Coating Prior to Hydrostatic Testing
Agenda Item: 650-2024
Title: Painting and Coating Prior to Hydostatic Testing
Date: 12/15/16
Contact: Name: Mike Brockway
Company: Tank Consultants, Inc.
Phone: 918-858-0622
E-mail: MBrockway@[Link]
Committee: Dave Cushman
Ron Spork
Susan Marie Wenner
Purpose: Provide guidance in API 650 for testing required in addition to the hydrostatic
testing if the tank is or is not coated prior to the hydrostatic test.
Reference: API 650 Section 7.3.7
ASME Section VIII, UG-99(k)
Source: Discussion by Doug Miller
Revision: 1 Submitted for review at the Fall 2015 Meeting
2 Revisions submitted for Ballot after the Fall 2015 Meeting
3 Presented at the Spring 2016 Meeting
4 Reworded and Presented at the Fall 2016 Meeting
5 Revised per meeting comments and submitted for Ballot Fall 2016
Impact: Mixed depending on results of hydrotest and need for cleaning prior to coating.
Background: Tank companies and coating contractors are frequently asked if API
recommends/requires coating before or after hydrotesting. There is nothing
currently in the API code specifically addressing this question, but ASME has
recently addressed it by requiring the test to be performed prior to coating unless
specifically permitted by the user or his designated agent.
Proposal: Revise Section 7.3.7 in API Std 650 to include more detail.
Rationale: Verbiage from ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code 2013 Ed Section UG-99
(k) Painting and Coating
(1) Unless permitted by the user or his designated agent, pressure-retaining welds
of vessels shall not be painted or otherwise coated either internally or externally
prior to the pressure test. [See UCI-99(b) andUCD-99(b).]
(2) When painting or coating prior to the hydrostatic test is permitted, or when
internal linings are to be applied, the pressure-retaining welds shall first be leak
tested in accordance with ASME Section V, Article 10. Such a test may be waived
with the approval of the user or his designated agent.
From API 650 12th Ed Addendum 2, 2016
Page 1 of 4
Coating Prior to Hydrostatic Testing
Existing Wording
7.3.7 Hydrostatic Testing Requirements
[Link] The tank hydrostatic test shall be conducted before permanent external piping is connected to the tank
except for piping that is necessary to fill and empty the tank, which should have a flexible component to allow for
settlement. Attachments to the shell defined in [Link], located at least 1 m (3 ft) above the water level, and roof
appurtenances may be welded during the filling of the tank with water. After completion of the hydro-test, only
nonstructural small attachments may be welded to the tank in accordance with [Link]. Any welded joints above
the test water level shall be examined for leakage by one of the following methods:
1) applying a highly penetrating oil on all interior weld joints, e.g. automobile spring oil, and examining the
outside of the joints for leakage;
2) applying vacuum to either side of the joints or applying internal air pressure as specified for the roof test
in 7.3.8 and visually examining the joints for leakage; or
3) using any combination of the methods stipulated in Subitems 1 and 2.
L.3 Specific Instructions
L.3.1 Line-by-Line Instructions
14. Pressure Test (See 7.3.6)
Responsibility for Heating Test Water, if Required: Select one.
Hydrostatic-Test Fill Height*: See 7.3.6, F.4.4, and F.8.3. Hydrostatic Test Exemption (Yes/No): Purchaser
may waive hydrostatic test with water per 7.3.6, Item 2).
Settlement Measurements (Yes/No): Purchaser may waive the measurement of foundation settlement
during the hydro-test in accordance with [Link].
From the API Std 650 Storage Tank Data Sheet (page 2 of 8)
14. Exemption from hydrotest? Yes No Responsibility for Heating Water, if Required: Purchaser
Manufacturer
Hydro-Test Fill Height* ________ Settlement Measurements Required? Yes No Extended Duration of Hydro-
Test:_________
Predicted Settlement Profile is Attached
Responsibility for Setting Water Quality: Purchaser Manufacturer Supplemental Test Water Quality Spec.
_____________
Table L.1 - Index of Decisions or Actions Which may be Required of the Tank Purchaser
[Link]
7.3.6, Item 1)
[Link], Items 2), 3), 4), 5), and 7)
[Link]
Proposed New Wording with Changes in Red
Page 2 of 4
Coating Prior to Hydrostatic Testing
7.3.7 Hydrostatic Testing Requirements
[Link] The tank hydrostatic test shall be conducted before permanent external piping is connected to the tank
except for piping that is necessary to fill and empty the tank, which should have a flexible component to allow for
settlement. Attachments to the shell defined in [Link], located at least 1 m (3 ft) above the water level, and roof
appurtenances may be welded during the filling of the tank with water. After completion of the hydro-test, only
nonstructural small attachments may be welded to the tank in accordance with [Link]. Any welded joints above
the test water level shall be examined for leakage by one of the following methods:
When the hydrostatic test is specified by the purchaser to be performed before the application of any internal or
external coating systems, (not including shop applied primer that remains on the plates but is removed from the
weld joints) only those welded tank shell joints and fittings above the test water level shall be examined for leakage
by one of the following subitems.
When the hydrostatic test is specified by the purchaser to be performed after the application of any internal or
external coating system, (not including shop applied primer that remains on the plates but is removed from the weld
joints) all welded tank shell joints and fittings shall be examined for leakage by one of the following subitems prior to
the application of coating.
1) applying a highly penetrating oil on all interior weld joints, e.g. automobile spring oil, and examining the
outside of the joints for leakage;
2) applying vacuum to either side of the weld joints or applying internal air pressure as specified for the roof
test in 7.3.8 and visually examining the weld joints for leakage; or
3) using any combination of the methods stipulated in subitems 1 and 2.
L.3 Specific Instructions
L.3.1 Line-by-Line Instructions
14. Pressure Test (See 7.3.6)
Responsibility for Heating Test Water, if Required: Select one.
Hydrostatic-Test Fill Height*: See 7.3.6, F.4.4, and F.8.3. Hydrostatic Test Exemption (Yes/No): Purchaser
may waive hydrostatic test with water per 7.3.6, Item 2).
Welded joints to be coated before or after Hydrostatic testing is performed (See [Link]).
Settlement Measurements (Yes/No): Purchaser may waive the measurement of foundation settlement
during the hydro-test in accordance with [Link].
From the API Std 650 Storage Tank Data Sheet (page 2 of 8)
14. Exemption from hydrotest? Yes No Responsibility for Heating Water, if Required: Purchaser
Manufacturer
Hydro-Test Fill Height* ________ Settlement Measurements Required? Yes No Extended Duration of Hydro-
Test:_________
Predicted Settlement Profile is Attached
Application of Coating on weld joints before after hydrostatic testing is performed.
Page 3 of 4
Coating Prior to Hydrostatic Testing
Responsibility for Setting Water Quality: Purchaser Manufacturer Supplemental Test Water Quality Spec.
_____________
Table L.1 - Index of Decisions or Actions Which may be Required of the Tank Purchaser
[Link]
7.3.6, Item 1)
[Link]
[Link], Items 2), 3), 4), 5), and 7)
[Link]
Page 4 of 4
