API 620 vs API 650 Steel Oil Storage Tanks – Which Is

Right For You?

Businesses dealing with petroleum products, gasoline, and other chemicals require
specialty storage tanks that are up to the job and must be either API 620 or API 650
rated to pass regular oil tank inspections.

Published by the American Petroleum Industry or API, these standards ensure that
companies storing petroleum and other dangerous liquids use tanks able to withstand
the varying pressures of these liquids.

Although both standards relate to lower-pressure tanks used only for storage, the
pressure and temperature limitations for each design differ.

An experienced oil storage tank service can help you determine those needs so your
business investment is on tanks that adhere to all government and safety standards
required for storing your product.

API 620 0-15 PSI Storage Tanks

The API 620 tank standard regulates the design and construction of large chemical
and oil storage tanks at least 300 feet in diameter that can house contents up to 15 PSI
such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), cryogenic liquids, and other low-temperature -325
to 250 degrees F, higher-pressure liquids, gases and vapors.

Because API 620 design must withstand a higher internal pressure, approved tanks
installed by oil storage tank services must be cylindrical, constructed on a flat bad or
elevated base, and constructed from steel that is a minimum of 3/16” thick.

Construction materials may be carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel and low-
temperature nickel alloys only, an ASME welding certification is required of the
manufacturer, and tank inspections by an approved non-third-party inspector are
required.

API 650 0-2.5 PSI Storage Tanks

The API 650 tank standard regulates the design and construction of smaller
cylindrical storage tanks in various sizes and capacities that can hold oil and petroleum
products, chemicals, treated water, biofuel, and other contents up to 2.5 PSI but which
have a higher temperature from -40 to 500 degrees F.

API 650 tanks installed by oil storage tank services for lower-pressure indications may
be constructed from carbon steel, austenitic duplex stainless steel, and aluminium that
is a minimum of 3/16” in thickness with a maximum design process temperature of 200
degrees.

They may be open or close-topped but must have an evenly supported bottom.

As with the API 620 standard, API 650 tanks also require tank inspections by an
approved, non-third-party inspector and the manufacturer must hold an ASME welding
certificate.

Choose the Best Tank for Your Storage Needs

Although there is a little bit of overlap in what contents each of these storage
tanks may hold when considering that API 650 tanks can be upgraded to store higher-
pressure contents, each is designed to safely handle two different conditions.

1. API 620 standard storage tanks are safe for low-temperature liquids, gases and
vapors up to 15 PSI.
2. API 650 standard tanks should contain only liquids up to 2.5 PSI.

Because critical requirements such as construction materials and processes, support

bases, and other details differ, each must receive tank inspections by approved
professionals to ensure their safety.

Plan your purchase with an oil storage tank service to be certain that your facility is
safely equipped with the right tanks!