AGENDA ITEM; 653-231

Revision 0

Title: Appendix C – Checklists for Tank Inspections

Date: November 7, 2008

Contact: Joe B. Fleck

JoeB_Fleck@petrochemintl.com

361-232-9607

Purpose: Replace Appendix C Checklists

Source: Mark Baker’s email dated October 30, 2008

Impact: Improve the usefulness of the inspection checklists

Rationale: Add Condition Codes for each Appendix C line item that will
allow only applicable sections to be addressed.

Proposed Change: Replace Appendix C with the following:

Tank Inspection Checklists

Instructions

Apply the following instructions to both the external and internal checklists. Complete the
checklist to the best of the inspector’s ability for the conditions at the time of the
inspection. After the inspection, the data will be analyzed and a fitness-for-service
evaluation performed. During the field inspection, the inspector shall grade observed
conditions as follows:

Condition Codes:

1 A concern was observed for the item under consideration. A “1 ” does not
mean that correction is required, but only that further evaluation is needed.

2 No concern was observed.

3 The item does not apply for this tank.

Photograph any item graded “1”. Photograph every tank component including but not
limited to the foundation, appurtenances, nozzles, valves, impoundment area, bottom
extension, accessways, wind girder, platforms, fixed roof, and floating roof.
Location, Tank number, Inspection date 1
The checklist is designed to be modular so that only the applicable sections need be
included.

Complete the external inspection checklist for external inspections and complete both the
external checklist and the internal checklist for internal inspections.

For external inspections of tanks with floating roofs, conduct inspections from the top of
the tank. Ingress to the floating roof will not be made. If inspection on the floating roof
while the tank is in service is required by the owner, complete the floating roof section
from the internal inspection checklist.

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 2

EXTERNAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST

1.0 FOUNDATION
1.1 GENERAL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Identify the type of foundation (concrete ring,
concrete slab, asphalt, crushed stone, earth,
etc.)
2 Measure bottom elevations (see API 653
Appendix B for extent of measurements).
3 Is debris, vegetation, or earth contacting the
tank?
4 Does the site drain away from the tank?
5 Check operating condition of the dike drains.
6 Inspect for cavities or erosion around the tank
1.2 CONCRETE RING 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect for spalled or cracked concrete,
particularly under backup bars used in butt-
welded annular rings under the shell.
2 Inspect drain openings in ring, back of water
draw basins and top surface of ring for
indications of bottom leakage.
1.3 ASPHALT 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check for settling of tank into asphalt base.
2 Look for areas of broken asphalt or where rock
filler is exposed.
1.4 CATHODIC PROTECTION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Identify the type of cathodic protection system
utilized if any
2 Review cathodic protection potential readings.
1.5 LEAK DETECTION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check interstitial monitoring ports for indications
of leaks
2.0 SHELL
2.1 EXTERNAL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect the shell for paint failures, leaks,
distortions, and corrosion
2 Locate leaks with dimensions on a sketch and
photograph.
3 Clean the shell-to-bottom joint and visually
inspect the bottom and shell-to-bottom weld.
Perform NDE examination where linear
indications are visually identified.
4 Inspect the bottom-to-foundation seal, if any.
5 Record paint color
6 Record thickness measurements at 6 locations
for each shell plate in the first course.
7 Record the bottom thickness at two places on
each sketch plate or annular ring section.
8 Record the nameplate information.
9 Inspect and record electrical grounding of the
tank.
10 Record Tank ID Numbers/Letters and note
condition.
11 Tank Hazardous Material Code Identification
(NFPA Diamond) present and note condition
2.2 INTERNAL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect for grooving, corrosion, pitting,
and coating failures.
2.3 RIVETED SHELLS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect rivet heads for metal loss.
2 Have vertical seams been full fillet lap-welded?

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 3

 3 If no record exists of vertical riveted seams,
dimension and sketch or photograph the rivet
pattern and record the number of rows, rivet
size, pitch, and whether the joint is butt-riveted
or lap-riveted.
2.4 WIND GIRDER/STIFFENING RING 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect wind girder(s)/stiffening ring(s) (paint,
corrosion), especially at welds.
2 Inspect supports and support welds.
3 Does the wind girder have drain holes at low
points?
4 Record wind girder dimensions, including
thickness and elevation
2.5 ANCHORS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect anchor bolts and chairs and record
dimensions, including spacing.
2 Inspect anchor bolts for stretching, corrosion, or
pull-out
2.6 SHELL INSULATION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Are there gaps in the insulation jacket that allow
precipitation to penetrate the insulation?
2 Record the insulation dimensions and type
3 Check for corrosion behind the insulation at
openings or damaged areas
4 Can water drain out from behind the insulation?
(typically the insulation stops 4 to 6 in. above
the shell to bottom weld. Is the insulation
caulked or sealed to the bottom extension?)
5 Inspect sealing of insulation around man holes
and nozzles
2.7 SHELL DIMENSIONS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Record the tank circumference and the elevation
at which the circumference was measured.
2 Record the shell height and the height of each
shell course
3 For double bottom tanks, measure and record
any shell offset between the shell and the dead
shell. Generally offset measurements are taken
at settlement survey locations.
3.0 SHELL APPURTENANCES
3.1 MAN HOLES AND NOZZLES 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect for cracks and leakage on welds at
nozzles, man holes, and reinforcing plates.
2 Inspect for shell plate dimpling around nozzles,
caused by excessive pipe deflection.
3 Inspect for flange leaks and leaks around bolting.
4 Are telltale holes open to the atmosphere?
5 Record each nozzle and man hole associated
dimensions (size, reinforcing plate dimensions,
centerline elevation, telltale hole, weld spacing,
and circumferential location, thicknesses)
3.2 EXTERNAL PIPING 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect piping, flanges, and valves for leaks up
to the first flange, threaded joint, or welded joint
outside the tank.
2 Inspect fire fighting system components.
3 Is there anchored piping which would be
hazardous to shell connections during earth
movement?
4 Check that thermal pressure relief of piping to
the tank is present.
5 Check operation of regulators for tanks with

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 4

 purge gas systems.
6 Check temperature indicators for damage.
7 Check welds on shell-mounted davit clips.
3.3 AUTOGAUGE SYSTEM 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect autogauge tape guide and lower sheave
housing (floating swings) for leaks.
2 Inspect autogauge head for damage and check
legibility.
3 Bump the checker on autogauge head to check
for proper movement of tape.
4 Identify size and construction material of
autogauge tape guide (floating roof tanks).
5 Ask operator if tape tends to hang up or suffer
other problems during floating roof movement
(floating roof tanks).
6 For board-type autogauges, inspect condition of
board and legibility.
7 Test freedom of movement of marker and float.
8 Record the product level.
3.4 THERMOWELL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect condition and note temperature.
3.5 SHELL-MOUNTED SAMPLE STATION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect sample lines for function of valves and
plugging of lines, including drain or
return-to-tank line.
2 Check circulation pump for leaks and operating
problems.
3 Inspect bracing and supports for sample lines
and equipment.
3.6 HEATER (SHELL MAN HOLEY MOUNTED) 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect condensate drain for presence of product
indicating leakage.
3.7 MIXER 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect for proper mounting flange and support.
2 Inspect for leakage.
3 Inspect condition of power lines and connections
to mixer.
3.8 SWING LINES 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Indicator: Check that the indicator moves in the
proper direction: Floating swing line indicators
show a lower level as cable is wound up on the
winch. Non-floating swing line indicators show
the opposite.
2 Cable: check for wear or fraying.
3 Does target indicate direction of swing opening
(up or down) and height above bottom where
suction will be lost with swing on bottom
support?
4.0 FIXED ROOF
4.1 GENERAL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Is the roof free of debris?
2 Record the roof type, roof slope, and roof-to-
shell joint detail dimensions per API 650 Figure
5-24, API 650 Appendix F Figure F-2 or API 620
Figure 5-6.
3 For aluminum dome roofs, record the
manufacturer and serial number.
4 Record roof thickness measurements (steel
roofs). Take at least 10 thickness measurements
at a maximum spacing of 10 ft along two
perpendicular lines. If any thickness is less than
0.09 in., measure 3 additional thicknesses in a

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 5

 100 in2 area around that location.
4.2 ROOF CORROSION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 For safety, before accessing the roof, check its
thickness ultrasonically or lightly use a ball peen
hammer to test the deck plate near its edge for
thinning. (Corrosion normally attacks the roof
plate at the edge and the rafters in the center of
the roof first.)
2 Visually inspect for paint failure, holes, pitting,
and corrosion.
4.3 ROOF DRAINAGE 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Look for indication of standing water. (Significant
sagging may indicate rafter or foundation failure,
or overload.)
4.4 ROOF INSULATION 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect for cracks or leaks in the
insulation weather coat where precipitation could
penetrate the insulation.
2 Remove small sections of insulation and check
roof for corrosion. Check for corrosion near the
edges of the insulation.
4.5 SAMPLE HATCH 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect condition and operation of sample hatch
cover.
2 Check the condition of the seal inside the hatch
cover
3 Where sample hatch is used to reel gauge stock
level, check for marker and tab stating hold-off
distance.
4 Inspect the reinforcing pad where sample hatch
pipe penetrates the roof.
5 On floating roof sample hatch and recoil
systems, inspect operation of recoil reel and
condition of lines.
6 On ultra clean stocks such as JP4, check for
presence and condition of protective coating or
liner inside sample hatch (preventing rust from
pipe getting into sample).
4.6 SCAFFOLD SUPPORT 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect scaffold support for corrosion, wear, and
structural soundness. Record dimensions
4.7 AUTOGAUGE: INSPECTION HATCH AND GUIDES 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check the hatch for corrosion and missing bolts.
2 Inspect the tape guide’s and float guide’s wire
anchors
4.8 VENTS (ON ROOF AND AT TOP OF SHELL)
1 Record size, manufacturer, model number, and
number of manufactured vents, and dimensions
and number of other vents. Note if vents are
open or closed types.
2 For closed vents: check pallets and sealing
surfaces. Ensure proper movement and record
any weights that are present.
3 Are vents free of obstructions?
4 Check the condition of the emergency vent.
Record manufacturer, size, and model number.
5 Inspect the external condition of the flame
arrestor and note cleanliness.
6 Record manufacturer, model number, size, and
quantity of all flame arrestors
4.9 OVERFLOW ALARM SYSTEM 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Identify and record the types, manufacturer, and
model numbers of overfill protection devices.

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 6

 2 Check overfill protection devices for signs of
damage.
3 Check with the operator to confirm that routine
testing of the overfill protection devices has been
performed.
5.0 FLOATING ROOF
Floating roof inspections should be conducted from the top of the tank for external inspections unless a
management of change procedure is followed. It is understood that many of the items are difficult to complete
with a visual inspection conducted from the top of the tank but should be completed to the degree possible for the
conditions at the time of the inspection. if access is available to the floating roof, use the internal inspection
checklist for the floating roof
5.1 GENERAL 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Look for indications of standing liquid on top of
the roof. (Large standing liquid areas on a
floating roof indicate inadequate drainage design
or, if to one side, a non-level roof with possible
leaking pontoons.)
2 Visually inspect the floating roof top surface
(Corrosion, paint condition)
3 Check roof legs (damage, and that they all are
pinned at the same height).
4 If leg racks are present, check that leg
extensions are present in the racks.
5 Check that any grounding / static bond cables
from the fixed roof to the floating roof or on the
floating roof components are not frayed and are
properly attached
6 Check condition of anti-rotation device(s) and if
it is intact.
5.2 LEVEL OF FLOATING ROOF 1 2 3 Comments:
1 At several locations, measure distance from roof
rim to the top of the shell. A variance in the
distances indicates a non-level roof with possible
shell out-of-round, out-of-plumb, leaking
pontoons, or hang-up.
5.3 GAS TEST ABOVE FLOATING ROOF 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Test for explosive gas in the vapor space above
the floating roof. High concentrations could
indicate a leaking roof, leaking seal system, or
inadequate ventilation of the head space above
the internal floating roof.
5.4 RIM SEALS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Record the type of seal(s)
2 Inspect seals for holes, tears, or openings.
3 Inspect metallic parts for corrosion and wear.
4 Inspect secondary seals for signs of buckling or
indications that their angle with the shell is too
shallow.
5.5 WELLS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Record the number and type of each well
(column, gauge pole, ladder, autogauge, etc.)
2 Does the gauge pole have a float inside?
3 Does the gauge pole have a pole wiper?
4 Check automatic gauge tape cable for wear or
fraying caused by rubbing on the gauge well
cover.
5 Inspect well seals.
6 Inspect the gauge pole for thinning, and record
the dimensions of the pole and its slots.
7 Inspect roof guide for gauge well, particularly the
condition of the rollers.
5.6 SAMPLE HATCH 1 2 3 Comments:
1 When equipped with a reel opening device, check
Location, Tank number, Inspection date 7
 its operation.
5.7 EMERGENCY ROOF DRAINS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 For internal floating roofs: Do emergency roof
drains have seals covering at least 90% of the
opening?
5.8 VACUUM BREAKERS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Report number and type of vacuum breakers. If
high legs are set, check for setting of mechanical
breaker in high leg position.
2 If the floating roof is not landed on its legs, is the
vent closed?
5.9 HATCHES 1 2 3 Comments:
1 For pontoon compartments, check that covers
are in place and static bond cables present
2 For internal floating roofs, are hatches bolted
closed?
6.0 ACCESSWAYS
6.1 RAILING (STAIRS, PLATFORMS, AND FIXED ROOFS) 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Identify and report type (pipe, galvanized pipe,
square tube, angle) and dimensions of railing.
2 Inspect for corrosion and paint failure.
3 Inspect welds.
4 Identify sharp edges.
5 Inspect safety devices at openings in handrails
for integrity and operation.
6.2 PLATFORM 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect frame for corrosion and paint failure.
2 Inspect the attachment of frame to supports and
supports to tank for corrosion and weld failure.
3 Check reinforcing pads where supports are
attached to shell or roof.
4 Are flat-surface-to-flat-surface joints seal-
welded?
5 Inspect walking surface for corrosion or holes
(not drain holes) and paint failure.
6 Inspect walking surface-to-frame attachments
for corrosion.
6.3 STAIRWAY AND LADDERS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check for any uneven or irregular spacing of
stair treads or ladder rungs.
2 Record average dimensions of stair treads and
ladder rungs.
3 Inspect stair treads or ladder rungs for corrosion,
paint failure, and weld failure.
4 Inspect stringers for corrosion, paint failure, and
weld failure. Inspect attachment of treads/rungs
to stringer.
5 Inspect support-to-shell welds and reinforcing
pads.
6 Inspect stringer attachment to concrete base, if
any.
6.4 ROLLING LADDER 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect rolling ladder stringers.
2 Identify type of ladder treads (square bar, round
bar, treads, self leveling treads).
3 Check for wear and corrosion where rolling
ladder attaches to gauging platform.
4 Inspect pivot bar for wear and integrity.
5 Inspect operation of self-leveling stairway treads.
6 Inspect rolling ladder wheels for freedom of
movement, flat spots, and wear on axle.
7 Inspect alignment of rolling ladder with track on

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 8

 the floating roof.
8 Inspect top surface of rolling ladder track for
wear by wheels. Record the length of unworn
track at each end of the track.
9 If the rolling ladder track extends to within 5 ft
of the edge of the roof on the far side, is there a
handrail on the top of the shell on that side?
10 Are static bond cables present, in good condition,
and properly secured to the rolling ladder, tank,
and floating roof?

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 9

Internal Inspection Checklist
7.0 OVERVIEW 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Is the tank clean, gas free, and safe for entry?
2 Have confined space entry requirements been
met?
3 Is the tank completely isolated from product
lines, all electrical power, and steam lines?
4 Are there falling object hazards, such as
corroded roofs, asphalt stalactites, or trapped
product in unopened or plugged equipment or
appurtenances, or ledges?
5 Are the fixed roof and floating roof adequately
supported?
6 Are there slipping and/or tripping hazards on the
bottom or roofs?
7 Check surfaces to be inspected and surfaces
where welding is to be done for preparation.
Note areas that need more preparation, including
blasting.
8.0 BOTTOM 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Stock Side Inspection
If Method A is specified:
- Visually inspect all bottom and shell-to-bottom
welds.
- Map and measure deepest pit’s depth
- Vacuum box test all accessible bottom and
shell-to-bottom welds including repads and
patches, or alternately use tracer gas
- Vacuum box test all new and repaired patches,
pads, and welds
- Spot UT and 100% visually inspect sump and
internal piping
- Spot UT internal piping
- Spot UT bottom (5 readings per plate)
- Jack columns and column bases and visually
inspect underneath
If Method B is specified:
- Visually inspect all bottom and shell-to-bottom
welds
- Map and measure deepest pit’s depth
- Vacuum box test all new and repaired patches,
pads, and welds
If Method C is specified:
- Visually inspect all bottom and shell-to-bottom
welds
2 Soil Side Inspection
If Method A is specified:
- Bottom MFL all accessible areas and UT follow-
up
- Manual MFL or UT scan inaccessible areas and
edge settled areas
If Method is specified B:
- Bottom MFL all accessible areas and UT follow-
up
- Random UT in areas not covered by MFL
3 Is the bottom reinforced at all attachments to the
bottom?
4 Locate any existing test connections.

5 Locate low areas that do not drain.

6 Inspect the liner or lining.
Location, Tank number, Inspection date 10
 7 Take bottom elevation measurements per API
653 Appendix B.
8 Check for wear of the bottom at gauging datum
locations
9.0 SHELL (Interior) 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Measure the pitting depth on each course.
2 Inspect rivet heads for metal loss.
3 Inspect for damage from floating roof seals.
4 Inspect the liner or lining.
5 Measure the tank diameter at an elevation 1 ft
above the bottom of the shell. If measurement
is obstructed at that elevation, measure at
another elevation and note the elevation.
10.0 FIXED ROOF (Interior)
10.1 General 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect the roof underside for corrosion.
2 Inspect the coating.
10.2 Fixed Roof Support Structure 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect support columns for corrosion.
Record metal thickness.
2 On built-up columns, check for corrosion scale
breaking the welds.
3 Are columns free to move vertically relative to
the bottom, and restrained from moving
horizontally relative to the bottom?
4 Are pipe columns concrete-filled or open? If
open, is there a drain opening at the bottom of
the pipe?
5 Record plumbness of the columns.
6 Inspect rafters for corrosion, particularly near the
center of the roof. Record metal thickness.
7 Check for loose or twisted rafters.
8 Inspect girders for corrosion. Record metal
thickness.
9 Check that girders are attached securely to the
top of the columns.
11.0 FLOATING ROOF
11.1 EXTERNAL FLOATING ROOF
11.1.1 Deck 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check that primary roof drains and out-of-service
supplementary drains (for pontoon EFRs) or
emergency drains (for double deck EFRs) are
open.
2 Record the number, type, and dimensions of
drains.
3 Hydrotest primary roof drains. Report leaks or
plugging.
4 Inspect and record slit fabric seals at emergency
drains.
5 Identify the floating roof type (pontoon, double
deck, or pan).
6 Record the manufacturer and serial number.
7 Inspect the deck using the Stock Side inspection
method used for the tank bottom.
8 Hammer test the vertical portion of the floating
roof at the rim.
9 Record the deck thickness.
10 Inspect and record electrical grounding from the
floating roof to the tank.
11 Inspect and record vacuum breaker vents size,
number, and gaskets.
12 Inspect and record man hole size, number, and
gaskets.
Location, Tank number, Inspection date 11
 13 Inspect the coating.
11.1.2 Pontoons 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect each pontoon for liquid leakage.
2 Record the concentration of explosive vapors in
each pontoon.
3 Run a wire through the vents on manhole covers
to make sure vents are open.
4 Inspect and record how manhole covers are
attached and sealed.
5 For each pontoon, report if:
Vapor tight (bulkhead seal-welded on bottom,
sides, and top),
Liquid tight (bulkhead seal-welded on bottom
and sides only), or
Not vapor- or liquid-tight (bulkhead not seal-
welded on bottom and sides).
11.2 INTERNAL FLOATING ROOF
11.2.1 General 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Record the manufacturer and serial number.
2 Inspect and record the electrical grounding of the
floating roof to the tank.
3 Inspect and record dimensions (including
number, diameter, closure device, and projection
below the deck) of deck drains.
11.2.2 Steel Internal Floating Roof 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Record the floating roof type (pan, open-top
bulk-headed, peripheral closed-top bulk-headed,
closed-top bulk-headed, or hybrid of these)
2 Record the deck thickness.
3 Inspect the deck using the Stock Side inspection
method used for the tank bottom.
4 Visually inspect all welds.
11.2.3 Skin and Pontoon Internal Floating Roof 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Pressure test each pontoon.
2 Visually inspect for holes in the skin.
3 Visually inspect all welds.
4 Visually inspect all mechanically fastened
connections. Identify missing, loose, or corroded
fasteners.
11.2.4 Sandwich Panel Internal Floating Roof 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Visually inspect for holes.
2 Pressure test the pontoons that have test plugs.
Be aware that vapor spaces in panels may not
communicate with test plugs, so product or
vapor in the panels may go undetected.
3 Visually inspect all adhesive joints.
4 Visually inspect all welds.
11.3 FLOATING ROOF SUPPORTS 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect floating roof supports (legs, cables, leg
pad/spacers or shell mounted supports) for
corrosion and damage.
2 Inspect and record any gaskets or seals at
penetrations in the deck for supports.
3 Are legs notched at the bottom for drainage?
4 Record the plumbness of each leg.
5 Record the number of supports and cross section
dimensions of the supports.
6 Record the dimensions of leg landing pads on the
tank bottom.
7 Record dimensions sufficient to determine the
height of the floating roof at each support
position.

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 12

 8 Record the floating roof elevation at the time of
the inspection.
11.4 FLOATING ROOF RIM SEALS
11.4.1 Design 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Is each secondary seal and vapor-mounted
primary seal continuous?
2 Is the primary seal either a shoe or liquid-
mounted type?
3 If a shoe seal, does the lower edge extend into
the liquid?
4 If a shoe seal, does it extend at least 24” above
the liquid?
5 Is there a rim-mounted secondary seal?
11.4.2 Condition 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Are there holes, tears, or other openings through
the seal?
2 Are there visible gaps between the seal and the
tank shell?
11.5 FLOATING ROOF DECK FITTINGS
11.5.1 Design 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Does each well or opening, other than for vents,
project below the liquid surface?
2 Is each cover or lid gasketed (other than for deck
legs, drains, or IFR sample wells)?
3 Is each access hatch and gauge float well bolted
closed?
4 Does each drain (or IFR sample well) have a seal
that covers at least 90% of the opening?
11.5.2 Condition 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Are there any gaps (a separation of more than
1/8” between a gasket, cover, or lid and any
surface it is intended to seal or close) in the
closure of deck fitting covers?
12.0 TANK APPURTENANCES
12.1 Gauge Pipe 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Is this tank equipped with a guidepole?
2 Is the opening through the floating roof equipped
with a gasket between the sliding cover and the
rim?
3 Is the opening through the floating roof equipped
with a wiper gasket between the sliding cover
and the pole?
4 Are there slots or holes through the wall of the
pole at or above the level of the floating roof
when it is at its lowest operating level?
5 If the guidepole is unslotted, is the guidepole
equipped with a cover or cap on the top of the
pole?
6 If the guidepole is slotted and has a float but no
sleeve, is the float properly floating inside the
guidepole?
7 If the guidepole is slotted and has a float but no
sleeve, is there a wiper gasket or seal around the
rim of the float?
8 If the guidepole is slotted and has a float but no
sleeve, is the wiper around the rim of the float at
or above the height of the pole wiper?
9 If the guidepole is slotted and has a sleeve but
no float, is the sleeve attached to the cover or
rim of the guidepole well (the opening through
the floating roof)?

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 13

 10 If the guidepole is slotted and has a sleeve but
no float, does the sleeve extend down into the
liquid, around the guidepole?
11 If the guidepole is slotted and has no sleeve and
no float, is the slotted guidepole equipped with a
sleeve inside the pole, extending from the lowest
operating level up to the top of the pole – and
with a cover on the top of the pole?
12 If the guidepole is slotted and has no sleeve and
no float, is the slotted guidepole equipped with a
flexible enclosure around the outside of the pole,
extending from the floating roof to the top of the
pole – and with a cover on the top of the pole?
13 Inspect gauge well pipe for thinning at about
two-thirds distance above the bottom: look for
thinning at the edge of the slots.
14 Check for corrosion on the pipe joint. Check that
sample cords, weights, thermometers, etc., have
been removed from the pipe.
15 Check for cone at bottom end of pipe about one
foot above the bottom.
16 Check condition of well washer pipe and that its
flared end is directed at the near side of the hold
off pad.
17 Check that supports for gauge well are welded to
pad or to shell and not directly to bottom plate.
18 Check operation of gauge well cover.
19 Check presence of a hold-off distance marker in
well pipe and record hold-off distance.
20 Identify and report pipe outside diameter and
wall thickness, and whether pipe is solid or
slotted. Report slot size.
21 Check that the hold-off distance plate is seal-
welded to the bottom and that any gauge well
supports are welded to the plate and not directly
to the bottom.
22 Inspect vapor control float and cable.
23 Check for presence and condition of gauge well
washer.
24 Check for bull plug or plate blind on gauge well
washer valve.
25 Inspect gauge well guide in floating roof for
pitting and thinning.
26 Inspect the guide rollers and sliding plates for
freedom of movement.
27 Inspect condition of gauge well pipe seal system.
28 On black oil and diesel services: if gauge well is
also used for sampling, check for presence of a
thief- and gauge-type hatch to avoid spillage.
29 Visually inspect inside of pipe for pipe weld
protrusions which could catch or damage vapor
control float.
12.2 Autogauge System 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Check freedom of movement of tape through
autogauge tape guide.
2 Inspect sheaves for freedom of movement.
3 Test operation checker.
4 Inspect tape and tape cable for twisting and
fraying.
5 Test the tape’s freedom of movement through
guide sheaves and tape guide pipe.

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 14

 6 On open-top tanks, check that gate tapes with
cables have no more than one foot of tape
exposed with float at lowest point.
7 Check float for leakage.
8 Test float guide wire anchors for spring action by
pulling on wire and releasing.
9 Inspect float wells in floating roofs for corrosion
of walls just above the liquid level.
10 Check that the autogauge tape is firmly attached
to the float.
11 Inspect the tape cable and float guide wire fabric
seals through the float well cover.
12 Inspect the bottom guide wire attachment clip:
inspect for a temporary weighted bar instead of a
permanent welded down clip.
13 Inspect board-type autogauge indicators for
legibility and freedom of movement of indicator.
14 Measure and record these distances to determine
if seal damage will occur if tank is run over from:
1. Shell top angle to underside of tape guide
system.
2. Liquid level on floating top to top of secondary
seal.
15 Identify floating roofs where the tape is
connected directly to the roof.
12.3 Internal Piping 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Identify and describe internal piping.
2 Are pipes free to move longitudinally?
3 Inspect nozzle valves for packing leaks and
damaged flange faces.
4 Inspect heater stream nozzle flanges and valves
for wire cutting.
5 Report which nozzles have thermal pressure
relief bosses and valves.
6 On elbow-down fill lines, inspect the wear plate
on the tank bottom.
7 On elbow-up fill lines in floating roof tanks, check
that opening is directed against underside of
roof, not against a vapor space. Inspect impact
area for erosion.
12.4 Diffusers 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect diffuser pipe for thinning.
2 Record diffuser dimensions and note location of
slots (i.e., 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock position or 4
o’clock and 8 o’clock position ).
3 Inspect diffuser supports for damage and
corrosion.
4 Check that diffuser supports restrain lateral but
not longitudinal movement.
5 Inspect air spiders on bottom of lube oil tanks for
plugging and damaged or broken threaded joints.
12.5 Swing Lines 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect flexible joint for cracks and leaks.
2 Scribe the flexible joint across the two moving
faces and raise end of swing line to check the
joint’s freedom of movement, indicated by
separation of scribe marks.
3 Check that flexible joints over 6 in. are
supported.
4 Inspect the swing pipe for corrosion.
6 Leak test the pontoons.
7 Inspect the pontoons for corrosion.
8 Inspect the pull-down cable connections to the
Location, Tank number, Inspection date 15
 swing.
9 Inspect the condition of the bottom-mounted
support, fixed roof limiting bumper, or shell-
mounted limiting bumper for condition, weld and
bolt corrosion, and seal welding to bottom or
shell.
10 Inspect safety hold-down chain for corrosion and
weak links.
11 Check that there is a welded reinforcing pad
where the chain connects to the bottom.
12 If the floating swing line in an internal floating
roof tank does not have a limiting device
preventing the line from exceeding 60o to
horizontal, take measurements to determine the
maximum angle possible.
13 All cable: check for wear or fraying.
14 Inspect for three cable clamps where cable
attaches to end of swing line (single-reeved) or
to roof assembly (double-reeved). Inspect
sheaves for freedom of movement.
15 Inspect winch operation and check the height
indicator for legibility and accuracy.
16 Inspect bottom-mounted sheave assembly at end
of pontoon for freedom of rotation of sheave.
17 Inspect shell-mounted lower sheave assembly for
freedom of rotation of sheave, corrosion
thinning, and pitting of sheave housing.
18 Inspect upper sheave assembly for freedom of
movement of sheave.
19 Inspect the cable counterbalance assembly for
corrosion and freedom of operation.
12.6 Man Hole Heater Racks 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect the man hole heater rack welds and
sliding rails.
2 Measure and record the length of the heater and
length of the track.
12.7 Mixers 1 2 3 Comments:
1 Inspect for thinning of wear plates. Inspect
soundness of deck plates and reinforcing pads
that are seal welded to the bottom under the
deflector stand legs.
2 Measure for propeller clearance between the
bottom of deflector stand and roof when the roof
is on low legs.

Location, Tank number, Inspection date 16