Daily Revise - Practice Southern Inspection

38
API 653 – DAY 1

API 653
Design CA is Different from Remaining CA
Conflict between the requirements of API 650

1 API 653 1.1.2 API 653
and API653
API 2015 API
2 Safe working Practices API653 1.4
2016
3 Atmospheric pressure API 653 3.3 Up to 2.5 PSI(G)
< 0.09inch in
4 Actual roof average thickness API 653 4.2.1.2
100sq.in
5 Actual thickness - calculate critical length API653 4.3.2 L=3.7√Dt2
6 Widely scattered pits – Acceptance criteria API653 4.3.2.2 Sum 2” in 8”
7 Equally spaced measurements over length of L API653 4.3.2.1 C 5
Critical area - ½
4.4.5.4-
8 Bottom plate thickness not less than 0.1 inch API653 of original or
Table 4.4
50% t min
Bottom plate projection area – thickness and 0.1inch, 3/8
9 API653 4.4.5.7
projection out side the tank inch
10 Annular plate ring thickness – minimum API653 4.4.6.1 0.1 inch
When specific gravity less than 1
11 API653 p4.5 Table 4.5
Annular plate thickness as per
When specific gravity more than 1 Table 5.1 API
12 API653 4.4.6.3
Annular plate thickness as per 650
Brittle failure minimum when: t ≤ 0.5 inch, T
13 >60ºF, stress < 7ksi, Lower Sp gravity & lower API653 5.3 6& 7 Fig 5.2
liquid level
14 Routine in service inspection interval API653 6.3.1.2 1 month
5years or
15 External inspection by AI – interval? API653 6.3.2.1
RCA/4N
UT thickness interval when corrosion rate not
16 API653 6.3.3.2 5 years
known
RCA/2N or
17 UT thickness interval of corrosion rate is known API653 6.3.3.2 15years which
ever is less
Internal inspection interval when corrosion rate is
18 API653 6.4.2.1 20years
known
Internal inspection interval when corrosion rate is
19 API653 6.4.2.2 10years
not known
6.4.2.4 2 nd
20 RBI review intervals not to exceed API653 Para Last 2 10years
lines
Current
21 New materials construction for repair code API653 7.2 applicable
standard
Material is not identified shall be tested each ASTM A6 or A
22 API653 7.3.1.2
plate as per 370
23 Welding consumables – applicable code API653 7.4 AWS
24 Structural material (new) required as per API653 7.3.2 A36
25 Structural existing rolled required as per API653 7.3.2 ASTM A7
Checking tank design shall be based on
180days prior to
26 measurement taken with in what days for API653 8.4.1
relocation
relocated tanks
27 Repair works authorization by API653 9.1.3 AI & Engineer
28 Hold point designate for repair and alteration by API653 9.1.3 AI
For limited routine repair which not require hydro AI – prior
29 API653 9.1.3
test authorization
After completion of repair/ alteration acceptance
30 API653 9.1.4 AI or Engineer
by
12” or 12t
31 Shell minimum dimension & replacement plate API653 9.2.2.1 which ever is
higher
Prior to welding new vertical joints – horizontal
32 API653 9.2.2.2 12”
welds shall cut (old) minimum
Lapped patch shall not be done shell course
33 API653 9.3.1.2 >1/2”
thickness
Shell plate ≤1/2” 6” from vertical edge & 3” from
34 API653 9.2.3.3 Fig 9.1
horizontal
35 Patch plate size API653 9.3.1.3 ≥3/16” – ½”
Min- 4” max-
36 Repair plate dimensions API653 9.3.1.7
48”x72”
Minimum repair plate over lap, maximum over Min- 1” max- 8”
37 API653 9.3.2.3
lap or 8t
Dia of the hole
x2 or dia+12”
38 Diameter of the insert plate (nozzle) API653 9.8.6
which ever is
greater
Max ¼ “ &
39 Critical zone patch plate thick API653 9.10.1.2
toughness
Insert plate shall have taper to match the shell
40 API653 9.8.4 1:4
plate
Weld on patch plates are not permitted in critical > 200ºF for c.s
41 API653 9.10.1.2.3
zone – operating temperature > 100ºF for s.s
42 New roof plate thickness (minimum) API653 9.11.2.1 3/16” min
Not more than
Primary seals shall be repaired, system should
43 API653 9.13.1 1/4th of roof seal
be out of any service tank
area damage
If roof rim shall be replaced when thickness less
44 API653 9.13.6.2 0.10 inch
than
Shell plate > ½ t, hot tap nozzle permitted for Nozzle dia max
45 API653 9.14.1.1.b.1
unknown toughness 4”
Stress less than
46 Max. height of the liquid during hot tap API 653 9.14.1.1 7000 psi at point
of hot tap
47 Min. height of the liquid during hot tap API653 9.14.1.2 3 feet
Roof, vapor
space, heat
48 Hot tap not permitted API653 9.14.1.4 treatment
requirement
area
√RT R in inch, t
49 Min. spacing between hot tap to adjacent nozzle API653 9.14.3.1
in inch
4 place 90º
50 Min. thickness measurement at hot tap location API653 9.14.3.2
apart
1.5 times static
51 Pressure test for hot tap nozzle prior to hot tap API653 9.14.5.3
head
52 Approval of reconstruction work API653 10.1.4 AI & Engineer
Offset distance for new vertical joint adjacent
53 API653 10.4.2.1 Min 5t
shell course
54 Welding shall not be carried out below API653 10.4.2.3 0ºF
140ºF for 3”
55 Base metal thickness >1 or 0º to 32ºF API653 10.4.2.3
width
56 Acceptable under cutting for vertical welds API653 10.4.2.5 1/64 “
57 Acceptable under cutting for horizontal welds API653 10.4.2.5 1/32”
58 Low hydrogen electrodes ½” thick and above API653 10.4.2.9 Group I to III
59 Low hydrogen electrodes for inch all thickness API653 10.4.2.9 Group IV to VI
≤ ½” – 3/32”,
60 Weld reinforcement for vertical welds API653 Table 10.1 <1” – 1/8”
>1” – 3/16”
≤ ½” – 1/8”, <1”
61 Weld reinforcement for horizontal welds API 653 Table 10.1 – 3/16”
>1” – ¼”
62 Misalignment for vertical welds when t>5/8” API653 10.4.4.1 10% of t or 1/8”
63 Misalignment for vertical welds when t< 5/8” API653 10.4.4.1 10% of t or 1/16”
20% or 1/8”
64 Misalignment for horizontal welds when t> 5/8” API653 10.4.4.2
which less
65 Misalignment for horizontal welds when t < 5/8” API653 10.4.4.2 1/16”
Each pass
<19mm
66 1½ “ thick and more – mutipass requirement API653 10.4.4.3
Preheat 200ºF
min.
Maximum out of plumpness shells with fixed 1/100 height or
67 API653 10.5.2.1
roofs 5” max
Maximum out of plumpness shells with internal Which ever is
68 API653 10.5.2.1
floating roof App.H less
69 Roundness at 1 feet above from bottom API653 10.5.3 Table 10.2
≤ 40ft – ½ “
40 to 150ft – ¾ “
>150 to 250 – 1”
>250 1 ¼ “
70 Peaking API653 10.5.4 ½“
71 Banding API653 10.5.5 1”
3times of
72 Radii above 1 ft for all tank API653 10.5.3 tolerance as per
table 10.2
1/8” in 30ft
73 Foundation tolerance with concrete ring wall API653 10.5.6.2.a ¼ “in total
circumference
1/8” in 10ft
74 Foundation tolerance without concrete ring wall API653 10.5.6.2.b ½ “ in total
circumference
75 Welding qualification API653 11.1.1 ASME Sec IX
76 Welder identification intervals on weld joints API653 11.2.2 3ft intervals
Completed repair of butt welds shall be
77 API653 12.1.3.2 RT&UT 100%
examined
78 Shell to bottom welds after the first pass API653 12.1.6.1 Light diesel test
Radiography – shell vertical welding new with One additional
79 API653 12.2.1.1
existing RT in each joint
Radiography – shell horizontal welding new with One additional
80 API653 12.2.1.2
existing for each 50ft
One spot in 50ft
81 Repaired joints in existed shell plate Horizontal API653 12.2.1.2
each
82 For inter section RT New to existing API653 12.2.1.3 100%
83 All repaired intersection in existing shell plate API653 12.2.1.3 100%
6 inch
84 Minimum diagnostic length of each film API653 12.2.1.7
85 1” and above thick replacement vertical joints API653 12.2.1.6.2 100%
24hrs –
86 Hydro testing for re-construction tank API653 12.3.1.1
Mandatory
Owner/ operator
When hydro testing not required engineer shall
87 API653 12.3.2.2 authorize
reviewed and approved
exemption
Min. 8 location
Tank settlement measurement during filling and
88 API653 12.5.1.2 N=D/10
also 100% test level
Max. 32”
Settlement measurement during filling and also
89 API653 12.5.2 Appendix – B
100% test level
90 Name plate number size API653 13.1.1 5/32”
91 API650 first edition API653 Appx.A 1961
92 API650 7th edition API653 Appx. A Nov. 1980
10th –Nov 1998
93 Latest edition of API650 API653 Appx. A
Addm 3 – 2005
94 Edge settlement API653 Appx. B Fig. B10, 11, 12
Rb=0.37R
95 Bottom settlement API653 Apx B.3.3 R in ft, Bb in
inch
Minimum thickness calculation for riveted shell -
96 API653 4.3.4.1 S = 21,000 psi
stress
97 Joint efficiency for riveted welds API653 4.3.4.1 1.0 away for 6”
98 Cathodic protection underside bottom of tank API653 4.4.3 API651 BOK
99 Internal lining for internal surface of tank bottom API653 4.4.4 API652BOK
For reconstructed tanks RT % of all Junctions
100 API 653 12.2.1.4 25 %
over new on Existing weld
100) Welding 650 : Do not do below 0 Deg C.
But for API 653 : It is more relaxed.

Ie Do not do welding below 0 Deg F.
For 0 Deg f to 0 Deg C (or if t is > 1 inch) pre heat upto 3 in of width
upto 140 Deg F
API 653 ADD on TIPS
1. API 653 is more relaxed in peaking, banding, out of plumpness except for
Radiographic requirements
2. OFF SET for new vertical joint = 5 t ( where T is thickness of the thicker
course) (API 650 & API 653)
3. LOW Hydrogen electrode should be used for all Manual metal Arc
welding , annular ring and Shell course ( Same for API 650 & 653)
a. For Gr 1 –III more than 0.5 inch
b. For Group IV to VII all thickness
4. Plumpness : For API 650 it is h/200

For API 653 it is h/100
5. Peaking ½ inch for both API 650 & 653

But Banding for API 650 is ½ inch , But API 653 is 1 inch
6. Foundation Tolerance :
When concrete wall is present it is 3mm in 30 feet or 6 mm overall
When concrete wall is not present it is 3mm in 10 feet or 12.5 mm overall
7. Radiography
Here API 653 is more stricter by taking one additional shot
For VERTICAL JOINTS
For Thickness below 10 mm one shot in the first 10 feet and one
additional shot in every further 100 feet. And 25 % of all T joints
For thickness 10 mm – 25 mm : Additional one spot,
For thickness above 25 mm: 100 % RT
Besides Two spots in every vertical join for the Lowest course
For API 653 you have to take one extra spot in each vertical joint joining
new weld with existing weld
For HORIZONTAL JOINT :

One spot in the first 10 feet and one additional spot in every further 200
feet
For API 653 one additional spot for every 50 feet for new horizontal weld
with the existing weld.
For Vertical & repaired joints – One Additional RT in Each joint

For Horizontal repaired joints: One Additional Spot for each 50 feet
All T joints in the existing welds, repaired welds & new Repaired weld with
existing weld should be radiographed as per API 653.
For the purpose of Radiography Plates are considered to be of same

thickness even if the design thickness varies with in 3mm
For circular replacement plate minimum one spot radiography if thickness
is more than 1 inch full area should be radio graphed.
For rectangular replacement plates minimum one vertical spot & one
horizontal spot and one in each corner. If thickness is more than 1 inch full
vertical length should be radio graphed
8. Inspection Interval only API 653
9. Measurement Points
Minimum 5 readings are needed to determine the minimum thickness over
the corroded area to find Length L.
L = 3.7 SQ root of ( D t2) or 40 inch which ever is less. Here actual
corroded length may be more than calculated L
For Hot tap, 4 measurement t points at 90 degree to each other
For tank bottom settlement no of points required is D/10 but minimum 8.

Distance between the points should not exceed 32 feet
10. Pressure:
Internal Pressure of AST or atmospheric pressure = 2.5 psi , Code is API
650 Appendix F
External pressure minimum – 1 inch water
External pressure maximum 1psi For external pressure code API 620
Leak Testing 14.5 Psi
Vacuum Box testing 3-5 psi
11. Thickness Tables

Annular plate 2.5 mm
Roof rim minimum 2.5 mm
As per API 653
Minimum Thk of the Shell is = 2.6 ( H-1) DG/SE
Bottom Plate Thk - Ref Table 4.4 & 4.4.5.1
Annular Bottom Plate - Table 4.5
Roof Plate is > 3/16 inch
As Per API 650

Minimum Thk of the Shell is = 5mm table 5.6.1.1
Bottom Plate Thk = 6mm ref 5.4.1
Annular Bottom Plate = 6mm - Table 5.1
Roof Plate is > 3/16 inch
Structural Material minimum thk = .17Inch or 4.3 mm Ref 5.10.3.2
12. NDT has to be performed as per ASME SEC V
RT- ART 2
UT- ART 5
MT- ART 7
PT – ART 6
13. But Acceptance std is by ASME SEC VIII

RT – APX 4
UT-APX 12
MT- APX 6
PT- APX 8
RT aceptancee std SEC VIII UW 51
SEC IX QW 191
14. Bottom plate Projection area thickness is 0.1 inch and outside projection is
3/8 inch
But by API 653, Bottom plate projection beyond the corner weld is 1inch
Annular plate projection beyond the shell is 2 inch
15. Training For RT & UT –SNT-TC-1A

For PT & MT it is as per API 650
VT Exam – For removal of attachments, No qualification.
MT is required in weld removal area of bottom to shell
UT is needed to check lap joint hot tap, for butt weld if there is no
radiography
RT : All butt weld, Insert weld, Annular plate weld, repair weld, all T joints
Shell to shell plate weld for more than 1 Inch Thk :

a) root Pass and final pass by MT & PT
b) Full RT is needed
Diesel Test :
a) First pass and final pass of Shell to bottom weld if vacuum box test is
not done
b) Floating roof joints which are required to be airtight
Vac box test : Shell to bottom weld when diesel test is not done
Bottom weld when tracer gas test is not done
Roof plate weld for gas tight tanks
Tracer gas test : Only for bottom weld when vac box testing is not done
16. To pass API 6653 exam

Eng degree plus one year experience
Two Years Science degree plus Two years experience in AST out of them
minimum one year should be in inspection
For high school 3 years experience out of which minimum one year should
be in inspection
For others: five years experience with minimum one year experience in
AST Inspection
17. Slope of supported cone roof ¾ inch in 12 inch

Slope of double deck roof is 3/16 inch in 12 inch
Slope of insert plate is 4:1
the slope at the top angle attachment does not exceed 2" in 12
18. ASME SEC IX

Art 1 – General Requirements
Art 2 Welding procedure qualification
Art 3 welding performance qualification
19. 2015 – Safe entry

2016 – Safe entry
2207 Preparing tank bottom for hot work

575 : inspection of atmospheric and low pressure storage tank
20. Shell ring may be dismantled by cutting 6 inch away from existing weld
When dismantling shell tank roof or bottom plate shall e cut 2 inch away
from the weld
When reusing the entire bottom in the intact condition , Shell should be cut
12 inch above the top of the bottom plate
Edge of any permanent attachment should be 3 inch away from horizontal
weld & 6 inch away from the vertical weld
21. Vacuum Box testing
Size of the Vacuum Box 30 inch by 6 inch
Vacuum needed 8psi to 10 psi. But if required by the customer to detect
small leaks 3.5 psi can be used
Minimum overlap = 2 inches,
Temp is 4 Degree Centigrade to 52 Degree Centigrade Light needed
1000 Lux, Vacuum should be maintained minimum for 5 sec or the time
needed to view the area under the test
22. Confusing table UI Means up to & Inclusive
So UI table 1 REINFORCEMENT
Reinforcement (Same for API 650 & 653)

Thickness Vertical Weld Hori –weld For radiography
UI 0.5 in 2.5 mm 3mm 1.5 mm
0.5 in – 1 in 3 mm 5 2.5
Above 1 in 5 6 3
Misalignment ( Same for API 650 & 653) UI

VERTICAL : For plates UI 5/8 inch it is 1.5 mm
For plates more than 5/8 inch , it is 10 of thickness of plate
or 3mm which ever is less API 653
Extra point is Vertical weld should be completed before the Horizontal
weld
HORIZONTAL : For Plates UI 5/16 inch, it is 1.5 mm

For plates more than 5/16 inch it is 20 % of thickness of the plate or 3 mm
which ever is less. Here the Thickness given are the upper plate thickness.
Horizontal misalignment may also be asked as the projection of the upper
plate over the lower plate.
RT DEFECTS
UI 10 mm 3mm ( Defect Size)
More than 10 mm - UI 57 mm t/3
More than 57 mm 19 mm
23. UG
Below 2 inch Ug is .02 inch
From 2 inch – UI 3 inch .03
Over 3 and UI 4 inch 04
Over 4 inch 07 in
24. LESS THAN Cases Mixed
Roundness or Radii tolerance at 1 foot from the bottom

For Dia less than 40 feet it is ½ inch
For Dia 40 – less than 150 feet it is ¾ inch
For Dia 150 to less than 250 fett it is 1 inch
For Dia equal to more than 250 feet it is 1 ¼ inch
DIA VS SHELL THICKNESS
Less than 50 feet 3/16 inch
50 feet to less than 120 feet 4/16
120 to less than or equal to 200 5/16
More than 200 feet 6/16
25. Mixed cases :Procedure Qualification thickness
Less than 1/16 inch t- 2t
1/16 UI 3/8 1/16 – 2t
Above 3/8 and less than ¾ 3/16 to 2t
26. Most commonly used plate material is A 36, A 283 grade C
27. For more than 38 mm, multi pas is needed. For more than 19 mm one
pass. And plus 200 deg F pre heat is required
28. Shell to fillet weld Leak testing Leak testing 15 PSI is best.
29. Visual acceptance

: No cracks , No arc strikes, Undercut should be less than 1/64 inch for
vertical, nozzle, man way and any permanent attachment
Horizontal undercut should be less than 1/32 inch
Max one cluster porosity min o4 inch and porosity size should not exceed
2.5 mm
30. Any defect in the repair weld full radiography

Any defect in the ordinary weld further inspection is determined by the
owner operator and contractor
31. Extent of UT Survey is determined by the owner user.
32. fracture assessment should be conducted by a metallurgist or design

specialist
33. Hydrostatic test is to be done

a. when repair or alteration does not meet all criteria of API 653
b. Deterioration of the tank has occurred since the last hydro test
34. Internal tank inspection can be substituted for external UT Measurements.

But reverse is not true.
IMPORTANT CLOSED BOOK QUESTIONS
API 653 Third Edition

No. QUESTION CODE CLAUSE
1 Definition of the Critical zone API653 3.9
2 Definition of Change of Service API653 3.7
3. Minimum thickness of corroded roof plate API653 4.2.1.2
4. Limits of L API653 4.3.2.1
5. Definition of widely scattered pits API653 4.3.2.2
6. Causes for shell distortion API653 4.3.5.2
7. Cracks in the shall to bottom weld – what should be done API653 4.3.6
8. What is the reason for the distortion of anchor bolts & API653 4.5.3
excessive cracking of concrete structures
9. Tanks fabricated from steels of unknown toughness, API653 5.3.8
thickness less than ½” can be operated at above what
minimum shell metal temperature
10. Interval for routine In-service inspection API653 6.3.1.2
11. Who shall carry out External Inspection API653 6.3.2.1
12. Interval for External inspection API653 6.3.2.1
13. How is the external inspection of Insulated tank carried out API653 6.3.2.2
14. What is the method of external inspection of Tank grounding API653 6.3.2.3
system
15. Interval for ultrasonic thickness inspection API653 6.3.3
16. If internal inspection is solely for the purpose of determining API653 6.4.1.2
the condition & integrity of tank bottom what is the method of
inspection
17. alternative Internal Inspection method API653 NA
18. What is the bottom plate minimum thickness API653 Table
4.4
19. Construction records shall include the following information API653 6.8.2
20. New material for tank reconstruction shall comply to which API653 7.2
standard
21. Welding consumables shall conform to which specification API653 7.4
22. What are the minimum dimensions for a replacement shell API653 9.2.2.1
23. The corners of a repair plate shall be rounded to what API653 9.3.1.4
minimum radius
24. Insert plate having higher thickness than the shall plate shall API653 9.8.4.a
be tapered to
25. Minimum thk. of new roof to be used for repair for a fixed roof API653 9.11.2.1
shall be
26. The minimum height of tank liquid above hot tap location API653 9.14.1.2
shall be at least
27 During hot tapping operation welding will be done using API653 9.14.1.3
which electrodes
28. Are hot taps permitted on the roof of a tank API653 9.14.1.4
29. The maximum allowed undercutting for horizontal joints of a API653 10.4.2.5
reconstructed tank is
30. If the material specification for the steel from an existing tank API653 11.1.2
is unknown or obsolete, how do you qualify the welding
procedure
31. At what intervals Welders identification shall be marked adj. API653 11.2.2
to welds
32. What alternative methods are used to inspect the integrity of API653 12.1.7.1
the welded bottom joint
33. Areas of bottom plate repaired by welding in addition to API653 12.1.7.3
MT/PT are any other testing done.
34. The minimum diagnostic length of each radiograph is API653 12.2.1.7
35. For penetration installed using insert plates , butt weld API653 12.2.1.8
between the insert plate & shell plate shall be radiographed
to what extent
36. Hydrostatic test of a reconstructed tank shall be held for how API653 12.3.1.
long time.
37. At what intervals shall settlement be measured during API653 12.5.2
hydrotest
38. The maximum spacing across diameter over which API653 Fig. B-2
measurements of bottom settlement are taken is
39. Internal Bottom settlement formula API653 B-3-3
40. What is the NDT Inspector Qualification requirement for API653 F 4.3
carrying out UT during tank repair?
41 UT procedure shall follow which Code/Standard API653 F 4.4
IMPORTANT OPEN BOOK QUESTIONS
API 653 Third Edition

No. QUESTION CODE CLAUSE
1 Calculate the t min. welded tank shell API653 4.3.3.1
2 What is the maximum allowable stress for bottom & second
API653 4.3.3.1
course
3. To change the service of the tank to above 200°F what
API653 4.2.4.3
requirements are to be met
4. What is the maximum allowable stress for reconstructed tank API653 4.3.3.1
5. What is the maximum allowable stress for revited tank API653 4.3.4.1
6. Annular bottom plate thickness (Sp. Gr. < 1.0) API653 Table 4-4
7. Assessment of the safe use of a tank constructed of
API653 Fig. 5.2
unknown materials
8. What records shall be maintained by the Owner / Operator API653 6.8.1
9. What are the material specifications for structural materials API653 7.3.2
10. Shell design for a reconstructed tank, with materials whose
allowable stresses are not given in Table 3-2 of API 650, API653 8.4.3
what allowable stresses are to be taken
11. After the valve has been installed on the flange at what
API653 9.14.5.3
pressure the pressure test shall be performed
12. In tank re-construction, new vertical joints in adjacent shell
API653 10.4.2.1
courses shall be offset by what minimum distance
13. During tank reconstruction / repair what is the maximum
API653 10.4.2.5
allowed undercutting for vertical joints
14. What is the maximum reinforcement allowed for horizontal
API653 Table 10-1
joint of ¾” plate
15. In completed horizontal butt joints, the upper plate shall not
API653 10.4.4.2
project beyond the lower plate by how much
16. Calculation of Internal Bottom settlement or bulges API653 B.3.3
17. Problem on edge settlement API653 Fig B-11
18. For welding A516 Gr 70 materials what electrode
API650 4.8
classification shall be used
DAILY POINTS TO RECALL (DAY 1)
1. API 653 is code used for inspection, repair, and alteration for the
aboveground storage tanks which are placed in Service. API 650 is
the basic construction code for making New Tanks.
2. API 650 and API 653 are used for aboveground storage tanks at
atmospheric pressure (maximum 2.5 psi above atmospheric) and
temperatures not exceeding 90ºC.
3. Design metal temperature of tank is assumed to be 8ºC (15º F) above

the lowest one day mean temperature of tank site.
4. Where necessary, as per Fig. 2-1 (API 650), the tank materials shall be
checked against brittle failure by conducting impact testing. Acceptance
criteria shall be as per Table 2-4.
5. If average value of 3 specimen is < specified average value (SAV) —

reject. But if average value of 3 specimen ≥ SAV and,
a. Value of one specimen is < SAV but ≥ 2/3 SAV — accept

b. Value of one specimen is < SAV and also < 2/3 SAV — retest
c. Value of two specimen is < SAV — retest
On retest for b and c all three specimen ≥ SAV — accept
6. The required thickness of shell plates for tanks up to 60 m (200 feet)

diameter shall be greater of td or tt:
t = 4 . 9 D ( H−0
d Sd
.3 ) G
+ CA and t =
4 . 9 D(H −0 . 3)
Stt
(Metric)
t d =
2. 6 D( H−1) G
Sd
+ C . A . and t = 2 .6 D(StH −1)
t
(US units)
Where:
D = Tank Diameter m (ft)

H = Height shell course from top liquid level in m (ft)
G = Specific Gravity of liquid to be stored
Sd and St = Allowable stress for design and hydrostatic
conditions in Mpa (psi)
C.A. = Corrosion allowance in mm (in)
7. Shell thickness calculated above (point no. 6) shall not be less than
that required by Diameter – Thickness table in API 650. (3.6.1.1)
8. Values of Sd and St are taken from Table 3-2 of API 650. For unlisted
material:
Sd = Lower of 2/3 (Y.S) or 2/5 (T.S.) and
St = Lower of ¾ (Y.S) or 3/7 (T.S.)
9. Minimum nominal thickness excluding corrosion allowance for roof

plate shall be 5 mm (3/16”) and for bottom plate shall be 6 mm (1/4”).
10. All nozzles, manholes and other openings shall have dimensions
thickness, reinforcement plates and weld sizes as per tables 3-6 and 3-
7 of API 650.
11. Radiography inspection is required for all shell butt welds and annular
plate butt welds and inserts plates for manhole and nozzles.
12. For shell plates the number of radiographs required depend on whether
the plate thickness is up to 10 mm (3/8), or above 10 mm to 25 mm
(3/8” – 1”) or above 25 mm (1”). (Fig. 6-1 of API 650).
13. Radiography is also required on:

(i) 100% length of butt welds joining insert plate to shell, and
(ii) Annular bottom plate radial joints (1 spot on 10% of radial
welds if double butt welded and 1 spot on 50% of radial
welds if single welded with backing strip.)
1. According to API 653, “Repairs” means any work necessary to

maintain or restore the safe operating conditions (as per original
design). “Alteration” means any work that changes the
dimensions and/or configuration of tank (changing original safe
operating conditions).
2. “Authorized inspection agency” is any one of the following

(who employ API tank inspector):
a. An owner operator
b. Subcontractor to owner operator
c. Inspection organization of jurisdiction
d. Inspection organization of insurance company
3. “Break-over point” means area of tank bottom where

settlement begins.
4. “Change of service” means change in fluid stored and

having different specific gravity or corrosivity or different
temperature or pressure.
5. “Critical zone” means portion of tank bottom within 3

inches of shell inside and measured radically inwards.
6. “Repair organization” means any of the following who

carries out repairs / alterations according to API 653.
a. Owner-user
b. Subcontractor to owner-user
c. Subcontractor authorized or approved by
jurisdiction
7. Tank roof plates which are so corroded that there are through
holes or the average thickness is less than 0.09 inch in any 100
sq. inch area, then plates must be repaired or replaced, i.e., tank
cannot be permitted to continue operation.
8. If tank service is to be changed resulting in increase of internal

pressure or operation above 90º C (200º F), then requirements of API
Appendix F and M must be fulfilled respectively. If service changes
lower temperature then material must be suitable as per impact test
requirements of API 650.
9. Tank shell evaluation: 5 step method.
a. Determine the minimum thickness (t2) at
corroded area.
b. Calculate vertical critical length L for tank
diameter D (in ft.)
L=3.7 √ Dt2 or 40” whichever is less

c. Determine t1 which is minimum of tav (tav is
average thickness of at least 5 readings over
weakest L)
DHG
d. Determine t min by formula, tmin = 2.6 SE
for local area.
D( H −1)G
Or tmin = 2.6 SE for full shell course.
Take ‘S’ from Table 4-1 of API 653 code.
e. (i) Then t1 ¿ tmin + (CR x interval), and
(ii) t2 ¿ 0.6 x tmin + (CR x interval) if conditions (i) and (ii)

are okay — accept. If no repair, or replace or reduce the
liquid height till repair/ replacement can be done.
10. Widely scattered pits can be ignored if:

a. No pit depth results in shell thickness being
less than half the required thk – excluding C. A.
b. Sum of pit dimensions along any vertical line
does not exceed 2 inches in a total length of 8”.
11. Minimum thickness for bottom plates is given by:

a. Anular plates (product sp. gr. < 1.0): Table 4-3
(API 653)
b. (Product sp. gr. ≥ 1.0): Table 3-1 (API 650)
c. Other bottom plates: Table 6-1 (API 653)
12. Min. thickness in “critical zone” is smaller of:(but not less than
0.1”)
a. Half of original bottom thickness in critical zone,
and
b. Half of tmin for first shell course.
13. Tanks designed prior to API 650 (7th edition, 1980) may be
assessed for brittle failure as per Fig. 5.2.
14. Tanks are not likely to fail in brittle failure if thickness is not more than
½” or shell temperature is not less than 60º F or stress level is less than
7,000 psi.
1. Inspection Frequency (External) shall not exceed following
a. Routine-in Service inspection every one month.

b. External inspection (visual by authorized inspector): Lower of
one-fourth remaining life (RCA/4N) or 5 years.
c. Ultrasonic thickness inspection (external) of shell.
(iii) when corrosion rate is not known — maximum 5
years
(iv) when corrosion rate is known — lower of :
1. half remaining life
(RCA/2N) or
2. 15 years
2. Inspection Frequency (Internal) shall not exceed:
a. Based on MRT calculations, as per “Or” calculated

but not exceeding 20 years
b. If corrosion rates are not known: Actual bottom thickness shall

be determined not later than 10 years.
3. Alternative to point no. 2 above for internal inspection interval may be

altered based on RBI. The RBI basis shall be reviewed at intervals not
exceeding 10 years by authorized inspector and tank engineer.
4. If there is access to tank bottom to determine bottom thickness,

externally, such inspection may be used in lieu of internal inspection.
(Point No. 2)
5. Inspection records include:
a. Permanent Records (Tank construction data)

b. Inspection history (Progressive Records)
c. Repair/alteration history (Repair/alteration records)
6. New materials for repair/alteration/ reconstruction: All plate material

used for shell and the bottom plates welded to shell shall be identified.
7. Thickness of shell plates to be used for checking the tank design shall
be within 180 days before relocation.
8. The strength values Sd and St for reconstructed tank shall be on the

basis of allowable stress as per table 3-2 of API 650.
9. The replacement shell plate thickness ≥ thickness of the shell course
where replacement is proposed and dimensions and spacing shall be
as per Figure 9-1.
10. Lap-welded patch plates can be used only if:

a. owner specifies
b. only on shell plates ≤ ½ inch
c. must be within spacing requirements as per Fig. 9-1
d. maximum size 48” vertical x 72 horizontal and minimum
dimension 4”
e. areas on which lap patch is to be put shall be UT checked
f. lap on lap is not permitted
11. All shell plate defects like the cracks, gauges, tears, widely scattered
.pits and corroded areas shall be evaluated case by case as per
chapter 4 of API 653.
12. New reinforcements can be added to existing unreinforced nozzles as

per Fig. 9-3a and 9-3b.
13. Repairs within critical zone of the bottom require additional precautions
like “Tombstone” type patch and additional PT or MPI testing after
visual examination of patch welds, and weld shall be made by minimum
2 passes.
14. If impact test was not done on original tank material, the hot taps shall
be limited to NPS 4 (max).
15. Toe-to-toe minimum spacing between hot tap and adjacent nozzle shall
be = √ RT where R= tank shell radius in inches T is shell plate
thickness in inches.
1. For tank relocation, the bottom, shell or roof may be cut in any size
from existing tank so that the pieces are suitable for transportation.
2. For dismantling the tank the bottom may be cut 12” away from shell to
bottom weld, if entire bottom plates are to be used.
3. Alternatively cut the bottom and shell at 1/2” from toe of shell to bottom
weld and discard the weld portion.
4. For rest of the bottom, de-seaming of welds or cutting 2” away from

weld may be done.
5. Shell plates ≤ ½” thk may be dismantled by cutting through weld

without removing HAZ. If shell plate thk > ½”, discard welds + HAZ.
6. Alternatively, shell plates may be cut 6” away from existing welds.
7. NDT for Repair / Alteration:
PT / MT: For all fillet welds and fill-up (weld-build up) during repair or
alteration
8. Radiography:
a. New welds during repair or alteration between the
plates such as:
(i) New to new plates — same as API 650

(ii) New to old plates or old to old plates. Additional
examination:
- 1 spot for each 50 feet for horizontal weld
- 1 spot on each vertical weld
- 1 radiograph on each T-joint
b. Repair of old butt-welds — entire length of repair

9. A full hydrostatic test (held for 24 hours) is required on major repairs
and major alterations which include:
a. Installation of nozzles larger than NPS 12 below liquid level

b. Repair / Replacement of more than 12” length of vertical weld in
shell or radial weld in angular plates
c. Any repair / replacement on shell to bottom weld
d. Jacking of tank shell
Exemption for hydrotest is possible only if owner / operator and the

tank engineer give the exemption in writing.
10. Hydrostatic test of reconstructed tank is compulsory.
11. Out of plumbness for reconstructed tank is 1/100 of the tank height
subject to maximum 5 inches.
12. For tank settlement survey, the number of elevation measurement

points for tank diameter D ft. is given by: N=D/10, but minimum 8.
13. Permitted internal settlement (for bulge or depression) is given by:
B = 0.37 R
Where B = Max. height of bulge or depth of settlement (inches)
And R = Radius of largest inscribing circle (feet)
14. Based on Fig. B-10, and B-11 maximum allowable edge settlement is
worked out depending on settled area being approximately parallel or
perpendicular to shell.
15. As per API RP 575, the grounding connection inspection shall be

included is external visual inspection. Total resistance from tank to
soil should not exceed approximately 25 ohms.
16. Ultrasonic thickness measurements as a minimum must be made

on at least one TML on each shell course. TMLs also shall be
established on top uncoated portion of shell for floating roof tanks.
17. For internal inspection of tank bottoms, a preliminary random

thickness scanning survey is carried out in X pattern across the
tank and along the circumference. If significant corrosion is
detected, entire bottom shall be scanned.
18. For internal inspection of shell, the major areas of focus shall be the
vapour space, liquid-vapour interface and the bottom area.
19. Leak testing of shell may be done hydrostatically or by using diesel

test or by vacuum box test.
20. Leak testing of bottom may be done by:
a. Using vacuum box test

b. By construction of clay dam around tank and filling under
side by water (observe seepage inside)
c. Apply seal to tank outer perimeter and introduce compressed
air below tank bottom, check welds by applying soap solution
or by observing bubbles by filling inside of tank by water for
6” height
d. By injecting inert gas with tracer gas under the tank and
using “sniffers” inside to detect leakage
21. Hammer test is never carried out on cast iron parts.
22. Corrosion rate curves are helpful as an important record of

corrosion behavior of tank in past and anticipated remaining life in
future.
1. WPS gives parameters to be used in production job, and must be

within ranges qualified by the PQR test.
2. Essential variables (EV), if changed require new procedure

qualification. Non-essential variables (NEV) may be changed without
new procedure qualification.
3. Bend test crack shall not exceed 1/8” in any direction for face bend,
root bend or side bend.
4. Supplementary essential variables (SEV) are considered as (EV) only

if there is impact strength requirement. Otherwise they are “non-
essential” variables.
5. Tensile test for procedure qualification is passed if failure is in:

a. Weld metal at strength>= Base metal SMTS or
b. Base metal at strength>= 95% of base metal SMTS.
6. P-numbers represent parent metal groupings of similar composition

and properties, i.e., similar strength and ductility.
F-numbers give similar usability aspects of filler material. A-
numbers give similar chem. comp. In “As welded” condition
7. For performance, 1G is flat, 2G is horizontal, 3G is vertical and 4G is

overhead position. Pipe 5G qualifies 1G, 3G and 4G, but pipe 6G
qualifies all positions.
8. Welders who have not welded for more than 6 months on a

process, their qualification will expire for that process.
9. In Galvanic corrosion, current flows from anode to cathode,

therefore anode will lose metal and cathode will gain. If we
make the “component to be protected” cathodic with respect to
surrounding, it will not lose metal, thus will be protected.
10. As soil resistivity goes up, soil is less corrosive and vice-versa.
(Soil resistivity < 500 ohm-cm is highly corrosive, > 10,000
ohm-cm, is least corrosive.) Ref. Table 1-API 651
11. Cathodic protection methods: Galvanic and impressed current
Galvanic current: Easy to install, cheap, easy to maintain, but limited

use. (Not suitable for large structure)
Impressed current: Expensive, but more effective, suitable for large

structures. Requires constant monitoring.
12. CP system survey intervals:
Impressed current:
Rectifier (power source) — Max. 2 months

Other components — Max. 1 year
Galvanic System (sacrificial anode system): Annually

CP survey records should be maintained normally for 5 years.
13. There are two main classes of linings:

a. Equal to or less than 20 mils (thin film linings) and
b. Greater than 20 mils (thick film linings).
14. The principal advantages for thin-film lining are lower cost and
ease of application compared to thick-film lining systems.
15. Thick-film, reinforced lining are less susceptible to mechanical damage

than thin film linings. They can provide sufficient strength to bridge
over small perforations of the supporting steel bottom that may develop
due to external corrosion.
16. Temperature during blast cleaning and applying the linings shall be 3°C
(5°F) above the dew-point temperature and relative humidity not to
exceed 80%.
May 2011 ASME Section V TIPS
GENERAL:
a. ASME Sec. V is NDT procedure/methods code and is applicable

only if it is referenced by the relevant construction code. The
extent of NDT and acceptance standards is given in relevant
construction code.
b. NDT equipment and their calibration shall be as per ASME Sec.

V.
c. Examiner is NDT person in employment of fabricator or repair

organization. Inspector means Authorized Inspector who finally
accepts/rejects NDT results.
d. Sec V does not give acceptance criteria. It Spells out how to do

NDT
FOR RT:
a. Satisfactory radiograph shall meet requirements of density and

IQI image (2T hole for hole type and designated wire for wire
type).
b. Backscatter:
Light image of B on dark background - Unacceptable
c. Density Limitations:
Min 1.8 for X Ray / 2.0 for G-Ray

Max 4.0 for X / G Ray
Density Variation = -15 % to + 30%
d. Double wall viewing (DWDI) - Up to 3.5” outside

diameter
e. Penetrameter Selection: Table T-276. Thickness includes weld

reinforcement. But not backing.
f. Penetrameter shall be normally placed on source side. If not

possible, it may be placed on film side with lead letter “F”.
g. Wire type peni refer T 276

h. Hole type peni refer T 233 .2
i. All process industries generally use 2 % Sensitivity and they

prefer essential hole as 2T hole
j. Densitometer should be calibrated once in 90 days with Step

tablet ( Traceable to the national standard ) It should At least
have 5 steps
k. Densitometer should be verified after 8 hours of continuous use,

or at the beginning of each shift or when ever the aperture
change ( Which ever is earlier)
l. Technique: Single Wall Technique, Double Wall technique
Single wall technique is preferred

In Double wall technique Two Sub techniques are there : They
are single wall viewing , Double wall viewing
Double wall viewing technique is used for weld of dia equal to or
less than 89 mm.
This Double wall viewing has two methods They are Superimpose
method( Use 3 Minimum 3 exposures ) and Off set Method ( Two
exposures at 90 Degree to each other)
m ) Ug = Fd/D, So you can get good film of Low Ug if Source

size is small & Source to object distance is more and object to film
distance is less
n) For Ug Acceptance criteria Use Table T 274.2
o) Location marker should appear as the Radiographic images on

the film
p) Peni should be based on the Nominal single wall thk + allowed

code reinforcement. Actual reinforcement thk or the Backing strip
thk should not be included
q) Place the Peni on source side. If inaccessibility Prevents , Place

it on the fil side with letter F
r) To detect Back scattering A lead Letter B should be Place on

the Back of the fil cassette
s) Light Image of B is a cause for rejection, while the dark image is

not
t) To Reduce or eliminate Back s scattering use thick lead sheets
behind the film cassette
u) Hole pani should be placed parallel to the weld whiled the wire
should be placed perpendicular ie across the weld
v) If 2 IQI are used one should be in the lightest area and the other
should be in the darkest area
w) When full circumference is radigraphed in single exposure

( Panoramic) Then minimum three IQI should be placed at 120
Degree to each other
x) Shims are place if the peni canot be placed on the part directly
y) Density range for Gamma ray is 2 to 4 and X ray is 1.8 to 4
z) Density at any point in the radiograph should not vary by more

than -15% or + 30 % from the density on the area of Interest( Say
Penetrameter)
Article – 5 UT Method for Materials
 The tem should not exceed 200 Deg F.. For higher temp Prodeure has to be
qualified accordinly. In the same way high temp couplany & High tem
probe gas to be used. For Every 100 Deg F excess temp , 1 % is the
correction facter
 UT can be used for all the material where UT waves travels t constant
velocity
 T = vt/2, T = Thk, V = velocity, t = Transit time
 Three kinds of display 1) A scan display, 2)Flaw detecters with A scan
display & direct Thk Read out, 3) Direct hk Readout
 For thin section Highly damped High Freq probe is used
 Dual probes are used for thk above 3 mm
 Dual probes are used for rough surface
 Std calibration block should have same acoustic velocity
 Maximum accuracy will be got from materials with parallel or concentric
surface
 For thin section direct Readout units without A can display gives errors
 For Rough pitted or corroded surface A scan units are prefgerrable
 Scope – Selecting and developing UT procedure for part, components,
materials and all thickness determinations
 Written Procedure: contain minimum requirement listed in cable 7.522
essential and non-essential variables procedure to be qualified when
specified.
 Equipment: Plus Echo type UT instrument shall be used, frequency over
range of the atleast 1 Mhz to 5 Mhz, gain control – 2.0 dB or less
 Couplant: nickel base alloy  sulphur not more than 250psi SS or Titanium
 halide (chloride + Flourid) not > 250psi
 Calibration Block: P1, P3, P4, P5 are equivalent
 C.B  should be same material Specific product from, heat treatment as the
material being examined
 Movement of Probe < 6 in/sec (152 mm/sec)
 Calibration of equipment with the standard at the beginning and end of

each examination.
Thickness measurement  as per SE-797
 Documentation: Non-rejectable indication shall be recorded,
rejectable indications shall be recorded with type of defect such as
cracks, lamination etc + location and extent shall be recorded
 Thk Gage Standardisation Block: 4 step wedge has got steps thk
0.25in , 0.5in , 0.75in and 1 in
5 step calibration wedge has got steps of thk

0.1 in, 0.2 in, 0.3 in, 0.4 in, 0.5 in
Article – 6 Liquid Penetrant Examination
Scope: Open to surface discontinuities, nonporous metals

Cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts. Laminations & Porosity
Developer – absorb penetrant & contrasting background
Color contrast – Visible under white light
Fluorescent  Visible under Ultravoilet light
Temperature range – 10ºC – 52ºC (50ºF – 125º F)
Procedure revision is required  change of product or

Type of cleaning changed or process or
Grit blasting or acid treatment.
Penetrant materials  penetrant, emulsifier, solvent cleaning agent,

developer etc.
Material Nickel alloy, SS, Titanium  certification of penetrant is required
Contaminants: nickel alloy sample penetrant (except cleaners)

Residue should be less than 0.0025 grams
Sulphur should be less than 1% of residue weight
Residue should be less than 0.005 grams
Sulphur should be less than 1% of residue weight
Austenitic stainless steel

Penetrant analyzing method is same as above (Nickel Alloy)
Residue weight is also same as above (0.0025 gram)
Total chlorine + Fluorine content should be less than 1% of weight
 Surface preparation  area to be examined and adjacent are within 25%
shall be dry……..
 Typical cleaning agents  detergent, solvent, descaling solution, paint
remover etc.
 Drying after preparation  normal evaporation forced hot or cool air.
 Techniques  water washable, post emulsifying, solvent removing
Technique
For standard temperature: Penetrant and surface temperature should with in

10ºC to 52ºC (50ºF to 125ºF) throughout the examination. Local heating and
cooling is ok if the temperature is within the above.
For non-standard temperature: requires qualification.
Penetrant may be applied by  dipping, brushing, spraying
Penetration and Dwell Time :
Penetrant Developer
Dwell Time in
time in Minutes
Minutes
Casting &  5 7
Common Weld
Material Wrought,  10 7
Plate
All other All forms  5 7
materials
 Water washable penetrant  water pressure should not exceed 50 psi and
temperature should not exceed 43ºC
 Post emulsification penetrant  Lipophilic & hydrophilic emulsification
 Lipophilic  no pre-rinsing with water before emulsification, after
emulsification rinsing with water
 Hydrophilic  Prior to emulsification pre-rinsing with water time shall not
exceed 1 minute, after emulsification rinse with water
 Solvent removable solvents  first remove with cloth or absorbent paper by
wiping  then cloth or paper moistured with solvent likely wipe the
surface flushing the surface with solvent is prohibited
 Developer  Colour contrast penetrant  only wet developer
Fluorescent contrast penetrant  water or dry

developer
Dry developer shall be applied  powder gun, soft brush, hand powder bulb
Wet developer
Aqueous developer may be applied on wet or dry surface (dipping, brushing,

and spraying)
Warm air may be used, normal drying.
Non-aqueous developer only on dry surface (spraying, brushing is ok).
Developing time is 7 minutes
Interpretation  within 7 to 60 minutes after developing time
Minimum light intensity shall be 50 FC (500 lux) for color contrast penetrant
Fluorescent penetrant  Black light intensity  1000 μ W/cm2, measured

with black light meter every 8 hours, Black light warm up for 5 minutes,
Examiner should be dark area for 1 minute prior to examination
Article – 7
Magnetic Particle Examination
 Applicable for ferromagnetic materials on or near surface discontinuities

 Surface preparation  surface to be examined + adjacent areas with in at
least 25 mm
 Continuous Examination method:- magnetizing current remains on surface
while particles are applied
 Magnetic field accuracy is measured using 1. Pie-shaped magnetic field
indicator 2. Artificial flow shims 3. Hall-effect Tangential – field probe
 Calibration of Equipment: shall be calibrated at least once a year with an
ammeter
 Lifting power of magnetizing yokes shall be checked daily prior to use
 AC yoke lifting power should be 4.5 kg (1016) min
 DC yoke or permanent yoke should be 18.1 kg (4016) min
 Examination: at least two separate examination on each area
Prod Technique:
 For 19 mm thickness greater  100 amp/in – 125 amp/in
o > 19  90 - 110 amp/in
o Prod spacing shall not exceed 18 inch
o Less than 3 inch spacing is not permitted
o Current is > 25 V – lead, steel or aluminum (rather than copper)
tipped prods are recommended
Yoke Technique:
 Only for discontinuities where are open to the surface

 AC or DC electromagnetic yokes are permanent magnet yokes
 Lifting power of electromagnetic yoke Should be checked prior to use within
the last year
 Permanent magnetic yoke should be checked daily prior to use
 Dry particle for surface temperature up to 316ºC
 Wet particle for surface temperature up to 57ºC
 For Non-Fluorescent particle: Lighting required 100 FC (1000 lux)
 For fluorescent particle: Black light is 1000 μ W/cm2 (light intensity is
measured every 8 hours)
 Examiner should be at least 5 minutes in darkening area prior to performing
examination.
 Black light shall be warm up 5 minutes to use
Article 9
Visual examination
 Visual examination shall be performed in accordance with written procedure

 When specified procedure should be qualified
 Procedure demonstration  a fine line of 1/32” (0.8 mm) or less in width
artificial defects on the surface to be examined
 Physical requirements  Annual Visual Test, near distance acuity should be
J-1 letters (Jaiger test)
 Direct visual examination 
o Eye angle should not be less than 30º from the surface eye should
within 24” or 610 mm from the surface
o Mirrors and magnifying glass may be used to aid the exam
o The minimum white light intensity should be 100 FC (1000 lux)
 Remote visual examination  mirrors, telescopes, boro-scopes, fiber optics,
cameras, ortho-suitable instruments
Article 10 – Leak Testing
 Leak testing shall be as per procedure

 Gauge range – preference is double the test pressure not less than 1½ time
not more than 4 hours test process
 The above requirements is not applicable for vacuum gauge
 Unless specified, leak testing shall not exceed 25% of the design procedure
 Calibration of the pressure gauge shall be at least once the year using
“dead weight tester” or “mercury column”
o For bubble test – normally air is used, inert gas may also be used.
Less Sensitive
o House hold soap or detergent are not permitted.
o For immersion bath test  water or other compatible is ok
o Test pressure shall be help for 15 minutes
o Surface temperature  not less than 4º not more than 52º
o Application may be flowing, spraying, brushing.
o Lighting and vision requirement is as per visual examination article 9
 HMSLD _ Helium mass spectro meter Leak Detection is very high
sensitive method
 BLT is preliminary method to check for gross Leaks. HMASLD is very
sensitive method to check for fine Leaks
 Sniffer method is low sensitive. But Fast It can locate the Leak. But
cannot quantify the Leak
 But Vacuum method, Hood method etc are high sensitive method.
They can measure the Leak. But they cannot locate the Leak
 All pressure gages should be calibrated once in a year, when they ae
in use
 Two kinds of Std Leaks: Permeation type, capillary type
 Vacuum Box: It Can locate Leaks. . Minimum overlap required is 2
inches
 For detector/ Sniffer method probe should be kept within 3 mm of the
test surface
QB 1: BENCH MARK QUIZ
1. Petroleum products that are :
a. Non-volatile
b. Heavy distillates (e.g. Bitumen, asphalt etc)
c. Volatile
d. All of above
2. The term “Critical Zone” in storage tanks refers to:

a. Lower part of shell interior, which is welded to bottom
b. Upper part of shell interior, which is welded to roof
c. Lower part of roof exterior, which is welded to shell
d. Annular part of bottom interior, which is welded to shell
3. API 650 code is tank construction code for:

a. Atmospheric Storage tanks
b. Tanks with pressure up to 15 psig
c. Aboveground tanks including Refrigerated tanks
d. All of above
4. The terms “Sketch plates” and “annular plates” refer to Plates in:
a. Tank roof
b. Tank bottom
c. Tank shell
d. None of above
5. Hydrostatic testing of tank shells is:

a. Basically water fill test
b. Conducted at 1.1 times the static column pressure of product
c. Conducted at 1.0 times the static column pressure of product
d. Highest Pressure value of a, b, c above
6. Internal inspection of tanks during shut-down is essentially for

inspection of:
a. Tank roof
b. Tank bottom
c. Tank shell
d. Tank Nozzles
7. During tank inspection, the inspector should be more strict while
inspecting:
a. The shell Horizontal welds
b. The shell vertical welds
c. Both a and b. are equally critical
d. The roof welds
8. Cathodic protection is provided to tanks normally for guarding the:

a. The tank shell against product corrosion
b. The tank bottom against product corrosion
c. The tank bottom against soil corrosion
d. Both b and c
9. For the new tanks to be constructed to the API 650-Basic Standard,

radiography for shell butt-welds is:
a. Optional and its extent depends on the Joint efficiency used for
design
b. Optional and its extent depends on the Plate thickness used for
shell
c. Mandatory and its extent depends on Joint efficiency used for
design
d. Mandatory and its extent depends on the plate thickness used for
shell
10. “Vacuum box testing” is Typical testing, normally applied for:

a. Bottom welds
b. Mandatory for shell welds, optional for bottom welds
c. Mandatory for shell welds, optional for roof welds
d. Pad testing
11. When the tank is empty, the floating roof of open-top tank is
a. At its top-most position
b. Resting on the bottom
c. Resting on the legs
d. May be at any location
12. Since the tank is neither a pressure vessel, nor the piping, the
welding procedures and welders for API 650 tanks are qualified as
per:
a. AWS D 1.1
b. API 1104
c. Still use ASME IX
d. Any of above is OK
13. Which of the following is/are mandatory appurtenances for Storage
tanks?
a. Tank level gauge
b. Tank vents
c. Pressure gauge
d. Temperature gauge / thermometer
14. Hot tapping for the tanks are provided in:

a. Vapour space only
b. Liquid space only
c. Any of a or b
d. Hot taps are not permitted for storage tanks.
15. API 650 covers:

a. Cylindrical, welded, above ground tanks only
b. Cylindrical welded and riveted tanks
c. Cylindrical & rectangular, welded & riveted tanks
d. Cylindrical & rectangular, aboveground and underground tanks
----------------------END------------------------
QB 1: BENCH MARK QUIZ
ANSWE KEY
Q. No. Answer
1 C
2 D
3 A
4 B
5 A
6 B
7 B
8 C
9 D
10 A
11 C
12 C
13 B
14 B
15 A
QB 2: API 653-2009
OPEN BOOK QUESTIONS FOR API 653
Note: try these questions after read API 653 once; these questions are
prepared to understand each and every section of the API 653
1. The lowest average thickness‘t’ 1 and least minimum thickness‘t’2

are…………
a. The value of ‘t’ 1 shall be greater than or equal to ‘t’ minimum.
b. The value of ‘t’ 2 shall be greater than or equal to 60% of ‘t’
minimum.
c. Any corrosion allowance required for service until the time of next
inspection shall be added to ‘t’ minimum and 60% of ‘t’ minimum
d. a & b
e. All of the above.
2. The maximum vertical length ‘L ’calculated by formula L= 3.7*√D*’t’2

where D is….
a. Pit area diameter.
b. Deepest pit diameter.
c. Tank diameter.
d. Annular diameter.
3. Identifies a procedure for installing a nozzle in the shell of tank that

is in service.
a. API 653 does not allow this.
b. It is nothing buy hot tapping.
c. Very critical repair.
d. In service repair.
4. Widely scattered pits may be ignored provided……………

a. All pits should inspect and can’t ignore in any case.
b. Sum of their dimensions along any vertical line does not exceed 2
inch in an 8 inch length.
c. If each pit less than 2 inch length
d. Non of the above
5. When calculating required minimum thickness from formula
‘t’ mim . = 2.6*(H-1)*D*G / S*E or‘t’ mim.= 2.6*H*D*G/S*E .in this
formula H will be……….
a. Nominal height of tank
b. Height from the bottom of the length’ L’ from the lowest point of the
bottom of ‘L’ of the locally thinned area to the maximum liquid level .
c. Height from the lowest point with in any location of interest to the
maximum liquid level.
d. All of the above.
e. ‘b’&‘c’
6. From the above question(S) maximum allowable stress in Ibf/ sq.in.
is smaller of 0.80Yor 0.429T from bottom and second course. When Y
is unknown what will be your action?
a. Take only 0.429T to calculate S.
b. Use 23,600 1bf/ sq.in.
c. Must need all the value to calculate.
d. Consult with tank engineer.
7. What will be the allowable hydrostatic test stress (1bf/ sq .in) for
A537 Class-2 material of 2nd course shall in tank?
a. 41,500
b. 37,800
c. 34,300
d. 30,000
8. What will be the allowable product stress for A516-65 material in

shell lower to the roof
a. 27,900
b. 31,500
c. 65,000
d. 30,700
9. Where we can get maximum allowable shell stresses for

reconstruction tanks?
a. Table 4.1 API 653
b. Table 3.2 API 650
c. 8.4. API 653
d. ‘a’&‘b’
10. When calculating minimum thickness, the weld joint efficiency for
butt welled tank constructed according to API 650 10 th edition.
a. 1.0
b. 0.85
c. 0.7
d. None of the above.
11. The following are some historical causes of the tank bottom leakage
or failure. But not one of this is
a. Lack of an annular plate ring when required.
b. Inadequately supported sumps.
c. Weld joint cracking.
d. Thinner the bottom plate more the corrosion.
12. For bottom plate thickness measurement we are using MFL & UT.
The quality of data obtained for these techniques is dependent on
personnel, equipment and _________
a. Location where the measurement was taken.
b. Procedure
c. Inspector
13. The 1st shell thickness of the tank is 1inch and its stress is
27000 lbf/ sq.in. what will be the annular plate thickness. (note:
product specific gravity is 0.9)
a. 0.22 inch.
b. 0.50 inch.
c. 0.31 inch.
d. 0.10 inch.
e. Not enough information given to calculate annular plate thickness.
14. The 1st shell thickness of the tank is 1 inch and material is A537 Gr-2,
what will be the annular plate thickness (note: product specific
gravity is 1.1)
a. 3/8 inch.
b. 1/4 inch.
c. 5/8 inch.
d. 7/16 inch.
e. Not enough information given to calculate annular plate thickness.
15. Hairline cracks of uniform width do not seriously affect the strength
of the concrete foundation. However these cracks can be potential
access points for moisture or water seepage that could eventually
result in corrosion of the ____________.
a. Bottom plate.
b. Annular plate.
c. Reinforcing steel.
d. Shell plate.
16. Any change in service must be evaluated to determine if it increase

the risk of failure due to brittle fracture. If the change in more severe,
hydrostatic test is required, and following should be considered.
a. The like hood of repair/ alterations similar hydrostatic test done.
b. The like hood of repair / alterations since the original hydrostatic
test not meeting requirements of API 653.
c. Deterioration of the tank since original hydro test.
e. ‘b’ & ‘c’
17. For small nominal thickness of tank, the risk of failure due to brittle
fracture is minimal, provided that an evaluation for suitability of
service in accordance with section 4 of API 653 has been performed.
For this assessment shell thickness will be _________.
a. The original nominal thickness for the thinner tank shell plate shall
be used for this assessment.
b. ½ inch.
c. The original nominal thickness of the thickest tank shell plate shall
be used for this assessment.
d. 1 inch.
18. Industry experience and laboratory test have shown that a membrane
stress in tank shell plate of ______________ 7 ksi is required to
cause failure due to brittle fracture.
a. Equal to.
b. At least.
c. More than.
d. Less than.
19. If tank bottom / foundation design with means to provide detection

and containment of bottom leak, minimum plate thick at next
inspection shall be ________
a. 0.10 inch.
b. 0.05 inch.
c. 0.20 inch.
d. 0.025 inch.
e. 0.05 inch if applied tank bottom reinforced lining >0.05inch thick.
20. Inspection records shall maintain by owner/ operator. Completed

record file consisting of three types of records, they
are________________.
a. Design drawing, inspection history, and repair/ alteration history.
b. Construction, inspection and repair / alteration history.
c. Thickness data, construction records and history of tank.
21. Material identification by original contract drawings, API name plate

or other suitable documentation __________________.
a. Require further identification.
b. Do not require further identification.
c. Should be documented in record.
22. There was a tensile test done to identify the plate and two specimen
selected for this test, each test results value of 50 ksi and 30 ksi.
Tensile strength required by specification is 45 ksi. This test
is_______________.
a. Pass.
b. Fail.
c. Depends on code of construction.
d. Not enough data to deside.
23. Tank structural material shall meet ________________.

a. ASTM A7 as a minimum.
b. ASTM A36 or A992 as minimum.
c. ASTM A7 was a steel specification that was discontinued in the
fourth edition of API 650: 1970.
d. If existing rolled structural as per ASTM A7 as a minimum and if
new structural as per ASTM A36 or A992 as minimum.
24. For reconstruction tanks, the maximum design liquid level for
product shall be determined by calculating the maximum design
liquid level for the each shell course based on the specific gravity of
the product. For this calculation allowable stress for the material
shall be determined using API std 650, table 3-2, for material not
listed in table 3-2 an allowable stress value of ___________.
a. Lesser of 3/4 yield strength or 3/7 tensile strength shall be used.
b. Higher of 3/4 yield strength or 3/7 tensile strength shall be used.
c. Lesser of 2/3 yield strength or 2/5 tensile strength shall be used.
d. Higher of 2/3 yield strength or 2/5 tensile strength shall be used.
25. The thickness of the replacement shell plate shall not be less than
the greatest nominal thickness of any plate in the same course
adjoining the replacement plate except where the adjoining plate is a
__________________ plate.
a. Thinner insert.
b. Thickened insert.
c. Thickened patch.
d. Thinner patch.
26. In tank replacement, for existing shell plate ½ inch thick and less, the
outer edge of the butt weld attaching the replacement shell plate
shall be at least _________ from the outer edge of vertical joints or
_____________ form the outer edge of horizontal.
a. 8t; 10 inch.
b. 6 inch; 6 inch.
c. 6 inch; 3 inch.
d. 12 inch; 12 inch.
27. To reduce the potential for distortion of an existing tank due to

welding a replacement plate into an existing tank shell must be
considered of_________.
a. Fit up.
b. Heat input.
c. Welding sequence.
28. In a tank shell plate some area severely corroded and it has to
replace with same shell plate material, thickness of shell plate is ¾
inch. What will be the corner radius of the new insert replacement
shell plate?
a. 6 inch.
b. 3 inch.
c. 4.5 inch.
d. 12 inch.
29. 1-inch shell corroded area is planned to repair with lap welded 1-inch
patch plate, this patch planning to weld from outside of tank. What
fillet weld size on the patch plate near shell to bottom welds?
(existing corner weld size is one inch)
a. 3/16 inch.
b. Lesser of repair plate thickness or bottom plate thickness.
c. ¼ inch.
d. ½ inch.
e. ¾ inch.
30. The maximum vertical and horizontal dimension of the repair plate
for lapped patch shell repair is ___________.
a. 36 inch and 72 inch respectively.
b. 48 inch and 72 inch respectively.
c. 24 inch and 64 inch respectively.
d. 56 inch and 80 inch respectively.
31. The minimum lapped patch shell repair plate dimension shall be 4
inch with a minimum and maximum overlap of ___________.
a. 2t : 6t
b. 1 inch: 8t.
c. 4t : 6t
d. 6 inch: 24 inch.
32. Lapped patch repair method shall not be used if exposure of the fillet
welds to the product will produce ______________.
a. Product corrosion.
b. H2S corrosion.
c. Stress corrosion cracking.
d. Crevice corrosion.
33. When reinforcing plates are used over insert plate, the minimum
diameter of the insert plate shall equal to the diameter of the
__________.
a. Penetration diameter + 12 inch.
b. Reinforcing diameter + 12 inch.
c. Penetration diameter + 24 inch.
34. A welded patch on bottom plate smaller than 12 inch in diameter is

permitted. If __________.
a. It is equal to or exceeds 6 inch in diameter.
b. It is does overlap a bottom seam.
c. It is placed fully or partially over an existing patch.
d. It does not extend beyond the corroded bottom area, if any by at
least 2 inch.
35. The tank bottom plate required repairing by weld on patch plate.
What shape of patch plate required, if the patch plate to be place 2
inch away from the critical zone.
a. Circular.
b. Oblong.
c. Polygonal with round corners.
d. Tombstone.
36. When replacing entire bottom, for tank constructed from material
having 50,000 lbf/ sq.in yield strength or less, existing shell
penetration need not be raised, if this condition also meet _________.
a. For circular reinforcement plates blend-grind the nozzle attachment
weld 60° on either side from bottom center line of attachment and
one pipe diameter length on either side of shell to bottom weld
inside and outside.
b. For diamond shaped reinforcement plates, blend-grind the four ‘O’
clock positions to the 8 ‘O’ clock position. Blend-grind the inside and
outside of the shell to bottom corner weld a minimum of one
penetration diameter length on either side of the penetration’s
centerline.
c. ‘a’ & ‘b’.
37. For tank shell plates of unknown toughness with thickness greater
than ½ inch and having a minimum shell design metal temperature
below the curve given in figure 5.2 of API 653. What is the one of
limitation applying for hot tapping?
a. Nozzle maximum diameter 4 inch NPS.
b. The shell plate temperature shall be at or below the minimum shell
design metal temperature for the entire hot tapping operation.
c. All nozzles above 4 inch shall be reinforced.
38. In tank shell thickness ¼ inch required hot tapping of 10inch nozzle.
As per API 653 this hot tap is allowed?
a. No, only up to 6inch nozzle.
b. No, only up to 8inch nozzle.
c. Yes, only up to 14inch nozzle.
d. Yes, only up to 18inch nozzle.
39. A tank in service, this tank diameter is 200 feet and first shell
thickness is ¾ inch, the tank design engineer analyzed and allowed
to weld one 14 inch nozzle in service. This new nozzle location going
to be near to existing nozzle. As an API 653 inspector what distance
you will suggest to install new nozzle weld from existing one?
a. 9inch.
b. 12inch.
c. 30inch.
d. 43inch.
e. At least 14inch.
40. During dismantling of tank, how much minimum distance has to cut
from the shell to bottom weld toe, when the entire bottom is to be
reused?
a. 1/2inch.
b. 2inch.
c. 12inch.
d. 6t (t is bottom plate thickness)
41. While dismantling of tank shell plate, any shell ring may be
dismantled by cutting out existing weld seems and the heat affected
zone of the weld, for the purpose of this method, the minimum HAZ
to be removed will be_______________.
a. 1/2 of the weld metal width or 1/4inch, which ever is less, in any
side of the weld seam.
b. 1/2 of the weld metal width or 1/4inch, which ever is less on both
sides of the weld seam.
c. Cutting through the weld may use for dismantle any shell ring
1/2inch thick or thicker without removing HAZ?
42. During reconstruction of shell vertical, new vertical joints in adjacent

shell courses shall not be aligned, but shall be offset from each other
a minimum distance of plate thickness at the point of offset is
____________.
a. 5 t of thicker course.
b. 5 t of thinner course.
c. 6 t of thinner course.
d. 6 t of thicker course.
43. Low hydrogen electrode shall be used for SMAW during

reconstruction welding for the following.
a. All shell course of API 650 Group I – III materials.
b. All shell course over ½ inch thick of API 650 Group IV – VI
materials.
c. Temporary and new permanent attachment to shell of API 650
Group IV – VI materials.
44. Maximum reinforcement of a reconstructed vertical joint of shell

thickness 1inch is ________.
a. 3/16 inch.
b. 1/8 inch.
c. 1/32 inch.
d. 1/64 inch.
45. What will be the radii measurement tolerance for reconstructed tank
measured in second shell course of a 100 feet diameter tank?
a. + 2.25 inch.
b. + 3/4 inch.
c. + 5 inch.
46. Allowable peaking & banding for reconstructed tank in any 36inch of
welding will be _______.
a. ½ inch maximum peaking: 1inch maximum banding.
b. 1inch maximum peaking: ½ inch maximum banding.
c. ½ inch peaking and banding maximum.
47. The welds of permanent attachments and area where temporary

attachments are removed and remaining weld projections have been
removed shall be examined ____________.
a. MT or PT.
b. MFT or UT.
c. Visually.
48. A tank new shell plates replaced and welded over an existing shell
plates, for this condition, what will be the additional RT requirement?
a. New replacement shell plates to existing shell plates, one additional
RT shall be taken in each vertical joints.
b. New replacement shell to existing shell plates, one additional RT for
each 50 feet of repaired horizontal weld.
c. New replacement shell plates to existing shell plates, each
intersection shall be radio graphed.
49. For replacement plate NDT which of the following requirement is

correct?
a. For circular replacement plate one spot for all thickness and 100%
RT if above 1inch thick.
b. For square and rectangular replacement plates, one spot in vertical
joint and one spot in horizontal joint for all thickness, and 100% of
vertical joints if above 1inch thick.
c. ‘a’ & ‘b’.
50. Major repair and major alteration are_____________.
a. A 14inch nozzle replacement in the roof.
b. A 10inch nozzle replacement in the shell.
c. A bottom plate that next to the annular ring of full size replacement.
d. Shell to bottom corner weld repaired for 6inch length.
51. A full hydrostatic test for 24 hours shall be performed for

____________.
a. A reconstructed tank.
b. Any tank that has undergone major repairs or major alteration.
c. A tank where an engineer evaluation indicates that need for the
hydrostatic test due to an increase in the severity of service.
QB 2: OPEN BOOK QUESTIONS FOR API 653
ANSWERS- OK-653-2009
Q. NO ANS REF
1. E 4.3.2.1.e API653
2. C 4.3.2.1(b) API653
3. B 3.14 API653
4. B 4.3.2.2 API653
5. E 4.3.3.1 API653
6. B Table 4.1 API653
8. D Table 4.1 API653
9. D Table 4.1 note 6 API653
10. A Table4.2 API653
11. D 4.4.2 API653
12. B 4.4.1 API653
13. C Table 4.5 API653
14. D 4.4.8.3, Table 4.5 API653
15. C 4.5.1.2e API653
16. E 5.2.3 API653
17. C 5.3.5 API653
18. B 5.3.7 API653
20. B 6.8.1 API653
21. B 7.3.1.1 API653
22. A 7.3.1.2 API653
23. D 7.3.2 API653
24. C 8.4.2 API653
25. B 9.2.1 API653
26. C 9.2.3.3 API653
27. D 9.2.3.4 API653
28. A Fig.9.1,DIMENSION R API653
29. A Fig.9.2, DIMENSION B API653
30. B 9.3.1.7 API653
31. B 9.3.2.3 API653
32. D 9.3.4.4 API653
33. B 9.8.6.b API653
34. A 9.10.1.1b API653
35. D 9.10.1.2b API653
36. A 9.10..2.7 D API653
37. A 9.14.1.1 API653
38. B Table9.1 API653
39. C 9.14.3.1 API653
40. C Fig.10.1 API653
41. B 10.3.3.1a API653
42. A 10.4.2.1 API653
43. C 10.4.2.9&10.4.2.10 API653
44. B Table10.1 API653
45. A 10.5.3 API653
46. A 10.5.4&10.5.5 API653
47. C 12.1.4.1 API653
48. D 12.2.1.2 & 12.2.1.3 API653
49. C 12.2.1.6.1 & 12.2.1.6.2 API653
50. D 3.18 API653
51. D 12.3.1 API653
QB 3: API 653-2009
Note: try these questions after reading API 653 once; some of following
questions will be as open book. These questions are prepared to under stand
each and every section of the API 653
1. The rules given in API 653 standards are ____________

requirements. This standard is not to be interpreted as
approving, recommending, or endorsing and specific design or
limiting the method of inspection, repair, alteration, or
reconstruction.
a. maximum
b. to fulfill owner/operator requirements.
c. Minimum
d. Optional
2. API 653 covers…….

a. carbon and low alloy steel tanks built to API 650 and its
predecessor API 12C.
b. carbon and low alloy steel tanks built to API 650 only
c. All carbon and low alloy steel tanks with construction code.
d. Owner/operator requirements.
3. API 653 scope is limited to the following but not one of this?
a. tank foundation.
b. First threaded joint
c. Roof
d. Attached appurtenances.
e. None of the above.
4. In the case of apparent conflicts between requirements of API 653

and API 650, for which tank place in service. Consideration to?
a. Owner/operator can decide to take up with one of the code
requirement.
b. API 653
c. API 650
d. Construction code.
5. The provision of API653 who has ultimate responsibility.

a. API 653 committee members.
b. API 653 Inspector
c. Manufacture of tank.
d. Owner/operator.
6. Any provision of API 653 standard presents a direct or implied
conflict with any statutory regulation, then………………
a. API 653 will govern.
b. Regulation will govern,
c. API 650 will govern,
d. Either 653 or Govt regulation which ever is more stringent
7. Before doing internal inspection, procedure shall be developed

according to the guidelines given in ………………
a. API 2015, recommended practice 2016.
b. API 653 an API 650
c. Owner/operator procedure.
d. API 653 Inspector procedure.
8. Example of an alteration is……………….

a. Decrease in tank shell height.
b. 24” nozzle replacement.
c. All of the above.
9. The correct definition for applicable standard is……………

a. The original standard of construction.
b. Current edition of appropriate standard when original standard
of construction has been supersede.
c. Such as API standard or specification or under writes
laboratories standard.
10. The pressure used to describe tanks designed to withstand as

internal pressure up to but not exceeding 2 ½ Ibf/sq. in gauge
is……
a. Operating pressure.
b. Design pressure.
c. Atmospheric pressure
d. Maximum allowable pressure
11. Authorized inspection agency is…………………

a. Inspection organization of the jurisdiction.
b. Inspection organization of the insurance company.
c. Owner/operator who maintaining inspection organization.
d. An independent organization or individual under contract with
owner/operator.
12. Break over point is related to………….
a. Settlement.
b. Life of tank.
c. Operation of valves.
d. Design of tanks.
13. Corrosion rate is the total metal loss divided by the…………….

a. Period of time over which the metal loss occurred.
b. Twice the period of time over which the metal loss occurred.
c. Period in years over which the metal loss occurred.
d. All the above.
14. The portion of the tank bottom or annular plate with in 3” of the
inside edge of the shell, measured radially inward is……………
a. Critical area.
b. Special attention area.
c. Alarm area.
d. Critical Zone.
15. The following are example of repair in tank and not this one?
a. Removal of reinforcing plate.
b. Repair of tears or gouges by grinding.
c. Re-leveling and/or jacking of tank.
16. Repair organization is an organization that……………………..

a. An owner/operator of storage tank who repair or alters his/her
own equipments in accordance with API 653.
b. A contractor whose qualifications are acceptable to the
owner/operator.
c. One who is authorized by, acceptable to or otherwise not
prohibited by jurisdiction.
17. Roof plate corroded to an average thickness of less than

_______________ in any 100 sq.in. Area or roof plate with any
____________ through the roof plate shall be required or replaced.
a. 0.10in; holes.
b. 0.09in; dents.
c. 0.10in; dents.
d. 0.09in; holes.
18. When tank roof evaluation, the structural _________ of the roof
and roof support system shall be verified.
a. Corrosion rate.
b. Supports.
c. Integrity.
d. Design needs.
19. When fixed roof tank evaluation, particular attention must be

given to the possibility of severe internal corrosion of pipe
columns. But……..
a. Corrosion easily can see by external visual inspection.
b. Corrosion may not be evident by external visual inspection.
c. Particular attention not required, because of fixed roof.
d. Corrosion will not be severe in pipe columns.
20. Roof support system, perimeter seal system, appurtenances such

as a roof rolling ladder should inspected when evaluation of
…………….
a. Any roofs.
b. Fixed roofs only.
c. Floating roof only.
d. Any roofs if owner/operator requires.
21. Guidance for evaluation of existing floating roofs shall be based

on the criteria of API653 standard is……………………
a. Mandatory.
b. Not mandatory.
c. Mandatory if owner/operator requires.
d. Not covering by this standard.
22. When change of service in external pressure the roof to shell

junction shall be valuated for the effects of a design partial
vacuum. The criteria outlined in ______________ shall be used.
a. API653
b. API620
c. API650
d. Construction code or applicable standard.
23. When change of service in internal pressure all requirements of

the ________ shall be considered in the evaluation and
subsequent modification of the tank roof to shell junction.
a. API653
b. API620
c. API650
24. When change of service; Operation at elevated temperature all
requirements of _________ shall be considered before change the
service of a tank to operation at temperature above 200°F.
a. API653
b. API620
c. API650
25. Riveted tank, which is in service can inspected by API 653?

a. Yes
b. No
c. No because API 650 not allowed riveted tanks.
d. Yes because API 650 for welded and riveted tanks.
26. When determining actual thickness, the maximum vertical length

in inch (L) calculated by formula L=3.7√Dt2. where L is………..
a. Not more than 40in.
b. Minimum 40in.
c. It depends on tank diameter and thickness.
d. This formula is wrong.
27. When determining actual thickness; the maximum vertical length

in inch over which hoop stress are assumed to ____________
around local discontinuities.
a. Average
b. Average out
c. Minimum
d. Maximum
28. When determining actual thickness; the actual corroded area may
________ to the maximum vertical length (L).
a. Lesser
b. Exceed
c. Same
d. Average
29. When determining actual thickness; the least thickness in inch

(t2), in an area of corrosion _________ of pits.
a. At the point.
b. Exclusive.
c. Inclusive
d. Any area.
30. When determining the lowest average thickness (t1), averaged
over a length of L, using at least __________ equal spaced
measurements over length L.
a. 6
b. 5
c. Each 6-inch.
d. Each 5-inch.
31. Determination of minimum thickness in the corroded area

excluding widely scattered pits is………………….
a. Al
b. Dimension Inspector
c. NDT operator (UT/RT)
d. Owner/operator
32. Widely scattered pits may be ignored…………….

a. Can’t ignored and it should be inspected.
b. If pit depth less than ½ of minimum acceptable thickness.
c. Above statement (b) with exclusive of the corrosion allowance.
33. When calculating minimum thickness, the joint efficiency is

_________ for evaluating the retirement thickness in a corroded
plate.
a. 0.7
b. As per table 4.2 API 653.
c. 1.0
34. Expand MFL.

a. Magnetic florescent leak detector.
b. Magnetic flux leakage.
c. Monitoring flux leakage.
35. For bottom plate thickness measurements MFL and UT are used
but……….......
a. UT is often used to confirm and further quantify data obtained by
MFL.
b. UT will be always preferred for bottom plate.
c. After UT measurements taken inspector should confirm with
MFL method.
36. Unless stress analysis is performed, the minimum bottom plate
thickness is the critical zone of the tank bottom shall be the
smaller of ½ of the original bottom plate thickness or 50% of ‘t’
min. of the lower shell course but not less than________________
a. 1in.
b. 0.5in.
c. 0.25in.
d. 0.1in.
37. The thickness of the projection of the beyond the shell as

measured at the toe of the outside bottom to shell weld shall not
less than _______.
a. 0.01in.
b. 0.05in.
c. 0.25in.
d. 0.1in.
e. 0.5in.
38. The projection of the bottom plate beyond the outside toe of the
shell-to-bottom weld shell shall be at least______________.
a. ¼ in.
b. ½ in.
c. 3/8 in.
d. 5/8 in.
39. Isolated pitting _________ appreciably affect the strength of the

bottom plate & annular plate.
a. Will
b. Will not
c. May
d. May not
40. Due to strength requirements, the minimum thickness of annular

plate ring usually greater than _____________.
a. 0.5 in.
b. 0.25 in.
c. 0.1 in.
d. 0.275 in.
41. Calcining ___________.
a. Can occur when concrete has been exposed to sufficient high
temperature.
b. Can occur when tank has been exposed to sufficient high
temperature.
c. Can occur when tank roof exposed to with calcium product in
tank.
42. Temperature cracks do not seriously affect the strength of

the________ structure.
a. Roof.
b. Tank supports.
c. Shell.
d. Concrete foundation.
43. The following all are tank failure due to brittle fracture but not this
one_____.
a. Tank continuously served in low temperature service.
b. After erection during hydrostatic testing.
c. First filling in cold weather.
d. After a change to lower temperature service.
44. A tank has demonstrated the ability to with stand the combined
effects of maximum liquid level and lower operating temperature
without failing. For the above tank, whether the risk of failure due
to brittle fracture with continued service in minimal?
a. No, brittle fracture will depend on low temperature of product.
b. No, brittle fracture is not dangerous in tank by experience.
c. Yes it is minimal.
45. If a tank shell thickness is no greater than _______ the risk of

failure due to brittle facture is minimal.
a. ½ in.
b. ¼ in.
c. ¾ in.
d. 1/8 in.
46. By the experience brittle fracture will not occurred at shell metal
temperature above ___________.
a. Ambient.
b. 60°F.
c. 100°F
d. 0°F.
47. To avoid brittle fracture some tanks have heaters this heaters will
increase the metal temperature by heating the _________.
a. Shell plate.
b. Bottom plate.
c. Tank contents.
d. Fire water line.
48. Tanks fabricated from steels of unknown toughness thicker than

_______ operating at a shell metal temperature below __________
can be used if the tank meets the requirements of brittle fracture
consideration.
a. 1 in ; Ambient
b. 1 in ; 60°F.
c. ½ in ; 60°F.
d. ½ in ; Ambient
49. The interval between inspections of tank should be determined by

its service _______ unless special reasons indicate that an earlier
inspection must be made.
a. History
b. Life
c. Severity
d. All of the above
50. In some cases _______ also control the frequency and interval of
the inspection.
a. National board regulations.
b. Jurisdictional regulations.
c. Owner/operator regulations.
d. Authorized inspector.
51. Routine In-service inspections can be done by

a. Owner/operator personnel.
b. Authorized inspector.
c. Who has knowledge about the tank and its operation.
52. The interval of routine in-service inspections shall be consistent
with conditions at the particular site, but shall not exceed
___________.
a. 5 years.
b. Six months.
c. One month.
d. One year.
53. Routine in-service inspection shall include the following and not
this one?
a. Thickness check.
b. Visual inspection.
c. Evidence of leak.
d. Shell distortions.
e. Corrosion.
54. External inspection for all tanks shall be given a visual external
inspection by authorized inspector. For this inspection maximum
interval will be ____.
a. 5 years.
b. 5 years or RCA/2N years, which ever is less.
c. 5 years or RCA/4N years, which ever is less.
d. 5 years if corrosion allowance known, 15 years if corrosion
allowance not known.
55. External inspection for all tanks shall be done by Al. And during
this inspection that tank ________________________.
a. Shall be in operation during this inspection.
b. May be in operation during this inspection.
c. Should be in operation during this inspection.
56. You are the inspector for tank to do external inspection. And tank
was insulated by 150mm outside insulation and covered by
aluminum sheets. What will be your action?
a. Remove small area for inspection and cover it properly after
inspection.
b. Removal of insulation is not at all required for external
inspection.
c. Insulation removal only for necessary area to check the external
wall.
d. It is always authorized inspector’s option to open insulation.
57. The extent of ultrasonic thickness measurement inspection shall
be determined by …………………
a. Authorized inspector.
b. UT operator.
c. Owner/operator.
d. Tank design engineer.
58. When the corrosion rate is known what will be the maximum
interval of ultrasonic thickness inspection?
a. 5 years.
b. 15 years.
c. RCA/4N.
d. Both ‘a’ and ‘c’ which ever is smaller.
59. Whether external inspection can be substituted for a internal

inspection?. If yes what is the maximum interval.
a. No.
b. Yes.
c. Yes, if external inspection interval is equal to or less than
interval required for internal inspection.
60. You have calculated external inspection interval as 2 years, then

what will be the ultrasonic thickness inspection interval?
a. 1 year.
b. 2 years.
c. 4 years.
e. Not enough data to calculate ultrasonic thickness inspection
interval.
For question number 61 to 65 the following data are to be used.

Tank No. : ABC 650
Thickness of tank shell plate when installed : 0.505 inch.
Thickness of tank shell plate required by design : 0.255 inch.
Ultrasonic Thickness at present is : 0.375 inch.
Installed on : June 1993
61. What is the maximum routine in-service inspection interval for the
tank ABC 650?
a. 3 years.
b. 11/2 year.
c. 1 month.
d. 5 years.
62. External inspection interval for tank ABC 650 is?
a. 6 years.
b. 1½ year.
c. 3 years.
d. 5 years.
e. 15 years.
63. Ultrasonic inspection interval for tank ABC 650 is?

a. 6 years.
b. 1½ year.
c. 3 years.
d. 5 years.
e. 15 years.
64. Ultrasonic inspection interval for tank ABC 650 if corrosion

allowance not known will be?
a. 6 years.
b. 1½ year.
c. 3 years.
d. 5 years.
e. 15 years.
65. For the tank ABC 650 the next internal inspection data will be
around June 2008, and the last external inspection were did in
June 2006. What will be the next external inspection data?
a. June 2006
b. Jan 2008
c. June 2012
d. No need of next one external inspection.
66. Internal inspection carryout when tank _________.

a. In shutdown only, because inspector has to do visual inside.
b. In-service only.
c. In-service also can do, if some alternative of inspection to get
the requirements of internal inspection programme.
67. The maximum intervals of internal inspection shall not exceed in

any case more than _______________.
a. 10 years.
b. 20 years.
c. 5 years.
d. Depends on corrosion rate.
68. RBI analysis should be reviewed at least once in __________.
a. 10 years.
b. 20 years.
c. 5 years.
d. Depends on corrosion rate.
69. Internal inspection interval normally controlled by ……………..

a. Bottom corrosion.
b. Bottom and shell corrosion
c. Bottom, shell and roof corrosion.
d. By RBI
70. When corrosion rates are not known and similar service
experience is not available to estimate bottom plate minimum
thickness at the next inspection, the inspection interval shall not
exceed____________.
a. 10 years.
b. 20 years.
c. 5 years.
d. Owner/operator should decide.
e. Authorized inspector should decide.
71. If external inspection can access to all the area of tank, then the
internal inspection can be eliminated.
a. Yes.
b. No, internal inspection never eliminated by external inspection.
c. Depends on owner-operator requirements.
72. All new material used for repair, alteration, or reconstruction shall
confirm to ___
a. Current applicable tank standards.
b. Applicable tank standard.
c. Construction code.
d. API 653
e. API 650
73. All _______________ materials shall be identified.

a. Shell, bottom and roof plates.
b. Shell and bottom plates.
c. Shell and bottom plates welded to the shell.
d. All the above.
74. Material not identified shall be tested accordance with
_______________
a. ASTM A20 and A6
b. API 650
c. ASTM A6 and A370
d. API 653 App. D
75. When material not identified shall be tested, for this test specimen
selection by ____________.
a. One per heat.
b. One per lot
c. One per tank
d. Each plate.
76. How many tension specimen required when direction of rolling

not known during mechanical test to identify materials which is
used for reconstruction?
a. 4
b. 1
c. 2
d. 2 for less than or equal to 1” and 4 for above 1”.
77. For tank all new shell joints shall be _____ with complete
penetration and complete fusion.
a. Lap weld.
b. Full weld.
c. Butt weld.
d. Groove weld.
78. When tank is planned to reconstruction, thickness to be used

each shell course when checking tank design shall be based on
measurement taken_________.
a. With in 180 days prior to relocation.
b. Current thickness prior to relocation.
c. After relocation new thickness readings shall be taken.
d. Last ultrasonic thickness measurement can use.
79. For reconstruction tank, when calculating the maximum liquid
level, if the actual thickness is greater than that necessary to
allow the liquid level required, the extra thickness can be
considered _______________.
a. For calculating maximum liquid level.
b. As corrosion allowance.
c. Excess thickness.
d. As a wrong selection of thickness.
80. All repair work must be authorized by ________ before

commencement of the work by a repair organization.
b. Engineer experienced in storage tank design.
c. ‘a’ or ‘b’
d. The owner/operator.
81. The Authorized inspector may give prior general authorization for
limited or routine repair as long as authorized inspector is
______________.
a. After consulting with an engineer experienced in storage tank
design.
b. Sure that repair will not require hydrostatic testing or don’t
require an engineering evaluation.
c. If the repair as per API 650.
d. ‘a’ and ‘b’.
82. The minimum dimension for a replacement shell plate is?

a. 10 inch or 10 times thickness of the replacement plate which
ever is greater.
b. 12 inch or 12 times thickness of the replacement plate which
ever is less.
c. Minimum size depends on the area repaired and that tank
diameter.
83. The replacement plate may of shape?

a. Circular, oblong.
b. Square or rectangular with round corners.
c. Square or rectangular when full shell plate replaced.
e. ‘a’ and ‘b’.
84. In a tank shell plate replacement is on going prior to welding the
new vertical joints, the existing horizontal welds shall be cut for a
minimum distance of ___________ beyond the new vertical joints.
a. 12 inch or 12 times the thickness of plate which ever is greater.
b. 10 inch.
c. 12 inch.
d. Full horizontal has to cut before welding vertical.
85. In question number 84. which joint has to weld first?

a. Horizontal has to weld prior to vertical.
b. Vertical.
c. Both horizontal and vertical simultaneously.
d. It is the option of repair organization.
86. For replacement tank plates, all weld intersection

____________________.
a. Shall be at approximately 90°.
b. May be at approximately 90°.
c. Should be parallel.
d. May not be at 90°.
87. Lapped patch shell repair shall not be used on any shell course
thickness that exceeds ________ or to replace door sheets or
shell plates.
a. ¼
b. ½
c. ¾
d. 1
88. Lapped patch shell repair plates corners shall be rounded to a

minimum radius of __________ except shell to bottom joints.
a. 6 inch.
b. 3 inch.
c. 2 inch.
d. 12 inch.
89. Shell opening and their reinforcements ________ be positioned
with in a lapped patch shell repair.
a. May not.
b. Shall not.
c. Should not.
d. Depends on owner/operator option.
90. Weld reinforcement in excess are with in the limit to API 650 for a
exiting weld of a tank. If change of service this weld
reinforcement…………………
a. It is acceptable to API 650, so nothing to do.
b. Smooth grinding required.
c. For a floating roof with flexible seals service it may required to
grinding.
d. Floating roof with flexible seals has to design according to the
existing weld reinforcements.
91. If the shell plate greater than ½ inch. All penetration shall be
installed with the use of an insert plate if the penetration diameter
____________________.
a. 2 inch and above.
b. Above 2 inch.
c. Less than 2 inch.
d. Insert plate is not required for nozzles.
92. The minimum diameter the insert plate shall be at least

____________diameter (d) of the penetration.
a. 2d
b. d+12 inch.
c. Greater of 2d or d+12 inch,
d. Same as insert plate diameter.
93. The minimum dimension for a weld on patch that over laps a
bottom seam or existing patch is _________. When the thickness
of existing plate is ½ inch.
a. 12 inch.
b. 6 inch.
c. 3 inch.
d. 24 inch.
94. Welded-on patch plate over the areas of the tank bottom that have
global dishing, local dishing, settlement or over distortion are
______________.
a. Shall be profiled to that shape.
b. Shall not be used.
c. Split patches can be used.
95. The addition of welded-on-patch may not advisable if the tank is

still________.
a. Distortion.
b. Undergoing settlement.
c. Global or local dishing.
d. All of the above,
96. All the corner of the bottom welded-on-patch plate shall be

rounded of to _______ minimum radius except tombstone shaped
shell side.
a. 6 inch.
b. 12 inch.
c. 2 inch.
d. Greater of 6t or 12 inch.
97. Welded-on-patch plates are not permitted in the critical zone on a

tank bottom with an operation temperature of?
a. 0°F for carbon steel and -32°F for stainless steel.
b. 200°F for carbon steel and 100°F for stainless steel.
c. Any lower temperature then the MDMT.
d. Any lower temperature then one-day mean minimum
temperature.
98. The minimum thickness of new roof plate shall be

_________without any corrosion allowance.
a. 0.1 inch.
b. 1/8 inch.
c. 3/16 inch.
d. ¼ inch.
99. All leaking in pontoons or compartments of double deck floating

roofs shall be repaired by re-welding the leaking its and/or of
__________
a. New pontoons.
b. Patch plates.
c. Insert plates.
d. All the above.
100. In primary seals of floating roof, to minimize evaporation losses
and reduce potential hazard to the worker, no more than
____________ of the roof seal systems should not be out of in
service tank at one time
a. Half.
b. One fourth.
c. 10%.
d. 50%.
101. In tank during hot tapping operation, tank liquid shall

be_____________.
a. At least 3 feet above hot tap location.
b. Removed fully from tank.
c. No need to remove, but must be arrested all valves to the hot
tap location to ensure no contact with hot tap nozzle.
102. Before hot tapping shell plate thickness measurement shall be

taken at a minimum of ________ place along the circumference of
the proposed nozzle location.
a. At least one.
b. 4
c. 6
d. At least two.
103. At hot tapping required reinforcement plate this plate has two
half, after reinforcement plate has been welded to the shell and
NDT carried out, the pad shall be pneumatically tested. For this
pneumatic test how many telltale hole required.
a. One
b. Each half one.
c. Any where to convenient to NDT person.
104. Who shall approve all reconstruction work at the designated hold
points and after reconstruction has been completed in
accordance with the requirement of API653.
b. An engineer experienced in storage tank design.
c. ‘a’ or ‘b’.
d. Any one designated by owner/operator.
105. A tank has decided to dismantle and reconstruct in new site,
during dismantling roof, shell, bottom plates are to be cut by
reconstruction organization. They are cutting in to pieces, the size
of cutting for their convenient to _____________.
a. Erect properly.
b. Transportable.
c. Drawing size.
d. They have to follow drawing for cutting.
106. During reconstruction welding the thickness over 1 inch and

within 3 inch of base metal shall be heated the place where
welding to be started to what temperature before welding?
a. 200°F.
b. Warm to hand.
c. 100°F.
d. 50°C.
107. What will be the maximum allowance undercut for horizontal

joints, when a tank reconstruction?
a. 1/64 inch.
b. 1/16 inch.
c. 1/32 inch.
d. 1/8 inch.
108. During reconstruction f shells tack welding used for fit-up in

position before welding this tack________________.
a. Shall be removed before welded manually.
b. Cleaned and need not removed for SAW if they are fused.
c. Tack weld shall be made with qualified procedure and welder.
109. For reconstruction tank, the maximum out of plumpness of the

top of the shell relative to the bottom of the shell shall not exceed
_______ to the total tank height with a maximum of 5 inch.
a. 1/200
b. 1/100
c. 1/250
d. 1/50
110. If the material specification for the steel from an existing tank is
unknown or obsolete, test coupons for the welding procedure
qualification shall be _____.
a. Similar material to be used.
b. Comply with API 653 and API 650.
c. Cut a piece from tank.
d. Existing procedure can be used.
111. What NDT shall be done for completed welds attaching nozzle
neck to shell and reinforcing plate to shell and to nozzle neck?
a. MT or PT.
b. Visual.
c. FMT and/or UT.
d. ‘a’ or ‘c’.
112. NDT shall be conducted after stress relief and, if hydrostatic

testing has to follow after stress relief, NDT must be done
___________ hydrostatic testing.
a. After
b. Before
c. After all activities
d. Before stress relief.
113. New welds attaching existing shell plate to existing or new shell
plate shall be examined by _______________.
a. UT
b. RT
c. MT
d. PT
114. New welding on the shell to bottom joint first weld pass shall be
inspected by applying ______________ to the side opposite the
first weld pass made. The oil shall be allowed to stand at least 4
hours and then the weld inspected for wicking action.
a. Light diesel oil.
b. Vegetable oil.
c. Inspection oil.
d. Light viscosity oil.
e. Any of the above.
115. After completion of shell to bottom inside and outside fillet or
partial penetration welds, the welds shall be tested by
pressurizing the volume between the inside and outside welds
with air pressure to _______ and applying a solution film to both
welds.
a. 25 psig.
b. 15 psig.
c. 50 psig.
d. 65 psig.
QB 3: CLOSED BOOK QB- ANSWERS-653-2009 OK
1. C 1.1.1 API653
2. A 1.1.1 API653
3. E 1.1.1. API653
4. B 1.1.2 API653
5. D 1.2 API653
6. D 1.3 API653
7. A 1.4 API653
8. B 3.1 API653
9. D 3.2 API653
10. C 3.3 API653
11. E 3.3 API653
12. A 3.5 API653
13. A 3.9 APl653
14. D 3.10 API653
15. A 3.24 API653
16. D 3.25 API653
17. D 4.2.1.2 API653
18. C 4.2.1.1 API653
19. B 4.2.2.1 API653
20. C 4.2.3.3 API653
21. B 4.2.3.4 API653
22. B 4.2.4.2 API653
23. D 4.2.4.1 API653
24. C 4.2.4.3 API653
25. A Table 4.3 API653
26. A 4.3.2.1b API653
27. B 4.3.2.1 b API653
28. B 4.3.2.lb API653
29. B 4.3.2.1b API653
30. B 4.3.2.1 c API653
31. A 4.3.2.la API653
32. C 4.3.2.2 API653
33. C 4.3.3.1 last API653
34. B 4.4.4 API653
35. A 4.4.4 API653
36. D 4.4.5.4 API653
37. D 4.4.5.7 API653
38. C 4.4.5.7 API653
39. B 4.4.7.4 & 4.4.6.1 API653
40. C 4.4.6.1 API653
41. A 4.5.1.2b API653
42. D 4.5.1.2e API653
43. A 5.2.2 API653
44. C 5.2.2 API653
45. A 5.3.5 API653
46. B 5.3.6 API653
47. C 5.3.6 API653
48. C 5.3.8 API653
49. A 6.2.2 API653
50. B 6.2.3 API653
51. D 6.3.1.1 API653
52. C 6.3.1.2 API653
53. A 6.3.1.3 API653
54. C 6.3.2 API653
55. B 6.3.2.1 API653
56. C 6.3.2.2 API653
57. C 6.3.3.1 API653
58. B 6.3.3.2b API653
59. A 6.3.3.2 API653
60. C 6.3.3.2 API653
61. C 6.3.1.2 API653
62. C 6.3.2.1 API653
63. A 6.3.3.2 API653
64. D 6.3.3.2 API653
65. D 6.3.3.3 API653
66. C 6.4.2. 2 API653
67. B 6.4.2. 2 API653
68. A 6.4.2.4 API653
69. A 6.4.1 1 a API653
70. A 6.4.2.1 API653
71. A 6.5 API653
72. A 7.2 API653
73. C 7.3.1. I API653
74. C 7.3.1.2 API653
75 . D 7.3.1.2 APl653
76. C 7.3.1.2 API653
77. C 8.2.2 API653
78. A 8.4.1 API653
79. B 8.4.4. API653
80. C 9.1.3 API653
81. B 9.1.3 API653
82. D 9.2.2.1 API653
83. D 9.2.2.1 API653
84. C 9.2.2.2 API653
85. B 9.2.2.2 API653
86. A FIG9. I note 1 API653
87. B 9.3.1.2 API653
88. C 9.3.1.4 API653
89. B 9.3.1.8 API653
90. C 9.6.2 API653
91. B 9.8.6 API653
92. C 9.8.6 a API653
93. A 9.10.1.1a API653
94. B 9.10.1.1c API653
95. B 9.10.1.1c APl653
96. C FIG 9.5 APl653
97. B 9.10.1.2.3 API653
98. C 9.11.2.1 API653
99. B 9.12.3 API653
100. B 9.13.1 APl653
101. A 9.14.1.2 API653
102. B 9.14.3.2 API653
FIG 9.10-Page no
103. B API653
9-20
104. C 10.1.4 API653
105. B 10.3.1 API653
106. B 10.4.2.3 API653
107. C 10.4.2.5 API653
108. D 10.4.2.7 API653
109. B 10.5.2 API653
110. C 11. 1.2 API653
111. C 12.1.2.3 APl653
112. B 12.1.2.4 API653
113. B 12.1.5.1 API653
114. A 12.1.6.1 API653
115. B 12.1.6.2 API653
QB : 4 API 653-2009
1. In case of conflict between API-12C, API-650 and API-653

standards involving “in-service” AST’s, which of the three codes will
govern?
a. API-12C
b. API-650
c. API-653
2. Which of the following have the ultimate responsibility for

complying with API-653 standard provisions?
a. On-site Inspector
b. Contractor Involved
c. Owner/operator of equipment
d. Relevant State or Federal Agency
3. Internal pressures inside tanks may vary. Which of the following

pressures represent the maximum amount and is still considered to
be atmospheric storage?
a. 3 oz. psig
b. 1.0 lb. psig
c. 1.5 lb. psig
d. 2.5 lb. psig
4. What is the joint efficiency of a lap riveted joint with one (1) row of
rivets?
a. 45%
b. 60%
c. 75%
d. 80%
5. All prior reported brittle fracture tank failures have occurred under
which of the following conditions/situations?
a. Atmospheric temperature of 20° F or lower.
b. During a hydro test where the test water was 50° F or colder.
c. Shortly after erection, following a repair / alteration, first cold
weather filling or change to lower temperature service.
d. Where a testing medium other than water was used.
6. When external UT “t” measurements are used to determine a rate
of general, uniform corrosion (relevant to shell integrity) which of the
following values cannot be exceeded?
a. 10 years maximum
b. 15 years maximum
c. 5 years (after commissioning), or at 15 year intervals (where
corrosion rate is not known).
d. Five years or RCA / 4N, whichever is more.
7. What primary factor determines the interval between internal and

external inspections?
a. Jurisdictional regulations
b. Tank service history, unless special reasons indicate an earlier
inspection is required.
c. Known (or suspected) corrosion activity of product.
d. Change of service to a product with a specific gravity 10% higher than
prior stored product.
8. What is the minimum dimension for a shell ring replacement piece

or segment?
a. The actual area requiring renewal, plus 6” on all four surrounding
sides.
b. 12” or 12 times the “t” of the replacement plate, whichever is greater.
c. 10% of the individual ring segment involved.
d. 20% of the individual ring segment involved.
9. Which of the areas describes below are considered to be the

“critical zone” involving tank bottom repair?
a. Within the annular ring, within 12” of shell, or within 12” of inside edge
of annular plate ring.
b. Any area where 3-plate laps are located.
c. Within 36” (measured vertically) from any shell penetration above.
d. Within 3” from the shell on the bottom plates.
10. Select the minimum number of “t” measurements required (along

the circumference of any proposed “hot-tap” nozzle location):
a. One (1) on horizontal centerline (3” from edge) on each side of
proposed shell opening cut.
b. Four (4)
c. Eight (8)
d. Establishment of both a minimum and average “t” over the entire
nozzle installation area.
11. What type of contour cut (if any) and what degree of bevel (if any)
is required on the nozzle “barrel” end that is to be joined to shell
during a “hot-tap”.
a. No contour cut required, 30° outside bevel.
b. No contour cut required, 45° outside bevel.
c. Cut to shell contour and outside beveled for full penetration
attachment weld.
d. No contour cut required, 1/8” corner radius (minimum).
12. When reconstructing tank shells with a material “t” exceeding

1.50”, what minimum pre-heat is specified?
a. No preheat required, if air temperature exceeds 70°F.
b. 200°F
c. 225°F
d. 300°F
13. In re-erecting a tank shell, what length “sweep-board” and what

are maximum allowable values for weld seam peaking?
a. 0.50” (1/2”) with 36” horizontal sweep board.
b. 0.25” (1/4”) on verticals; 0.50” (1/2”) on horizontal with 36” board.
c. 0.75” (3/4”) with 48” board.
d. 1.00” (1”) with 48” board.
14. Welding procedure Specs (WPS) are established in Section 11 of

API-653. Welders/operators must be qualified in accordance with
which of the codes listed.
a. AWS
b. Section V ASME
c. Section VIII ASME
d. Section IX ASME
15. API-653 (Section 12) requires greater radiographic examination of

tank shell welds than does API-650. Relevant to new or repaired
vertical joints in existing shell plates, how many radiographs are
required?
a. Twice those required by API-650
b. API-650 requirements plus one (1) in every joint.
c. One (1) for each welder or operator involved on each ring.
d. Two (2) for each welder or operator involved on each ring for all plate
thicknesses.
The following information applies for questions 16 through 20 below:
An internal inspection is performed on an aboveground storage tank 44

feet tall, 40 foot fill height, 112 feet diameter, light oil (specific gravity =
1) service, sand pad with a reinforced concrete ring wall foundation.
There is one area of general corrosion on the north side of the shell 38
inches wide and 20 inches tall. (The tank was built to API 650, 7 th
Edition).
16. Calculate the minimum thickness for the first course based on
product alone.
a. 7/8”
b. 3/4”
c. 5/8”
d. 1/2”
17. Calculate the “L” length for an area of general corrosion found ten
feet from the bottom on the north side of the shell, t 2 = 0.125 inches.
a. 3.7”
b. 10”
c. 13.84’
d. 40”
18. There are four pits lined vertically on the south side of the tank in the
first course. The pits measure 1”, 1.250”, 1.” and .500” in length
along a vertical line 8” long. The pit depth is approximately 0.255”
each.
a. A repair is required.
b. Because of the vertical pits, no repair is required.
c. If the pit depth is only .130 inches the pits may be ignored.
d. Scattered pits may be ignored.
19. A bulge is found on the tank floor, the diameter of the bulge is 30
inches, what is the maximum permissible height for the bulge?
a. 11.1”
b. .463”
c. .962”
d. 1.11”
20. An area of edge settlement in the tank bottom 6 feet from the tank
shell has sloped down and settled. The settlement measures 2 inches
at the deepest point. The edge settlement area has bottom lap welds
approximately parallel to the shell.
a. A more rigorous stress analysis must be performed.
b. The area must be repaired.
c. Sloped edge settlement is usually no problem.
d. The area should be documented and checked during the next
inspection.
QB : 4 API 653-2009
ANSWERS
Q.NO. ANSWER LOCATION OF ANSWER

1 C ( Paragraph 1.1.2 )
2 C ( Paragraph 1.2 )
3 D 4.2.4.1- API 650 APX F 1.3
4 A ( Table 4.3) API 653
5 C ( Paragraph 5.2.2) API 653
6 C ( Paragraph 6.3.3.2.(a))
7 B ( Paragraph 6.2.1 & 6.2.2)
8 B ( Paragraph 9.2.2.1)
9 D ( Paragraph 3.10)
10 B ( Paragraph 9.14.3.2)
11 C ( Paragraph 9.14.5.1)
12 B ( Paragraph 10.4.4.3)
13 A ( Paragraph 10.5.4)
14 D ( Paragraph 11.1.1)
15 B ( Paragraph 12.2.1.1)
16. D ( ½”) (Paragraph 4.3.3.1)
t min = 2.6 (H-1) DG

SE
t min = ? D= 112 H= 40 G=1

S=23,600 E=1
t min = 2.6 (40-1) (112) (1)

23,600
t min = 11,356.8
23,600
t min = .481 inches (rounded to ½ inch)

17. C (13,84”) (Paragraph 4.3.2.1 (b))
L = 3.7 √ Dt2 L = 3.7 √(112)(.125) L = 3.7 √14 = 3.7√3.74 = 13.84
18. A (A repair is required.) (Paragraph 4.3.2.2)
Add the pit diameters 1” + 1.25” + 1” + .500” = 3.75” (more than

allowed in an 8” area)
The pit depth exceeds one-half the minimum acceptable tank shell
thickness.
19. B (.463”) (Paragraph B.3.3 Page B12)
R = Diameter divided by 2, in feet, 30” divided by 2 – 15” divided by
12 = 1.25 feet.
B = .37R
B = .37 (1.25) B = .463 inches
20. D The area should be documented and checked during the next
inspection. Figure B-11
Using figure B-11 the area is acceptable, it should be documented.
QB 5: API 653-2009
1. … Means any work on a tank involving cutting, burning, welding or

heating operations that changes the physical dimensions and/or
configuration of a tank.
a. Repair
b. Reconstruction
c. Reworking
d. Alteration
2. All tanks shall be given a formal visual external inspection by an

inspector qualified in accordance with API 653, at least every …
years.
a. 10
b. 7
c. 6
d. 5
3. Column-based clip-guides shall be welded to the tank bottom to

prevent …
a. Internal erosion
b. Structural uplifting
c. Lateral movement of column bases
d. Lateral expansion and contraction
4. Ultrasonic acceptance standards, in accordance with API 653, shall be

…
a. ASME Section VIII
b. ASME Section V
c. ASME section XI
d. Agreed upon by the purchaser and the manufacturer
5. According to API 653, a full hydrostatic test, held for 24 hours, shall
be performed on:
a. A new tank
b. An in-service tank
c. A reconstructed tank
d. An out-of-service tank
6. Storage tanks shall be … and gas-freed prior to commencement of

dismantling.
a. Filled
b. Drained
c. Cleaned
d. Vented
7. For replacement of tank bottom floor, what is a suitable non-
corrosive material for use between the old and new floor?
a. Dirt
b. Sand or concrete
c. Fiberglass insulation
d. Air
8. The minimum thickness of new roof plates shall be … inch, plus any
corrosion allowances, as specified in the repair specification.
a. ½
7
b. 8
3
c. 16
d. ⅜
9. Which type of tank settlement will rotate the tank in a tilted plane?
a. Uniform settlement
b. Rigid body
c. Out-of-plane settlement
d. Differential settlement
10. A full hydrostatic test can be waived on a tank …

a. After replacement of door sheet than intersects the shell-to-
bottom weld
b. When a 36 inches nozzle has been installed
c. After partial or complete jacking of a tank shell
d. If the owner or operator has authorized the exemption in writing
11. … settlement occurs when the tank shell settles sharply around the
periphery, resulting in deformation of the bottom plate.
a. Uniform
b. Edge
c. Out-of-Plane
d. Rigid Body Tilting
12. The corrosion rate for an AST is External 5 mils per year. Based on
API 653 requirements when should the next inspection be
scheduled?
Note: Remaining Corrosion Allowance is 0.17 inches.
a. 17 years
b. 15 years
c. 20 years
d. 5 years
13. The design thickness of a reconstructed tank is based on …
a. Original shell thickness
b. Measurements taken within 180 days prior to relocation
c. Measurements taken when the tank was removed from service
d. New product loads
14. Where does the new nameplate need to be attached to a reconstructed

tank?
a. Adjacent to the existing nameplate
b. Does not need one
c. On the roof
d. Over the suction piping
15. Due to strength requirements, the minimum thickness of an annular

plate ring is usually greater than … inch.
a. 0.30
b. 0.10
c. 0.22
d. 0.17
16. All repair work, proposed design, work execution, materials,

welding procedure, examination, testing methods must be approved
by
a. Owner or authorized inspector
b. Owner or storage tank engineer
c. Authorized inspector or Storage tank engineer
d. Authorized inspector and Storage tank engineer
17. A welded patch plate smaller than 12 inches in diameter is

a. not permitted
b. permitted if it is equal to or exceeds 6 inches and it does not
over lap a bottom seams
c. permitted if it is not place fully or partially over an existing patch
d. b & c are right
18. When used, ultrasonic thickness measurement shall be made at …

year intervals after commissioning new tanks.
a. 5
b. 7
c. 10
d. 15
19. Minimum thickness for tank bottom plate, when there is no means
of leak detection and containment, is ... inch.
a. 0.10
b. 0.075
c. 0.15
d. 0.05
QB 5: API 653-2009
ANSWERS
Q.NO. ANS REF

1 D 3.1
2 D 6.3.2.1
3 D 5.10.4.7 d API 650
4 D 12.1.1.3 (API 653 8.3.2.5)
5 C 12.3.1
6 C 10.2
7 B 9.10.2.1.1
8 C 9.11.2.1
9 B B 2.2.2
10 D 12.3.2.1
11 B B 2.3.1
12 D 6.3.21
13 B 8.4.1
14 A 13.1.2
15 B 4.4.6.1
16 A 9.1.3
17 D 9.3.1.5
18 A 6.3.3.2
19 D Table 4.4
QB 6: API 653-2009
OPEN BOOK
An Inspection is performed on an AST 24’ tall, 22’fill height, 94’ diameter,

water storage service, earth foundation. There is one area of general internal
corrosion on the south side of the shell 20” wide and 20” in vertical length.
There is evidence of bottom settlement.
1. Calculate the minimum thickness of the first course based on

product alone!
a. 0.175”
b. 0.218”
c. 0.551”
d. 0.228”
2. Calculate the minimum thickness for the third course, if each

course is 4’ in height!
a. 0.132”
b. 0.100”
c. 0.275”
d. 0.122”
3. Calculate the “L” length for an area of general corrosion found 10’
from the bottom on the south side of the shell, T2=0.125”.
a. 40”
b. 12.68”
c. 6.80”
d. 11.75”
4. There are three pits aligned vertically on the north side of the tank,
in the first course. The diameters of the pits are 1.250”, 1”, and
0.500” in length along a vertical line 8” long.
Note: Assume pit depth of slightly less one-half of the minimum
acceptable tank shell thickness, exclusive of the corrosion
allowance.
a. Because the pits are aligned vertically no repair is required
b. Scattered pits may be ignored
c. If the pit is round, it may be ignored
d. A repair is required
5. Three circumferentially scattered pits are located on the west side
of the tank 18” from the bottom. The pits measured 0.500 “, 0.477”
and 0.732” in diameter.
Note: Assume pit depth of slightly less one-half of the minimum
acceptable tank shell thickness, exclusive of the corrosion
allowance.
a. Because the pits are scattered circumferentially, no repair is
required
b. All pits may be ignored
c. If the pit is round, it may be ignored
d. A repair is required
6. A bulge is found on the tank floor, the diameter of the bulge is 30”.
What is the maximum permissible height for the bulge?
a. 11.1”
b. 0.4625”
c. 0.962”
d. 1.11”
7. An area of the tank bottom 6’ from the shell has sloped down and
settled. The settlement measures 2” at the deepest point.
a. A more rigorous stress analysis must be performed
b. The area should be repaired
c. Sloped edge settlement is usually no problem
d. The area should be documented and checked during the next
inspection
8. What is the hydrostatic test height of this tank based on a minimum

thickness found in question 2?
a. 24’
b. 34.2’
c. 14.5
d. 21.9’
9. A depression is noted on section of the bottom near the middle of

the east quadrant. The depression measures 5/8” deep, with a
diameter of 36 inches. Should a repair be recommended?
a. Yes
b. No
c. Not enough information given
d. The tank holds water, no problem
10. If the liquid level in the tank were to be lowered by 5”, what is the
minimum thickness of the first course?
a. 1.73”
b. 0.166”
c. 0.200”
d. No change from original design thickness
CLOSED BOOK
11. Per API 653, tanks shall have a formal visual inspection once every
… years or at the quarter corrosion-rate life of the shell, whichever
is less.
a. Three
b. Four
c. Five
d. Seven
12. Monthly visual inspections of the external condition of in-service

tanks may be performed by …
a. API 653 Inspectors
b. Owner/Operator personnel
c. NDE technicians
d. Plan managers
13. In accordance with API Standard 653, Repairs and Alteration have
been defined as distinct activities. State which of the following
activities does not constitute an Alteration?
a. The addition of man-ways and nozzles greater than NPS 12
b. Increase and decrease in tank shell height
c. Replacement of damaged flange on nozzle by flange of same
size and material
d. All of the above
14. In accordance with API Standard 653, Repairs and Alteration have
been defined as distinct activities. Activity, which entails any work
necessary to maintain or restore a tank to a condition suitable for
safe operation. State which of the following activities does not
constitute repair?
a. Re-leveling and/or jacking of a tank shell, bottom or roof
b. Addition of reinforcing plate/s to existing shell penetration/s
c. Changing the content with higher specific gravity
d. Repair of flaws, such as tears or gouges, by grinding followed by
welding
15. In accordance with API Standard 653, Critical Zone for repairs to a
tank bottom is that portion which is:
a. Measured vertically upwards along shell, within 6” of tank
bottom
b. Measured radially inward, within 3” of the inside edge of shell
c. Measured radially outward within 1 ½” of outside edge of shell
d. A circular area measurable radially within 12” from center of tank
bottom
16. Normally the corrosion rates of the tank bottom control the
inspection interval, which are based on the actual or anticipated
rates of corrosion. In the case of a tank, where corrosion rates are
not known, and where similar service experience is not available,
the actual thickness of the bottom is to be determined by due
inspections within by RBI
a. 20 years
b. 5 years
c. 10 years
d. 25 years
17. In case of the following conditions, the risk of failure by brittle

fracture in an AST built to API Standards is minimal:
a. Tank shell thickness 5/8” and shell metal temperatures at 20°F
and above
b. Tank shell thickness ½” and shell metal temperatures at 60°F
and above
c. Tank shell thickness ¾” and shell metal temperatures at 32°F
and above
d. Tank shell thickness 1” and shell metal temperatures at 0°F and
above
18. As per API Standard 653, a routine, in service, close visual external
inspection of an aboveground storage tank (AST) shall be done, at
an interval not exceeding:
a. One year
b. Five years
c. One month
d. d. Ten years
19. As AST has a measured shell thickness of 0.75”; and its minimum
required thickness is 0.5”. The known rate of corrosion of shell is 5
mils per year. As per API Standard 653, when should the external
visual inspection by an Authorized Inspector be carried out at an
interval not exceeding?
a. One year
b. Five years
c. Twelve and half years
d. Ten years
20. An AST has a measured shell thickness of 0.75; and its minimum
required thickness is 0.5”. The rate of corrosion of shell is not
known. As per API Standard 653, the external ultrasonic thickness
measurement shall be carried out an interval not exceeding:
a. One year
b. Five years
c. Six & half years
d. Ten years
21. An AST has a measured shell thickness of 0.75”; and its minimum
required thickness is 0.5”. The known rate of corrosion of shell is 5
mils per year. As per API Standard 653, the external ultrasonic
thickness measurement shall be carried out at an interval not
exceeding:
a. One year
b. Twenty-five years
c. Fifteen years
d. Ten years
22. Corrosion on the bottom side of floor plates in aboveground

storage tanks is affected most by:
a. Composition of the contents stored in the tank
b. Welding procedures used during construction of the tank
c. The metal used for construction of the tank floor
d. Soil characteristics directly underneath the tank
23. If arc strikes, gouges, or tears from temporary attachments are

identified, they:
a. Must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
b. Must be repaired by welding with an appropriate repair
procedure
c. Must be repaired by removing the plate area containing the
scars and welding in a butt-welded patch
d. Are acceptable, provided they are more than 2 feet from any
weld seam
24. Reinforcement pads shall be tested by applying pressure between
the tank shell and reinforcement plate using the telltale hole. How
much pressure is used to perform this inspection?
a. 15 psig hydrostatic pressure
b. 5 psig pneumatic pressure
c. 5 psig hydrostatic pressure
d. 15 psig pneumatic pressure
25. According to API 653, authorized inspection agency is:

a. Inspection organization of jurisdiction
b. Inspection organization of insurance company which
underwrites insurance of storage tanks
c. Inspection organization of owner-operator
d. Any of the above
26. For all repairs and alterations under API 653, the ultimate
responsibility rests with:
a. Owner-operator
b. API Committee
c. API 653 Inspector
d. Jurisdiction Authority
27. In API 653, the term “RBI” means:

a. Repairing Before Inspection
b. Report Based Inspection
c. Repair Based Inspection
d. Risk Based Inspection
28. Partial or complete jacking of a tank shell is considered:

a. Routine maintenance
b. Major alteration/ Major repair
c. A repair
d. None of the above
29. A corroded area of a tank bottom plate is filled-up by welding

overlay. There is no change in the rating and no change is made on
the nameplate. Which of the following is the correct term to
describe this process?
a. Repair
b. Alteration
c. Can be repair or alteration
d. Neither repair or alteration
30. Under which of the conditions listed below is external inspection of
tank bottom plate permitted to be done in lieu of internal
inspection?
a. In cases where constructions size or other aspects allow
external access to the tank bottom to determine plate thickness.
b. External inspection to determine bottom plate thickness is never
permitted in lieu of internal inspection
c. For tanks made of materials which have excellent chemical
resistance
d. All of the above
QB 6: API 653-2009
Answers
Q.NO. ANS REF
1 b 4.3.3.1
2 d 4.3.3.1
3 b 4.3.2.1 (b)
4 a 4.3.2.2
5 a 4.3.2.2
6 b B 3.3
7 d B 3.3
8 c 4.3.3.1
9 a B 3.3
10 b 4.3.3.1
11 b 6.3.21
12 b 6.3.1.1
13 C API 653, 3.1 & 3.24
14 C API 653, 3.1 & 3.24
15 B API 653, 3.10
16 D API 653, 6.4.2.2
17 B API 653, Fig. 5-2 & 5.3.5& 5.3.6
18 C API 653, 6.3.1.2
19 B API 653, 6.3.2.1
20 B API 653, 6.3.3.2 (a)
21 C API 653, 6.3.3.2 (b)
22 D API 653, 4.4.3.3 & 4.4.4 GK
23 A API 653, 4.3.6
24 D API 650, 573.4
25 D API 653, 3.3
26 A API 653, 1.2
27 D API 653, GK, 6.4.2.1
28 B API 653, 3.18
29 A API 653, 3.24
30 A API 653, 6.5
1) T min= 2.6 (22-1) x 94 x 1/ 23600 = 0.2174 inch

2) T min= 2.6 x (14-1) 94x 1/ 26000 = 0.1222 inch
3) L= 3.7 x Sq Root of (94 x 0.125) = 12.68
9) Allowed os 0.37 x 1.5= .555. But the pit is 0.635. So not ok
QB 7: API 653-2009
Note: Tick only one alternative which you think is most appropriate.
1. Typical corroded areas on a shell plate are exhibited below in Figure

1 with measured thickness in inches indicated on the sketch. The
minimum required thickness of the shell plate is 0.750” and C.A.
required is 0.15”.
The total length of arrow line drawn is 8 inches. The length of the line
in each of the corroded areas A, B and C are 1.5”, 0.3” and 0.2”
respectively. Comment on the acceptability of the corroded
condition.
a. Acceptable
b. Not acceptable
c. Conduct a patch plate repair
d. The pitting can be ignored as a case of widely scattered pitting
2. A tank is constructed as per API 650. Its original thickness is 0.500
inch. Its diameter is 25 feet and height is 15 feet. After 10 years, the
tank is inspected and the following readings are recorded on the
shell. Figure 2 exhibits a corroded portion of the developed shell of
the tank from the inside. The designed corrosion allowance is 0.125”.
Minimum thickness (t2) is among the following readings.
Plane A Plane B Plane C Plane D
0.345 0.500 0.450 0.480

0.400 0.450 0.400 0.475
0.500 0.435 0.330 0.315
0.480 0.475 0.350 0.275
0.495 0.485 0.375 0.300
0.480 0.450 0.400 0.350
0.485 0.470 0.425 0.400
Figure 2
What is the minimum thickness recorded?
a. 0.315”
b. 0.275”
c. 0.330”
d. all of the above
3. Calculate the critical L dimension for this condition

a. 9.7”
b. 40”
c. 12”
d. All of the above
4. For the same conditions of Figure 2 if the location of the bottom of

the critical length is 2 feet from the tank floor and the designed liquid
height is 12 feet what is the value of H in the formula for calculating
tmin?
a. 3 feet
b. 15 feet
c. 10 feet
d. 13 feet
5. Find the value of S which may be assumed for the lower course of
old tank for calculating tmin considering the fact that the material is
A516 gr 70.
a. 30,000 psi
b. 18,000 psi
c. 23,995 psi
d. 23,595 psi
6. Find the value of the allowable stress in the first shell course of the
conditions of the tank considered in above question if material is not
known.
a. 4680 psi
b. 23600 psi
c. 2550 psi
d. 30000 psi
7. From the data of Figure 2, which of the plane above will be

considered to calculate t1?
a. Plane a
b. Plane b
c. Plane c
d. Plane d
8. What will be the value of t1 for above question?

a. 0.380”
b. 0.397”
c. 0.468”
d. 0.371”
9. A corroded roof plate is found to have an average thickness of 0.1"

measured over an area of 100 sq. inches. This area shall be:
a. Repaired or replaced
b. Found to be acceptable
c. Repair is prohibited
d. Replacement is mandated
10. When determining average thickness in a corroded area of a shell, a

minimum of equally paced measurements shall be taken over a
length of L.
a. 10
b. 5
c. 8
d. 6
11. Vertical welds must be fully radiographed if the shell thickness
exceeds inches:
a. 3/4
b. 1
c. 1 - 1/4
d. 1 - ½
12. Anticipated minimum thickness of tank bottom where bottom /

foundation design provides for leak detection and containment is:
a. 0.10 inch
b. 0.05 inch
c. 0.09 inch
d. same as without leak detection and containment
13. The Liquid Height in tank is 50 feet. . If the Liquid height is decreased
by 10 feet, How much % change in the Minimum acceptable thk for the
given portion of the shell will occur ( 40/50= 80 % ie -20%)
a) 50 %
b) -20%
c) 25%
d) – 25 %
14. For same material , How much % change in the Minimum

acceptable thk for the given portion of the shell will occur if Tank Dia &
Height is changed from 100, 40 feet into 80,30 feet ( 80 x 30/100 x
40=2400/4000 x 100 = 6/10 x 100= 60 % . So Change is – 40 %)
a) + 50%
b) + 80 %
c) + 67 %
d) – 40 %
QB 7: API 653-2009
Q1. The pits are acceptable if:
a. Thickness at bottom of pit (excluding C.A.) ≥ ½ tmin.; and

b. Sum of dimensions in 8” length ≤ 2”
In the example,
a. The minimum thickness at bottom of the pit = 0.54”

The thickness excluding C.A. = 0.54 – 0.15 = 0.39”
This thickness ≥ ½ tmin
0.39” ≥ ½ (0.75), i.e., 0.39” ≥ 0.375” ---------- OK
b. Total sum = 1.5 +0.3+ 0.2 = 2” - - - - - - - - - OK
ANSWER: A
Q2. Minimum thickness (t2) = 0.275

ANSWER: B
Q3. L = 3 .7√ Dt
2 = 3.7 √ 25 x 0.275 = 9.7
ANSWER: A
Q4. Liquid height = 12’

H = 12’ – 2’ = 10’
ANSWER: C
Q5. Refer Table 4-1

S = 30,000 psi
ANSWER: A
Q6. Consider the value for:
Y = 30,000 psi and
T = 55,000 psi
Refer Table 4-1
ANSWER: B
Q7. The total of thicknesses taken on plane D works out to = 2.595”

which is smallest of all planes A, B, C, and D.
ANSWER: D
Q8. Value of t1 = 2.73 / 7 = 0.371”

ANSWER: D
Q9. The thickness is more than 0.09” - - - - - - - OK

ANSWER: B
Q10. ANSWER: B
Q11. ANSWER: B
Q12. ANSWER: B
Q 13 ) C
Q14) D
QB 7: (API 653-2009
Q. No. Answer Reference

1 A API 653, 4.3.2.2
2 B API 653, 4.3.2.1 (a)
3 A API 653, 4.3.2.1 (b)
4 C API 653, 4.3.3.1
5 A API 653, Table 4-1
6 B API 653, Table 4-1
7 D API 653, 4.32.1 (c)
8 D API 653, 4.32.1 (c)
9 B API 653, 4.2.1.2
10 B API 653, 4.3.2.1 (c)
11 B API 650, Fig. 6-1
12 B API 653, Table 4-4
13 C API 653 4.3.2.2
14 D API 653 4.3.2.28
QB 8: API 653-2009
Note: Encircle the letter of only one alternative which you think is most appropriate.
1. A hydrostatic test for a relocated tank:

a. May be waived by the Owner/Operator
b. Is required
c. May be waived by the Inspector
d. Is not necessary
2. Minimum thickness of tank bottom in critical zone shall be at least

0.1 inch but also it shall be:
a. Greater of: ½ tmin for lowest shell course and half of original
thickness in critical zone
b. Smaller of: ½ tmin for lowest shell course and half of original
thickness in critical zone
c. 0.1” only
d. 0.05” as from Table 6-1, if leak detection system is provided
3. During the hydrostatic test, no less than _______ settlement

measurement points shall be surveyed.
a. 8
b. 10
c. 15
d. 5
4. For vacuum box test, a partial vacuum of at least _______ shall be

used using _________ to check the cracks.
a. 3 psi, penetrating oil
b. 5 psi, water immersion
c. 3 psi, film solution
d. 5 psi, liquid penetrant
5. Which tests are usually conducted to verify acceptability of shell

to bottom plate welds?
a. Penetrating oil
b. RT
c. Vacuum box test
d. “a” and “c”
6. Except for cast iron parts, internal coils and supports may be:
a. Dye penetrant tested
b. Leak tested
c. Hammer tested
d. Magnetic particle tested
7. At the next out-of-service inspection on a tank that has had a hot

tap performed, the visual inspection should include:
a. Size of the hot tap nozzle holes
b. Thickness of the plate at the hot tap
c. Height of the hot tap from the tank bottom
d. Trimming of the hot tap nozzle holes
8. The term “roof drain” is applicable for which type of tanks?

a. Tanks with a breather device installed on the roof
b. High octane fuel tanks (Dome roof tanks)
c. Tanks with floating roofs (open top-tanks)
d. Tanks with internal floating roof
9. Industry experience and laboratory test have shown that a

membrane stress in tank shell plates of at least _______ is
required to cause failure due to brittle fracture?
a. 500 psi
b. 100 Mpa
c. 7 ksi
d. 18 kg/mm2
10. Which of the following is an advantage of magnetic particle
testing over penetrant testing?
a. it can detect surface discontinuities with foreign material
imbedded in them
b. It is faster on individual parts
c. It can detect near-surface discontinuities
d. All of the above
11. Which of the following types of discontinuities is not normally

detected by radiography?
a. Cracks
b. Incomplete penetration
c. Laminations
d. Slag
12. The reason for periodical inspection of ASTs is to:
a. Determine their physical condition
b. Determine the rate of deterioration
c. Maintain safe operating conditions
d. All of the above
13. Resistance of grounding connection shall not be,

a. more than 25 Ohms
b. less than 1 Meg-Ohm
c. less than 25 Ohms
d. more than 5 Ohms
14. Internal inspection is primarily to:

a. All of the below
b. Ensure that the bottom is not corroded and leaking;
c. Gather data for shell assessment
d. Identify and evaluate bottom settlement.
15. Repairs on butt welds shall be radiographically examined by:

a. Full radiography over entire repaired length of weld
b. 1 spot on repair portion for each vertical weld
c. 1 spot on each 50’ for horizontal weld
d. “b” and “c”
16. The API 653 standard covers the maintenance inspection, repairs,
alteration, relocation and reconstruction of tanks constructed to
____________ as basic standards though it may be adopted for
other tanks also.
a. ASME
b. API 651
c. API 652
d. API 650
17. The complete or partial removal and replacement of more than 12
inches of a vertical weld joining shell plates is considered a:
a. minor alteration
b. minor repair
c. major alteration
d. major repair
18. The difference between peaking and banding is:
a. peaking pertains to the roof;
b. banding is external to the tank;
c. peaking pertains to vertical weld seams, banding pertains to
horizontal weld seams;
d. Peaking pertains to horizontal weld seams, banding pertain to
vertical weld seams.
19. The minimum interval for external inspection by a qualified

inspector is ____ years or at the quarter corrosion-rate life of the
shell, whichever is less:
a. Twenty
b. Five
c. Ten
d. Fifteen
20. The minimum retirement thickness of an annular plate ring is

usually greater than:
a. 0.10 inch
b. 0.25 inch
c. 0.0625 inch
d. 0.1875 inch
QB 8: (API 653-2009
Q. No. Answer Reference

1 B API 653, 12.3.1.1 (a)
2 B API 653, 4.4.5.4
3 A API 653, 12.5.1.2
4 C API 650, 8.6.3
5 D API 653, 12.1.6.1
6 C API 575, 7.4.9
7 D API 653, 9.14. + General Knowledge 2015
8 C APX C 3.8 API 650
9 C API 653, 5.3.6
10 D General Knowledge for Any Inspector
11 C ASME V, Art. 2 + General Knowledge
12 D API 575, 5.1 & 5.2
13 A API 575, 7.2.5
14 A API 653, 6.4.1.1
15 A API 653, 12.1.3.2
16 D API 653, 1.1.1
17 D API 653, 3.18 e
18 C API 653, 10.5.4 & 10.5.5
19 B API 653, 6.3.2
20 A API 653, 4.4.6.1

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38

API 653 – DAY 1

Design CA is Different from Remaining CA

Conflict between the requirements of API 650

100) Welding 650 : Do not do below 0 Deg C.

But for API 653 : It is more relaxed.

4. Plumpness : For API 650 it is h/200

5. Peaking ½ inch for both API 650 & 653

For VERTICAL JOINTS

For HORIZONTAL JOINT :

For Vertical & repaired joints – One Additional RT in Each joint

For the purpose of Radiography Plates are considered to be of same

8. Inspection Interval only API 653

For Hot tap, 4 measurement t points at 90 degree to each other

For tank bottom settlement no of points required is D/10 but minimum 8.

11. Thickness Tables

As Per API 650

13. But Acceptance std is by ASME SEC VIII

15. Training For RT & UT –SNT-TC-1A

VT Exam – For removal of attachments, No qualification.

MT is required in weld removal area of bottom to shell

Shell to shell plate weld for more than 1 Inch Thk :

16. To pass API 6653 exam

17. Slope of supported cone roof ¾ inch in 12 inch

18. ASME SEC IX

19. 2015 – Safe entry

2207 Preparing tank bottom for hot work

22. Confusing table UI Means up to & Inclusive

Reinforcement (Same for API 650 & 653)

Misalignment ( Same for API 650 & 653) UI

HORIZONTAL : For Plates UI 5/16 inch, it is 1.5 mm

Roundness or Radii tolerance at 1 foot from the bottom

DIA VS SHELL THICKNESS

Less than 50 feet 3/16 inch

50 feet to less than 120 feet 4/16

120 to less than or equal to 200 5/16

More than 200 feet 6/16

25. Mixed cases :Procedure Qualification thickness

Less than 1/16 inch t- 2t

1/16 UI 3/8 1/16 – 2t

Above 3/8 and less than ¾ 3/16 to 2t

26. Most commonly used plate material is A 36, A 283 grade C

29. Visual acceptance

30. Any defect in the repair weld full radiography

32. fracture assessment should be conducted by a metallurgist or design

33. Hydrostatic test is to be done

34. Internal tank inspection can be substituted for external UT Measurements.

API 653 Third Edition

API 653 Third Edition

3. Design metal temperature of tank is assumed to be 8ºC (15º F) above

5. If average value of 3 specimen is < specified average value (SAV) —

a. Value of one specimen is < SAV but ≥ 2/3 SAV — accept

On retest for b and c all three specimen ≥ SAV — accept

6. The required thickness of shell plates for tanks up to 60 m (200 feet)

D = Tank Diameter m (ft)

9. Minimum nominal thickness excluding corrosion allowance for roof

13. Radiography is also required on:

1. According to API 653, “Repairs” means any work necessary to

2. “Authorized inspection agency” is any one of the following

3. “Break-over point” means area of tank bottom where

4. “Change of service” means change in fluid stored and

5. “Critical zone” means portion of tank bottom within 3

6. “Repair organization” means any of the following who