API 653
Tank
Inspection
Intervals
Presented by:
Mark A. Baker, P.E.
Baker Consulting Group, Inc.
Inspection Frequency
Considerations
a) the nature of the product stored;
b) the results of visual maintenance
checks;
c) corrosion allowances and corrosion rates;
d) corrosion prevention systems;
e) conditions at previous inspections;
f) the methods and materials of
construction and repair;
Inspection Frequency
Considerations
g) the location of tanks;
h) the potential risk of air or water pollution;
i) leak detection systems;
j) change in operating mode
k) jurisdictional requirements;
l) changes in service
Internal inspection is required
to:
Ensure that the bottom is not severely
corroded and / or leaking.
Gather the data necessary for the minimum
bottom and shell thickness assessments.
Identify and evaluate bottom settlement.
API 653
Initial
Inspection
Interval
The interval from initial service
until the initial internal inspection
shall not exceed 10 years.
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
With one or more of the leak prevention,
detection, corrosion mitigation or
containment safeguards:
The initial internal
inspection date shall be
based on incremental
credits for the additional
safeguards which are
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
Tank Safeguard
Fiberglass-reinforced lining of the product-side
Add to Initial Interval
5 yrs
of the tank bottom installed per API 652.
Installation of an internal thin-film coating as
2 yrs
installed per API 652.
Cathodic protection of the soil-side of the tank
5 yrs
bottom installed, maintained and inspected
per API 651.
Release prevention barrier installed per API
10 yrs
650, Annex I.
Bottom corrosion allowance greater than 0.150 (Actual corrosion
allowance - 150 mils) /
in.
15 mpy
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
EXAMPLE
With
Tank Safeguard of:
Thin-film coating
Release Prevention Barrier
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
EXAMPLE
Initial Interval
Thin-film coating
Release Prevention Barrier
+10 years
+ 2 years
+10 years
Inspection Interval = 22 Years
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
The initial interval shall not exceed:
20 years for tanks without a RPB
30 years for tank with a RPB
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
If an RBI (Risk Based
Inspection) assessment has
been performed,
the maximum initial internal
interval does not apply to
tanks storing the following:
EXCEPT..
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
1. Viscous products which
solidify at temperatures of
110F or below.
API 653 Initial Inspection Interval
2 Any substance that is:
not identified or regulated
either as a hazardous
chemical, and
that the owner/operator has
determined will not adversely
impact surface or groundwater
beyond the facility or affect
human health or the
environment.
API 653
Subsequent
Inspection
Interval
(re-inspection)
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
Determined using the
corrosion rate procedures
[Link]
Or, using the RBI
procedures
[Link]
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
During any examination to
determine corrosion rates the
owner/operator should ensure they
understand the effectiveness of the
inspection techniques employed
for detecting and measuring
potential damage mechanisms.
Hole
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
MRT = (Min of RTbc or RTip) Or (StPr + UPr)
Steps for corrosion rate
calculations
Determine reporting thickness
Coated
Bottom
Uncoated
Bottom
Steps for corrosion rate
calculations
Scan
the bottom
Perform
UT prove up to determine
minimum thickness.
Finally - Calculate Subsequent
Inspection
MRT = (Min of RTbc or RTip) Or (StPr + UPr)
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
Subsequent
Inspection Interval
with no RPB
Maximum
Interval = 25 years
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
Subsequent Inspection
Interval
and a RPB
Maximum
30 years
Interval of
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
RBI
PROCEDURES
[Link]
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
An owner/operator can establish the
subsequent internal inspection interval
using risk based inspection (RBI)
procedures in accordance with API RP
580 and the additional requirements of
API 653
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
The RBI assessment shall be
performed by a team including
inspection and engineering
expertise knowledgeable in :
tank
design, construction,
and
modes of deterioration, and
the proper application of API
RP 580 principles
API 653 Subsequent Inspection Interval
The RBI assessment shall be reviewed
and approved by a team at intervals
not to exceed 10 years.
Some people BEARly
consider the following.
Factors to Consider in a RBI
Assessment
The
tank design and material of
construction
Details about the foundation and
surrounding area
Operational history
Inspection history
Product characteristics
Etc.
Consequences to Consider
Product
type and volume
Mode of failure
slow leak,
bottom rupture,
Shell brittle fracture
Public
health and safety
Environmental impact
Cost
RBI Inspection
RBI
Assessments may include other
types of inspections such as acoustic
emissions
RBI Assessments
Perception is it provides a
methodology to extend the inspection
interval
May
shorten the inspection interval
May
result in additional focused
inspections
Allows
a company to focus its resources
Comparison
Direct Measurements in API 653: Based on
the sum of the product side and soil side
bottom corrosion rates
Traditional approach for determining
inspection intervals in API 653
Tends to be a conservative approach
because it is based on the sum of
corrosion rates
Comparison
RBI Assessment with 10-Year Update
Assessments based on API 580/581 as
implemented in API 653: Based on direct
measurements or conservative-provided
estimates of the bottom corrosion rates
Tends to be considered realistic estimates
because it is based on the maximum
corrosion rate of the bottom
Then
If all else fails.
Questions ?
