API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, is a standard developed and published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and covers the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of steel aboveground storage tanks used in the petroleum and chemical industries. API 653 was originally published in January of 1991, and the most recent 5th edition was released in November of 2014.

The requirements set forth in API 653 are meant to cover those steel storage tanks that were constructed under the standards of API 650 and its predecessor API 12C. If there are any conflicts found between this standard and those, API 653 is to take precedence. While it was specifically written to apply to those tanks constructed under API 650 and API 12C, API 653 can, at the owner’s discretion, be applied to tanks constructed under other standards as well.

Industry Application

This standard provides the minimum requirements for maintaining the integrity of welded or riveted, non-refrigerated and refrigerated, atmospheric pressure, aboveground storage tanks after they have been placed into service. It only applies to maintaining the integrity of the foundation, bottom, shell, structure, roof, attached appurtenances, and nozzles to the face of the first flange, first threaded joint, or first welding-end connection of the tank. 

This standard recognizes fitness-for-service assessment concepts for evaluating in-service degradation of pressure containing components. API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, Fitness-For-Service, provides detailed assessment procedures or acceptance criteria for specific types of degradation referenced in this standard. When this standard does not provide specific evaluation procedures or acceptance criteria for a specific type of degradation or when this standard explicitly allows the use of fitness-for-service criteria, API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 may be used to evaluate the various types of degradation or test requirements addressed in this standard.

API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification

API offers a 653 certification through their Individual Certification Program. The API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector must have a broad knowledge base relating to tank inspection and repair of aboveground storage tanks, and will satisfy the minimum qualifications specified in API Standard 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction.

API 653 certification is valid for a three-year term and is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This accreditation ensures that the exam has been developed to the highest standard for openness and integrity and meets the rigorous requirements established under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17024.

Related Topics

• API 510 - Pressure Vessel Inspection Code
• API 530 - Calculation of Heater Tube Thickness in Petroleum Refineries
• API 570 - Piping Inspection Code
• API 936 - Refractory Installation Quality Control - Inspection & Testing Monolithic Refractory
• API Individual Certification Program (ICP)
• API RP 1169 - Pipeline Construction Inspection
• API RP 582 - Welding Guidelines for the Chemical, Oil, and Gas Industries
• API RP 588 - Recommended Practice for Source Inspection and Quality Surveillance of Fixed Equipment
• API TES - Tank Entry Supervisor

Relevant Links

• API Standards Homepage
• API 653 Certification Page
• Purchase Document

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