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API 653 – DAY 2

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API 650

Standard applied only atmospheric Temp

1 API650 1.1.1
storage Pr – up to 2 ½ psi, temp - <200ºF P –
200ºF 2 ½ psi
2 Appendix M – operating temp. API650 1.1.17 > 200ºF
3 Material under tolerance API650 4.2.1.2 0.3mm/ 0.01inch
.3
4 Shell plate maximum thick API650 4.2.1.4 45mm
Thicker plates normalized, Q&T killed
5 API650 4.2.1.4 40mm
&impact testing
Minimum permissible material design
6 API650 Fig. 41
temp. with out impact testing
7 Insert plate thickness can be used up to API650 4.2.1.4 100mm
8 Impact test size API650 4.2.8.5 10x10mm
>80% of material
9 Sub size specimen API650 4.2.8.5
thick
15ºF/8ºC
The design metal temp. shall be
10 API650 3.4 above one
considered 15ºF above the lowest one
day mean
day mean temp.
temp.
Nominal pipe sizes greater than 24”
11 API650 4.6.2 ASNI B16.47
flanges shall confirm
12 Welding electrodes E60/ 7 API650 4.8.1 AWS 5.1
13 Welding electrodes E80 API650 4.8.2 AWS 5.5
1/3rd of
Fillet weld size (minimum) ,1/3 of the
14 API650 5.1.3.3 thinner
thickness of thinner plate, but it should
plate or
be minimum 5mm
5mm
(atleast)
15 Lap welded overlap for double welded API650 5.1.3.5 < 2”
16 Single welded lap joint over lap API650 5.1.3.5 < 1”
5t min, t is thicker
17 Vertical joints offset from each other API650 5.1.5.2
course thick
12” distance each
18 3 plate lap joints API650 5.1.5.4
other
19 Bottom annular plate radial width API650 5.1.5.4 24”
20 Bottom weld root opening for butt API650 5.1.5.5 ¼“
welds
Minimum
21 Shell to bottom fillet weld API650 5.1.5.7 5mm(3/16”) or
table 3.1.5.7
22 Bottom plate projection beyond corner API650 5.1.5.7 1/2”
weld .d
23 Annular plate projection beyond shell API650 5.1.5.7 1/2”
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out side .d
24 Shell to bottom fillet filet for GrIV to VI API650 3.1.5.7 Minimum 2 pass
e
Up to 1” Annular
25 Annular to bottom filet & groove API650 Fig.5-
plate A=B
3C
26 Design internal pr.(design API650 5.2.1.c 2.5lbf/in2
consideration)
1” of water,
27 Design external pr. Min.(design API650 5.2.1b
0.25kpa
consideration)

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28 Design external pr. Max.(design API650 5.2.1b 1.01lbf/in2,

consideration) 6.9kpa
29 Tank capacity API650 5.2.6.1 API RP 2350
30 Shell thickness Vs dia. Of tank API650 5.6.1.1 Min 5mm
31 Shell plate width API650 5.6.1.2 72 inch
32 Annular plate thickness API650 Table 5.1 Min. 6 mm
33 Appendix A tank with spot RT ‘E’ is API650 5.6.2.3 0.85
34 Appendix A tank with out spot RT ‘E’ is API650 5.6.2.3 0.7
35 Periphery of the insert plate taper API650 5.7.1.7 1:4
36 Reinforcement for nozzle API650 5.7.2.1 >2”
37 Max. size of weld for shell to reinforcing API650 5.7.2.7 38mm, 1 ½ “
plate
Min thick of shell
38 Min. size of weld for shell to reinforcing API650 5.7.2.7
or reinforcing
plate
plate
600ºC to650ºC
39 Thermal stress relief temp. API650 5.7.4.2
(1100ºF to
1200ºF)
6mm, ¼ “ hole.
40 Tell-tale hole size API650 5.7.2.10
1/8” thread
48” for I to
41 Height of flush type cleanout fittings API650 5.7.7.2
IIIA 36” for
IV to VI
Permanent attachment fillet welds
42 API650 5.8.1.2 13mm
max leg dimension
Space between the attachment weld
43 API650 5.8.1.2 3”
to horizontal joint
44 Space between attachment to vertical API650 5.8.1.2 6”
joint
45 Nozzle flanges shall meet requirement API650 5.8.5.1 ASME B16.5
Cover plate thick of roof opening shall not
46 API650 5.8.6.2 3/16”
be less than
Intermediate wind girders to horizontal
47 API650 5.9.7.5 > 6”
weld of the shell distance
3/16” /7
48 Roof plate min thick API650 5.10.2.2
gauge sheet
All internal & external structural matl.
49 API650 5.10.2.4 0.17”/ 4.3mm
shall have min nominal thick
Only top side,
Roof plate shall be attached to top angle
50 API650 5.10.2.5 Filet size
with continues filet weld
<5mm only
51 Dimension of draw off sumps for 3” NPS API650 Table 5.16
19mm in 300mm
52 Support cone roof slope API650 5.10.4.1
¾ “ in 12”
53 Normal venting shall meet the API650 xxxxxx API std 2000

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requirements of
54 Tank anchorage spacing shall not exceed API650 5.12.3 10ft
55 Shearing of plates shall be limited to API650 6.1.2 ≤ 10mm
56 Shaping of shell plate API650 6.1.3 Fig 6 – 1
57 Tank welding procedure/ qualification API650 7.2.1.1 ASME Sec IX
welders
58 No welding shall be less than 0ºC API650 7.2.1.2 Less than 0ºC

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59 Preheating temp of the metals during API650 7.2.1.2 Table 7 – 1

welding
60 Undercutting for vertical welds API650 8.5.1.b 1/64”
61 For horizontal welds, under cutting not API650 8.5.1.b 1/32”
exceed
62 Reinforcement of vertical welds API650 8.5.1.d 2.5mm to 5mm
3mm for ½ “
63 Horizontal weld reinforcement API650 8.5.1.d 6mm for 1”
and above
64 Low hydrogen electrodes for plate thicker API650 7.2.1.10. ½ “ for group I –
than a III
All thick of group
65 Low hydrogen electrodes for plate thick API650 7.2.1.10.
IV
b
- VI
10% plate thick or
66 Misalignment for vertical welds >5/8” API650 7.2.3.1
3mm
67 Misalignment for vertical welds <5/8” API650 7.2.3.1 1/16”
20% plate thick or
68 Misalignment for horizontal welds >5/8” API650 7.2.3.2
3mm
69 Misalignment for horizontal welds <5/8” API650 7.2.3.2 1/16”
MPI/ Vacuum/ air
70 Shell to bottom welds – examination API650 7.2.4.1
leak
Vacuum box,
71 Examination of bottom welds API650 7.3.3
tracer gas
Inspection of reinforcement plate welds 15psi
72 API650 7.3.4
by tell- tale hole pneumatic
test
73 Plumpness of the tank API650 7.5.2 1/200 of the
height
<40’ – 13mm
74 Roundness at 1 ft above bottom plate API650 7.5.3 < 150’ – 250’ –
25mm
75 Peaking & banding API650 7.5.4 ½“
3mm in 30ft,
Concrete ring level tolerance in
76 API650 7.5.5.2 6mm in total
horizontal plane
circumference
3mm in 10ft,
77 When concrete ring wall not provided – API650 7.5.5.2 13mm in total
level circumference
78 RT required for flush type connection API650 8.1.1 Butt weld
79 Vertical joint ≤10mm (type and thick) API650 8.1.2.2 Spot in 10ft (first)
80 Additional RT API650 8.1.2.2 1spot in 100ft
25% of selected
81 Junctions of vertical and horizontal API650 8.1.2.2
spots
Additional of one
82 Butt weld 10mm to < 25mm API650 8.1.2.2
spot
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2 spot RT each
83 Lowest course of shell API650 8.1.2.2
vertical
84 Vertical > 1” thick API650 8.1.2.2 100% RT

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3” vertical, 2”
85 Each film shall show min of weld length API650 8.1.2.2
each side (T)
The butt weld around the periphery of
86 API650 8.1.2.2 100%
insert man hole nozzle
One spot – first
87 Horizontal joint RT API650 8.1.2.3 10ft One
additional spot in
200ft
88 RT shall clearly show minimum of weld API650 8.1.2.8 6”
length
Annular bottom welds double welded One spot in 10%
89 API650 8.1.2.9
butt joints joints
One spot in 50%
90 Annular bottom welds single welded butt API650 8.1.2.9
joints
joints
91 RT shall be carried out as per API650 8.1.3.1 Sec. V Article 2
Max 1.3mm for
Finish surface the weld reinforcement
92 API650 8.1.3.4 ≤½“
of the RT jt.
3mm for > 25mm
93 RT acceptance criteria of welds API650 8.1.5 ASME UW 51b
94 MPI – method API650 8.2.1 Article 7 of ASME
V
95 UT – method of examination shall API650 8.3.2.2 Article 5 of ASME
V
Vacuum testing shall be carried by
96 API650 8.6.3 3 to 5 psi
using pressure
Operator (vacuum box test) jogger
97 API650 8.6.4 12” distance
type 2 by distance
98 Vacuum box over lap shall API650 8.6.5 50mm / 2”
99 Angle joint (corner joint) API650 9.1.1 0º to 90º
Design metal temperature below 10ºC,
100 API 650 9.2.2.3 Impact test
vertical joint procedure requires
Vertical joints made by automatic or Heat affect zone
101 API650 9.2.2.3
semi automatic also impact test
When design metal temperature less than
102 API650 9.2.2.4 Impact test
-7ºC all welding procedures requires
Nominal thick
103 Small tanks design, Appendix A API650 A.1.1
<12.5mm
104 Small tank spot RT API650 A.3.4 Joint efficiency
0.85
105 Small tanks no spot RT API650 A.3.4 Joint efficiency
0.70
Table A-
106 Capacity of the tank API650 C=0.14D²H
1b

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“OPEN BOOK.” QB -1
API 650 - 2010
(Select the Best Answer)

1) A peripheral seal, on an internal floating roof, shall be designed to

accommodate ——— of local deviation between the floating roof and the
shell.
a. The manufacturer’s standard
b. ± 100 mm
c. ± 1/8 inch
d. The inspector’s experience.

2) Welders shall be qualified in accordance with

a. API 1104
b. ASME Section V
c. ASME Section IX
d. AWS D 1.1

3) A new tank will hold a product with the specific gravity of 1.05. The
corrosion allowance is .10. The thickness of the first course is 1.25 inches;
The hydrostatic test stress is 25,000 PSI. What is the thickness required for
the annular plate?
(Note: Include corrosion allowance).
a. 5/16
b. 11/16”
c. 3/8”
d. 7/16”

4) In order to comply with API 650, the finished surface of a weld

reinforcement on plate ½” thick, horizontal butt joints, may have a
reasonably uniform crown not to exceed , for radiographic
examination.
a. 1/4"
b. 3/16”
c. 1/8”
d. 1/16”

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5) What is the design thickness for the first course of a new tank 60’ tall, with
a fill height of 58’ and a diameter of 80’4”? The material of construction is
A516 grade 70 . Specific gravity of.6
a. .097
b. .416
c. 28.1
d. .281

6) What is the hydrostatic test shell thickness of the tank in question 5?

a. .416
b. .281
c. .117
d. .500

7) To what thickness should the tank in question 6 be constructed?

a. .281”
b. .416”
c. .500”
d. 1.00”

8) If the first course of a new tank is 12.5 mm and the design

metal temperature is -7ºC, what is the material group?
a. Group I
b. Group II
c. Group III
d. Group IV

9) What is the maximum reinforcement on a vertical butt joint, if the plate is

. 625 in. thick?
a. 3/32”
b. 1/8”
c. 3/16”
d. 1/4"

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THE SECOND PART OF THE QUIZ IS “CLOSED BOOK.”

10)According to API 650, which of the following types of connections shall

be stress relieved?
a. All nozzles
b. All Group I, II, III OR IIIA opening connections less than 12 inches
c. All Group IV, IVA, V OR VI opening connections requiring reinforcement.
d. All connections requiring reinforcement.

11)Upon completion, the roof of a tank designed to be gas tight shall be

tested by which one of the following methods?
a. Magnetic particle testing of all welds
b. Application of internal air pressure not exceeding the weight
of the roof plates and applying a solution suitable for the
detection of leaks
c. Penetrant testing the weld joints
d. Visual inspection of the weld joints.

12) Each welder making welds on a tank shall be certified by the .

a. Erection/fabrication manufacturer
b. Purchaser
c. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
d. Certified inspector.

13) Per API 650, external floating roof deck plates having support leg or other
rigid penetrations closer than inches to lap weld seams must be full
fillet welded not less than 2 inches on 10 inch centers.
a. 6
b. 12
c. 14
d. 18

14) Upon completion of welding of the new tank bottom, the welds shall
be inspected by which one of the following methods?
a. Radiographs
b. Vacuum or air pressure
c. Penetrant testing
d. Hammer testing.

15) The maximum reinforcement thickness for vertical butt joints, less than
or equal to 1/2" thick is .
a. 1/16”
b. 1/8”
c. 3/32”
d. 3/16”
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16) Annular bottom plates shall have a radial width that provides at least
inches between the inside of the shell and any lap-welded joint in the
remainder of the bottom.
a. 10
b. 30
c. 24
d. 18

17) The maximum acceptable undercutting of the base metal for vertical
butt joints is inch.
a. 3/32
b. 1/8
c. 1/64
d. 3/64

18) A double-welded butt weld is .

a. a joint between two abutting parts lying in approximately the same plane.
b. a joint between two abutting parts lying in approximately the
same plane that is welded from both sides
c. a joint between two overlapping members in which the
overlapping edges of both members are welded with fillet welds
d. a fillet weld whose size is equal to the thickness of the
thinner joined member.

19) Openings in tank shells larger than required to accommodate an NPS

inch flanged or threaded nozzle shall be reinforced.
a. One
b. two
c. three
d. four

20) The acceptability of welds examined by radiography shall be judged by

the standards in .
a. ASME Section V, Division 7
b. ASME Section IX, Paragraph QW-191
c. ASME Section VIII, Division 1, Paragraph UW-51(b)
d. API 1104

21) When bottom annular plates are required by paragraph 3.5.1 of API 650,
the radial joints shall be radiographed. For single welded butt joints using a
backup bar, one spot radiograph shall be taken on percent of the
radial joints.
a. 10
b. 30
c. 50
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d. 100

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22) Annular bottom plates must extend a minimum of inches outside

the tank shell.
a. 1 1/2
b. 2
c. 3
d. 4

23) The maximum operating temperature for tanks constructed to API 650
(not including appendices) is .
a. 500º F
b. 500º C
c. 200º F
d. 200º C

24) Who is responsible for compliance with the API 650 standards?
a. Manufacturer
b. Purchaser
c. State Inspector
d. API 653 Inspector

25) A new tank is under construction. How many radiographs are required
on the first course vertical welds if the shell is 35 mm thick?
a. One radiograph shall be taken in every vertical joint
b. 100% of the vertical joint
c. Two radiographs shall be taken in the vertical joint
d. No radiographs required

26)All bottom plates shall have a minimum nominal thickness of inch

exclusive of any corrosion allowance specified y the purchaser for the
bottom plates.
a. 3/8
b. .250
c. .516
d. .325

27) Repairs of defects shall not be attempted on a tank that is filled with
or on a tank that has contained until the tank has been
emptied, cleaned and gas freed in a safe manner.
a. nitrogen
b. oil
c. water
d. grain

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28)Misalignment in completed vertical joints over 5/8” shall not exceed

what percentage of the plate thickness?
a. 25% with a maximum of 1/16”
b. 2% with a maximum of 3/64”
c. 5% with a maximum of 3/8”
d. 10% with a maximum of 1/8”

29) Reinforcing plated of shell penetration shall be given a(n) test, in

accordance with API Standard 650.
a. diesel
b. air
c. stress
d. gas

30) Ultrasonic acceptance standards, in accordance with API 650, shall be

.
a. ASME Section VIII
b. ASME Section V
c. ASME Section XI
d. Agreed upon by the purchaser and the manufacturer.

31) Column-based clip-guides shall be welded to the tank bottom to prevent

.
a. Internal erosion
b. structural uplifting
c. lateral movement of column bases
d. lateral expansion and contraction

32)Who is responsible for specifying whether the dimensions of a tank will

be given in SI units or US customary units?
a. Industrial requirements
b. U.S. Government mandates
c. The purchaser
d. The manufacturer.

33) When performing a vacuum test, the gauge should register a

partial vacuum of at least ?
a. 2 lbf/in.2
b. 3 lbf/in.2
c. 4 lbf/in.2
d. 5 lbf/in.2

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34)When reviewing a radiograph of an intersection, 2 inches of weld length

must be shown on each side of the vertical intersection. How much of
the vertical weld must be shown?
a. 2 inches
b. 50 mm
c. 3 inches
d. No PI 653 requirement.

35) An appendix becomes a requirement only when

a. The purchaser specifies the requirement.
b. API mandates the requirement
c. The manufacturer approves the requirement
d. Required by jurisdictional requirements.

36)Shell plates are limited to a maximum thickness of

a. 1”
b. 1 1/2"
c. 1 3/4"
d. 2”

37)Which electrodes are in the AWS A5.1 specification?

a. E-9018
b. E-8518
c. E-8018
d. E-6010

38)What is the minimum size fillet weld that can be installed on a new tank?
a. 1/8”
b. 3/16”
c. 1/4"
d. 5/16”

39)Roof plates shall have a minimum nominal thickness, in addition to

any required corrosion allowance, of .
a. 3/16”
b. 1/4"
c. 7-Gauge
d. Both a and c

40) The slope of a supported cone roof shall be at least .

a. 1 m in 6 m
b. 19 mm in 300 mm
c. .75 mm in 12 mm
d. 7.5 mm in 1.2 mm

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41) Misalignment in completed vertical joints for plates greater than 5/8”
thick shall not exceed .
a. 10%
b. 15%
c. 20%
d. 25%

42) Low hydrogen electrodes shall be used for weld on

a. the floor only
b. the roof only
c. shell welds greater than 1/2"
d. shell welds less than 1/2"

43) Which of the following NDE methods is not acceptable for the inspection
of new shell-to-bottom welds.
a. Magnetic particle
b. Liquid Penetrant
c. Vacuum Box
d. Radiography

44)A tank construction crew is using a vacuum box constructed of

clear plastic and a sponge-rubber gasket.
a. This is an acceptable practice.
b. This is a good vacuum test.
c. This vacuum box is not recognized by API 650.
d. The crew can use any style vacuum box.

45)Floor plates may be tested by vacuum box testing or .

a. Air pressure test
b. Tracer gas and compatible detector
c. Explosion – bulge test
d. acoustic emission test.

46)What is the maximum out-of-plumbness of the top of the shell relative

to the bottom of the shell of a new tank that is 65’ tall?
a. 6.5”
b. 5.
c. 3.9”
d. 2.0”

47) Banding at horizontal weld joints shall not exceed .

a. 1/4"
b. 1/2"
c. 3/4"
d. 1”
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48) Welds examined by radiography shall be judged as acceptable

or unacceptable by .
a. the contractor
b. API 1104
c. ASME Section IX
d. ASME Section VIII

49) A joint between two members that intersect at an angle between 0º (a

butt joint) and 90º (a corner joint) is called a(n) .
a. fillet joint
b. butt joint
c. angle joint
d. joint that requires backing.

50) The client has requested the top course of a tank to be ½” thick.
The maximum thickness of all the other coursed is 3/8” thick.
a. The client wants it, do it.
b. The top course is usually ½” thick.
c. No shell course shall be thinner than the course above it.
d. The thickness of each course is based on the design thickness of
the tank not including corrosion allowance.

51)Maximum design internal pressure in an AST referred to by API 650 and API 653 is:
a. Not exceeding 2.5 psig
b. 15 psig approximately
c. Not exceeding 5.00 psig
d. None of the above

52)As per API 650, the design metal temperature of an AST is based on the
lowest one-day mean temperature in the locality where the tank is installed,
it is:
a. 15°C above the lowest one day mean temperature of the locality
b. 8°C above the lowest one day mean temperature of the locality
c. Same as the lowest one day mean temperature of the locality
d. °C below the lowest one day mean temperature of the locality

53)In an AST built to API Standard 650, the minimum nominal thickness of
bottom plates, exclusive of specified corrosion allowance shall be:
a. 12.7 mm (1/2”)
b. 8 mm (5/16”)
c. 6.0 mm (1/4”)
d. 5 mm (3/16”)

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54)The full course width for shell plate as per API 650 shall be minimum:
a. 72”
b. 96”
c. 60”
d. 90”

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API 650 -2013

ANSWER KEY
1. B H 4.4.3
2. C 9.3.2
3. C 5.5.3
4. D 8.1.3.4

5. D 5.6.3.2
Solution:

td = 2.6D (H-1) G + CA
Sd

td = 2.6 (80) (58-1) (.6)

25,300

td = 7113.6
25,300

td = .281

6. A .5.6 3.2 API 650

Solution:

tt = 2.6D (H-1)
St

tt = 2.6 (80) 58-1

28,500

tt = 11,856
28,500

tt = .416

7. B 5.6 1.1 API 650

8. A Fig 4-1 API 650
9. B 8 5.1 d API 650
10. C 5.7 4.3 API 650
11. B 7.3 7.1 API 650
12. A 9 3.1 API 650
13. B C.3 3.3 API 650
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14. B 7.3.3 API 650

15. C 8.5.1.d API 650
16. C 5.5.2 API 650
17. C 8.5.1.b API 650
18. B 5.1.1.2 API 650
19. B 5.7.2.1 API 650
20. C 8.1.5 API 650
21. C 8.1.2.9b API 650
22. B 5.5.2 & 5.4.2 API 650
23. C 1.1.1 API 650
24. A 1.3.1 API 650
25. B 8.1.2.2 c API 650
26. B 5.4.1 API 650
27. B 7.4.4 API 650
28. D 7.2.3.1 API 650
29. B 7.3.4 API 650
30. D 8.3.2.5 API 650
31. C 5.10.4.7 d & 4.7 d & GK API 650
32. C 1.1.3 API 650
33. B 8.6.3 API 650
34. C 8.1.2.2b API 650
35. A 1.1.6 API 650
36. C 4.2.1.4 API 650
37. D 4.8.1 API 650
38. B 5.1.3.3 API 650
39. D 5.10.2.2 API 650
40. B 5.10.4.1 API 650- Changed in new
code
41. A 7.2.3.1 API 650
42. C 7.2.1.10 API 650
43. D 7.2.4.1 API 650
44. A 8.6.1 API 650
45. B 7.3.3 API 650
46. C 7.5.2 API 650
47. B 7.5.4(b) API 650
48. D 8.1.5 API 650
49. C 9.1.1 API 650
50. C 5.6.1.3 , 2nd line API 650
51 A API 653, 4.2.4.1 API 650 APX F 1.3
52 B API 650, 3.4
53 C API 650, 5.4.1
54 A API 650, 5.4.

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QB-2, API 650- 2010

1. All requirement of API 650, … , shall be considered before changing the
service of a tank to operation at temperatures above 200°F.
a. Appendix M
b. Appendix J
c. Appendix C
d. Appendix K

2. The design of storage tank with 4 shell courses (with thickness of 1 st

course 12.5mm, 2nd course 10mm, 3rd course 8mm and the 4th course 6mm)
should refer to:
a. API 650
b. API 650 Appendix A
c. API 650 Appendix F
d. Both a or b

3. The process of finishing of plate edges for butt-welded joint with

thickness 14mm could be as below, except
a. Shearing
b. Machining
c. Chipping
d. machining gas cut

4. The process of cutting material for circumferential edges of roof and

bottom plates may be
a. Shearing
b. gas cut
c. chipping
d. machining

5. The nominal thickness of tank shell plate with diameter 50 feet shall be
a. 13mm
b. 12mm
c. 6mm
d. 5mm

6. The shop inspection was performed by purchaser inspector showing all

materials were complied with API 650. When the materials arrived in the
site, there are many defective materials due to transportation
a. Manufacturer responsibility to replace of the defective materials
b. The transporter of material should replaced the defective materials
c. The materials could be used with necessary repair on the site
d. The owner should allow the manufacturer to continue the construction

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7. The reinforcement weld in butt-welded joint on the first vertical weld of

12mm thickness shall be accepted if the thickness:
a. 3mm
b. 1.5mm
c. 4mm
d. 2.6mm

8. Refer to no7, the inspector found the undercutting 0.5mm

a. The welding is acceptable
b. The welding should be chipped and re-welded
c. Re-welding with low hydrogen electrodes
d. Re welded with shielded metal-arc

9. The materials were completely coated at the shop before delivery to the
site.
a. It is acceptable with the code
b. WPS shall cover the coating
c. All coating shall be removed before welding process
d. Both b and c

10. For temporary assembly, tack welds are used in the process of tank
construction
a. Tack weld with manual welded may not be removed after the
finished joint
b. Tack weld with submerged-arc process should be removed
and shall be thoroughly cleaned of welding slag
c. Tack weld shall be made by welder qualified accordance to
ASME code
d. Both b and c

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QB-2- KEY-API 650- 2010

Key Answer

1. a – 1.1.19
2. d- A 1.1, Because of Maximum thk 13 mm
3. a -6.1.2 note also
4. b 6.1.2 last line
5. c 5.6.1.1
6. a- 6.2.3
7. b 8.5.1.d
8. b 8.5.1.b
9. b- 7.2.1.9 API 650
10. c 7.2.1.8

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QB-3- API 650- 2010

Note: Encircle the letter of only one answer which you think is most appropriate.

1. AST fabricated to API 650 (Basic Standard) is normally designed not

to exceed an operating temperature of:
a. 260 deg C
b. 100 deg C
c. 90 deg C
d. 21 deg C

2. Minimum size of fillet welds in the construction or repairs of an AST

built to API Standard 650 is:
a. Higher of 6 mm (0.25”) or half of the thickness of
thinner plate joined.
b. Higher of 9 mm (0.25”) or one third of the thickness of
thicker plate joined.
c. Higher of 5 mm (0.1875”) or one third of the thickness
of thinner plate joined.
d. Lower of 6 mm (0.25”) or half of the thickness of
thinner plate joined.

3. As per API Standard 650, the overlap at lap-welded joints shall be at

least five times the nominal thickness of the thinner plate, but need
not exceed,
a. 2” for single-welded lap joints and 4” for double welded lap joints
b. 1” for single-welded lap joints and 2” for double welded lap joints
c. 1.5” for single-welded lap joints and 2” for double welded lap joints
d. 1.5” for single-welded lap joints and 1” for double welded lap joints

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4. Calculate by the 1-Foot method the design shell thickness Td in

inches, of the following description of tank built to API Standard
650:
H = Design liquid level = 50 feet
D = Nominal Tank Diameter = 180 feet G =
Design Specific Gravity = 0.86
CA = Corrosion Allowance = 0. 0625”
Sd= Allowable stress in design condition, in psi Shell
Material = ASTM A36M
Td = design shell thickness, inch(es)
St= Allowable stress for hydrostatic test condition, in psi Tt
= hydrostatic test shell thickness, inch(es).

Where, Td = 2.6 D (H –1) G + CA

Sd
a. 0.912”
b. 0.850”
c. 1”
d. 0.922”

5. Calculate by the 1-Foot method the hydrostatic test shell thickness

Tt in inches, of the above referred tank, when water is used for the
test :

Where, Tt = 2.6 D (H –1)

St
a. 0.935”
b. 0.985”
c. 1”
d. 0.922”

6. Maximum Reinforcement thickness of vertical butt joints of a tank

shell plate of 28mm, of an AST built to API Standard 650 shall be:
a. 5mm
b. 2.4mm
c. 1.6mm
d. 3mm

7. Vertical joints of a 28 mm thick shell of an AST built to API Std. 650

shall be radiographed to the extent as given below :
a. Full
b. Partial
c. Spot
d. Nil

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8. In an AST built to API Standard 650, the bottom annular plates have
radial weld joints, and are single butt welded with permanent back-
up bar, in which case, the extent of radiographing radial joints shall
be,
a. One spot on 50% of radial joint
b. One spot on 10% of radial joints
c. Full radiography of all radial joints
d. RT – Nil; only MT of 100% joints is adequate.

9. As per API Std. 650, personnel who perform and evaluate

radiographic examinations (RT) shall have a minimum qualification
as follows:
a. Shall have a vision of Jaeger No.2
b. Shall be qualified as Level II of ASNT SNT-TC-1A
c. Shall not be color blind
d. Shall have an experience of at least ten years in RT.

10. The minimum required shell thickness of a Tank of 60 Meter

diameter (200 ft. diameter), built to API Standard 650, shall be:
a. Design shell thickness plus corrosion allowance
b. Hydrostatic Test shell thickness
c. 8 mm (5/16”)
d. Greater of a, b, c.

11. Determine whether impact testing is required for A516 gr 70

normalised plates 1 inch thick, Design temp = 0 degree F (-18
degree C):
a. Not required
b. Required
c. Depends on opinion of design engineer
d. Depends on opinion of tank inspector

12. Which of the following sets of the Transverse Charpy V-notch

Impact Test Values of a fully killed 0.75 “ thick plate of ASTM A 516
gr 60 for a design metal temperature of -40 degree C, is acceptable
as per API 650? Plates are not normalized.
a. 20, 11, 12 Joules
b. 18, 24, 12 Joules
c. 24, 22, 10 Joules
d. 20, 10, 27 Joules

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QB-3- API 650- 2010 ANSWERS

Q.No ANS Reference

.
1 C Ref.: API 650,
1.1.1
2 C Ref.: API 650,
5.1.3.3
3 B Ref.: API 650,
5.1.3.5
4 A 5.6.3.2 (td)
Ref.: API 650,
5 D 5.6.3.2 (tt)
Ref.: API 650,
6 A Ref.: API 650,
8.5.1.d
7 A Ref.: API 650,
Fig. 8-1, Note 6
8 A Ref.: API 650,
8.1.2.9
9 B Ref.: API 650,
8.1.3.2
10 D Ref.: API 650,
5.6.1.1
11 B Ref.: API 650,
Table 4-3B & Fig. 4-1
12 B Ref.: API 650,
Table 4-5 b

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API 653 QB 4- 2010 Editions

1) API 650 is
a) A standard
b) Code
c) Recommended Practices
d) Guide Lines

2) Which provides requirements for small shop assembled tanks of

dia meter less than 6 meter
a) API 620
b) API 670
c) API 650 APX J
d) API 650 APX M

3) Who is responsible for complying with all the provisions of API

650
a) Purchaser
b) Manufacturer
c) Assembler
d) 650 Inspector
e) Owner

4) MDMT Should be above one day mean temperature by

a) 8 Deg C
b) 15Deg C
c) 8 Deg F
d) 15 DEG F above ambient temperature

5) Which of the following are prohibited _Give exception

a) Rimmed steel
b) Capped steel
c) Cadmium coated components
d) Cast iron parts

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6) For the plates, what is the maximum deviation allowed in the

computed design thk
a) + 0.25 mm
b) - 0.25 mm
c) +0.1 mm
d) – 0.1 mm

7) Plates thicker than 40 mm need to be

a) Hardness tested
b) Tensile tested
c) Bend tested
d) Normalized & killed,

8) What is the max thk allowed for the insert plates for the Material
of ASTM- A 516 M Grade 380

a) 40 mm
b) 45 mm
c) 60 mm
d) 100 mm

9) In general Material what is the maximum allowable

columbium content for the plates of 15 mm thk as per this
Std
a) 0.05%
b) 1 %
c) 1 % With 0.5 % nickel
d) 0.05 % with 0.15 % silicon

10) Usually impact test should be done

a) Before Heat treatment

b) After Heat Treatment
c) Before the heat treatment but after performing RT
d) Before the heat treatment but before performing RT

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11) The Transverse Impact test readings of the Material ASTM A 516 M
-450 ( as rolled) – 48 mm thk the three test Specimen are 51,51 in US units.
What can be minimum value of the third one for the acceptability?

a) 30
b) 25
c) 28
d) 35

12) What is MDMT at Oklahoma?

a) 12 Deg F
b) 10 Deg F
c) -20 Deg C
d) 8 Deg C

13) Flange bolting should confirm to the specification

a) API 650
b) ASTM A 193-B7
c) API 653
d) B 16.5

14) Plate thk is 12 mm .What is the minimum allowable size of the

fillet weld

a) 3mm
b) t/3
c) 5mm
d) 6mm

15) For SMAW what is the maximum groove weld depth beyond which
we have to use the multipass

a) 4mm
b) 6mm
c) 4mm
d) 2mm

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16) Vertical shell joints in adjacent shell course

a) Should be aligned
b) Should not be aligned beyond 5t , where t is the thk of
thinner member of the plate
c) Shall be offset at least by 5 t , where t is the thickness
of thicker member
d) Should be maximum offset by 5t where t is the thickness
of thinner most member

17) For the nominal thk of the shell plate 18 mm and annular plate 10
mm minimum size of the fillet weld is

a) 5mm,
b) 6mm
c) 7mm
d) 18

18) For the nominal thk of the shell plate 18 mm and annular plate 10
mm thk depth of groove is 3 mm size of the fillet weld is

a) 5mm,
b) 6mm
c) 9mm
d) 18

19) For the nominal thk of the shell plate 18 mm and annular plate 15
mm thk maximum size of the fillet weld is

a) 5mm,
b) 6mm
c) 7mm
d) 18mm
e) 15mm

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20) Find the thk of annular bottom plate for 30 mm thk shell and for
the stress in the first shell course is 29 000 psig

a) 6mm
b) 8.8 mm
c) 0.236 inch
d) 11.2 mm

21) The bottom plates shall have one end rectangular and has
a minimum nominal width of

a) 48 inches
b) 24 inches
c) 72 inches
d) 5 feet

22) Bottom plates after trimming should

a) Project minimum 50 mm outside the shell

b) Provide minimum 0.5 inch from the toe of the fillet weld to
the outside edge of the bottom plate
c) Greater of a & b
d) Project maximum 50 mm outside the shell

23) Tank bottom should have

a) The minimum slope of 1:120 upward towards the centre of the tank
b) The minimum slope of 1:120 downward towards the centre of the tank
c) It should be flat without any slope
d) The slope value has to be by the agreement between the
purchaser & manufacturer

24) The required thk of the shell

a) Design thk including CA

b) Design thk excluding CA
c) Greater the design shell thk ( including CA ) or hydrostatic shell thk
d) Should be equal to greater than C or the corresponding
value from table 5.6.1.1

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25) Choose correct option

a) Allowable stress for the lower shell course should be lower

than that of higher shell course
b) The lower shell will have less thk more than the upper shell
c) All shell will have the same thk
d) All
e) None

26) The design stress is

a) The lesser of 2/3 of yield strength or 2/3 of tensile strength

b) The lesser of 2/5th of yield strength or 2/3rd of the yield strength
c) The lesser of 2/3rd of yield strength or 2/5 th of tensile strength
d) The higher value of 2/3rd of yield strength and 2/5 th
of tensile strength

27) Choose the correct option

a) The 1 foot method finds the design thk for all points for the
first 1 feet in each shell course
b) The 1 foot method finds the design thk for all points for the
first 1 feet in bottom shell course
c) The 1 foot method finds the design thk for all points 1
feet above bottom of all shell course
d) The 1 foot method finds the design thk for all points 1
feet above bottom of lower course

28) The 1 foot method is suitable to find design thk for the tanks having

a) Outside dia more than 200feet

b) Inside dia lis equal to 200feet
c) Nominal dia less than 150 feet
d) Nominal dia more than 200 feet

29) The term H in the formula to calculate design at any given point thk
is

a) Height of the top of the shell

b) Difference between the liquid level and point level
c) Difference between the top of of the shell & liquid level

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d) Difference between top of shell and the point height position

30) Variable design point method can be used

a) When the purchaser has not specified 1 foot method

b) When the purchaser has not specified 1 foot method and
L/H ratio is greater than or equal to six
c) When the purchaser has not specified 1 foot method and
L/H ratio is less than or equal to two
d) When the purchaser has not specified 1 foot method and
L/H ratio is less than or greater than two

31) The required shell thk for each course

a) Design shell thk

b) Design Shell thk + CA or Hydrostatic shell thk which ever is more
c) design shell thk + CA or Hydrostatic shell thk + CA which ever is more
d) The lesser of design shell thk or hydo static shell thk

32) In API 650 it is given the fillet weld over 10 mm weld length or
groove weld over 10 mm groove weld depth should be multi pass for
all the welds except

a) SMAW
b) GMAW
c) GTAW
d) ESW

33) Horizontal bottom side of the wind girders

a) Full penetration butt welded

b) Continues Butt welded
c) Intermittent welded
d) Continuous seal welded

34) Welding symbols used on the Drawings for AST should be

in accordance with
a) API 653
b) API 650
c) AWS
d) ASME Sec XI

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35) For tanks where L/H is greater than 2 in U.S customary units
Shell thk should be calculated by
a) 1foot method
b) Variable design point method
c) Elastic analysis method
d) 1 meter method

36) For new tanks Shell openings can be reinforced by the

rectangular insert plates. But their corners
a) Can be left as it is
b) Be rounded with a radius greater than or equal to the larger
of 6 inch or 6 t where t is the thickness of the shell
c) Be rounded with a radius greater than or equal to the smaller
of 6 inch or 6 t where t is the thickness of the shell
d) Be rounded with a radius greater than or equal to the larger
of 3 inch or 6 t where t is the thickness of the shell

37) The periphery of the insert plate should have tapper of-------when the
insert shell plate thk exceeds the adjutant shell plate thk by more than 3mm
a) 1:12
b) 1 :4
c) 3:1
e) No tapper is needed

38) When maximum design liquid level is 28 feet , what is the minimum
thk of cover plate and bolting flange after finishing for 20 inch man
hole
a) 3/8 inch , 1 /4 inch
b) 7/16 inch , 5/16 inch
c) 9.6 mm, 6.25 mm
d) 7/16 inch , 11/16 inmch

39) What should minimum neck thk of shell man hole if the thk of
shell man hole and reinforcing plate is 10 mm man hole dia is 24 inch

a) ¼ inch
b) 6mm
c) 3/16 inch
d) 3mm

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40) Reinforcement can be provided by the following methods except

a) The attachment flange of the fitting

b) Reinforcing plates
c) Excess shell plate thk
d) All
e) none

41) Values of cover plate & Bolt circle dia for shell man holes of dia 600
mm is

a) 500 & 800

b) 768 & 832
c) 832 & 768
d) 667 & 730

42) For NPS 10 inch what is outside dia of pipe , Nominal thk of
the flanged nozzle pipe
Wall
a) 300 mm , 12.7 mm
b) 300 mm, 6.25 mm
c) 273 mm, 12.7 mm
d) 250 mm, 10

43) A coupling in NPS 3

a) Requires Reinforcement
b) Does not require reinforcement
c) Requires reinforcement only when shell thk is less than nozzle thk
d) If it is threaded and socket welding reinforcement is not needed

44) What should be size of the fillet weld if the thk of shell
and reinforcing plate is 10 mm and NPS of Nozzle is 1 inch

a) 10mm
b) 6mm
c) 12.7 mm
d) 16mm

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45) When the NPS of Shell Nozzle is 10 inch, what should be the
number of hole And Diameter of hole
a) 8, 25 mm
b )12, 25 mm
c) 12,22mm
d) 8,23mm

46) Choose uncorrect option

a) While doing reinforcement If the strength of the material

used for the reinforcement in the nozzle neck is lower than
the Minimum specified yield & tensile strength , it is not
acceptable
b) While doing reinforcement If the strength of the material
used for the reinforcement in the nozzle neck is lower than
the 70 % minimum specified yield & 80 % minimum
specified tensile strength , it is not acceptable except the
neck area available for reinforcement is reduced by the
stress ratio ( of the neck to the shell plate)
c) The neck areas having yield or tensile strength having 70 %
or 80 % minimum value can never be used under all
circumstances
d) The neck areas having yield or tensile strength having 70 %
or 80 % minimum value can be used if the neck area is not
considered for the reinforcement

47) Reinforcement is needed if two openings are separated by less than

a) Smaller of 6 inch or 8 times the size of the larger fillet weld

b) Greater of 6 inch or 8 times the size of the larger fillet weld
c) Smaller of 6 inch or 6 times the size of the larger fillet weld
d) Larger of 6 inch or 6 times the size of the smaller r fillet weld

48) Each segment of the Reinforcement plate Shall be provided with a

tell tale hole , if they are not made in one piece . In that case
a) Dia of tell tale hole is depends on thk pf the reinforcement
b) tell tale hole should not be vented to the atmosphere
c) It is always same dia 6mm
d) Tell tale holes are not allowed.

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49) Usually Nozzles are not allowed on the weld seam. But if there is
no other option it may be done
a) If the weld joint is radiogrphed fully for three times the
portion removed and the removed portion
b) If the weld joint is radiogrphed fully for three times the
portion removed and the purchaser agrees
c) If the purchase agrees
d) The removed portion must be fully radiographed

50) Choose uncorrect option

a) all the flush type clean out fitting and flush type shell
connections prior to installation should be subjected to Stress
relief treatment
b) Stress relief treatment of 600 Deg C to 650 Deg C should be
maintained for 1 hr per 25 mm thk
c) Stress relief can be done at a lower temperature for a longer
time if the purchase agrees
d) This lower temp longer time treatment will take care of
residual stress material toughness as given by higher temp
shorter time PWHT

51) The edge of any Permanent attachments provided should be atleast

---------- from horizontal joints and-----------from the vertical joints of
the shell

a) 6 inch & 3 inch

b) 3 inch & 6 inch
c) 1inch, 1 inch
d) Permanent attachment can be done on the weld. It will be more safer

52) Choose correct options

a) Temporary attachments to the shell course should made

after the welding of the weld joints only
b) Temporary attachments should be made to the shell
courses only prior to the welding of the weld seam only
c) Temporary attachments can be made to the shell course
after the welding of the shell weld seam only when it is
treated as the permanent attachments and those spacing
criteria are being applied
d) If Temporary attachments are made after the welding of
the by qualified welder, then permanent attachment

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attachment spacing criteria is not required

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53) Permenant attachment welds can cross the horizontal

or vertical butt joints

a) The weld should be continuous and the angle of incidence

between the two weld is less than 10 deg
b) The weld should be continuous and the angle of incidence
between the two weld is less than 45 deg
c) The weld should be continuous and the angle of incidence
between the two weld is equal to or more than 45 deg
d) The weld should be continuous only but made by the
qualified welder

54) In Flat cover plates

a) Unreinforced openings of below 2 “ dia are not allowed

b) Unreinforced openings below 2 “ dia are allowed only when the

edges of opening are away from the centre of the cover plate by
the larger value of ¼ of height or dia of the opening

c) Unreinforced openings below 2 “ dia are allowed only when the

edges of opening are away from the centre of the cover plate by
the larger value of 1/2 of height or dia of the opening

d) If the cover plate thk is less than the minimum value ,

Unreinforced openings of below 2 “ dia are allowed

55) Reinforced openings in the cover plate shall not exceed

a) Half of manhole dia

b) Half of the least dimension flush type clean out opening
c) Shall not exceed 12 inch NPS
d) All
e) None

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56) Shell Man hole covers weighing 25 Lb

a) Should have two handle

b) Shall have two handles with Hinge or Devit
c) Shall have a single handle with a devit supporting arm
directly welded tp the reinforcing plate on the shell
d) Can have a single handle

API 653 QB-4 2010 Editions

ANSWER
Q. Answer Reference Q. Answer Reference
Front Cover) 26 5.6.2.1
APX J 1.1 27 5.6.3.2
1.3 28 5.6.3.2
3.4 29 5.6.3.2
4.1.1.1& 2 & 3 30 5.6.4.1
4.2.1.2.3 31 5.6.4.2
4.2.1.4 32 5.1.3.6.1
4.2.2 e 33 5.1.3.7
4.2.5 note 3 34 5.1.4.4
10 4.2.8.1 35 5.6.5
11 Table 4.5 a and 4.4 a 36 5.7.1.7
12 Fig 4.2 & & 3.4 37 5.7.1.7
13 4.7 1st 2 lines, 197 B7 38 Table 5.3 b
14 5.1.3.3 39 Table 5.4 b
15 5.1.3.6.1a 40 5.7.2.3 a,b,d
16 5.1.5.2 b 41 Table 5.5 a
17 5.1.5.7 42 Table 5.6 a
18 5.1.5.7 a 43 Table 5.6a , note g
19 5.1.5.7 b 44 Table 5.7a
20 Table 5.1 a & b 45 Table 5.8 a
21 5.4.1 46 5.7.2.3
22 5.4.2 47 5.7.2.9
23 5.4.4 48 6mm 5.7.2.10
24 Table 5.6.1.1- 49 5.7.3.4
25 5.6.1.3 50 5.7.4.2, 5.7.4.3 & 5.7.4.5
51 5.8.2
52 5.8.1.2 c
53 5.8.1.2 a
54 5.8.3.1
55 5.8.3.2
56 5.8.3.5

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 1: Impact Testing of Plates
(Question)

An Aboveground Storage Tank is to be constructed using ASTM A

516 gr 60 plates.
The plates are normalized. The plates were tested for impact
value and the following were the test results. The test results are
presented for 32 mm thk plates (Lot A) and 30 mm thk plates (Lot
B).

A) Longitudinal Specimen:
Three specimens failed at 13ft-lb, 15ft-lb and 16 ft-lb respectively

B) Transverse Specimen:
Three specimens failed at 12ft-lb, 14ft-lb and 14ft-lb respectively

Your assessment is:

a. Plate A is okay. B is rejected.
b. Plate B is okay. A is rejected.
c. Both A and B are okay.
d. Both A and B are not okay.

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 1: Impact Testing of Plates (Solution)

▪ The materials belongs to Graph III A.

▪ The Thicknesses are within acceptable limits.

(Ref: 2.2.2, 516 gr60 can be used up to 40 mm

thickness) Plate A (Longitudinal): 1`3,15,16 Accept A

Plate B (Transverse):

Average of 3 specimen = 12,14,14

Accept Plate B.

Correct answer: C

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API 650 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 2: Shell Design of AST (New Tank)
(Question)

The following data are presented for an Aboveground Storage Tank:

1) Code of construction: API 650
2) Tank diameter = 60ft
3) Tank height = 48ft; width of plates used = 8ft
4) Maximum fill height = 48ft
5) Product specific gravity = 0.92
6) Materials of construction; ASTM A 516 gr 60

7) Corrosion allowance =1 in 8

Determine:
a. Required thickness for bottom course (first course)
b. Required thicknesses for courses 2 to 6

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 2: Shell Design of AST (New Tank)
(Solution)

2. 6 D ( H−1 G 2 . 6 D ( H −1)
t =d Sd +CA t t= St
a. or

From table
3 .2 , Sd=21 , 300 psi , St=24 , 000 psi

2 . 6 x 60 x ( 48 − 1 ) x 0 . 92 1
+ in
... td = 21300 8

... td = 0.3167+0.125 = 0.4417”

2 . 6 x 60 x (48−1 )
t= t
24000 =
0.3055”

0.4417”>0.3055”

Use 0.4417” thick plate, =

11.22mm Use 12mm thick plate

b. It is obvious that for all other courses, td will govern, since td will
be greater than tt

2. 6 D ( H−1 )G
td= +CA
dS

For the 2nd Course, H = 40ft

2 . 6 x 60 x ( 40−1)x 0 . 92 1
+ in
... td = 21300 8

... td = 0.2628+0.125 = 0.3878” = 9.85mm Use 10mm plate

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For the 3rd Course, H = 32ft

2 . 6 x 60 x (32−1) x 0 . 92 1
+ in
. . td = 21300
.
8

... td = 0.2089+0.125 = 0.3339” = 8.48mm Use 10mm plate

For the 4th Course, H = 24ft

2 . 6 x 60(24−1 ) x 0. 92 1
+ in
... td = 21300 8

... td = 0.1550 + 0.125 = 0.2800” = 7.11mm Use 8mm plate

For the 5th Course H = 16ft

2 . 6 x 60 x (16−1 ) x 0. 92 1
+ in
. . td = 21300
.
8

... td = 0.1011 + 0.125 = 0.2261” = 5.74mm Use 6mm plate

For the 6th Course H = 8ft

2 . 6 x 60 x (8−1 ) x 0 .92 1
+ in
. . td = 21300
.
8

... td = 0.0472 + 0.125 = 0.1722” = 4.37mm 5mm plate may be OK

But
As per table 3.6.1, minimum thickness (for D = 60ft) is 6mm. Use 6mm plate

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API 650 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 3: Tank Shell Thickness Evaluation (Old Tank) (Question)

Data: Code of Constr. API 650 – Basic. Year of Constr. 2004

1) Tank diameter = 100 feet

2) Tank height = Maximum liquid height = 56 feet
3) Course width 8 feet
4) Product specific gravity = 0.98
5) Corrosion rate = 0.1 mm / year
6) Thickness provided = 20mm (new)
7) M.O.C. = ASTM-A-36
8) After 20 years, a patch was observed on the second shell
course, at 46 feet from the top (i.e. in 2nd course). Least
thickness in the area of corrosion was 15.25mm (0.6”). the
next interval for inspection is 10 years.
9) Readings in vertical planes a, b, c, d over the length L were:

No. a b c d
1 19 18.5 18 18.5
2 18 18 17.75 17.5
3 18 17.5 15.25 17.5
4 17 18 16.5 18
5 19 18.5 17.5 18.5

Is the tank safe until next inspection?

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 3: Tank Shell Thickness Evaluation (Old Tank) (Solution)

1)
t2=0. 6=15 . 25} {¿

2)
L=3. 7 √ Dxt 2 =3 .7 √100 x 0. 6=28.66} {¿
3) tavg for plane a = 91/5 = 18.2 mm. (Total of 5 readings =
91) tavg for plane b = 90.5/5 = 18.1 mm (Total of 5
readings = 90.5) tavg for plane c = 85/5 = 17.0 mm
(Total of 5 readings =
85) tavg for plane d = 90/5 = 18.0 mm (Total of 5
readings = 90)

So, the weakest plane is c. and lowest of tavg = 17 mm

... t1 = 17mm

. 6 xDxHxG 2. 6 x 100 x 46 x 0 . 98
2 = =0. 471=11 . 965 ital mm } {¿
4) tmin SE 24900
=

For safe operation:

t1 > tmin + (CR x Interval) and t2 > 0.6 x tmin + (CR x

Interval) 17 > 11.965 + 0.1x10 15.25 > 0.6x11.965+1

17 > 12.965 OK 15.25 > 8.179 OK

Therefore the tank is safe.

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 4: Minimum Thickness of Bottom Tank Evaluation
(Question)

An aboveground storage tank provided with sketch plate type

bottom construction was observed to be having following thickness
readings on bottom plate by UT measurement. (The tank does not
have leak detection system on bottom.)

Bottom thickness provided when tank was new (excluding corrosion

allowance = 10 mm. Maximum depth of corrosion pits from inside of
tank on the tank bottom = 3.5 mm. Maximum corrosion from
bottom side (metal loss)
= 4.5 mm. Rate of corrosion on topside of bottom = 100 microns /
year. Rate of corrosion on bottom side = 150 microns / year.

Calculate when the next inspection should be due.

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API 653 TRAINING COURSE

Case Study 4: Minimum Thickness of Bottom Tank Evaluation
(Solution)

RTbc = 10 – 4.5 = 5.5 mm

RTip = 10 – 3.5 = 6.5 mm

M RT = 0.1” (from Table 6-1) = 2.5 mm

MRT = (Minimum of RTbc or RTip) – Or (St Pt + U

Pr)
250 Micro meter= 0.25 mm

2.5 = 5.5 – Or (0.1 + 0.15)

Or x 0.25 = 3.0

Or = 3.0 / 0.25 = 12 years

Answer: 12 years

Note: In examination, problems will be simple. Out of the various terms

in formula for MRT, all the data except one will be given and you will
be asked to find the missing one.

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