Certification
Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector
American Petroleum Institute
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The American Petroleum Institute initiated an API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification Program with the participation of storage tank owners and users. It establishes a uniform national program that assists state and local governments in aboveground storage tank regulations.
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Skills taught
Calculate metal loss, corrosion rates, remaining life, remaining corrosion allowance, and inspection intervals for aboveground storage tanksDetermine joint efficiency of tank welds using joint types and radiography extent for tank integrity evaluationCalculate maximum allowable fill height and minimum allowable shell thickness for corroded tank areasEvaluate corroded shell areas including average thickness, critical length, and minimum thickness for continued serviceEvaluate pitted shell areas including maximum acceptable pit depth and pit length limits on aboveground storage tanksCalculate minimum remaining bottom plate thickness and maximum period of operation for tank bottomsDetermine weld sizes and spacing for shell and roof openings on aboveground storage tanks using API 650 tables and figuresApply hot tapping requirements and calculate minimum spacing between existing and new nozzles on aboveground storage tanksCalculate maximum allowable settlement including edge settlement, bottom settlement near the shell, and localized remote settlementDetermine the number of settlement survey points for aboveground storage tanksDetermine impact testing requirements including design metal temperature, material group, and acceptable impact test values for tank materialsCalculate minimum shell thickness for existing and reconstructed tanks using allowable stresses and joint efficienciesDetermine minimum dimensions and weld sizes for replacement plates and lap-welded patch plates on aboveground storage tanksReview welding procedure specifications, procedure qualification records, and welder performance qualifications for compliance with ASME and API requirementsApply general welding requirements for aboveground storage tanks including joint types, weld sizes, restrictions, and inspection requirements per API 650 and API 653Apply radiographic examination requirements including IQI selection, density, and recordkeeping for tank weld inspectionApply liquid penetrant examination procedures, techniques, interpretation, and documentation for aboveground storage tank inspectionApply magnetic particle examination procedures, calibration, techniques, and interpretation for aboveground storage tank inspectionApply ultrasonic thickness measurement procedures for in-service tank shell and bottom evaluationApply nondestructive examination requirements of API 650 and API 653 to aboveground storage tank inspectionIdentify damage mechanisms affecting aboveground storage tanks including atmospheric corrosion, brittle fracture, stress corrosion cracking, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and soil corrosionPerform internal and external inspection of aboveground storage tanks including evaluating shells, roofs, bottoms, foundations, nozzles, and auxiliary equipmentEvaluate tank suitability for continued service including change-of-service effects and failure assessmentApply inspection intervals and alternatives to required internal inspection for aboveground storage tanksApply repair and alteration requirements for aboveground storage tanks including material requirements, NDE, and testingApply hydrostatic and leak testing requirements following repairs and alterations to aboveground storage tanksApply cathodic protection principles and methods for corrosion control on aboveground petroleum storage tanksApply tank bottom lining requirements including lining types, surface preparation, material selection, and causes of lining failureInspect weight-loaded pressure and vacuum relief devices on aboveground storage tanksMaintain inspection records and reports for aboveground storage tank inspection, repair, and alteration activities