Regular API-653 inspections are crucial for tank longevity and state regulatory requirements. Let our certified inspectors help you complete this task in a timely and professional manner. In conducting these specific inspections, Heartland Tank Services’ API certified inspectors have the priority of ensuring that your tank is safe, reliable, and fit for continued service.
What is an API 653 Tank Inspection?
This API Standard applies to atmospheric welded or bolted above ground storage tanks that were constructed to the API 650 standard or its predecessor, API 12C. Inspections analyze the tank for whether it is fit for continued service based on criteria analyzing the safety of the structure components.
The components examined during the inspection are the foundation, tank bottom, shell courses, roof, attached appurtenances (nozzles, manways, fill pipes, etc.), ancillary equipment (stairways, railings, etc.), and internal PVC liner if applicable. The examinations involve visual inspection as well as ultrasonic thickness measurements of the shell, roof, and floor. Based on the observations and comparison to API 650 tank requirements, the certified tank inspector will detail any needed repairs, suggested repairs, and the maximum tank or liner fill height.
For more details on Tank Inspections, see our article Determining When You Need A Liquid Fertilizer Storage Tank Inspection.
Why Choose Heartland Tank for Inspections?
Our Heartland Tank Services’ inspectors are American Petroleum Institute 653 certified, ensuring knowledgeable and experienced personnel evaluate your tank. Each Heartland inspector will complete a visual examination of the tank, Ultrasonic Thickness tests, a vacuum test (if appropriate for tank floor characteristics), and a settlement survey. If any areas of the tank need repair, the inspector will mark the problematic section for easy identification. Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a preliminary report of the findings and discuss with you the best options to keep your tank in tip top shape.
Post inspection, Heartland Tank Services sends a final inspection report including the collected tank data and conclusions as to whether the tank meets the API 650 specification. The final report will also include recommendations for any necessary or suggested repairs to assist the tank owner in keeping or returning the tank to service. This final inspection report can be used for tank permit or license renewal purposes if the tank is fit for continued service.
Heartland Tank Services has goals of conducting inspections expertly and with downtime in mind. Our aim is to coordinate the required inspection to keep the tank downtime to a minimum. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
Who Needs Above Ground Tank Inspections?
Every API 650 tank needs regular inspections. A formal API inspection is needed on a regular basis, but informal tank inspections completed by the tank owner is important as well. Here is a schedule of inspections to perform on an API 650 above ground storage tank recommended by The Fertilizer Institute:
- Monthly External In-Service “Walk Around” Inspections
- Formal External and Internal Out-of-Service API 653 Inspections Every 5-10 Years
Monthly Inspections
Monthly inspections should be conducted by the owner of the tank and the results should be recorded in a log. Essentially, you need to visually inspect the outside of the tank for any corrosion, settling of the tank, leaks, or any other type of condition that has changed since the last monthly inspection. Tanks change very slowly over time, so it is important to record any observations to see any pattern and allow you to repair any issue in its infancy instead of permitting it to become a large problem.
Formal API 653 Inspections
Tanks change in ways that cannot be visually detected and that is why formal API inspections are required. Heartland Tank Services’ certified inspectors will used their trained eyes to visually inspect the inside and outside of the tank and use techniques, such as ultrasonic thickness measurements to test the welds and tank plate thicknesses to ensure they are secure.
For liquid fertilizer tanks, no federal requirements exist as to how often an API 650 tank must be inspected. Most states and regulatory agencies require periodic inspections. In line with the recommendations of The Fertilizer Institute, states with inspection requirements have time periods of between 5 and 10 years for inspections. State inspection requirements are usually tied to obtaining or renewing an operation license or permit.
Are you unsure of your state’s tank inspection requirements? Heartland Tank Services tracks all state requirements, so just contact us to find out when you need your tank inspected. To learn more, click here.
Preferred Tank Inspection Company of CPS
Related Documents
- Does your Liquid Fertilizer Tank Need an API 653 Inspection?
- Considerations in Repurposing Liquid Above Ground Steel Storage Tanks
- Basics of API 653 Standard for Aboveground Storage Tanks
- Determining When you Need a Liquid Fertilizer Storage Tank Inspection
- Importance of Regular API 653 Standard Inspections
