, number of gussets, is no less than 4.

Qp = compression load borne by the ring only.
Rc = mean radius of the tank at junction level.
J 3000 / 16  n° 137-2012
If there are no gussets, or when there are less than 4 of them, a check shall be made to ensure
there is no lateral buckling of the reinforcing ring.
When the gussets are laid out such as to connect the reinforcing profile to the tank skirt, these
gussets must be attached at regular intervals.
J 3230 RULES FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM THICKNESSES

OF ATMOSPHERIC TANKS
These rules apply to cylindrical flat-bottomed atmospheric tanks and are an alternative to the rules
of J 3220.
The thickness of the tank wall, excluding corrosion allowance, shall not be less than the value
determined by means of the following formulae.
In any case, the minimum thickness of the plates from which the tank is made, shall not be less than
5 mm, to which should be added the specified corrosion allowance.
J 3232 MINIMUM THICKNESS OF SHELL ELEMENTS

The minimum calculated thickness of the plates used to make up the shell concerned, shall not be
less than:
PD
t
2 kS
where P shall take account of the overpressure during filling.

This thickness must ensure a resistance of the shell under the specified external pressure, including
the underpressure involved in drainage.
2 ( t / D) 5 / 2
Padm  E  Pe
3 L/D
J 3233 RULES APPLICABLES TO ROOF DESIGN

J 3233.1 General
The roofs shall be designed to bear loads described in J 3100.
They are limited to the following shapes:
- conical roofs,
- spherical cap roofs.
They shall be fixed, self-supporting or supported by a self-supporting structure.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 17

The nominal thickness of the plates making up the roof shall not be less than 5 mm, to which should
be added the specified corrosion allowance, nor greater than 13 mm.
If the application of these rules leads to a thickness greater than 13 mm, suitable stiffening or
support structures must be envisaged, for which the specific rules will be codified at a later date.
Plates are assembled by welding:
- either butt welding,
- or lap welding with back weld.
In this latter case, the overlap must be at least equal to 5 times the thickness of the plate.
The roof supports are located around the periphery and the connection weld between the roof and
the shell shall be continuous. Reinforcement gussets with a minimum thickness of 5 mm may be
regularly spaced.
J 3233.3 Conical roof

a) The angle of the meridian generatrix with the horizontal shall not be less than 10°, nor greater
than 37°.
b) Determination of the minimum thickness

The roof must mainly comply with external load (buckling) requirements. Consequently, the
minimum thickness of the plates shall not be less than the value of t defined by the following
equation, minus the corrosion allowance:
1/ 2
2D  Pe 
t
 
sin   E 
where Pe, specified external pressure, must be increase by the underpressure during drainage.
The internal overpressure during filling shall be analyzed if the value exceeds that of the external
pressure Pe.
An analysis in compliance with J 3220 is acceptable.
J 3233.4 Spherical cap roof

a) The radius of curvature of the spherical cap shall be between 0.8 and 1.2 times the diameter of
the tank, unless otherwise specified in the equipment specification.
J 3000 / 18  n° 137-2012
b) Determination of the minimum thickness

The roof must mainly comply with external load (buckling) requirements. Consequently the
thickness of the plates, minus corrosion allowance, shall not be less than that determined by the
following formula:
1/ 2
P 
t  4 Rs  e 
 
 E 
where Pe, specified external pressure, must be increased by the underpressure during drainage.
The internal overpressure during filling shall be analyzed if its value exceeds that of the external
pressure Pe.
An analysis which complies with J 3220 is acceptable.
J 3234 RULES APPLICABLE TO THE DESIGN OF THE UPPER END

OF THE ATMOSPHERIC TANK SHELL
J 3234.1 Minimum cross-section
a) Conical roofs
The cross-section of the roof-shell junction reinforcement associated with the cross-sections of
the shell and the roof, for a width equal for each of them to 16 times the thickness of the plate,
must be at least equal to the following:
1 Pe R 2
A
2 kS  sin 
b) Spherical cap roof

The relationship which must be satisfied by the cross-section of the rim reinforcement associated
with the cross-sections of the shell and the roof is identical to that of the conical roof.
The angle θ is the angle in relation to the horizontal of the tangent to the spherical cap at the
transition line.
J 3234.2 Minimum dimensions of roof-shell junction reinforcements

If there is no analysis of the junction zone, the following requirements shall be complied with:
a) For tanks with a diameter of less than 10 m, the reinforcement may be made by:
- folding down the plate: maximum length 12 times the thickness, bend radius 10 mm
minimum, 3 times the thickness maximum,
- by a flat bar, minimum thickness 5 mm, the maximum height of which is equal to 16 times its
width.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 19
b) For tanks with diameters of between 10 and 18 m, the minimum dimensions of the
reinforcements are:
- 80 x 80 x 8 mm (for a nominal diameter of less than 16 m),
- 100 x 100 x 10 mm (for a nominal diameter of between 16 and 18 m).
J 3235 RULES APPLICABLE TO THE DESIGN OF FLAT BOTTOMS

J 3235.1 General
The bottom of the tank shall be fully supported by the rigid foundation.
J 3235.2 Design requirements

a) Layout of central plates
All plates making up the flat bottom must be overlapping. Only the upper part must be welded
using continuous fillet welds.
The minimum overlap of the plates is 5 times the thickness of the plate.
Whenever three bottom plates overlap, the upper plate must be hammered so that it is at the level
of the lower plate and then welded as shown in figure J 3235.2a.
No triple plate overlap should be located less than 300 mm from the internal wall of the shell or
from another overlap of three plates.
b) Layout of peripheral plates

Unless otherwise stated in the equipment specification, one of the two requirements 1) or 2)
below must be complied with.
1) The rectangularly laid out plates are cut out along the periphery. The overshoot of the
peripheral plates in relation to the neutral axis of the lower shell plate shall not be less
than 75 mm.
2) An edging ring is made with plate segments on which the central zone plates overlap. This
overlap shall not be less than 60 mm and shall comply with the requirements of a) above. The
overshoot of the edging ring in relation to the neutral axis of the lower shell plate shall not be
less than 75 mm (Fig. J 3235.2.b).
The minimum width of the edging ring shall not be less than 500 mm.
The plates making up the edging ring must be of the same material as that of the lower shell
of the tank (same specification and same grade).
c) Peripheral plate joint requirements

1) For bottoms whose design does not specify an edging ring, the joints of the peripheral plates
must be laid out in such a way as to provide the continuous flat surface and allow correct
fitting of the lower shell plates (Fig. J 3235.2.a).
J 3000 / 20  n° 137-2012
2) For bottoms designed with an edging ring, the radial junction welds for the segments making
up the edging ring must be butt welds, on a support strip at least 5 mm thick (Fig. J 3235.2.b).
d) Requirements concerning the junction between the bottom and the lower shell
The junction between the bottom and the lower shell of the tank shall be means of a full
penetration filled weld as per diagram 2 in paragraph J 4931.
The stresses which develop in these welds shall remain acceptable as specified in paragraph
J 3270 and J 3280.
J 3235.3 Rules for determining minimum thicknesses

After implementation, the minimum nominal thickness of any plate making up the flat bottom shall
not be less than 6 mm.
The corrosion allowance, indicated in the equipment specification, must be added to this thickness.
J 3235.4 Rules applicable to tank anchors

Flat bottom tank anchors must be subject to detailed analysis as per J 3270 and J 3280. A
reinforcement ring may be placed around the outside of the tank.
J 3240 RULES APPLICABLE TO THE DESIGN OF OPENINGS

AND THEIR REINFORCEMENT
J 3241.1
The rules of this paragraph concern the design and reinforcement of openings under pressure
loading. The application of these rules is equivalent to satisfying the requirements of J 3270 and
J 3280 relative to stress limits.
J 3241.2
Openings in tank walls shall preferably be circular, elliptical or oblong. In these latter two cases, the
ratio between the largest and the smallest dimension must not be greater than 2 and it is
recommended that the greater dimension be in the direction of the greatest stress.
J 3241.3
Openings must be located in such a way that the reinforcement contours are at least 150 mm, or, if
greater, 8 times the nominal thickness of the reinforcement plate (corrosion allowance included)
away:
- from all gross geometrical discontinuity in the tank wall,
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 21
- from all zones subjected to significant local loading stemming both from a support membrane
and from a support of the tank itself,
- from an other opening reinforcement.
In this latter case, if the reinforcements overlap, the requirements of J 3243 shall apply.
J 3241.4
Openings must be located in such a way that their junction with the tank wall and their
reinforcement be fully accessible for inspection and marking, both inside and outside the tank. An
exception is made for nozzles which must be located below the bottom of the tank when the tank
rests on its foundation.
J 3242 REINFORCEMENT OF ISOLATED OPENINGS

Any nozzle or branch connection whose internal diameter is greater than 50 mm must be studied,
and reinforced if necessary.
In all cases, the reference to the dimensions of the opening in the following subparagraphs, is given
excluding the corrosion allowance.
J 3242.2 Reinforcement limits

The boundaries of the area within which the material reinforcement making up the tank wall or the
additional material thickness may be considered as having a reinforcing function are given below:
a) Reinforcement limits along the tank wall
Reinforcement limits are measured along the mean surface of the wall, assuming that the
thickness of the latter is the nominal value. The distance, as measured on each side of the nozzle
axis, shall be equal to the diameter of the opening or, where the opening is not circular, to the
length of the opening in the given direction.
b) Reinforcement limits normal to the tank wall

Reinforcement limits normal to the tank wall are equal to the smaller of the following values:
- 2.5 times the nominal tank wall thickness,
- 2.5 times the nominal nozzle wall thickness, less corrosion allowance, plus the thickness of
any added reinforcement exclusive of weld metal.
c) If the reinforcement areas of 2 or more adjacent openings overlap, the requirements of J 3243
shall be met.
J 3000 / 22  n° 137-2012
J 3242.3 Reinforcement area required

a) The total reinforcement area A required in any plane perpendicular to the tank wall and passing
through the nozzle axis, for an internal pressure load, shall not be less than:
(1  cos 2 )
A  dt
2
where α is the angle of the plane concerned, passing through the nozzle axis in relation to the
tank axis.
b) Special attention must be paid to the reinforcements required for openings whose maximum
dimensions vary greatly.
c) Material in the nozzle wall used for reinforcement shall preferably be the same as that of the
vessel wall.
If the allowable basic stress S of the nozzle or reinforcement material is less than that for the
vessel wall, the corresponding metal section shall, before being counted in the reinforcement
section calculation, be reduced in proportion to the following ratio:
(Allowable basic stress of reinforcement or nozzle metal)
(Allowable basic stress of vessel wall metal)
On the other hand, if the allowable basic stress of the reinforcement nozzle material is greater
than that of the material constituting the vessel wall, this difference shall not be taken into
account in evaluation of the reinforcement section.
J 3242.4 Metal to be taken into account for reinforcement

The material located within the limits defined previously is only considered as participating in the
reinforcement if concerned by the following paragraphs:
a) Area A1 comprises the material of the tank wall in excess in relation to the requirements of the
minimum thickness determination rules.
b) Area A2 comprises the material of the nozzle wall in excess of the requirements of the minimum
thickness determination rules.
These areas are evaluated excluding corrosion allowances (corroded condition).
The total reinforcement A1 plus A2 must be at least equal to the area A required in J 3242.3 for
all planes passing through the nozzle axis.
J 3243 REINFORCEMENT OF ADJACENT OPENINGS

When several adjacent openings are spaced so that their limits of reinforcement overlap or do not
comply with requirements of J 3241.3, the following requirements shall be met:
- the total reinforcement shall have a strength equal to the combined strength of the reinforcement
that would be required for the separate openings,
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 23
- material contributing to the reinforcement of one opening shall not be considered as applying to
another opening,
- when two or more adjacent openings are to be provided with a combined reinforcement, the
minimum distance between centres of any two of these openings shall be less than 1.5 times
their average diameter and the area of reinforcement between them shall be at least equal to 50%
of the total area of reinforcement required for these two openings,
- when two adjacent openings are spaced less than 4/3 the half sum of the two diameters, no credit
for reinforcement shall be given for any of the metal between these two openings.
Any number of closely spaced adjacent openings, in any arrangement, may be reinforced for an
assumed opening of a diameter enclosing all such openings.
When a group of openings is reinforced by a thicker section butt welded into the shell or head, the
edges of the inserted section shall be tapered gradually (slope: 1/4 max.).
J 3250 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE

TO WALL PART JUNCTIONS
Welded joints must be designed in such a way as to be compatible with the loads which they are
likely to transmit and with the importance of the assembled parts from a safety point of view.
The following special requirements should thus be observed.
J 3252 TANK BOTTOM

J 3252.1 Flat bottom supported by foundation
The requirements of J 3235 apply.
J 3252.2 Other shapes of bottoms

The welds must be full penetration butt welds.
J 3253 WALL PARTS

The wall parts must be butt-welded. The junction of the lower shell element with the flat bottom is
defined in J 3235.2.d.
The junction of the dome and the upper shell element is by means of a continuous full
penetration weld.
Vertical welds between plates comprising adjacent shell elements shall be less than 150 mm apart.
J 3000 / 24  n° 137-2012
J 3254 TANK ROOF OR UPPER HEAD

J 3254.1 Low pressure tanks
The plates shall be assembled by full penetration butt welds.
J 3254.2 Atmospheric tanks

The roof plates shall be assembled by:
a) continuous lap weld, front and back over the entire thickness of the plates. The minimum
overlap is 5 times the thickness of the plates,
or
b) full penetration butt welds.
J 3260 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WELDED JOINTS

J 3261 GENERAL
Depending on their function, welded joints can be classified as follows:
- joints contributing to component strength covered in J 3263,
- joints connecting permanent attachments, covered in J 3264,
- joints connecting temporary attachments, covered in J 3265,
- joints connecting components and supports, covered in J 3266.
Depending on the geometry of the weldment, different types of joint may be used:
a) Full penetration butt joints and angle joints whose angles are less than 30°.
b) Full penetration angle joints whose angles are greater than 30°.
c) Partial penetration joints and lap joints.
J 3262 MANUFACTURING AND NON-DESTRUCTIVE

EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the requirements of J 3220 to J 3250, the requirements of J 4000 shall be met.
Certain requirements related to manufacturing and non-destructive examinations given in chapter
J 4000 cannot be satisfied unless accessibility is already provided during component design or at
the manufacturing and assembly stages.
From the design phase on, the designer shall pay special attention to the following points:
- wherever possible, a design permitting a back weld for full penetration welds shall be selected,
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 25
- it shall be possible to perform required non-destructive examinations at the stage and to the
degree stipulated in the provisions of J 4000.
As a result:
- where, after a certain stage of manufacturing, reduced accessibility would prevent the
performance of the stipulated examinations, the designer shall ensure that these examinations
can be performed, to the degree prescribed, at an earlier stage of manufacturing where
accessibility is sufficient,
- wherever component geometry makes it technically impossible to comply with the requirements
prescribed for radiographic or ultrasonic examinations, the Manufacturer shall perform the
necessary examinations on a representative weldment to ensure that examination methods
selected make it possible to detect and characterize defects.
J 3263 GEOMETRICAL AND DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR

VARIOUS TYPES OF JOINTS CONTRIBUTING TO COMPONENT
RESISTANCE TO PRESSURE
J 3263.1 Type 1 joints : full penetration butt joints and angle joints
whose angles are less than 30°
a) Application
Type 1 joints assemble parts whose centrelines are aligned with one another in the vicinity of the
weld to within manufacturing tolerances, or parts whose centreline extension form an angle of
less than 30° at their intersection (see figure J 3263.1.a)).
b) All type 1 joints shall be full penetration joints. Joint thickness shall not less than the thickness
of the thinner of the parts to be assembled.
c) In the case of circumferentially welded joints *, where the parts to be assembled have different
thicknesses, the centrelines of the parts may be offset from each other; the offset shall not,
however, go beyond the alignment of the outside or inside faces **.
* Circumferential welded joints are transverse butt joints connecting cylinders, cones and axis symmetric heads which
have the same axis.
** Excluding manufacturing tolerances.
d1) When the parts to be assembled have different thicknesses, a uniform tapered transition shall
be provided at joints.
d2) The transition zone shall be subjected to a stress analysis in accordance with the provisions of
J 3270 and J 3280 or of annex Z II unless the following conditions are met.
- In the case of circumferential welded joints, the transition slope is less than or equal to 1/3
or there is a circular transition whose radius is at least equal to the thickness of the
thinnest part.
- Where welds are located in the transition region the slope shall not exceed 1/4.
J 3000 / 26  n° 137-2012
d3) No connection cone is required for flange collars.
J 3263.2 Type 2 joints: full penetration welded angle joints

whose angles are greater than 30°
a) Application
Type 2 joints assemble parts by full penetration welds where the angle formed by the
intersection of the extension of one of the centrelines with that of the other is greater than 30°.
This type of joint is used to connect dome to shell and may be used to connect nozzles or other
connections to shells.
b) The throat depth (thickness) of the welded joint shall never be less than the shell thickness.
J 3263.3 Type 3 joints: partial penetration welded angle joints

and lap joints
a) Partial penetration welded joints with one weld
1) Partial penetration welded joints with one weld may be used to attach nozzles to shells where
the other diameter of the nozzles is not greater than 150 mm for inspection openings.
The rules for reinforcing openings are applicable in all cases.
2) The dimensional requirements applicable to the type of connections are given in figure
J 3263.3.a.
b) Double welded joints

1) Partial-penetration welded joints with two welds may be used for shell connections to
nozzles.
2) When no reinforcing elements are used, any two combinations of fillet single bevel and single
J-welds may be used as long as the requirements of figure J 3263.3.c, sketches (a) to (d)
are met.
However, if the throat depth of one of the welds meets the conditions of a) above, the second
weld need not satisfy any special dimensional requirements.
3) When a reinforcing element is used, design using two welds shall be used when there is a
discontinuity between the nozzle or connection and the main wall.
When nozzles have reinforcing plates, the latter shall be connected to the vessel wall by two
continuous peripheral welds. The inner weld shall cover on the surface of the main pipe wall,
a band with a width of 1 in accordance with figure J 3263.3.c sketches (e) and (f).
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 27
In this case, the assembly shall have a vent hole with a maximum diameter of 6 mm left open
after testing.
In order to satisfy reinforcement requirements, any excess metal added to the nozzle may be
considered as participating in the reinforcement of the opening.
c) Lap joint
1) Single welded lap joints are used to assemble plates of flat heads in accordance with
requirements of J 3235.
Single welded lap joints may be used to connect vessels to piping whose inner diameter does
not exceed 80 mm. In all cases, weld throat depth must be equal to or greater than 0.7 times
the thickness of the thinnest part to be joined.
Assemblies using connecting parts of the type presented in figure J 3263.3.c may only be
used for inspection openings and for connecting instrumentation piping. The dimensional
requirements of figure J 3263.3.c are applicable.
2) Double welded lap joints are allowed to interconnect spherical or conical roof components of
open tanks.
The sum of both weld throat depths must be equal to or greater than the thickness of the
thinnest component to be joined.
d) Special rules for threaded connecting parts

Threaded connecting parts used to connect piping with a nominal diameter not exceeding 75 mm
may be attached to the vessel wall by two fillet or partial penetration welds or by a single weld
in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.
The connecting parts illustrated in figure J 3263.3.e designed for connecting piping with a
nominal diameter not exceeding 75 mm may be welded to the vessel wall by a single fillet weld
in accordance with figure J 3263.3.e when the wall thickness does not exceed 10 mm.
J 3264 JOINTS FOR CONNECTING PERMANENT

ATTACHMENTS TO TANKS
a) Lugs, brackets, pads and other permanent attachments shall be adapted to the geometry of the
surface to which they are to be connected.
They may be welded or attached with studs. When permanent attachments are welded, a full
penetration weld, a fillet weld or a continuous partial penetration weld shall be employed.
Dimensional requirements applicable to fillet welds are given in figure J 3263.3.c.
J 3000 / 28  n° 137-2012
b) Minor permanent attachments such as insulation supports, locating lugs or Constructor

nameplates are subject to the provisions of J 3265 applicable to temporary attachments.
c) Stiffening rings may be attached to the vessel by intermittent welds, on condition that the total
length of weld beads is not less than half the circumference of the tank.
J 3265 JOINTS FOR MOUNTING TEMPORARY

ATTACHMENTS TO TANKS
Temporary attachments such as lifting ears, brackets, clamps and plugs removed before startup,
may be welded to the wall using fillet welds without bevels or partial penetration welds which need
to be continuous. No particular mechanical analysis need be performed.
J 3266 JOINTS CONNECTING TANKS AND SUPPORTS

Subsection H provides the rules for connecting tanks and supports.
J 3270 RULES FOR ANALYZING COMPONENT BEHAVIOUR:

GENERAL
J 3271 SCOPE
The rules of J 3270 and J 3280 may be used in all cases. These rules shall also be met when the
conditions under which the rules of J 3220 to J 3260 may be applied, are not satisfied or when these
rules cannot cover the set of loadings specified.
Buckling risks shall be evaluated.
Components subject to external pressure or axial compression stress may be analyzed with
allowable stresses defined in J 3216.
Rules of Annex Z IV may be used.
J 3272 DEFINITIONS
J 3272.1 Discontinuities
a) Gross structural discontinuity
A gross structural discontinuity is a geometric or material discontinuity which affects the stress
or strain distribution through the entire wall thickness of the tank and thus significantly affects
the global behaviour of the structure.
Examples of gross structural discontinuities are head-to-shell and flange-to-shell junctions,
nozzles and junctions between shells of different diameters, thicknesses or materials.
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 29
b) Minor (or local) structural discontinuity

A minor or local discontinuity is a geometric or material discontinuity which affects the stress or
strain distribution through a part of the thickness of the wall and which thus does not
significantly affect the global behaviour of the structure.
The stress distribution resulting from this type of discontinuity causes only very localized
deformations. Examples of minor structural discontinuities are small fillet radii, small
attachments, and partial penetration welds.
J 3272.2 Stresses
a) Stress distribution shall be considered as uniform through the wall thickness. Locally, this
hypothesis may not be possible and the stress may then be considered as the result of the sum of
two components:
- one of which is constant through the thickness,
- the other of which is variable through the thickness.
b) Membrane stress
Membrane stress is the average value of the stress in a section.
c) Bending stress
Bending stress is the difference, at any point of the section between the value of the stress at this
point and the value of the membrane stress as defined in b) above.
d) Load stresses
Load stresses are stresses resulting from the application of mechanical loads such as internal
pressure, weight and earthquakes and having values not reduced by plastic deformation; this
distinguishes them from thermal stresses.
e) Thermal stresses
Thermal stresses are self-balancing stresses produced by non-uniform temperature distribution
through the wall or by different thermal coefficients of expansion. This type of stress is not
evaluated in this subchapter.
Thermal stresses also develop in a component when the component is prevented from taking the
form it would naturally adopt when subjected to a change in temperature. This type of stress
must be taken into account but only those membrane stresses resulting from it are considered.
J 3280 ELASTIC ANALYSIS

J 3281 DEFINITIONS
J 3281.1 General
The criteria include:
- the classification of stresses into several categories,
J 3000 / 30  n° 137-2012
- the combination of stress categories involved in verifying the criterion under consideration,
- the comparison with specified stress limits.
J 3281.2 Primary stresses

Primary stresses are the category of stresses that contribute directly to satisfying equilibrium of
mechanical loads. For this reason, they continue to exist in the event of plastic deformation. When
primary stresses significantly exceed the yield strength of a material, there is a risk of collapse or at
least excessive deformation.
Primary stresses are divided into three categories:
a) General membrane stresses
The notation for this type of stress is m. This stress is equal to the average stress in the section
resulting from pressure and other specified mechanical loads. This stress is determined outside
discontinuity zones.
b) Local membrane stresses

The notation for local membrane stress is L. This stress is determined in the same manner as
m in regions containing major discontinuities.
c) Bending stresses
The notation for bending stress is b. This stress is equal to the maximum difference between the
stress in the wall under consideration with the through thickness stress distribution assumed
linear * and the membrane stress.
* This distribution is defined as the linear distribution which has the same bending moment as the actual stress
distribution.
Bending stress is determined outside discontinuity zones; only pressure and other specified
mechanical loads are considered.
J 3281.3 Secondary stresses

Secondary stresses are the stresses resulting from imposed deformation especially of thermal origin.
Secondary stresses are not evaluated in this subchapter.
J 3282 STRESS CLASSIFICATION

Stresses determined by analysis shall be classified into the various categories defined above.
J 3283 STRESS LIMITS

A special limit is imposed on the stresses of each category, or on their combination, for each criteria
level O, A, B, C, D (J 3150).
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 31
These stress limits are given in table J 3283.

For buckling requirements, the allowable stresses defined in J 3216 may be used; these limits are
applicable to primary membrane stresses.
J 3284 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

J 3284.1 Rules applicable to nozzles
a) The stress limits of J 3283 are applicable to the region outside the nozzle reinforcement limits
and to the region outside these limits on the vessel side. The rules of C 3600 are applicable
beyond these limits on the piping side.
b) When external loads transmitted by piping are specified, the membrane and bending stresses
resulting from these loadings and from pressure shall be limited in accordance with J 3283.
When stresses are evaluated the following must be differentiated:
- mechanical stresses,
- thermal stresses.
For the latter, only resulting membrane stresses shall be taken into account. In this analysis, the
pressure induced stresses may be assumed to be not greater than the limits imposed on σm for the
criteria level under consideration, when the design rules of J 3220 through J 3260
are met.
c) Shear stresses in nozzles are limited to 70% of allowable tensile strength values.
TABLE J 3283
STRESS LIMITS ASSOCIATED

WITH VARIOUS CRITERIA LEVELS
CRITERIA LEVEL STRESS LIMITS (1)
m  S
O et A
(m or L) + b  1,5 S
m  1,1 S
B
(m or L) + b  1,65 S
m  1,5 S
C
(m or L) + b  1,8 S
m  2 S
D
(m or L) + b  2,4 S
(1)These limits do not guarantee against the possibility of generalized or

localized buckling which can appear in thin-wall vessels.
J 3000 / 32  n° 137-2012
FIGURE J 3221
PRINCIPLE OF TANK ANALYSIS
FIGURE J 3224.1
TRANSITION OF SURFACES WITH MERIDIAN
LINE DISCONTINUITIES
FIGURE J 3224.2
TANK ROOF-SHELL JUNCTION BEFORE NOMENCLATURE
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 33
FIGURE J 3224.2.c
TANK ROOF-SHELL JUNCTION

DIAGRAMS ILLUSTRATING THE REINFORCEMENT PRINCIPLE
J 3000 / 34  n° 137-2012
FIGURE J 3235.2.a
ILLUSTRATION OF LAY-OUTS OF TANK PLATES

WITHOUT EDGING RING
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 35
FIGURE J 3235.2.b
ILLUSTRATION OF EDGING RINGS

ON TANKS WITH EDGING RING
J 3000 / 36  n° 137-2012
FIGURE J 3263.1.a
EXAMPLE OF TYPE 1 WELDS
NOTES :
tn = nominal thickness of the nozzle.
t = nominal thickness of the wall comprising the opening.
tw = depth of the weld penetration  1.25 tn
tc = the smaller of the two values 0.7 t or 6 mm.
r1 = the smaller of the two values on 1/4 tn or 20 mm.
d = outside diameter of the nozzle.
g > 1.5 time thickness of the thinnest of the parts to be assembled.
FIGURE J 3263.3.a
RULES APPLICABLE TO PARTIAL

PENETRATION FILLET WELDS
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 37
NOTES :
c  0.5 t or 0.5 te whichever is less.

tw  0.7 tn or 0.7 (t + te) whichever is less.
tc  0.7 tn or 6 mm whichever is less.
t1 or t2  0.7 tn or 0.7 t whichever is less (with t1+ t2  6 mm) whichever is less.
t = nominal thickness of part penetrated.
tn = nominal thickness of nozzle.
te = thickness of reinforcing element.
  0.5 t or 0.5 te whichever is smaller.
FIGURE J 3263.3.c
A FEW ACCEPTABLE TYPES OF WELDED CONNECTIONS
J 3000 / 38  n° 137-2012
These welds are located on the inside of the tank where the risk of corrosion
due to decontamination requirements is specified
NOTES :
– maximum shall thickness = 10 mm,

– maximum internal thread diameter = 88 mm.
– maximum dimension of opening in shell = not greater than 135 mm or shell radius.
– tc = 0.7 tn or 6 mm whichever is smaller where tn is the nominal nozzle thickness.
– tmini. = thickness of thinner part.
FIGURE J 3263.3.e
A FEW ACCEPTABLE TYPES

OF SMALL WELDED CONDITIONS
 n° 137-2012 J 3000 / 39
J 3000 / 40  n° 137-2012
J 4000
MANUFACTURE AND
ASSOCIATED EXAMINATIONS
J 4100 GENERAL
This chapter defines general requirements applicable to component fabrication conditions.
J 4200 MARKING
Identification shall be in accordance with procedures stipulated in J 4210 and the requirements
of J 1600.
J 4210 PRINCIPLE
a) The methods used for marking shall not result in contamination of the material, significant strain
hardening, or sharp discontinuities.
b) Items shall be marked in areas which are subjected to minimum loading and shall not be marked
in areas where there is stress concentration (particularly in areas where there are discontinuities
in shape) or in weld heat affected zones. Marking must not adversely affect the interpretation of
the results of non-destructive examinations.
J 4220 METHODS
a) All methods which meet the above mentioned requirements and the following requirements may
be used for temporary or definitive marking.
b) The use of electric arc marking pencils is forbidden.
c) Stamping is permitted on materials more than 6 mm in thickness. Metal stamps shall be round
nosed or ball type.
d) A vibrating marking tool may be used for thicknesses less than 6 mm.
The tools shall be carbide tipped and the depth of the indentation shall be approximately
0.25 mm or less.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 1
However, since this type of marking may be erased on ferritic non-stainless steels, a different
method of marking should be used. For example, a temporary marking code may be printed into
individual components and the code markings tabulated for the finished item of equipment.
J 4300 CUTTING
All materials are cut out to dimensions or bevelled for welding by machining, grinding or a thermal
cutting process.
- Oxidized surfaces must be carefully deburred and cleaned of all traces of oxide by either
brushing or grinding. When surfaces are untreated after cutting, oxygas cutting must not affect
the material beyond the specified limits (hardness for example). When necessary, in particular
according to the thicknesses and the grade of the material, the part shall be preheated as required
by J 4838 A.
- When the plasma-arc cutting process is used for final sizing of a part, the cut faces shall be
cleaned of all traces of metal drops, runs etc. An area of about one millimeter is removed from
the cut face by grinding or machining. The same precautions are taken when using gas tungsten
arc cutting on small thicknesses. However, when the plasma-arc process is used to prepare
welding bevels on austenitic stainless steels, surface preparation compatible with the
examinations as specified in paragraph J 4821 for welding bevels may be sufficient after cutting.
J 4400 REPAIRS WITHOUT WELDING
Excavation is mechanical (grinding, chipping, machining, etc.) and never thermal.

After excavation, liquid penetrant examination is carried out to ensure that the defect has been
eliminated or returned to a satisfactory dimension as required by the criteria applicable to the
materials.
Consequently, the surface condition of the cavity must be compatible with the examination method.
The blending with surrounding surface shall be progressive, free of sharp edges and the transition
slope must be no more than one third.
A dimensional check shall be carried out to ensure that residual thickness remains compatible with
minimum design values.
J 4500 REPAIRS BY WELDING
Repairs of components by welding shall be authorized only if such operation is specified by the
reference standard.
In this case, paragraphs J 4800 and J 4900 are applicable.
J 4000 / 2  n° 137-2012
In all cases, a liquid penetrant examination shall be carried out before repair to ensure elimination of
the defect.
J 4600 FORMING
a) The tools used to form austenitic stainless steel must not be a source of contamination (cleaning
or degreasing of tools) or incrustation of ferritic steels.
Precautions to avoid these risks shall be taken by the Manufacturer (stainless steel tools,
protective paper or covering, etc.).
b) If the deformation calculated as per F 4113 exceeds:

- 5 % for carbon steels,
- 10 % for austenitic stainless steels,
or if hot forming is performed (> 150°C), the following shall be required:
- either acceptance test of the part in its final condition,
- or qualification of the forming procedure in accordance with F 4100 of SECTION V.
When a weld is subject to hot or cold forming, non-destructive examinations required for this
weld are performed after forming and include at least a liquid penetrant examination except when
chapter F 4100 of SECTION V is fully applied.
J 4700 ALIGNMENT OF PARTS
Part tolerances shall meet drawing requirements. Alignment defects shall be in compliance
with F 4320.
When two parts of different thicknesses are butt welded, the transition between the two faces of both
parts must have a maximum slope of one third (when no stricter requirement is stipulated in the
equipment specification).
This slope can be obtained:
- either by removing metal from the thicker part,
- or facing the thinner part.
In the latter case, non-destructive examinations shall be carried out on the entire faced area.
When the misalignment of edges to be welded exceeds the values of F 4320, shaping may be
performed when thicknesses are at least equal to 6 mm.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 3
This operation shall be written up in the end-of-manufacture report when so required by J 1514.
Areas concerned shall be visually examined.
J 4800 WELDING AND RELATED TECHNIQUES
J 4810 QUALIFICATION AND ACCEPTANCE

Welding procedure and welders' qualifications and acceptance of filler materials shall be established
in accordance with the provisions of annex H 1 of subsection H of this Code.
J 4820 PREPARATION AND EXAMINATION OF EDGES

AND SURFACES TO BE WELDED
a) Bevels
The Manufacturer chooses the shape of the bevels which must comply with the design rules and
qualified welding procedure. At the supply boundaries, the equipment specifications must specify
the shape of the bevels in compliance with the Manufacturer responsible for welding.
b) Bevelling methods
The joints are prepared preferably by machining or by thermal cutting and/or grinding. In
accordance with the requirements of paragraph J 4300.
Piping bevels are normally made by mechanical machining. However, grinding may be used to
rectify when aligning elements on site and for bevelling small diameter tubes.
c) Surface condition of edges to be welded and their surrounding area

The surface condition of edges to be welded must be compatible with the welding procedure and
the non-destructive examination procedures provided for in this subchapter.
The surrounding areas of the edges to be welded and surfaces must have a surface condition
compatible with the performance of non-destructive examinations specified for the joint and over
a sufficient width.
J 4821 EXAMINATION PRIOR TO WELDING

a) Dimensional check
It is recommended that a dimensional check of the assemblies to be carried out before welding in
order to ensure the conformity of the joint preparations and of the tolerances.
J 4000 / 4  n° 137-2012
b) Visual examination
This examination is required for all welds:
- method as per MC 7100 and MC 7200,
- scope: entire surface to be welded,
- stage: before any other non-destructive examination which may be required,
- criteria: surface conditions required by the drawings.
There should be no faults or products on the surface likely to compromise the quality of the weld.
c) Liquid penetrant examination prior to welding

- When required, this examination is performed in accordance with the methods of MC 4000.
- Scope: the surface of the bevels and the surfaces to be welded.
- Stage: prior to welding and preferably prior to assembly of the parts.
- Surface condition: parts light grinded at least.
- Criteria: no cracks, no linear indications > 2 mm.
J 4830 EXECUTION OF PRODUCTION WELDS

J 4831 GENERAL PROVISIONS
a) Prior to production operations, welding procedure and welder's qualification and acceptance of
filler materials shall be established in accordance with the provisions of annex H 1 of
subsection H of this Code.
b) Welding is prohibited on wet parts. Local drying by slight heating is allowed.
c) Welding is prohibited when the room temperature is lower than – 10°C.

The part shall be kept at a temperature of at least + 5°C and cooling after welding must be slow
enough to avoid cracking caused by internal stresses.
d) All welding operations shall be performed under cover from bad weather.
If welding is carried out using a shielding gas, the work area shall be draught free.
e) Associated heat treatments (preheating, post-heating, stress relieving) shall be carried out in
accordance with the requirements of annex H 1 of subsection H.
f) During welding, each layer is visually inspected after complete removal of the slag (where
necessary) so as to eliminate any visible defect liable to have any consequences on the correct
application of the following passes. Apparent cracks and blisters shall be removed by chipping,
grinding or milling.
g) Austenitic steel is ground in such a way as not to provoke a risk of local overheating.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 5
h) Manual arc welding with covered electrodes shall be carried out preferably with string beads
(sweeping not greater than 3 times the diameter of the electrode core).
i) The surface of the welds must be continuous, free of thickness defects and the transmission to the
adjacent surfaces must be regular and continuous.
j) All products must be identified by an appropriate means at all times during operation.
k) For carbon or low alloy steels, electrode coatings and fluxes shall be of basic type.
J 4832 BAKING FILLER MATERIALS

a) The baking conditions are specified by the Supplier (holding temperature and time).
b) When specified, the Manufacturer shall bake the electrodes and the flux in ovens reserved for
acceptance products.
The electrodes shall be baked out of their packaging or placed in metal boxes allowing air to
circulate through both ends.
c) After baking, the electrodes and the flux shall be kept in heating containers or cabinets until they
are used. If electrodes and flux spend more than 4 hours at room temperature, they shall be
rebaked. This operation can only be repeated the number of times specified by the product
Supplier.
Each welder possesses, on the working site, portable equipment allowing him to keep his
electrodes in suitable conditions.
J 4833 TACK WELDING

Tack welds should be made using the same products and following the same preheating and
postheating instructions as the fabrication joint.
Welders or fitters not qualified in accordance with the requirements of J 4810 shall be qualified in
accordance with the requirements of S 7410 b) of SECTION IV.
As a general rule, tack welds should not be part of the joint and should be removed completely
before welding.
However, tack welds may be completely remelted during execution of the joint after their ends have
been tapered by grinding.
J 4834 TEMPORARY ATTACHMENTS

Temporary attachments consist of parts welded to the component, intended to facilitate
manufacturing, handling or installation and subsequently remove.
J 4000 / 6  n° 137-2012
Welds of temporary attachments to components shall be made according to the same requirements
(in particular preheating, postheating, etc.) as the main joints of the component concerned.
The welds of temporary attachments are all executed before final stress relieving heat treatment.
Filler materials and temporary attachment material shall be compatible with the material of the
component to which they are welded (specifically chemical composition for austenitic steels).
Means used to remove temporary attachments shall be appropriate to the type of metal and shall not
cause surface defects.
When a component is made of alloy steel or likely to undergo tempering, no thermal cutting for the
removal of a temporary attachment may be carried out within 5 mm of the wall of the component.
The remaining material shall be removed mechanically.
After removal of temporary attachments, their locations on the component shall be subjected to non-
destructive examination to check the absence of any crack.
- This examination is compulsory for class 2 components.
- It is recommended for class 3 components.
J 4835 WELD POOL PROTECTION

a) Gas shielding
Care shall be taken to ensure observance of the shielding gas flow-rates specified in the welding
procedure.
b) Root protection
If the root passes are made by the TIG process, the back side of the weld is protected from
oxidation by an inert shielding gas for austenitic grades.
This protection shall be maintained, whatever the welding procedure, until a sufficient thickness
- at least 4 mm - has been deposited to prevent any back side oxidation.
By analogy, when welding on the surface of an austenitic stainless steel part less than 5 mm
thick, the back face shall be protected against oxidation by an inert shielding gas. The thickness
in question may be increased according to the welding process.
J 4836 ARC STRIKING

Arc striking on materials should be avoided. The Manufacturer shall take all necessary precautions
to do so. The tools and accessories used (cables, ground electrodes etc.) shall thus be kept in good
condition.
The arc shall be struck in the bevel and not on adjacent surfaces.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 7
J 4837 WELD SURFACE FINISHING

a) The surface of joints and the adjacent surfaces shall be cleaned of all traces of slag, oxide scale,
grease, melted metal projections etc.
b) Welds subjected to non-destructive examination are finished in such a way as to obtain the
surface condition required for these examination methods.
c) For austenitic stainless steels, the grinders and tools used for finishing shall meet the following
requirements:
- cutting tools: if possible made from tungsten carbide,
- tools : if possible made from stainless or chromium-vanadium steel,
- brushes and grinders : should not be used on steels other than stainless steels,
- brushes shall be made of stainless steel or nylon,
- grinders are aluminium oxide based and contain no iron.
d) Hammering austenitic stainless steel welds is forbidden.
J 4838 WELDING RELATED HEAT TREATMENTS

A - Preheating
When preheating is required in the welding procedure (or for oxy-cutting), depending on:
- the type of material to be welded,
- the material thickness,
the following requirements must be met:
a) parts or sections of parts to be welded shall be brought before welding to the preheating
temperature required by the welding procedure,
b) the preheating zone shall extend over a wide area around the joint to be welded in order to
prevent sharp temperature gradients,
c) the preheating shall be maintained without interruption, and shall be monitored until the end
of the welding operation.
B - Measurement of preheat temperatures

a) Regular checks shall be made to ensure that the preheat temperature remains within the range
required by the welding procedure.
b) The specified temperature shall be monitored by means of:
- thermocouples secured to the part,
- pyrometers or contact thermometers,
J 4000 / 8  n° 137-2012
- heat-sensitive pens.
Note : The use of heat-sensitive pens may be forbidden by welding austenitic stainless steels in order to prevent
the introduction of low-melting point products (F 6000).
C - Postheating
a) Postheat conditions (in particular, holding time and temperature) shall be specified on the
welding procedure data sheet.
b) Postheating shall be performed before the weld has cooled below a minimum temperature
specified on the welding procedure data sheet.
c) Requirements of J 4838 A and B also apply to postheating.
D - Stress-relieving heat treatments

a) Heat treatment is carried out in compliance with written instruction.
b) Before treatment, thermocouples used for treatment regulation or temperature measurement
shall be checked to ensure they have been calibrated and that calibration validity had not
expired.
c) Where the type of atmosphere is specified, it shall be possible to check for correct
composition throughout the duration of the treatment.
d) Temperatures shall be measured by means of thermocouples placed on the part itself or
located at a distance after justification of the results obtained this way.
e) When so required by the equipment specification, all the heat treatment temperatures shall be
recorded continuously. The initial furnace temperature for a mechanical welded part, the
heating or cooling rate shall take account of design:
- variable thickness of parts,
- number of flanges between parts.
In any case, for components of simple shape, this heating (or cooling) rate shall not exceed the
greater of the following values:
- 220°C/h divided by the maximum thickness express in multiples of 25 mm,
- 55°C/h.
f) Special case of the anchor reinforcing ring
When anchoring uses a reinforcing ring with high thickness and dimensions requiring on-site
installation and jointing, stress- relieving heat treatment may be avoided if sufficient
preheating is provided during welding operations to avoid embrittlement, and if assembly
cooling is sufficiently slow.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 9
J 4900 EXAMINATION OF WELDS
J 4910 SCOPE
This chapter defines the rules and criteria applicable to the examination of welds.
J 4920 NON-DESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATIONS

J 4921 VISUAL AND DIMENSIONAL EXAMINATIONS
1) Method
As per MC 7100 and MC 7200.
2) Scope
The entire surface of the welds and the immediately adjacent base metal (about 5 mm).
3) Stage
Prior to any other non-destructive examination or heat treatment and, in all cases, before the weld
has been made inaccessible by a subsequent operation.
4) Criteria
The dimensions and surface condition of the front and back surfaces, where the latter is
accessible, shall comply with the requirements indicated on the relevant drawings and, as regards
the weld, with the following criteria, unless otherwise specified in the drawings.
OFFSET
According to the requirements of F 4300.
OVERLAP
No overlap of the weld reinforcement over the edge of a part shall be acceptable.
INCOMPLETELY FILLED GROOVE

Insufficient throat due to gravity not exceeding 1 mm is accepted for welds executed in the
overhead position. In all other cases, this type of defect is unacceptable.
LACK OF PENETRATION
Lack of penetration shall not be acceptable.
MAXIMUM PERMITTED REINFORCEMENTS

For butt welds, these shall not exceed the values given in the following table:
J 4000 / 10  n° 137-2012
FRONT BACK
WELDS L L
MAXIMUM BACKING RUN  2 mm  2 mm
PERMITTED 5 5
REINFORCEMENT
IN mm WELDS L e
WITHOUT  2 mm  1mm
BACKING RUN 5 5
e : thickness of the joints in mm.
L : width of the bead at the surface in mm.
Arc undercuts and low thickness undercuts are acceptable within the following limits:
- for class 2 components:
. depth  0.5 mm,
. length  20 mm
- for class 3 components:

. depth  0.5 mm,
. length  40 mm.
Beyond these limits, these defects shall be completely removed by grinding and repaired, if
necessary, by welding.
OTHER DEFECTS
Weld collapse, shrinkable porosity and flat defects, blisters and inclusions at the surface shall be
unacceptable.
J 4922 SURFACE EXAMINATION

1) Method
a) Liquid penetrant examination shall be carried out in compliance with provisions of MC 4000.
b) Magnetic particle examination shall be carried out in compliance with provisions of

MC 5000.
2) Surface condition
The surfaces must be clean, degreased, and free of irregularities likely to impede the correct
performance and interpretation of the examinations. The welds may remain as welded if the
surface is regular.
For butt welds, the examination must cover both faces of the joint if the back is accessible.
3) Time of the examination

- After finishing and preparation of the weld, as required by the examination method.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 11
- When a manufacturing stage is likely to make a weld inaccessible, the examination must be
carried out prior to this phase.
- For long joints which do not undergo heat treatment the examination may be carried out on
one of the weld sections completed and prepared for this examination.
4) Acceptance criteria
As per S 7724 of SECTION IV.
J 4923 VOLUMETRIC EXAMINATION

1) Method
When required, radiographic examinations shall be made.
However, an ultrasonic examination shall be performed:
- whenever required in table I,
- to replace radiographic examination when the latter cannot be performed,
- whenever explicitly required by the equipment specification,
Radiographic examination shall be performed in compliance with the provisions of MC 3000.
Ultrasonic examination, if required, shall be performed in accordance with the requirements of
MC 2600, as amended by the following:
- welds shall only be made flush in accordance with MC 2633.1 if this requirement is also
included in the equipment specification,
- only orientations 2, 4 and 13 as indicated on figure MC 2634.1.a) 1) shall be used,
- for fillet welds, as illustrated in figure MC 2634.2.a), only orientations 1, 2, 5, 6 and 9 are
required, where possible.
2) Scope
The volumetric examination comprises examination of the melted area and the HAZ either side
of the joint (about 5 mm).
3) Time of examination
In principle, if stress relieving heat treatments are carried out on the equipment, the volumetric
examination shall be performed either after the final stress relieving heat treatment or after
intermediate stress relieving heat treatment of welds if the latter is positioned within the
temperature range prescribed for final stress-relieving heat treatment.
Where a subsequent fabrication operation is likely to obstruct the access to the joint to be
examined, the examination shall be carried out before such an operation and consequently,
possibly before heat treatment.
J 4000 / 12  n° 137-2012
For long joints which do not undergo heat treatment, the examination may be carried out on
completed weld sections at the final stage of preparation.
Remark: Machining to eliminate part of the joints after examination is allowed. The examination shall not be
renewed at the final stage if final e ≥ 0.7 x e radio.
4) Criteria
Radiographic examination: as per S 7724 for class 2 components,
S 7734 for class 3 components.
Ultrasonic examination:
VALUE OF THE MAXIMUM MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE

AMPLITUDE Hd OF THE DEFECT LENGTH OF THE INDICATION
THICKNESS ECHO COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING TO
AMPLITUDE Hr OF THE ECHO AT THE A DEFECT OR A GROUP
HOLE IN THE REFERENCE BLOCK OF DEFECTS
3
Hd  Hr unacceptable
2
3
10 < e < 50 mm Hr  Hd  Hr 20 mm
2
3
Hr  Hd  Hr 30 mm
4
Hd  2 Hr unacceptable
3
2 Hr  Hd  Hr 20 mm
e  50 mm 2
3
Hr  Hd  Hr 30 mm
2
J 4930 CHECK TO BE PERFORMED

ON THE CLASS 2 TANK WELDS
J 4931 TYPES OF EXAMINATIONS
See table I
J 4932 SCOPE OF EXAMINATION

The examinations required in table I are to be performed on all welds concerned and the base of
metal immediately adjacent (at least 5 mm from the theoretical edge of the bevel).
For welds outside the atmospheric tank liquid, the check is to be performed in accordance with the
procedure described in J 4942.1 below.
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 13
TABLE I
J 4000 / 14  n° 137-2012
TABLE I (continued)
 n° 137-2012 J 4000 / 15
J 4940 CHECKS TO BE PERFORMED

ON THE CLASS 3 TANK WELDS
J 4941 EXAMINATION TYPES AND CRITERIA
The examination to be performed and the criteria to be respected are those indicated in table J 4931.
The check on weld surfaces, in accordance with J 4821, is only required for castings but is
nonetheless recommended in other cases for internal use.
J 4942 SCOPE OF EXAMINATIONS

This examination must include a sample examination of current lengths, weld nodes, in accordance
with the following procedures:
- the total length of the joints to be examined (per apparatus, except in the case of piping) having
been broken up into homogeneous lots (same procedure, same thickness, same operator), each lot
will be subjected to an examination concerning at least 10% of the length of the welded joints as
well as the examinations of at least one node in ten. The parts of the joints checked at the same
time as the nodes are not taken into account for the examination of the intermediate parts,
- the existence of defects outside the allowed limits in the sample shall result in complete
examination of the corresponding lot.
It should be noted that the Inspector or Examiner may, when examining the 10%, impose the zones
to be examined.
Visual examination is not concerned by these requirements and must be performed on all welds. The
acceptance criteria are those of paragraph J 4921.
J 4942.2 Special requirements

For welds outside the atmospheric tank liquid, only a visual examination is required. The acceptance
criteria are those of paragraph J 4921.
J 4950 DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

Where applicable, the equipment specification shall define the weld test coupons and the frequency
with which they are made.
These coupons shall be subjected to the same destructive test and non-destructive examinations with
the same criteria, as the qualification weld used for production.
J 4000 / 16  n° 137-2012
J 5000
TESTING OF LOW-PRESSURE
OR ATMOSPHERIC TANKS
J 5100 CHECKS
During and after tank manufacture, all operations ensuring that the dimensions remain within the
tolerances indicated on the drawings, are performed.
J 5200 TESTS
The hydrostatic pressure test of the shell is performed by completely filling the tank up to the
overflow level. The roof is tested by applying an internal air pressure. The strength of the tank with
regard to the underpressure is checked by means of another test.
When branch reinforcements are welded to the shell, a pneumatic test at a pressure of 1.5 bar is
performed prior to the hydrostatic test. The welds are first of all coated with a foaming product. For
this reason, holes with a maximum diameter of 12 mm are used. These holes are left open after
the test.
J 5210 GENERAL TEST CONDITIONS

Each tank will only be presented for testing once completely finished (including surface condition
finishing operations, accessory welding, marking, cleaning, etc.), but before any painting or
application of a similar product to the external and internal surfaces, unless otherwise stated in the
equipment specification.
Unless stated in the manufacturing programme as essential for technical reasons after the test, all
unusual machining, significant grinding or welding operations shall render the test null and void if
they are carried out after the test.
No connection between the tank and any piping is made before the tank and its appropriate
protections (valves, vacuum breaker, overflow, vents) have successfully undergone the tests in
compliance with the requirements of this chapter. The test circuit is not covered by these
requirements.
 n° 137-2012 J 5000 / 1
J 5220 TEST PRESSURE

With the tank filled with water up to 0.10 m above the maximum operational level, air is blown into
the space between the water contained in the tank and the roof:
- for low-pressure tanks, unless otherwise specified in the equipment specification, at 1.25 times in
the design pressure,
- for tanks whose service pressure is "atmospheric", at the pressure of 5 mbar, unless otherwise
specified in the equipment specification. This test may be replaced by examination of the welds
using a vacuum box at a pressure of 14 kPa (140 mbar).
Attention is drawn to the need for a careful check and examination of the pressures during the test.
Climatic changes can result in sudden changes in test pressure and protection must be provided for
pressure and under-pressure safety reasons in the case of such fluctuations.
J 5230 DOCUMENTS TO BE PREPARED BEFORE TESTING

Before testing, the Manufacturer draws up the following documents:
- test specification defining the maximum filling levels, the sequence of the drainage operations,
the limit values for differential and uniform settling, the minimum water temperature,
- sizing report for the tank blanking devices for test purposes,
- written test request as defined in J 5232,
- certificate or end-of-manufacturing report as defined in J 1514.
J 5231 HYDROSTATIC TEST SPECIFICATION OR PROCEDURE

a) Purpose
- To define the conditions under which the tank test is to be run.
- To describe the procedure adopted.
When the hydrostatic test is performed by a subcontractor, the Manufacturer draughts a
specification which complies with the first part of the above purpose, the subcontractor
prepares a procedure which corresponds to the second part.
b) Content
It specifies:
- the test pressure,
- the measurements to be taken: pressure, temperature,
- the location (or marking on the test diagram), the type and characteristics of the measurement
apparatus,
J 5000 / 2  n° 137-2012
- the nature of the water used for the testing and any cleaning conditions after testing,
- the general requirements linked to the test and the instructions to be observed to ensure the
safety of personnel during the test (reference to instructions existing elsewhere may be
made here),
- the test procedure,
- it is supplemented by a hydrostatic test drawing or diagram appended which indicates:
. the position of the tank during the testing,
. the location of filler connections, air bleeds and drainage openings,
. the location and identification of the pressure measuring devices.
J 5232 WRITTEN TEST REQUEST

a) Purpose
The Manufacturer must submit a test request to the Contractor.
b) Content
This test request specifies:
- the identity of the tank,
- the test date proposed by the Supplier,
- the identification, with indices, of the documents constituting the test file.
J 5240 EXECUTION OF THE TEST

a) Prior steps or precautions
The surfaces to be examined during the tests are clean. No traces of paint, liquid penetrant or
tracing product, oil or grease, humidity (condensation), are tolerated.
The Manufacturer shall ensure the correct characteristics and reliability of the inspection tools
and apparatus used, in particular the calibration and the accuracy of direct reading pressure
gauges.
Vents shall be provided in the upper part of the enclosure (in its test position) and bleeds in its
lower part.
The vicinity of the enclosure and/or circuit to be tested shall be cleared and fitted with
scaffolding, walkways, etc., allowing full examination of the outside surface.
b) Security measures
The Manufacturer shall take all steps necessary to guarantee the security of the operators and
other personnel, in particular marking off the test zone with access prohibition for personnel not
taking part in the test.
 n° 137-2012 J 5000 / 3
c) Characteristics of the test water and requirements concerning cleanliness

The requirements of F 6610 shall be met. In addition, check that the cleanliness criteria of tables
F 6310.1 and 2 are complied with after the test.
d) Test water temperature

In all cases, the temperature shall be sufficient to maintain the water in the tank above freezing.
e) Filling
A hydraulic safety gasket or safety valve of a sufficient cross-section to avoid test pressures
being exceeded must be located on the roof. The tank is also equipped with a water
pressure gauge.
The filling is at a rate predetermined according to the dimensions of the tank and the seating
installation conditions, and shall be stated in the equipment specification.
Continuous inspection shall be performed throughout the filling period. Any leaks detected shall
be repaired after the water level has fallen to 0.5 m below the zone to be repaired. The water load
shall be maintained for 48 hours.
f) Test
When the test of the shell is performed with water, the roof joints shall be tested by applying an
internal air pressure equal to 1.25 times the design pressure for low pressure tanks, and
500 Pa (5 mbar) for atmospheric tanks (except for those tested using a vacuum box at
14 kPa (J 5520).
Soapy water will be used to detect leaks. All roof welds shall be spread with soapy water and
thoroughly examined. They must be perfectly leaktight.
During the test water drainage from the tanks, precautions shall be taken to ensure that the design
underpressure is not exceeded. The operational drainage rate shall not be exceeded.
Immediately following this test, all vents or safety valves shall be thoroughly examined to ensure
that all gaskets or blind flanges have been removed and that all movable parts function normally.
The tests are suspended as many times as defect repairs require and are repeated until a
satisfactory result guaranteeing the perfect leaktightness of the tank is obtained.
Climatic changes can result in sudden fluctuations of the pressure during testing. Protection must
be provided by 2 over or underpressure valves to guarantee the safety of the apparatus.
g) Underpressure strength of the tank

The underpressure strength of the tank must be checked by a test applying the design
underpressure.
J 5000 / 4  n° 137-2012
For flat-bottom tanks, partial filling is performed to resist the loads resulting from the design
underpressure. All tank orifices are blanked off and all precautions must be taken to ensure that
the design overpressure is not exceeded. The operation of the safety valves must be checked.
h) Cleaning
The company responsible for erection must remove all stagnant water or other soiling products
left in the tank after the hydrostatic test such that the interior of the tank is clean and the tank is
ready to operate.
J 5250 ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA

The visual examination of the outside wall of the enclosure or circuit shall not reveal traces of leaks
or sweating.
If a weld or plate shows signs of sweating or leaking during the test, it must be dealt with in
compliance with the requirements of A 2400, A 2500 and A 2600.
J 5260 DOCUMENTS TO BE ESTABLISHED AFTER THE TEST

After the tank test, the following document must be established:
- Tank test report comprising the results of the deformation measurements (when required by the
equipment specification).
This report must be attached to the end-of-manufacturing report when so required (J 1514).
J 5261 TEST REPORT

a) Purpose
Established by the Manufacturer for each tank, it certifies correct performance of the test.
b) Content
All elements required for precise identification of the enclosure are given, as well as:
- the date and place of the test,
- the name and the signature of the Inspectors and Surveillance agents attending the test,
- the name and the signature of the operator or person technically responsible for the test,
- reference to test documents (specifications, etc.),
- the chart of pressure and time (a suitably filled in record may be substituted),
- results of checks during the test, as well as repairs made following any defects which were
found during it.
 n° 137-2012 J 5000 / 5
J 5000 / 6  n° 137-2012

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Translated from the French.

2012 Edition afcen

J 1000 GENERAL....................................................................................................................... J1000/1

J 1100 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................. /1

J 1200 SCOPE OF APPLICATION ....................................................................................... /1

J 1210 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /1

J 1220 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN A TANK AND ITS SUPPORT ........................................... /2

J 1221 Flat bottomed tank resting on its foundation

J 1230 SCOPE LIMITS BETWEEN TANK AND PIPING ............................................................ /2

J 1300 CLASSIFICATION .......................................................................................................... /2

J 1400 TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS................................................................................ /3

J 1500 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS......................................................................................... /3

J 1510 EQUIPMENT DOCUMENTS ............................................................................................... /3

J 1511 Documents attached to the purchase order

J 1520 DOCUMENTS FOR COMPONENT PARTS .................................................................... /4

J 1521 Procurement documents

J 1600 IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................... /5

J 1610 PURPOSE OF THE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM ............................................................ /5

J 1620 ADAPTATION OF IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM

J 1630 IDENTIFICATION METHODS............................................................................................. /5

J 1640 TYPE OF IDENTIFICATION DATA ................................................................................... /5

J 1650 RE-MARKING AND RELABELLING................................................................................. /6

J 1660 MARKING METHODS.......................................................................................................... /6

J 1670 REFERENCING OF WELDS .............................................................................................. /6

J 1671 Rules applicable to all equipment

J 2000 MATERIALS ................................................................................................................. J2000/1

J 2100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1

J 2200 APPLICABLE STANDARDS .................................................................................... /1

J 2210 LIST OF AFNOR STANDARDS ......................................................................................... /1

J 2220 OTHER STANDARDS ......................................................................................................... /2

J 2300 ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS ..................................................................................... /2

J 2310 MELTING PROCESS - CHEMICAL COMPOSITION ..................................................... /2

J 2311 Carbon and alloy steels for welding

J 2320 HEAT TREATMENTS .......................................................................................................... /3

J 2330 ACCEPTANCE CONDITIONS............................................................................................ /3

J 2340 REPAIR ON PRODUCTS .................................................................................................... /3

J 3000 DESIGN ............................................................................................................................ J3000/1

J 3100 GENERAL DESIGN RULES ..................................................................................... /1

J 3110 PURPOSE .............................................................................................................................. /1

J 3121 Design condition

J 3130 LOADING CONSIDERATIONS .......................................................................................... /2

J 3140 LEVELS OF CRITERIA........................................................................................................ /4

J 3150 MINIMUM CRITERIA LEVELS APPLICABLE UNDER

J 3151 Design condition

J 3160 STRESS REPORT ................................................................................................................ /5

J 3170 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................................... /5

J 3200 DESIGN RULES FOR STORAGE TANKS WITH A

J 3210 GENERAL .............................................................................................................................. /7

J 3211 General requirements

J 3220 DESIGN RULES APPLICABLE TO LOW-PRESSURE TANKS .................................. /11

J 3221 General principles

J 3230 RULES FOR DETERMINING MINIMUM THICKNESSES

J 3231 General requirements

J 3240 RULES APPLICABLE TO THE DESIGN

J 3241 General requirements

J 3250 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WALL PART JUNCTIONS ............................... /24

J 3251 General requirements

J 3260 REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO WELDED JOINTS............................................... /25

J 3270 RULES FOR ANALYZING COMPONENT BEHAVIOUR:

J 3280 ELASTIC ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................... /30

J 4000 MANUFACTURE AND

J 4100 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................... /1

J 4200 MARKING ........................................................................................................................... /1