API 653 Storage Tank Inspections

Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection & Integrity Services

Aboveground storage tanks are critical assets across the oil & gas, mining, chemical, energy, manufacturing and industrial sectors. Regular inspection is essential to identify corrosion, degradation and other defects before they compromise tank integrity or lead to an unexpected loss of containment.

Our API 653 storage tank inspection services provide comprehensive assessment of aboveground storage tanks, combining experienced inspection personnel with advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques to help determine the condition, remaining serviceability and ongoing integrity of your tank assets.

We can inspect tanks during planned shutdowns, maintenance programs, refurbishment projects and in-service inspection campaigns.

API 653 Inspection

API 653 provides the recognised requirements for the inspection, repair, alteration and reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks originally constructed to API 650 and its predecessor standards.

Our inspection programs can be developed around the requirements of API 653, the tank's original design and construction records, previous inspection history and the operating conditions of the asset.

A typical inspection program may include:

• External visual inspection

• Internal visual inspection

• Shell plate thickness measurement

• Floor plate thickness measurement

• Roof inspection

• Annular plate inspection

• Weld inspection

• Nozzle and manway inspection

• Corrosion assessment

• Settlement assessment

• Inspection of tank appurtenances

• Coating and lining condition assessment

• Evaluation of repairs and alterations

• NDT examination of suspect areas

• Identification and mapping of areas requiring repair

• Collection of data for remaining-life assessment

Advanced NDT for Storage Tanks

Visual inspection alone cannot identify many forms of degradation. Our NDT capability allows detailed examination of tank components without compromising their integrity.

Depending on the inspection requirements, we can provide:

Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic thickness measurement is used to establish the remaining wall thickness of tank shell plates, floors, roofs, annular plates and other components.

Thickness readings can be collected at defined inspection locations or developed into detailed corrosion maps where more extensive assessment is required.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)

PAUT provides advanced ultrasonic examination of welds and other critical areas, allowing multiple angles and inspection zones to be assessed from a single probe position.

PAUT can be particularly useful when evaluating tank welds, repairs, nozzle connections and areas where conventional NDT techniques may provide limited information.

Corrosion Mapping

Where general or localised corrosion is suspected, ultrasonic corrosion mapping can provide a detailed representation of remaining material thickness.

This allows areas of wall loss to be identified, quantified and documented for engineering assessment.

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

MT can be used to identify surface and near-surface indications in suitable ferromagnetic materials, particularly around welds, attachments, repairs and other areas of stress concentration.

Dye Penetrant Testing (PT)

PT can be used to identify surface-breaking defects in suitable non-porous materials where required.

Visual Inspection

Detailed visual inspection remains an important component of any tank integrity assessment. We assess accessible shell, roof, floor, welds, nozzles, manways, structural components, coatings and other tank features for evidence of deterioration or damage.

Tank Floor Inspection

Tank floors are particularly susceptible to corrosion and can present significant inspection challenges.

Depending on the tank configuration and inspection objectives, we can provide ultrasonic examination and corrosion mapping to identify areas of metal loss.

Inspection data can be used to support an engineering assessment of the tank floor and assist in determining whether repair or replacement is required.

Where appropriate, inspection strategies can be developed to target known problem areas or provide broader coverage of the tank floor.

Tank Shell Inspection

Shell plates are assessed for general corrosion, localised corrosion, pitting, mechanical damage and other forms of deterioration.

Ultrasonic thickness measurements can be taken according to the inspection plan and previous inspection history, with additional measurements performed in areas where significant degradation is identified.

Where required, detailed thickness mapping can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the condition of the shell.

Weld Inspection

Tank welds are critical to the structural and containment integrity of the tank.

Our NDT services can be used to examine welds for surface and volumetric indications, depending on the material, weld configuration and applicable inspection requirements.

Available techniques may include:

• PAUT

• Conventional UT

• MT

• PT

• Other specialist NDT techniques as required

The appropriate inspection method is selected based on the tank design, material, weld configuration, defect mechanism and applicable acceptance criteria.

Inspection Reports & Data

A useful tank inspection is more than a collection of thickness readings.

We provide structured inspection reporting designed to clearly document:

• Tank identification and inspection scope

• Inspection dates and conditions

• Areas inspected

• NDT techniques used

• Thickness measurements

• Corrosion and defect locations

• Weld inspection results

• Photographic records

• Defect and damage locations

• Areas requiring further assessment

• Repair recommendations where applicable

• Comparison with previous inspection data where available

Inspection data can also be provided in formats suitable for engineering review, maintenance planning and future inspection programs.

Supporting Your Tank Integrity Program

Our objective is to provide reliable inspection data that allows asset owners, engineers and maintenance teams to make informed decisions about their storage tanks.

By combining API 653 inspection principles with advanced NDT, we can help identify deterioration early, establish the current condition of the asset and provide the information required to plan maintenance and repairs.

Whether you require a single tank inspection or an ongoing inspection program across multiple facilities, we can develop an inspection scope around your operational and asset-integrity requirements.

Plan Your Next Tank Inspection

If your storage tank is approaching its scheduled inspection, has a history of corrosion, is undergoing refurbishment, or requires an independent condition assessment, contact us to discuss your requirements.

We can assist with inspection planning, NDT execution, data collection and technical reporting for aboveground storage tanks.

Contact us today to discuss your API 653 storage tank inspection requirements.