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Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology Original Research

Non-Destructive Examination Protocols in API 650 for Welded Storage Tank Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review

  1. Kamal Dhandha Inspection Services, TUV India Pvt. Limited, Vadodara
  2. Hemant Suthar TEMA India Pvt. Limited, Panoli, Bharuch
  3. Dnyaneshwar Kharpude Inspection Services, TUV India Pvt. Limited, Pune

Abstract

The storage tanks play vital roles in industrial sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and chemical processing by enabling safe containment of liquids and gases during key operations like production, treatment, refining, transport/distribution, and inventory control. API 650 standard is a worldwide recognized specification that covers the design and manufacturing criteria for large, welded steel storage tanks. API 650 ensures that tanks are built to withstand internal pressures and environmental variations, ensuring safety and dependability. Tanks must undergo comprehensive testing to verify structural integrity. Non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements in the fabrication of API storage tanks would likely cover a range of NDE techniques used to verify the integrity of welds, materials, and overall tank construction, referencing standards like API 650 and 653. API 650 requires reliable testing methods such as hydrostatic testing, visual inspection of welds, and various non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing for comprehensive leak and defect detection. This paper discusses the applicability of NDE methods and techniques in compliance with API 650 for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of these tanks, especially in the context of oil and gas storage, where leaks or failures can have significant consequences. A case study on hydrotesting of heating coils also provides insights into avoiding the chances of corrosion potentiality.

Keywords

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