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Have you ever wondered why you need valve containment boxes on you’re API 650 tank when you already have an internal PVC tank liner, one of the state’s acceptable secondary containment options? First, states that permit internal tank liners require valve containment boxes, so there really is no choice in the matter. Nevertheless, valve containment boxes are worth every penny in protection against a product leak if an above ground tank valve fails. Talking about containment can be disheartening because it is centered on the undesired situation of part of a tank system failing or leaking. Remember though that such safety

In recent years, Oklahoma has experienced hundreds of magnitude 3+ earthquakes annually — with each year since 2013 bringing a remarkable increase over the prior year. What is the cause of this continued increase in earthquakes? According to Oklahoma’s Office of the Secretary of Energy and Environment’s Earthquakes in Oklahoma: What We Know webpage, “The Oklahoma Geological Survey has determined that the majority of recent earthquakes in central and north-central Oklahoma are very likely triggered by the injection of produced water in disposal wells.” In other words, the practice of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, and its byproducts is a real concern.

API 650 tanks are commonly repurposed to store a different liquid than what intended when the tank was originally built. This happens in every industry imaginable, because companies want to use their capital resources efficiently. The most important step in the process is to have an API 653 tank inspection performed on the above ground storage tank before the new product is introduced. The inspection evaluates the integrity of the tank and calculates the maximum fill height. When an API 650 storage tank is constructed, the design of the tank is chosen based on the liquid that will be

As expected, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and some non-OPEC countries reached an agreement in 2016 to cut the production of crude oil to increase prices. This cut has ended the super contango in the oil market, and API 650 tanks are starting to be emptied to put the oil on the market. A contango is when the current price of a commodity does not reflect its actual value. This results in the future price of the commodity being higher than the spot price. A common situation causing contango is an oversupply of the commodity in the market.

The toll of tropical storm Harvey on southeastern Texas continues to grow and be felt in various ways.  With this record breaking amount of rain for the region, structures of all sorts were tested.  This included above ground storage tanks in the oil industry.  Unfortunately, some of the API 650 tanks did not pass the test. Shell reported this week to regulators that the floating roof of one of its API 650 tanks in Deer Park partially sank due to the heavy rainfall.  Based on such issues, 100 pounds of benzene and 100 pounds of toluene were released.  Benzene is classified as a

Hurricane Harvey caused a great deal of destruction due to flooding and shutting down power around the Gulf Coast. While cleanup efforts continue, details of chemicals released during and after the hurricane provide some lessons to be learned in securing an above ground storage tank. The Associated Press has identified at least 34 above ground storage tank and tank battery failures during Harvey. Such spills resulted in the release of more than 600,000 gallons of combined crude oil, gasoline, and other chemicals. The largest spill reported was 461,000-gallons of gasoline from an above ground tank in Galena Park, a

Heartland Tank Services Founder Chris Brooks accepted an award from Illinois’s AG-SOLVE group for the continued donation of an API 653 inspection service to the AG-SOLVE fundraising auction at the IFCA trade show. Dan Mogged of AG-SOLVE presented Brooks with the Leadership Award. This award is named in honor of Senator Harry “Babe” Woodward, the late Illinois State Senator known for being a spokesman for farmers. Heartland Tank Services received the award for the continued support of the Illinois group that supports legislators who take a leadership role in the priorities and policies of the Ag-Input Industry.

A tank is a tank is a tank and there is nothing to API 650 design, right? API 650 tank design is critical for building a structurally safe tank. While there are not thousands of modifications, at least 3 major choices go into the design of an API 650 storage tank. Tank Size Tank size seems like a redundant question once you calculate your product tonnage per year. However, you must determine the diameter and height combination that best suites your property. If property space is tight, a taller height and smaller diameter is a good

If your business includes ownership of above ground storage tanks, be certain you review the times when an API 653 tank inspection is needed. This will help determine if you need to allocate funds for an API 653 inspection in the coming year. Situations when an API 653 inspection is needed: 1. When states require it for permit renewal in intervals as recommended by The Fertilizer Institute. 2. When changing products being stored. 3. If monthly visual inspections indicate rapid changes in the tank’s condition. Most states require liquid fertilizer tanks as well as other API 650 tanks to