Oil and Gas

Oil and Gas | Facilities and Surface Operations

API 650, 653, and 620 Storage Tanks

Course Code: N609
Instructors:  Philip Myers
Course Outline:  Download
Format and Duration:
2 days

Summary

This course is designed for petroleum or other industry personnel responsible for the design, construction, inspection, maintenance, regulatory compliance, or operation of API above ground storage tanks. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the relevant standards for new construction and existing tank inspection, repair, alteration and maintenance, highlighting the most recent revisions and upcoming changes. Essential storage tank technology not covered by the standards will also be reviewed. Please note a copy of the standards is not included.

Feedback

The instructor has a very good anecdotal style, easy to relate to with real-world experiences and able to engage the class. The information presented was nicely captured with references to current documents. Upcoming developments were discussed about the standards, but the real gem was the focus on practical value

Duration and Training Method

This is a two-day classroom course comprising lectures illuistrated with numerous examples and exercises. A variety of forms associated with the API standards are presented. Participants will earn 1.4 CEUs (Continuing Education Credits) or 14 PDHs (Professional Development Hours).

Course Overview

Participants will learn to:

  1. Understand the important requirements of API 650, API 653, and API 620, including their addenda and annexes.
  2. Apply the terminology of storage tanks.
  3. Discuss the materials used to construct and maintain storage tanks.
  4. Analyze the design limits of storage tanks.
  5. Demonstrate the requirements, timing, and frequency of storage tank inspection.
  6. Demonstrate tank repair materials and methods.
  7. Review publications applicable to tanks, including API standards.
  8. Understand important storage tank requirements not included in the API standards.
Topics Covered
  • Atmospheric Tanks
  • Tank Site, Foundation Design and Construction
  • Preventing Bottom Leaks, Tank Settlement
  • Materials - Carbon Steel, Aluminum, Stainless
  • Design, Sample Problems, Heated Tanks
  • External/Internal Pressure, Seismic, Other Loads
  • Nozzles and Roof Types
  • Fabrication (Shop Work)
  • Erection, Welding Requirements
  • Testing and Tolerances
  • Inspection, Radiography, Ultrasonic
  • Welding Requirements
  • Marking, API Monogram
  • Documentation, Special Service Standards
  • Existing Tank Evaluation, Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction
  • Failures Leading to these Requirements
  • Organizations that May Use the Standard
  • Definitions of Authorized Inspector, Storage Tank Engineer
  • Evaluation to Determine Suitability for Continued Use
  • How to Evaluate and Keep Bottoms Leak Free
  • Brittle Fracture Considerations
  • Inspection and Required Frequency
  • Repair and Alteration Requirements
  • Internal Inspection Timing Optimization
  • Low Pressure Storage Tanks
  • Refrigerated and Cryogenic (Such as LNG) Tanks
  • Smaller tanks such as oilfield production tanks and UL tanks

Day One

API Standard 650 for design and construction of new storage tanks. Even if you only deal with existing tanks, you must be familiar with API 650 for installing items in existing tanks, such as new nozzles, and requirements not included in the standards for existing tanks. Also presented are tank type selection for various products, insulation for heated tanks, when to use shop fabricated tanks and other items not covered in API 650 but essential for anyone working with tanks.

Day Two

API Standard 653 for tank inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction. An exercise will be conducted to optimize selection of tanks for internal inspection. The required inspection frequency and what to inspect will be covered in detail. How to avoid problems and failures when modifying or repairing old tanks which do not meet current standards. A small amount of time will be devoted to API Standard 620, which deals with low pressure storage tanks, such as tanks with blanketing gas and refrigerated products (butane, propane, LNG, etc.), and smaller tanks such as oilfield production tanks and Underwriters Laboratory tanks.

Anyone involved with design, operations, maintenance and management of storage tanks. It should be noted that failure to follow national tank standards, such as those covered, carries the risk of liability should there be a failure or injury.

Philip Myers

Background
Philip Myers has had experience in process and project engineering in the utility, chemicals, petrochemicals and refining businesses. Midway in his career he has specialized in tank, piping and pressure vessel technology with a focus on environmental protection and safety engineering.

In addition, he did significant work in decision and risk for operations management. He has applied this work to standards technologies as well as safety. He held a CSP (Certified Safety Profession) license and Chairman of the Subcommittee for Tanks and Pressure Vessels for the American Petroleum Institute (API), vice chairman of ASME's B96.1 Committee for Aluminum Tanks and chaired many other taskgroups and committees. He served on the ASCE 7 Seismic Task Group for non-building structures.

Philip has been a nominee for the Chevron Fellows Program, reflecting his expertise and contributions. Notably, he actively participated in the official investigation of the Buncefield Incident at the request of the Health Safety Executive (HSE), earning a commendation from Chevron Vice President, Mike Worth. Serving as chairman of the Subcommittee for Tanks and Pressure Vessels for the American Petroleum Institute (API), he has played a crucial role in shaping industry standards. Additionally, his involvement in the API Storage Tank Task Force highlights his commitment to addressing regulatory and environmental issues in the field.

Affiliations & Accreditation
MSc University of California, Berkeley - Chemical Engineering
BSc University of California, Berkeley - Chemical Engineering

Courses Taught
N609: API 650, 653, and 620 Storage Tanks

 

CEU: 1.4 Continuing Education Units
PDH: 14 Professional Development Hours
Certificate: Certificate Issued Upon Completion
RPS is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. We comply with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognised internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices.
We issue a Certificate of Attendance which verifies the number of training hours attended. Our courses are generally accepted by most professional licensing boards/associations towards continuing education credits. Please check with your licensing board to determine if the courses and certificate of attendance meet their specific criteria.