Al Jabber Proc-No – SVT-001

Precision Engineering L.L.C. Rev- 0

CONTRACT NO.20705
BITUMEN STORAGE FACILITY
AT
PORT KHALID SHARJAH

METHOD STATEMENT FOR STEEL TANK

Oct 2006 0 M.D D.L W.D

Issue date Revision Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By

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Al Jabber Proc-No – SVT-001
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TABLE OF CONTENT

PAGE

1.0 FOUNDATION 3

2.0 ERECTION 5

3.0 INSPECTION AND TESTING 13

4.0 GENERAL SITE NOTES 17

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1.0 FOUNDATION PAGE

1.1. CHECK OF FOUNDATION 4

1.2. API CODE REQUIREMENTS 4

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1.1. CHECK OF FOUNDATION

For a tank to have a shell,which is true, circular and free from buckles and flat spots,the foundation
must remain level as the tank shell is being erected.For this reason the foundation shall be checked,not
only at the commencement of operation,but several times during the various stages of the tank
construction.

Which ever type of construction is chosen,the surface immediately under the shell plates shall be laid so
that the difference in level does not exceed ± 3mm in 9 meters and ± 6mm in total periphery.

An indication that the tank is settling unevenly is the apperence of gaps in the circumferential seams,and
the departure of the shell from the perpendicular.If these signs appear,no attempt should be made close
the gap by pulling with key plates and wedges.The tank level should be checked and corrected by
leveling if necessary.

Before commensing erection the foundation as provided must be fully surveyed tp confirm that sode
tolerance have been achieved.In addition all caedinal points,center points,cut outs in the tank foundation
for sumps and clean out doors must be marked and checked for orientation and radius.

If the tank design has column-supported roof,confirm that the general condition and slop of the
foundation is in accordance with job requirements.

Note:
The above survey is limited to confirming acceptance of the base profile and orientation.It does
not accommodate acceptance of the base intergrity.
If the tank is designed having clean out doors insure that foundation is recessed to receive the
bottom reinforcing plate thickness.

1.2. API CODE REQUIREMENTS

1.2.1. Control Perpendicular To Shell

Maximun deflection related to theoretical middle level

Concrete ring foundation

On total periphery : ± 6mm
On 10m Zone : ± 3mm

Normal Asphalt foundation

On total periphery : ± 12mm
On 3m Zone : ± 3mm

1.2.2. Control Of The Rest Of The Foundation

In relation to theoretical middle profile ( with or without slope ) ± 50mm

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2.0 ERECTION PAGE

2.1. BOTTOM PLATES 6

2.2. SHELL PLATES 7

2.3. POSITION OF ON SITE OPENINGS 9

2.4. STAIRS,INTERMIDATE PLATFORMS AND HAND RAILS 10

2.5. SHELL STIFFENNERS AND SECONDARY WIND GIRDERS 10

2.6. SHELL CURB ANGLE 11

2.7. CONE ROOFS 11

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2.1. BOTTOM PLATES

2.1.1. Annular Plates
Lay annular plates at the correct orientation and setting out radius ( + 12mm ) and recheck on flaring
butts prior to welding to ensure they comply with required gap.
 Butt straps should be placed under the annular butts prior to flaring.The butt straps should not be tack
welded to the underside of annular plates.

Fit strong back channels at butt joints and pin them securely to maintain the required gap.

Tack weld annular plates to butt straps.

To prevent downward peaking of the butt during welding,the joint should be raised approximately
50mm off the foundation.This will also afford access to radiographic testing.

Fully weld all butt joints.

Radiograph welded joints.Note: No. of welded joints to be examined to be determined as per submitted
inspection and test plan and/or code requirements.

2.1.2. Bottom Plates

From the cardinal points and using a chalk line mark off the centerlines.

Mark the centerlines using a chalk line on the center plate.Place the plate in position insuring that
centerlines of plate and foundation are matching.

Continue laying the strake longitudinal across the tank diameter.

Note:
Always mark the plate short center line at this stage,and ensure that the lines are matching
together.

Progressively lay subsequent runs of plates and always ckeck that minimum weld lap is maintained till
reaching the other end.
During plates laying ensure that short transverse seams are tacked always.
Longitudinal seams may be tacked sufficiently to prevent movements of plates during errection.
Flaring of bottom joints before tack welding bottom plates together to be performed by using site
erection equipment.
At plate junctions and joggles bend top plate to suit.
2.1.3. Welding Of Bottom Plates
Commencing at center start welding short transverse seams working towards the tank perimeter
completing single or multi pass welds at this stage.
Once sufficient transverse seams have been welded the temporary tacks in the long seams may be
broken,and longitudinal seams may be tack welded again starting at the tank center and working
towards the perimeter in a sequence in which alternate seams will be welded ( Welding should be from
center outwards ).After reaching perimeter the remaining welding seams may be flaired,tack welded and
then welded.This sequence is performed tominimize distortion.
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At plate junctions and joggles insure that the fillet size is increased to take account of increased
thickness.

Note:
Do not weld bottom plates to annular plates at this stage.

2.1.4. Tanks Without Annular Plates.

Follow the same procedure for bottom plates ( 2.1.2 ).

 Joggle all sketch plates until top of plates is level in order to receive shall plates.

Follow same welding sequence as ( 2.1.3 ).

2.2. SHELL PLATES.

Note:
The following is dependent on the number of tiers called for the tank design.

2.2.1. Setting Of Bottom Course.

Using a chalk line draw off from the center point the setting out circumference of the first tier on the
bottom plate.

Note:
To determine the setting out radius use the following formular
s/o radius = radius + shell gap X no.of butts

Punch the drawn line on bottom plates by using center punch so it remains permanent through out
errection.
Distrubute sufficient erection nuts around established circumference line both inside and outside with
allowance for 1st tier plate thickness.
Weld erection nuts in position.
Erect the 1st tier plates in position at there given orientation in working drawings.
Weld sufficient working nuts to the inner side of each shell plate at both vertical ends maintaining
suitable distance from the welding edge.
Align the shell plates to each other with shim plates and wedges.The shim plates thickness should match
the given welding gap in working drawings.
Secure the 1st tier shell plates to the bottom plates by means of the erection nuts and key pin and the
shell plates to each other by means of key plates all wedged to previousely welded erection nuts.
Position sufficient temperory supports between the 1 st tier plates and bottom plates to maintain its
verticality during erection and weld them in place.

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Note:
This tier must be properly aligned, plumbed and leveled at its top edge prior to further shell plate
erection to insure tank shape.

Do not tack weld 1st tier shell plates to the bottom plates at this stage.

2.2.2. Erection Of Remaining Tiers.

Erect the 2nd tier shell plates connected together as mentioned above for 1st tier,also by aligning the
horizontal seam between two tiers by means of appropriate size shim plate corresponding to welding
gap given in working drawings.
 Stage the vertical joints by the distance given in working drawings,normally one third of the plate.

During erection,suffecient vertical joint aligners and horizontal joint channel aligners must be placed in
position and the seams wedged outwards as necessary to counteract inwards peaking caused by initial
manual welding of the outside.

Check the alignment between the 1st tier and 2nd tier by means of using a plumb from top of 2nd tier to
bottom of 1st tier.

Commence tack welding of the 1st tier followed by 2nd tier vertical seams.

After the completion of vertical seam welding,commence tacking the horizontal seam between 1st and
2nd tiers.Upon completion commence welding the seam.

Commence tack welding the 1st tier shell plates to the bottom plates after the completion of horizontal
seam welding between 1st and 2nd tier,ensuring that the shell plate radius confirms to code requirements.

Note:
During fairing the 1st tier plates to the bottom plates use the tolerances mentioned to maintain
and correct the measured verticality between 1st and 2nd tiers.

Commence welding the 1st tier to the bottom plates (Corner Weld ) on the outside,then to the inside.
(Note: Diesel test to be performed prior to welding the inside.

After completion of the corner weld,commence welding the bottom plates to the annular plates.( Note:
this is to be performed if the tank is designed with annular plates).

Erect the 3rd tier shell plates connected together to the 2nd tier as mentioned above for the 2nd tier.

Commence flaring,tack welding and then welding the 3rd tier vertical seam.

After the completion of the vertical seam welding,commence flaring,tack welding and then welding the
horizontal seam between the 2nd and 3rd tiers.

Repeat the same steps of 3rd tier for the erection of the remaining tiers.
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General Notes:

Upon the erection of any tier and before tack welding check for verticality by means of plumb between
top of tier and bottom of 1st tier.

Holes in platework to assist in erection are not permitted.

Lugs,nuts and other devices to assist in erection may be tack welded to the tank plates,but all such
attachments required only for the purpose of erection shall be ultimately removed and any noticeable
projection of weld metal remaining shall be carefully ground or chipped away.Plates shall not be
gouged or torn in the process of removing attachments,and any indentations caused thereby shall be
filled with weld metal and ground flush with the plates surface,but this practice should be avoided as
much as possible.

Tack welds of vertical seam of tier plates must follow closely behind their erection and flaring.
 Tack welds used in vertical and horizontal joints between shell plates and in the horizontal joint between
the 1st tier and the bottom plates shall be ground away and shall not remain in the finished weld.

Special precautions must be taken while welding “T” joints to minimize repairs.To this end its essential
to check fit up at tee joints.

In case of welding the horizontal joint by means of automatic welding machine,tee joints mat be gouged
or ground away and rewelded manually at the top of the vertical seams and short distance either sides on
the horizontal seams.

2.2.3. Staging
Each tier must be staged inside or outside to give sufficient access during erection and welding.The
location of staging is dependant on the shell plate edge preparation.If the edge preparation is prepared to
the outer tank side then staging should be done inside the tank or the other way round.
Only in exceptional circumstances will sufficient staging be supplied to cover the entire tank.Successive
movements for erection and or dismantling of staging will therefore be normal.
For welding of vertical seams welders covered bogies suspended from and run around the top of the tier
being welded are to be provided.
Where automatic machine welding of horizontal seams is adopted no staging is required on the outside
but access to the outside of the vertical is provided by using welders covered bogies.
2.3. POSITIONING OF ON SITE OPENINGS.
Note:
Always ensure that the latest orientation drawings are to used for location of fittings.
For circular type reinforcing plate,tell tale hole to be located on the horizontal centerline.

Bottom tier outlets should be made after completion of the welding of the first circumferential joint.

The positioning of the openings must be determined based on the reference point 0° , 90° , 180° and
270°.After marking off the openings and prior to cutting final inspection for the orientation and
elevation should be witnessed by client/Consultant/Third Party Inspection.

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Adequate stiffening should be fitted on the inside of the shell associated with fittings particularly on thin
shell plates and with large fittings prior to welding i.e.vertical and horizontal bearings.

On installation and flairing of fittings,but prior to welding a check witnessed by client/Consultant/Third

Party Inspection shall be applied to insure fittings are installed radial or tangential as defined by
working drawings.

2.4. STAIRS,INTERMEDIATE PLATFORMS AND HAND RAILS

2.4.1. Spiral Stairs.

Where spiral stairs are supplied,it is essential in addition to establish the start and finish point as per the
latest orientation drawings,that the location of the stair treads are marked on the tank shell such that any
problems of location can be identified prior to the erection of stair treads.

Note:
For marking treads location,start at the top platform and progress downwards.
 Erection for stairs should commence at the tank base and progress upwards.

On completion of the stair construction all welding should be visually examined and handrail butts
ground to a smooth profile.

2.4.2. Ladders
Where ladders are supplied ( with or without cage ) it is essential to establish the position of the ladder
as per the latest orientation drawing.

Mark and fit the ladder brackets at there correct location.

Weld the brackets and visually inspect the welds after completion.

2.4.3. Hand Rails.

After the completion of roof erection mark the position of the roof handrail location starting at the top
platform.
Erect the handrail post as per working drawing details by means of tack welding.
Erect the top,mid amd guard rails as per working drawing details.
After completion and flaring of rails commence welding.
On completion of the roof rail construction all welding should be visually examined and handrail butts
ground to a smooth profile.

2.5. SHELL STIFFENERS AND SECONDARY WIND GIRDERS.

Shell stiffeners and secondary wind girders shall be erected after the erection of the requisite tier or
alternatively tacked to shell plate prior to erection of the tier.

It is important to check the elevation of stiffeners and secondary wind girders are in accordance with
working drawings.

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It is important that the shape and alignment of butts are checked prior to welding to ensure that
deformation will not be locked onto tank shape.All welding must be completed and visually inspected
prior to water test.

2.6. SHELL CURB ANGLE.

Curb angles may either be tack welded to the respective tier plates prior to or after erection of the tier.In
either case butt displacement and curd height must be checked against the working drawings,but before
welding of the curb angle commences.However it is essential that the section of tier joint covered by
curb angle approx.450 mm are welded prior to the curb angle being fully to the shell.

Visual inspection shall be applied to curb angle butts after flaring to ensure alignment and preparation is
acceptable.Any local flat spots at the curb angle should be removed before welding.These butt joints
should be welded before welding the circumferential welds to the tier plates.

Note:
Curb angle butt welds should be visually re-examined after hydro test to ensure that no defects
have developed.

2.7. CONE ROOFS.

2.7.1 Column Supported Roofs.
From the cardinal point mark the radial line for the start position of the columns and mark the individual
column based on the tank bottom.
The roof columns should be prefabricated at a suitable convenient time and location in order not to
inflect delays in construction program.The columns should visually inspected at fabrication point to
ensure that the sever bowing has not taken place and rectification action to be taken prior to erection.

Columns base should positioned at the predefined locations on the tank bottom.Columns may be erected
prior to completion of shell erection if this is to be of advantage to program completion.

In such case the column will be required to be erected from the tank center out and in fill structure
progressively erected to assist in stabilizing the structure.Area associated with base support for columns
must be visually and vacuum box tested prior to commencement of roof structure.The maximum out of
plumbness for columns shall not exceed 1/200 of column height.

In case of wind loading and to assist in safe erection of column guy wires must be used with suitable
displacement.Distortion of tank bottom can occur due to guying but may be limited by ensuring that guy
wires are tied back to key plates or anchors positioned close to base of columns in the adjacement rings
such that the weight of columns can assist counteracton of displacement due to guying.

Progressive construction of roof structure in fill will afford release of the major numbers of guy wires to
be used.
All bolted connection should be tightened as work progress.Once shell plate welding of vertical seams
of the last tier has been completed and shell support cleats have been erected and welded at their correct
orientation then the outer ring of girders can be installed,in which case all temporary guy wires can be
removed.

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When the column erection is actioned sfter the completion of shell plate construction,it is recommended
that the column be erected from the shell,progressively in filling the associated structure.

On completion of structure erection the columns should be welded to their respective bottom anchors.

II) Roof Plate Erection.

Once the curb angle welding has been completed,roof plates may be laid similarly to the laying
of the botton plates,i.e.commence at the center stack.Alternatively plating may commence from
the tank shell moving progressively up the roof opposite sides.

In either case it is important to ensure that plates lap,orientation and layout are in accordance
with working drawings.

Welding of roof seams should be treated in accordance with sequence of bottom seams lap type
welding.

III) Roof fitting Erection.

Note:
Always ensure that the latest orientation drawings are used for location of fittings.

Roof fittings should be installed after bulk of roof lap welding has been completed.
 The positioning of the openings must be determined based on the reference point
O°,90°,180° and 270°.After marking the openings and prior to cutting,final inspection for
orientation and radius should be witnessed by client/Consultant/Third Party Inspection.

2.7.2. Rafter Supported Roofs.

I) Rafter Support Erection.

Prior to the erection of the roof structure,all welding of shell plates including curb angles should
be completed.

From a cardinal point,mark on the upper inner side of last tier shell plates ( around the
circumference ) the position of the rafter support cleats at the correct orientation.

Erect and weld the rafter support caleats on the pre located marking.
On ground level commence the assembly and welding of the roof structure if bolted connection
is provided install all bolts and tighten,then lift the whole structure into position to line up with
the preinstalled shell/rafter cleats.

Tighten all bolted connection between the rafter structure and the supporting cleats.
II) Roof Plate Erection.
Follow the same procedure for the column supported roof. ( 2.7.1 II ).
III) Roof Fitting Erection.
Follow the same procedure for column supported roof. ( 2.7.1 III ).
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3.0 INSPECTION AND TESTING. PAGE

3.1. INSPECTION 14

3.2. TESTING 15
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3.1. INSPECTION.
3.1.1. Weld Inspection
I) Inspection for quality of welds shall be made by the radiographic method.

The quantity of radiographic shots to be determined as specified in the approved Code

requirements.

Complete joint penetration and complete fusion is required for welds joining shell plates
together.

Where visual inspection by the client/Consultant/Third Party inspector indicates

unsatisfactory welds between shell plates,acceptance or rejection shall be based on
inspection of radiography.

II) Fillet Welds.

Inspection for quality of welds shall be made by Magnetic Particle

Inspection.(MPI/DPT).

The quantity of ( MPI/DPT ) to be determined as specified in the approved Code

Requirements.
 Where visual inspection by the Client/Consultant/Third Party inspector indicates
unsatisfactory acceptance or rejection shall be based on inspection of ( MPI/DPT ).

3.1.2. Dimensional Tolerances.

Note.
The purpose of the following tolerance is to produce a tank of acceptable
appearance and to permit proper function of floating roofs if the tank is designed
so.These tolerances may be waived by agreement with the client/consultant
representative.All tolerances to confirm to API 650 latest edition.
A. Plumbness:The maximum out of plumbness on top of the shell relative to the bottom of the shell shall
not exceed 1/200 of the total height.
The Plumbness measured between top and bottom of 1st tier and top of any subsequent tier and bottom
of 1st tier to confirm to the above.
Note.
Verticality to be measured at one point per plate preferably at plate center.

B. Roundness: Radius measured at 1 foot above the bottom corner weld shall not exceed the following
tolerances.
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Tank Diameter Radius Tolerance

(Meters ) ( mm )

◄ 12 ± 13
From 12 to ◄ 45 ± 19
From 45 to ◄ 76 ± 25
≥ 76 ± 32

C. Peaking: Peaking at vertical welded joints shall not exceed 13 mm.Peaking at vertical weld joints shall
be determined by using a curved straight edge 900 mm long.

D. Banding : Banding at horizontal welded joints shall not exceed 13 mm.Banding at horizontal weld
joints shall be determined by using a vertical straight edge 900 mm long.

3.1.2. Inspection General Notes.

Welding joints shall be checked for fit up and stiffenings prior to commencement of welding.Visual
inspection shall be performed at all stages of construction.Back gouges shall be also inspected to ensure
sufficient weld metal has been removed to accommodate quality welding.

Prior to radiography the welds shall be inspected visually to confirm surface profile and scars removal is
acceptable.

If any repairs are to take place in welded joints,this should be actioned immediately and the types of
defects investigated to establish cause and remedy.

Its essential that all radiography and any inspections keeps pace with welding thus ensuring that trouble
is detected and resolved as quickly as possible and eliminating welding work going out of control.
 All welds must be clearly marked with weld numbers and welders initials.

3.2. TESTING
3.2.1. Bottom Plate Testing.
After welding of the bottom plate has been completed ,all welds must be tested to ensure that the tank
bottom is free of leaks.This can be achieved by using a vacuum box,which enables any leaks in the
seams to be positively located by visual inspection.
The test must be made prior to surface coating is applied and hydro testing.

Prior commencement of testing all welded seams shall be clean and free from slag.
For detection of leaks,soapsuds shall be applied to all bottom plates seams.

Diesel testing to be performed on the weld between bottom and shell plate ( corner weld ).After the
completion of the outer side of corner weld,diesel is to be sprayed from the inner side and checked the
following day for leaks.

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3.2.2. Roof Plate Testing.

Note:
This is to be performed only in the case of GASTIGHT tank roof design.

For roof plate testing follow the same procedure for the tank bottom testing ( Vacuum Box ).

Tanks with peripheral circulation vents or free open vents,shall receive only visual inspection on
its welded joints.In case of any suspected welds agreed further methods of inspection shall be
taken on suspected areas.

3.2.3. Reinforcing Plate Testing.

Visual inspection to be performed upon completion of welding and cleaning of reinforcing plate.

Pneumatic testing to be performed and leaks to be detected by means of soap suds.(Note: this is not
performed on roof reinforcing plate).

3.2.4. Water Testing.

After the entire tank is completed and as a final action prior to the introduction of water,the complete
tank bottom i.e.seams and plates should be visually inspected to ensure that no damage or defects have
occurred since the vacuum test was applied.

Note:
Visual examination of shell to bottom welding should be done in conjunction with bottom
examination.
Particular attention should be applied to.
1. Bases associated with support column.
2. Areas associated with pads on attachment.
3. Areas associated with bottom sumps.
4. Joggles.
 Water testing should be performed prior to connection of permanent external piping to the tank.

Prior to the introduction of water, the area of shell to bottom externally must be swept clean of any
debris and where possible,surface water should be removed.The presence of any casual water should be
reported immediately to client and site management,such that any measures deemed necessary can be
taken to remove this water.Special emphasis must be placed on areas associated with cellar sumps.The
flooding of areas of this type can deem the test as unacceptable.

Water testing to be performed as specified in the approved code requirements.

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4.0. GENERAL NOTES.

1. Welding consumables shall be delivered to site in sealed containers and checked on receipt to
establish that.
Containers are sound.
Containers are identified as per mill test certificate.

2. Site team must advise project management as to any discrepancy or damage such that steps can
be taken to make up the possible short full of supply.Welding electrodes,which require
baking,shall be treated as per manufacturere recommendation prior to issue.
3. Damaged or unidentified welding consumables shall not be used irrespective of types.
4. Rebaking shall be in accordance with manufacturer recommendation.Surplus electrodes other
than low hydrogen types shall be returned at the completion of each shift to storage area.
5. Welding consumables should be generally drawn in reasonable quantities from bulk order.
6. Issued electrodes to welders must be stored in welders quivers while welding work is going on.
7. Storage facilities must be kept tidy and clean.
8. In the case of wind loading it is recommended that the tank shell plates to be secured to ground
level by means of guy wires.The number of guy wires to be used is dependent on the tank size.
9. If the measured tank plumbness is not as per code requirements during any stage of erection
work suitable measures to rectify the defects must be taken.i.e.locating defective area and
pulling it either in or out by means of guy wires secured to the ground of the tank bottom and
site erection tools.
10. Site team to afford reasonable access for the x-ray team.They are part of the overall set up and
are the only means of determining the welding quality.
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