A Guide to Storage Tank Inspection

Introduction

Refinery, petrochemical, and storage tank operators are responsible for properly cleaning facility tanks on a periodic maintenance basis, typically in 20 to 30 year increments.  After cleaning, the tanks must be inspected for corrosion and other damage according to the tank construction code, API 650 Welded Tanks for Oil Storage prior to restarting tank operations.  API 653 is the industry standard inspection code for storage tank inspection and maintenance, covering the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of steel aboveground storage tanks used in the petroleum and chemical industries.

Facility-cleaning technicians, as well as third-party service providers, are always advised to make critical inspections after each tank is cleaned to ensure that all tank structures and equipment are safe to resume operations prior to refill and startup.  This article provides a suggested “checklist” of inspection activities to ensure safe and reliable operations after cleaning.