API 650 Standard
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ScribdTranslationsAPI 650 Standard
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ScribdTranslationsINTRODUCTION:
Considering that we are dealing with the specific subject TANKS
OF STORAGE, we define that they are equipment
belonging and classified as 'heavy metal work', subject to pressure
approximately atmospheric and intended, more frequently, to the
storage of oil and its derivatives.
The present work will exclusively deal with storage tanks.
atmospheric, cylindrical, vertical, above ground, welded manufacturing and
built with carbon steel plates, whose equipment is
frequently found in refineries, terminals, pipelines, bases of
distribution, industrial parks etc.
These static equipment are regulated by the API 650 standards.
Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
Institute (API). In Brazil, the NBR 7821 standard is also used.
Soldier Tanks for Storage of Oil and Derivatives
published by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT).
The storage tanks are built over a wide range of
capacities, from 100 barrels (16 m³) to approximately 550,000 barrels
(87,500 m³). As the storage barrel cost decreases with the increase in
tank capacity, there will usually be interest in the construction of
storage tanks with increasingly larger capacity. In this way,
special constructions, more elaborate projects, high strength materials
mechanics and high toughness, allow a capacity greater than 1,000,000
of barrels (159,000 m³).
The construction and assembly of a storage tank deserves
the most careful attention possible, mainly due to the
following reasons:
High capital investment involved;
They are essential equipment for the operation of a unit.
operational.
2 - CLASSIFICATION OF STORAGE TANKS:
Storage tanks are classified, for didactic purposes, according to the
nature of the ceiling:
Fixed roof tanks;
Ø Mobile roof tanks;
Ø Roof tanks with Flexible Diaphragm;
Floating roof tanks.
Notes:
We will not discriminate the specific functions of the types of ceilings mentioned, but
we will always be available to provide explanations in more detail
details.
Ø A norma N-270, recomenda o tipo de tanque de armazenamento a ser
adopted, depending on the product to be stored, in addition to a study
economic considering the cost of the tank and the cost of losses due to
evaporation.
We carried out a work, which we can call a "Summary of the
main standards" of those items that we consider, at this moment,
essential, especially for those who will be involved in monitoring
manufacturing or inspection of these equipment.
3 - LOCATION OF A STORAGE PARK:
We should consider that the appropriate location for the park of
storage and transfer of the products, it is the place that has been
meticulously studied and planned, mainly taking into account
considering the following aspects:
Soil nature, being considered one of the most important factors
analyze, as an inappropriate choice will inevitably lead to high
cost of foundation for static equipment.
Future expansions, the chosen location must have sufficient area.
for the necessary expansions.
Operationally, the elevation of the land in the tank area should facilitate
the suction conditions of the product storage transfer pumps.
Operational safety, the area to be occupied by the park of
storage should be easily accessible, completely clean, deforested and
Destocked. This area should always aim for operational safety, with the
maximum risk reduction for neighboring areas. Normally, it is expected that the
construction and assembly of the tanks should not be carried out within zones
densely built and should be isolated from free access by people and
animals. These areas should have easy access for equipment of
fire fighting.
4 - STORAGE CAPACITY:
The storage capacity or tanking will depend on several factors,
among which we will mention:
Ø Type of operational unit: refinery, distribution base, terminal
maritime etc...
Stored product.
Production or demand of the operational unit.
Consumption of the region.
Type of transport used for the supply of the operational unit.
Observation:
The National Petroleum Agency (ANP) provides for storage
minimum and the safety stock of oil and its derivatives. (Resolution 5 of
2015).
5 - DETERMINATION OF THE NUMBER OF STORAGE TANKS:
The storage capacity is fixed, as presented earlier,
we will now determine the volume to be adopted for each tank, that is,
determine the number of tanks to be built based on the product
stored, where several aspects need to be considered:
Cost of the stored barrel, which decreases with the tank capacity
of storage.
Operational continuity security, as the greater the
number of storage tanks for a given product
stored, the greater the security of operational continuity.
Maintenance and inspection, which will only add positive values to
enterprise, because the larger the number of tanks
storage, the activities and tasks related to it should be greater
maintenance and thorough inspection of static equipment.
Service requirements, which in some situations, the service itself.
determine the number of tanks to be adopted. For example, in the region
for production, various small tanks are usually built
capacity, to minimize the product contamination problem
stored. Another quite interesting example is that of a Terminal
Maritime, in which the number of storage tanks and their respective
capacities, mainly depend on the capacity of the oil tankers, of the
arrival frequency of the same at the terminal, of the possibility or not of
mixing products, the risk of paying for extra stay, etc.
Evaporation losses will occur in smaller quantities for tanks of
fixed roof, where the heating and cooling of the vapor space occur through
from the metal surface of the side and ceiling. We will obtain a lower amount of
losses due to evaporation, due to heating and cooling of the environment
environment, the smaller the thermal exposure surface, for a given
volume of liquid stored and the same temperature difference. Thus, a
large dimension tanks will have less evaporation loss than
several smaller tanks, with the same storage capacity and
storing the same total volume.
6 – DIMENSIONS FOR STORAGE TANKS:
After determining the number of tanks, along with their respective nominal capacities,
we need to establish the main dimensions of each equipment,
diameter and height, which will lead us to the most economical design, that is, to the one of
lower overall cost.
The use of an analytical method to establish the best 'diameter x' relationship
"height" is practically impossible, due to the large number of variables that
interact in your determination. Despite this difficulty, literature has
indicated some relationships.
Small and medium capacity tanks: Approx. D. H.
Ø Large capacity tanks: D approx. 8/3H.
Such relationships, established after a simplified analysis of the problem, must be
faced as a first approach. The definitive determination of
dimensões do equipamento será sempre realizada após análise acurada dos
the following aspects:
ØAltura:
I. The cutting of sheets, parallel to the length, is not
recommended practice. Thus, the height of a storage tank
It should be set based on the commercial widths of the sheets that will be used.
not at the side.
II. It is sought to use sheets on the side, whenever possible.
with the maximum length and the maximum width. This procedure aims
minimize welding operations and quality control.
III. Efforts are made to avoid the construction of storage tanks.
with great height and small diameter because, in this case, if the wind load does not
If considered, the fact may cause serious structural problems. As
As a general rule, wind load should not be ignored in tanks with height.
superior a 3 vezes o diâmetro.
Diameter:
I. A large diameter may be convenient when one wishes
a greater distribution of the equipment load on the foundation, based on
of the soil quality in the region where the tank will be built.
II. A larger diameter will imply a greater distance between
tanks and, consequently, a larger area of occupation for the park of
storage.
III. A large diameter will imply a smaller useful volume for the
storage tank.
7 - DIKES AND RETENTION BASINS:
Improper dikes are usually built around each tank, or
set of tanks, delimiting an area called "basin of
containment.
Dikes and the containment basin aim at the safety of the installation.
storage, basically presenting the following purposes:
Ø To contain the stored product in case of tank rupture
storage or interconnection piping.
To counter the stored product in case of operational failure or any
any eventual leakage coming from the storage tank or its
pipelines.
To contain a fire to a small area.
The earth dikes must be constructed with successive layers and
uniforms, with a thickness not exceeding 30 cm, always with compaction
before the deposition of the next layer.
The surface of the dike must be protected from erosion using planting.
soil or asphalting. Earthen dikes are the cheapest, however
they present high maintenance costs.
About 20 cm in height is usually added to the
theoretical height of the dyke to compensate for the reduction due to compaction and/or
land erosion.
The concrete dams are the most expensive, however, the maintenance cost is
practically worthless.
The containment basin must have an adequate drainage system.
constituído de drenos de bacia e drenos pluviais.
The NBR 7505-1 standard establishes the basic requirements for location, arrangement,
construção e segurança das instalações de armazenamento.
8 - BASES AND FOUNDATIONS:
The project and construction of the bases and foundations of the storage tanks
must be oriented so that the maximum settlements, absolute and
differential, be compatible with the equipment's safety. Such settlements,
if excessive, they may cause:
High deformations and stresses in the equipment, putting its safety at risk.
stability.
High efforts in the nozzles and pipes connected to the equipment, in case not
there is enough flexibility in the piping to accommodate the pumps.
Errors in level measurement.
Improper functioning of storage tank components
such as the sealing system in floating roof tanks.
The base of a storage tank must be built at least 30
cm higher than the bottom of the containment basin. This procedure aims to
ensure convenient drainage while maintaining the bottom of the tank
practically dry.
Ø A norma N-1822 fixa as condições exigidas para o tratamento da superfície da
foundation for steel tanks for oil storage and their
derivatives.
In the most common cases of a direct foundation with a concrete ring, the
the surface treatment of the tank base will consist of a base
drainage and a coating.
Storage tanks can be built on 2 types of
foundation
I. Direct foundation:
a) Compacted fill, where the foundation consists of the removal of the layer
surface of the ground and replacement with suitable and compacted material.
b) Concrete ring, where the foundation consists of a concrete ring
centered on the side of the storage tank. The depth of the ring
concrete, which may even be piled, will depend on the conditions
ground locations. Depressions should be anticipated to accommodate the doors of
cleaning, drains at the bottom or any other accessory that interferes with the ring
of concrete. This type of direct foundation is recommended in any of the
following situations:
· Land of questionable quality.
· Large diameters (D ≥ 100 ft or feet). Since 1 foot is equal to 12 inches.
· High altitudes (H ≥ 40 ft or feet). Since 1 foot is equal to 12 inches.
· Floating roof tanks.
II. Deep foundation:
a) It is the most expensive type of foundation and is only used when soil conditions
they will make it impossible to use direct funds. It presents a series of stakes
under a reinforced concrete slab on which the bottom plates rest
and the side of the storage tank.
Such a type of foundation seeks to distribute the total load of the equipment.
over a sufficiently large surface, so that there is no occurrence of a
excessive imprint.
c) Lowerings must be planned to accommodate the cleaning doors.
drains at the bottom or any other accessory that interferes with the slab
concrete.
9 - SOIL BEHAVIOR AND TYPES OF SETTLEMENTS:
The prediction of soil behavior and, consequently, the assessment of the level
of admissible recoil, can be obtained through surveys, tests of
loading and previous experiences with similar structures built in
same place.
The settlement of a storage tank foundation, in relation to the line
theoretical horizontal of the equipment's bottom, can be considered as the sum
of the following components:
Uniform recalque, when all points of the ground move from a
same distance. Usually does not present a problem if there is flexibility
sufficient in the piping to accommodate such movement.
Recalculation of the center of the tank's bottom in relation to its periphery,
it usually occurs due to the opposite slope of the foundation.
The inclination of the bottom of the tank is a movement that occurs of the body.
rigid not causing deformations or stresses on the side. Normally its
the effect is negligible due to the leveling tolerances required in construction
from the foundation.
Differential circumferential recalibration is the most critical movement, as
causes deformations (ovalization) and stresses on the side. It is much more critical in
floating roof tanks due to the need for the sealing system to absorb
such deformation, which may cause losses due to evaporation or trap the ceiling in
side.
10 - MEASUREMENT OF SETTLEMENTS:
The N-1807 standard establishes the required conditions for measuring settlements of
foundation during the hydrostatic test of storage tanks. The
recalques are measured using reference pins anchored at about
10 cm below the upper face of the foundation or, in the case of a direct foundation
with compacted fill, fixed to steel corner braces welded to the side of the
equipment.
The minimum number of reference pins is specified by the standard, according to
with the diameter of the equipment.
The settlements must be measured during the following stages of the test
hidrostático: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% e 100%.
The floating roof tanks must be filled to the maximum point of
ceiling elevation.
The fixed roof tanks must be filled to the top of the reinforcement angles.
from the upper edge of the side.
The minimum filling and emptying time for each stage must be
of 2 days.
The readings are recorded on monitoring sheets. After the end
a final report must be prepared regarding the control of complaints, which should include
the drainage control sheets, the time-drainage graphs and the conclusions
relevant.
11 - ADMISSIBLE DISCLAIMERS:
As we saw earlier, the foundation settlements produce ovalization.
and tensions on the side of a storage tank. The fixing of values of
acceptable recalques will mainly be a function of:
Soil quality.
Ø Load considered in the foundation project.
Ø Equipment dimensions.
Type of roof used.
The Norma N-270 indicates the following maximum admissible settlement values,
measured at the perimeter of the base under the side of the tank:
Absolute settlement at any point on the periphery = 300 mm.
Differential settlement between two points on the periphery = 38 mm in 9,000 mm,
measured along the perimeter.
Differential settlement between any two points on the perimeter = 50 mm.
The Norma N-270 also requires that:
Ø The differential pressure at any point on the periphery of the base (under the
side of the tank) and an internal point at a distance of 1150 mm (measured to
the long of the radius) must be a maximum of 70 mm.
The drainage at any point in the central part of the tank base must be such
that maintains the slope established by the project.
12 - BUILDING MATERIALS:
ØChapas:
· The plates used in storage tanks are normally
manufactured in steel mills. Regarding the edges, they can be
provided:
a) With universal (natural) edges: They present the natural edges of
lamination.
b) With trimmed edges: The lamination edges have been eliminated by
side trimming means. They are usually used at the bottom and top of
storage tanks. On the side, due to assembly tolerances,
there will be a need for squaring.
c) The plates, according to thickness, can be classified into:
Thick boards: With a thickness of ¼" or greater.
Thin sheets: With a thickness of less than ¼".
Structural profiles:
· They must comply with the latest edition of one of the specifications.
listed in the API 650 standard.
Tubes and forged items:
· They must comply with the latest edition of one of the specifications.
listed in the API 650 standard.
ØFlanges:
The N-270 standard specifies that:
· Flanges up to 24 in, inclusive, must have all dimensions according to the
ANSI B.16.5 standard and flanges larger than 24 in up to 42 in, inclusive, must
comply with the MSS-SP-44 standard. For diameters above 42 in, they must follow the
norma API 605.
· Flanges with a diameter of up to 14 in, as well as sleeves, must be made of steel.
forged ASTM A 105. For diameters of 16 in and above, the flanges can be from
plate ASTM A 285 Gr. C, ASTM A 515 Gr. 60 or ASTM A 516 Gr 70, provided that
properly calculated according to Appendix II of ASME, Section VIII,
Division I. and complying with the other requirements of standards N-270 and N-253.
Bolts and nuts:
· For nozzles:
The bolts and casings must be made of ASTM A 193 Gr. B7 alloy steel,
dimensions according to ANSI B 18.2.1 and adjustment class 2nd of ANSI B 1.1. As
nuts must be made of ASTM A 194 2H carbon steel, dimensions according to ANSI B
18.2.2 and adjustment class 2B of ANSI B 1.1.
· For access openings and cleaning doors:
a) They must be made of carbon steel ASTM A 307 Gr B and ASTM A 194 2H.
dimensions according to ANSI B 18.2.1 and 18.2.2 and adjustment classes 2A and 2B of ANSI
B 1.1, respectively, for screws and nuts.
Electrodes:
· The electrodes for manual arc welding of materials with limit
with tensile strength below 80,000 psi, must belong to series E 60 or
E 70 from the classification contained in the latest edition of the AWS A 5.1 specification. For
materials with a tensile strength limit of 80,000 psi to 85,000 psi, the
electrodes must belong to the E 80XX-CX series of the classification contained in
latest edition of the AWS A 5.5 specification. Basic electrodes (low hydrogen)
must be used, mandatorily, in manual arc welding, in the
following conditions:
a) Welding of side plates with a thickness greater than 0.5 in for
materials from groups I to III.
b) Welding of side plates, regardless of the value of
thickness, for materials from groups IV to VI.
13 - FUND PROJECT:
Slope:
· The storage tanks must have a conical bottom, sloping downwards.
minimum of 1:120 from the center to the periphery. The small tanks, with a diameter
up to 6 m, they can have a flat bottom.
· In the case of storing aviation gasoline (GAV) and kerosene
in aviation (QAV) the bottom of the tank must be conical with the slope of the
periphery to the center and with the drain positioned in its central part.
Disposition, material and dimensions of the plates:
· The outline of the bottom of a storage tank can be carried out
adopting two types of sheet arrangements:
a) Annular plates
b) Cut sheets (sketch plates).
For all the bottom plates, the material must have, as a minimum quality, the
carbon steel ASTM A 283 Gr. C.
The annular plates must be of the same material specification used in
first ring of the side.
The bottom plates must have trimmed edges and a minimum thickness.
of ¼”, excluding any corrosion thickness.
The thickness for corrosion should only be adopted when the product
stored provoke uniform corrosion at the bottom of the equipment and in case of the
corrosion is localized, the protection of the substrate is normally carried out by
paint or another type of suitable anti-corrosive coating.
If necessary, it is supplemented with cathodic protection.
The API-650, NBR 7821, and N-270 standards summarize the requirements and
recommendations regarding the dimensions and arrangement of the bottom plates
from a storage tank.
Construction methods:
· The bottom plates of a storage tank can be joined.
for two types of joints:
a) Butt joints:
The fillet welded joints are usually used to join together.
the annular clamps. It is a method that is practically not used for joining the
central plates. The plates must have their edges prepared for
solda de topo, com asbordas paralelasouchanfradas em V simples. Na
top joint, welded on one side, should use a joint cover
punched on the lower face of one of the bottom plates.
b) Overlapping joints:
They are usually used in the union between the central plates.
They are also used in the connections between central sheets and cut sheets.
as well as the central plates with the annular plates.
The sheets are welded only on the upper face (overlapping joints)
simple), with a minimum overlap, after welding, of five times the thickness
nominal of the thinnest plate (without needing to exceed 1") or 60
in the case of the union of the central plates with the peripheral ring of the plates
annular.
The overlaps must be carried out, whenever possible, in the direction of
facilitate drainage.
The bottom plates, under the first side ring, must be prepared.
adequately, with the purpose of forming a reasonably
board for supporting the side panels.
Bottom diameter:
To prevent the penetration of rainwater under the bottom plates of a tank
of storage, and allow for proper welding between the bottom of
equipment and the first side ring, the sheets of the bottom periphery
must exceed the external weld that joins the bottom to the side or to any plate
of existing reinforcement on the side, at least, of:
· 25 mm: for the arrangement with cut sheets;
· 50 mm: for the arrangement with annular plates.
· To prevent the penetration of rainwater under the bottom plates and the
erosion of the tank base, the N-270 standard indicates the use of a device
for water drainage.
Bottom welds:
The overlapping joints of the bottom are welded only on the top face.
with integral angle weld (full-fillet weld). It is defined as a weld of
integral angle, the angle weld, whose dimension is equal to the thickness of the sheet
but thinner than the union. The overlap of three sheets must be done
rounding of the corner of the superimposed sheet.
The annular sheets are connected to each other by butt welding. This welding of
topo can be done on one side (with copper joint) or on both sides
sides (without copper joint).
All welds of the fund, when performed with coated electrode, must
to be executed at least in two passes, aiming to obtain a
more docile behavior, more resistant and avoid bites. However, in the
welding of the central plates with the annular plates is recommended
minimum of 3 passes.
The bottom welds, containing three overlaps (overlapping joints) or
formed by three sheets (top joints), should be spaced by, at least
at least 12" apart from each other, and at least 12" from the side. For the arrangement with
ring plates, this last requirement should be increased to 24".
The performer of the construction and assembly of the tanks
storage, should always present a sequential plan of
proper welding, aiming to obtain the minimum warping produced by the
welding contraction.
Reinforcements at the bottom:
Reinforcements in the background are usually employed in the support areas of
support structure of fixed roof supported (19.0 mm of
thickness), in the support areas of the support legs of the ceiling
floating (6.3 mm thick) and in the areas affected by the presence of
accessories
In the deep regions, affected by the action of mechanical mixers,
It is recommended to use sheets with an additional thickness of 2.0 mm.
14 - SIDE PROJECT:
The sizing of the side of a storage tank depends on,
basically, from the adopted design standard and its respective appendices.
The side must be designed so that all its rings are in
vertical position, respecting the tolerances set by standards.
As for the alignment of the side plates, there are the following
possibilities:
a) Symmetrical arrangement:
It is the most structurally recommended type of arrangement, but for assembly.
practically impossible.
b) Arrangement with alignment by the outer face:
It is the most aesthetically recommended layout, easy to assemble and
good finish.
c) Arrangement with alignment by the inner face:
It is the usual arrangement in practice. It features easy assembly and finishing.
regular. It is the most recommended for the functioning of the ceiling, in the case of
tanks with floating roofs.
The vertical joints of two adjacent rings of the hull must be
preference, lagged by at least 1/3 of the length of each
plate, admitting a minimum of 5 for the ring closure plates,
times the nominal thickness of the thickest ring among the rings considered.
Ø Minimum defasagem does not need to be applied to the rings whose thicknesses
foram fixadas pelo valor mínimo estrutural de montagem.
The vertical joints of the first ring of the side and the joints of the plates
The bottom rings must also meet the minimum distance requirements.
between the vertical joints of the side. There should be no accumulation of joints
verticals in the same region of the tank's side.
15 - SIDE ASSEMBLIES:
The side plates of a storage tank must be
properly squared, to allow for satisfactory assembly.
The side joints must be edge-to-edge, welded on both sides (except
when using a special welding process, such as the arc
submerged), with full penetration and complete fusion.
The wider face of an asymmetric butt joint (V or U) can be directed
to the inner or outer side of the side, at the discretion of the designer of the
equipment.
The executor of the construction and assembly work of the tanks
storage, must always present a sequential plan of
proper welding, aiming to obtain the minimum distortion produced by the
welding contraction.
15.1 – Vertical joints:
The API 650 standard illustrates the vertical joints of the side of a tank.
storage, where the recommended preparations are presented, for the
edges of the vertical joint panels of the hull, when using the process of
welding with coated electrode.
15.2 - Horizontal joints:
The API 650 standard illustrates the typical horizontal seams of a tank's shell.
of storage, where the recommended preparations are presented, for
the edges of the horizontal joint plates of the side, when used the
welding process with coated electrode.
16 - OPENINGS ON THE SIDE:
All openings in the side, with a nominal diameter greater than 2", must
must be properly reinforced. The minimum area of the cross-section of the reinforcement shall not
must be less than the product of the vertical diameter of the hole opened on the side by
required thickness, to the side plate, in the opening area.
The cross-sectional area of the reinforcement will be measured according to a vertical plane.
that contains the diameter of the opening.
The reinforcement is only considered effective if it is situated within a limited range by
distance of a diameter of the opening of the side, measured from the line of
center of the opening, up and down.
The reinforcement of the opening can be obtained by using any of the
the following solutions or combinations of them:
a) Welded connection flange on the side;
b) Reinforcement plate;
c) Part of the neck of the connection, within limits established by the standard;
Excess thickness of the side plate beyond the required value;
e) Insert plate.
NOTE:
The cleaning doors and the flush-type connections on the side,
they present reinforcements sized by specific procedures (API 650
items 3.7.7 and 3.7.8 respectively.
All openings on the side requiring reinforcement, such as nozzles, mouths of
visits and cleaning doors must be welded with full penetration on the sheet of
side of the tank, except when using inserted plate, in which case it is allowed
partial penetration.
Item 3.7.3 of API 650 establishes the spacing between the peripheral welds of
an opening in the side and the welds of the top of the side plates, as well as the
spacing between the peripheral welds of an opening on the side and the weld of
side and the weld of the side to the back of the equipment.
17 - CEILING PROJECT:
The design of the storage tank roof will depend on the type of roof.
to be applied, which may be:
Supported Conical Roof.
Self-Supporting Conical Roof.
Self-supporting Curved Roof.
Floating Roof.
Note:
Regarding the necessary overload and according to API 650, all types of roofs and
supporting structures must be designed to withstand their dead load
(self-weight of the ceiling panels and the supporting structure) plus an additional load
live uniform (man, equipment and snow load when applicable), not
less than 120 kgf/m² (25 lb/ft²) of projected area. The overload value
required varies considerably according to the adopted design standard, being:
Ø NBR 7821 = 60 kgf/m² of projected area.
Ø N 270 100 kgf/m² of projected area.
Ø BS 2674 = 1.2 kN/m² (approximately 120 kgf/m²) of projected area.
17.1 – Materials:
The minimum thickness of the ceiling sheets is 4.75 mm. (3/16”), and this must be
thickness should be adopted whenever possible. For such thickness the material must
be carbon steel, structural quality, ASTM A 570 Gr.33 or ASTM A 283
Gr.C, with a minimum width of 1500 mm.
Greater thicknesses may be required for self-supporting ceilings. Having the
need to add the corrosion thickness to the calculated value (ceiling
self-supporting) or the minimum nominal value (supported ceiling and floating ceiling).
For plates with a thickness of 6.3 mm (1/4”) or greater, the material must
ASTM A 283 Gr.C with a minimum width of 2,440 mm.
The profiles of the supporting structure of a supported ceiling must be made of steel.
carbon, structural quality, ASTM A 36. They must have a thickness
nominal. From the soul and flap, at least:
API 650 and NBR 7821 = 4.4 mm. (0.17 in).
Ø N 270 6.35 mm.
For other information regarding the project and construction, inquiries
should be made directly in the specific regulations.
18 - NOZZLES AND ACCESSORIES:
The main nozzles and accessories of a storage tank will be
described and selected below, according to their location on the equipment.
Thus we will have:
Ø Mouthpieces and accessories of the bottom.
Ø Throat and side accessories.
Ceiling openings and accessories.
18.1 - Bottom openings and accessories:
Basically, we only found the drainage system of the equipment.
18.2 – Side openings and accessories:
On the side of storage tanks, we find nozzles with various
purposes:
Product movement.
Drainage system (bottom drain and floating ceiling drain).
Heating system (steam entry and condensate exit).
Fire fighting system (foam chamber).
Blenders, steam cleaning, etc.
Ø Manholes (Shell Manhole).
The access openings on the side must be oriented in the direction of the winds.
predominant at the tank construction site. Such a procedure aims to facilitate
the ventilation of the equipment during maintenance shutdowns.
In our floating roof tanks, to prevent interference during the descent of the
roof and, consequently, make the most of the equipment's capacity,
the side access openings must be of the low type with sheets of
reinforcement forming a 90° angle with the bottom of the tank.
Cleanout doors.
The cleaning doors must be of welded construction and flush with the background.
(flush type).
When there are two or more cleaning ports on the side, two of them must
to be positioned diametrically opposite and oriented in the direction of the winds
predominant in the area. There is only one cleaning door on the side,
a manhole should be positioned diametrically opposite to it and both
accessories should be oriented in the direction of the prevailing winds in the location.
API 650 sets the maximum dimensions of the cleaning door, based on
material used on the side of the equipment.
Platforms, walkways, and stairways.
All tanks must have their own access ladder to the top.
equipment, with a handrail and ending on a platform over the side.
Tanks for lubricating oils, water, and other non-hazardous products can
to dispense the ladder to the top of the side when they are interconnected by
walkways.
The stairs should preferably be of the spiral type. Vertical stairs of the type
sailor, only allowed for tanks up to 6 meters in height, being
for heights above 1.80 m, a guardrail is required to reduce the risk of accidents.
The top platform of the side must be supported directly on the last ring.
from the side, in the case of fixed roof tanks.
For floating roof tanks, the platform must be supported by plates.
of the side extension and project over the ceiling.
The stairs, landings between flights of stairs, top platforms of the side and
walkways connecting tanks should be constructed with material
anti-slip
Ø Fire foam chambers and applicators.
All tanks must have a fixed fire protection system.
For fixed roof tanks, the protection must be through 'chambers of
foam", with glass seal, located on the side and above the maximum level of
stored product.
For floating roof tanks, the protection is carried out by 'applicators of
foam," located in extension plates of the side and that release the foam
in the region of the ceiling sealing system, surrounded by a containment ring of
espuma.
The number, type, and size of the foam application devices can be
determined by Norm N-1203, which sets the requirements for the
development of fixed firefighting system projects with water and
foam, intended for processing, storage, and transfer areas
of oil and its derivatives.
For the areas of storage and transfer of ethyl alcohol, anhydrous or
hydrated, the indications of Standard N-1886 are used.
Mixers.
Ø Bracing rings.
Ø Intermediate bracing rings.
18.3 – Ceiling openings and accessories:
Roof nozzles.
They are usually used for connecting ceiling accessories and can be
flanged or threaded.
Roof manholes.
Every storage tank, regardless of the shape of the roof, must
to present at least one inspection hatch in the ceiling, with the following purposes,
during cleaning and maintenance work:
Ventilation.
Illumination.
Occasional access to the interior of the equipment.
Ø Protection devices against internal overpressure or underpressure.
The type of device to be used depends on the shape of the ceiling, which may be:
Fixed roof tanks:
· Open vent (free vent): normally used when the product
stored has a flash point equal to or higher than 38°C.
· Pressure and vacuum relief valve: device
of combined operation, pressure and vacuum, normally used when
the stored product has a flash point below 38°C.
· Emergency device (emergency vent): normally used
when there is an impossibility of the connection between the ceiling and the top angle of the side
be considered of low mechanical resistance. Such a device can be, by
example, a specially built cover for the ceiling access opening.
Floating roof tanks:
· Vacuum breaker (automatic bleeder vent): allows for the release of all air or gas,
accumulated under the ceiling, at the time of initial filling. The vacuum breaker closes
automatically as soon as the ceiling starts to float. When the tank is
emptied, the vacuum breakers open before the ceiling reaches the resting position and
therefore, they avoid the development of vacuum under the ceiling.
· Pressure relief devices: prevents potential damage to the ceiling caused
por pressões de gases, anormalmente altas, desenvolvidas de vácuo sob o teto.
Gauge Hatch.
Safety rail.
Floating roof drains.
Access ladder to the floating roof (Rolling ladder).
Supporting legs of the floating ceiling.
Floating ceiling seal.
Anti-rotational guide for the floating ceiling (Centering and anti-rotation device).
19 - IDENTIFICATION PLATE:
In every storage tank there must be an identification plate,
fixed to the side of the equipment, next to the start of the access ladder to the top
to the side.
20 - DATA SHEET:
The Norma N-1541 standardizes the data sheet form for tanks of
storage.
21 - MANUFACTURING:
Storage tanks are usually manufactured in workshops.
heavy boiler-making. The manufacturing consists of the proper preparation of the sheets,
profiles, structures, stairs, drains, nozzles, and other accessories.
21.1 - Operations, equipment, and manufacturing standards:
The manufacture of a storage tank involves operations of
performance, tracing, squaring, cutting, chamfering
["calendaring","machining","welding","non-destructive testing","heat treatment"]
tightness test, hydrostatic test, capillarity test, box of
vacuum, dimensional control, etc...
The equipment typically used in the manufacturing of a tank
storage are: cutting bank, cutting turtle, guillotine, calender,
hydraulic press, radial drill, profile cutter, cutting machine
pantographic, overhead crane, winch, lathe, furnace for heat treatment of
tension relief, greenhouses for drying treatment and maintenance of
consumables, whispers, etc...
The N-1888 standard establishes the required conditions for the executed manufacturing at
offices, as well as for the transport of atmospheric tanks. Such manufacturing
must also meet the design requirements of Standard N-270, the requirements
from Section 4 of API 650 and aiming for a proper assembly in accordance with the
Norm N-271.
21.2 – Material Storage:
The unrolled sheets must be stored on wooden cradles.
suitable for preventing distortions.
For the rolled sheets, when laid down, the cradles must have the same
the curvature of the plates and the maximum number of plates per stack must be such
that does not deform the lower plates.
The sheets must be stored at least 20 cm above the level of
alone.
Small pieces, such as flanges, sleeves, screws, nuts, and washers,
must be stored in boxes and in dry places. The machined surfaces,
They must be protected against corrosion through grease or other compounds.
adequate. The flange faces, in addition to the previously mentioned protection, must
to be covered with wooden discs.
21.3 - Sheet performance:
The operation must be carried out by pressing or another cold method, which
do not damage the material.
The performance must be carried out before the tracing and the subsequent ones.
finishing operations.
Localized heating or hammering should not be allowed, unless
that the material be heated to forging temperature.
21.4 - Defect repair:
The defects found must be repaired by welding, as per
prescribed in the Norms N-133 and N-1888.
After the repair is carried out, non-destructive tests must be conducted.
provided for in the N-1888 standard.
The defects, properly repaired, are then recorded on a map (Map
dos Defeitos Reparados) que permite a exatas localização dos pontos reparados
on the equipment itself.
21.5 – Cutting and preparation of the edges of the sheets:
The cutting and beveling of the edges of the sheets can be done by shearing.
(with planer type machine, automatic chisel, guillotine or scissors)
mechanical) or by oxy-cutting.
Shearing is limited to sheets with a thickness of up to 3/8" in (approximately 10
mm.) for the butt joints and up to 5/8" in (approx. 16 mm.) for the joints
overlapping.
The edges of the plates cut by oxygen and intended for welding must be
smooth, uniform, and free from stains, slag, and burrs. Such
Irregularities must be removed with automatic chisels and/or grinders.
The contour sheets of the bottom, the contour of the ceiling, and the closing sheets of the
side rings must be left for cutting at the assembly site.
21.6 – Calendering of the side plates:
Aiming for ease of assembly and proper fitting of the
tolerances, it is always recommended to roll all the sheets of
side, independent of the tank diameter and sheet thickness.
21.7 – Openings in the plates for the construction of accessories and
performing stress relief heat treatment:
Any opening that requires thermal treatment for stress relief in
compliance with the requirements of API 650 Standard in its item 3.7.4, must be
manufactured, assembled, welded, tested and heat treated at the factory.
The openings that do not require heat treatment for stress relief,
can be manufactured and carried out in the field.
The nozzles interconnected to pipes, which do not require thermal treatment of
relief of tensions should be carried out in the field.
The holes in the reinforcement plates, for the exit of welding gases and execution
The leak test (pneumatic test) must be carried out before the
assembly of the reinforcement plates.
These holes, after the manufacturing of the tank component, must be left.
open and protected with grease.
The N-1888 standard requires that the leak test mentioned above,
should be carried out before the heat treatment for stress relief.
21.8 - Welding:
The welding performed must comply with the N-133 Standards.
N-1888.
All temporary welds must be removed after their execution.
Functions. The surfaces under such welds must be properly ground.
and, for materials requiring impact testing, necessarily
inspected with magnetic particles or penetrant liquid.
The N-1888 Standard requires that all welds present in the components
thermally treated for stress relief, shall be inspected, through
penetrant liquid or magnetic particle, before and after the performance of
heat treatment.
If any repairs are necessary, their execution must comply with Standard N-133.
The non-destructive tests intended for the original welded joint must be
equally repeated.
21.9 - Manufacturing inspection:
Only the materials that are correctly identified and approved by the inspection
upon receipt, must be used in the manufacture of the tank of
storage.
The manufacturing inspection must meet the requirements of Standard N-1888.
All manufactured parts must be properly marked and packaged.
packaged (if necessary), tracked and shipped in a manner to avoid
any damage during transport.
22 - ASSEMBLY:
The assembly of a storage tank is of utmost importance for the
its future operation. The steps to be developed must comply with
a written procedure, containing at least the following indications:
a) Equipment to be used in each phase of assembly and welding,
including the type and arrangement of scaffolding and the type of lighting, when
necessary.
b) Sequência e descrição resumida de cada etapa de montagem.
c) Description of the conditions for assembly and welding at each stage of
assembly.
d) Adjustment methods and mounting accessories to be used in each
stage.
e) Type and extent of inspection of welded joints.
f) Care with temporary welds, including the method used for them
removal.
g) Welding procedures of the executant and their qualification records.
h) Non-destructive testing procedures and their respective records
qualification.
i) Dimensional inspection methods and assembly tolerances.
j) Occasion when the planned trials or tests will be carried out.
k) Execution procedures for each planned test, including the
equipment used.
l) Plan for recording the results of non-destructive testing of joints
solders, by solderer.
m) Procedure for raising the ceiling, when it is mounted on the
fund.
n) Grouting methods.
o) Any other activities not mentioned previously.
NOTE:
1 - The construction of a storage tank can involve various
contractor companies. Thus, normally, the execution of the tank foundation is
the responsibility of a certain company, while the assembly is of the
responsibility of another contractor.
2 – Therefore, it is of great importance that every contract establishes
perfectly the responsibilities of each firm involved, as well as to whom
complete the supply of materials, fresh water, electricity, machinery
left, consumables, instruments, etc...
22.1 - Inspection standards and routines:
The Norm N-271 establishes the required conditions for the assembly of tanks.
vertical cylindrical storage, welded, operating at pressures
atmospheric and temperature between -6 and 150°C or pressures up to 98kPa (1 kgf/cm²)
temperatures between -50 and 95°C.
The welding must be performed in accordance with Standard N-133 and the tests
non-destructive according to the following standards:
1) Staff qualification = N-1590.
Sealing N-1593.
X-ray = N-1595.
4) Penetrant liquid = N-1596.
Visual = N-1597.
Magnetic particles = N-1598.
Ultrasound N-1594.
8) Discontinuities in general = N-1738.
The Technical Inspection Routine lists all the services to be performed, as well
as the acceptance criteria to be adopted, regarding quality control
being employed in the assembly and conditioning of tanks
storage, which is divided into 7 chapters:
1) Recebimento, Armazenamento e Preservação:
· Documentation;
· Received equipment ready;
· Chapas;
· Flanges and nozzles;
· Screws, nuts, clamps, cases, washers, and anchors;
· Accessories;
· Structural elements;
· Welding consumables.
2) Foundations and bases:
3) Qualifications:
4) Assembly:
· Fund
· Side;
· Fixed roof;
· Floating ceiling;
· Accessories.
5) Testes:
6) Preservation after assembly:
7) Preparation for the assisted operation:
NOTE:
The performers of the inspection and/or oversight activities must assemble
a spreadsheet, where the following should be included, for the chapter mentioned above,
services that will be executed, which criteria will be followed, standards and
reference items and general observations.
22.2 – Inspection and storage of materials:
Only those can be used in the assembly of a storage tank,
materials correctly identified and tracked, with their certificates
awarded and duly approved by the receiving inspection.
The storage of materials should be carried out using the same
care already mentioned earlier for the manufacturing stage (Item 21.2).
22.3 - Verification of the base:
The existing standard benchmark in the area where the tank is being constructed,
it will serve as a reference for the topographic services to be carried out.
The base of a storage tank must be verified according to
requirements of the N-271 and N-1644 standards, at least, regarding the following
aspects:
a) Orientation and elevation.
b) Diameter of the base.
c) Leveling.
d) Slope.
e) Dimensions of the foundation (e.g.: width of the concrete ring).
f) Centerline orientation and the dimensions of the recess of accessories that
they interfere with the foundation of the tank (cleaning door and bottom drain).
g) Waterproofing.
22.4 – Assembly of the fund:
The bottom plates must be assembled according to the established layout.
in the project, observing the orientation in relation to the coordinate axes and the
overlapping of the plates.
The placement of the first panel at the bottom is of fundamental importance,
normally carried out with the help of surveying instruments.
The bottom plates are dragged to their positions by means of ropes.
staples and the placement in the final position is done with levers.
One must be very careful not to damage the waterproofing of the
bottom of the tank.
The overlap of the bottom plates should be marked with paint for
to facilitate your verification during assembly. Normally, such marking is
made at a distance from the edge of the sheet equal to the overlap plus 20 mm.
The minimum overlap between the peripheral plates and the core of the bottom must
to be enlarged (approx. 20 mm) to compensate for the contraction of the welding.
The alignment and welding of the bottom plates must comply with
welding sequence indicated in the project, in such a way as to result in the minimum of
deformation.
The welding sequence to be adopted throughout the equipment must be
submitted for approval by the inspection, before its commencement.
The welds between the side and the bottom should be made after welding the
vertical joints of the first ring of the side (preferably after the
assembly of the second ring) and before welding the bottom core with the
peripheral caps. The traditionally adopted sequence is as follows:
Execution of the internal weld;
2) Inspection of the internal weld;
3) Execution of the external welding.
22.5 – Side assembly:
The assembly of the side is initiated with the marking of the internal diameter of the
tank over the bottom plates and should always start with the plates that
contain the cleaning doors.
The assembly of the side plates requires, in addition to a good sequence of
welding, a series of additional precautions:
· Protection against deformations due to strong winds.
braces must be supported throughout the entire assembly.
· In the case of tanks with floating roofs, the bracing ring may
is provisionally fixed on the lower rings of the side, serving as
scaffolding and stiffening the side in relation to wind loads.
· Strict adherence to industrial safety practices, occupational health
and protection of the environment.
· Strict verification of the dimensional tolerances required by
norm.
· The Norma N-271 presents several assembly requirements for the side.
of storage tanks.
22.6 - Ceiling installation:
22.6.1 - Installation of fixed ceilings:
The following sequence is usually adopted:
Marking, at the top of the side, of the four indicative points of the axes
equipment coordinates.
Marking, at the bottom, the positions of the footings of the support columns.
Vertical positioning of the columns.
Welding, at the bottom, of the guides of the support column bases.
Stay of the columns, which must remain braced until the
final assembly of the polygon formed by the transverse beams. In the central column
the bracing must be maintained until all radial beams are installed
They are fixed on the adjacent polygon or on the side, as the case may be.
Assembly of the transverse and radial beams. It should not be allowed the
tightening of the bolted connections of the ceiling support structure.
Arrangement of the ceiling plates as stipulated in the project, taking into account
the orientation regarding the coordinate axes and the overlay of the sheets.
The overlapping of the ceiling sheets must be marked in advance for
to facilitate verification during assembly, in a manner similar to that adopted in
fund.
The overlap between the peripheral plates and the core of the ceiling must have a
additional (approx. 20 mm) to compensate for welding shrinkage.
Any overload on the structure must be avoided due to stacking.
the sheets in the same place.
Ø Layout and welding of the roof plates, following the sequence of
welding indicated in the project (similar to that of the bottom of the equipment).
The peripheral welds from the ceiling to the top corner of the side must be
executed before the welding of the core with the peripheral sheets of the ceiling.
Aiming to achieve the weak connection between the ceiling and the side, the ceiling plates
they cannot be welded to the support structure.
Positioning and welding of nozzles and accessories.
The nozzles and accessories not connected to piping can have their positions
slightly altered to avoid interference.
22.6.2 – Installation of suspended ceilings:
The following sequence is usually adopted:
Marking, on the inner side of the hull, of the project coordinates.
Assembly of a temporary support structure for the floating ceiling
during the assembly.
Such a structure is normally made up of tubular scaffolding, with
adjustable shoes and wooden slats, at the top, for support of
ceiling cover.
The temporary structure must not be welded to the bottom of the tank and its height
It should be sufficient to allow the execution of all the welds planned on the ceiling.
Arrangement of the ceiling panels as stipulated in the project.
The overlap of the ceiling plates must be marked in advance for
facilitate verification during assembly, similar to that adopted in
fund.
The overlap between the edge plates and the core of the ceiling must be
enlarged (approx. 20 mm.) to compensate for welding shrinkage.
Ø Spot welding and welding of the roof plates, following the sequence of
welding indicated in the project.
Positioning and welding of nozzles and accessories.
The guide tubes of the support legs and other accessories that pass through
vertically or the float of the pontoon ceiling or the compartments of the double ceiling,
must be assembled and welded simultaneously with the ceiling sheet to
make your welding operation less difficult.
Removal of the temporary structure and support of the roof by its own legs
of support.
23 - INDUSTRIAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
The inspection, the issuer of the Work Permit (according to Norm N-2162)
and the specialized personnel from Security, Health, and Environmental Protection,
we can suspend any service that shows imminent risk, threatening
the safety or health of people, the environment or the integrity of
installations.
24 - QUALIFICATIONS, INSPECTION METHODS AND TESTS:
During the assembly of a storage tank, quality control
the welded joints of the equipment are usually carried out using
following qualifications, inspection methods, and tests:
Welding Procedure Qualification, Qualification of
Welders and Welding Operators:
The manufacturer and/or assembler must conduct qualification tests of the
welding procedures that will be used in the storage tank,
showing the adequacy and compliance with ASME Section IX, API 650
– Section 7 e N-133.
I will also carry out quality qualification tests in the execution of
on the left, in all participants of the welding operators and welders of the
construction of the storage tank, as provided for in the regulations
previously mentioned.
All qualifications must be properly recorded as required.
in the N-133 standard.
Section 7 of API 650 Standard presents additional requirements to the Code.
ASME Section IX, specific to the qualification of procedures,
welders and welding operators in storage tanks.
Visual Inspection Method:
The visual test must be conducted in accordance with Standard N-1597.
All the welds on the side must be visually inspected.
at least the aspects of: bite, reinforcement, misalignment, cleaning of
root and cleaning between passes, according to the requirements of API 650 (Section 5).
Radiographic Inspection Method:
The radiographic inspection should only be conducted on the welded joints of
top, where complete fusion and penetration were required. In this way, the
radiographic inspection is required for the butt welds of the side, for the welds of
top of the annular plates and at the butt welds of the flush-type connections
fund (flush type).
The radiographic inspection is not required for the ceiling welds, for the welds of
bottom (core and core with annular sheets), at the ceiling welds with the
top corner of the side, at the welds of the top corner with the plates
on the side, at the seams of the side with the bottom and at the seams of accessories.
The execution of the radiographic test must be conducted in accordance with the standard.
N-1595.
The criteria for the number and location of radiographs for tanks
dimensioned by API 650, should be observed in this Standard with some
constant reservations in Norm N-271 which must be respected.
The radiographic technique and evaluation of the results should be based on the
determinations of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code V,
Nondestructive Examination
In the radiographic inspection by sampling, each welded joint examined and
rejected, the sampling should be increased as described in the API Standard
650 – Item 6.1.6.
The detected defects must be completely removed mechanically.
(grinding) or by fusion (gouging). The removal must be strictly
necessary for the correction of defects.
The repair procedure must always be submitted for approval.
Inspection and all repaired welds must be re-inspected throughout the
its extension is more than 75 mm. on each side of the repair.
The execution of the radiographic test must be conducted according to the standard.
N-1595.
Sectioning Inspection Method.
It is a destructive method of inspecting welded joints, which consists of
removal of a proof body, by trepanning, containing part of both
welded joint plates.
After removal, the test specimens are chemically treated and examined.
for verifying the existence of defects.
After the examination, all the cuts made for the removal of the bodies of
tests must be closed using a proper procedure
qualified.
In storage tanks, the sectioning inspection method,
it is practically only used as a final decision for acceptance or rejection of the
welds at an angle, where visual inspection indicated the possibility of welds
unsatisfactory.
According to API 650, the assembly inspection has the right to remove 1
proof body for every 100 ft of angle weld executed (approx. 30
meters).
Currently, the method of sectioning for quality control of
Butt welded joints are only permitted by the NBR 7821 Standard.
Usually, the sectioning method is only accepted in inspection of
quality of the horizontal weld joints of the side, when the penetration
complete has not been specified. However, if accepted by
buyer / customer of the equipment, the cutting method can be up to
used as an alternative to the radiographic inspection method.
Magnetic Particle Inspection Method:
The execution of the test by magnetic particles must be according to the standard.
N-1598.
According to API 650, the magnetic particle inspection method must be
carried out in accordance with item 6.2.
For materials subjected to impact testing, all weld locations
provisional ones, after proper removal, must be examined for particles
magnetic or penetrant liquid.
Ultrasonic Inspection Method:
The ultrasound test must be carried out according to Standard N-1594.
According to API 650, the ultrasonic inspection method must be carried out.
as described in item 6.3.
Liquid Penetrant Inspection Method:
The execution of the test using penetrant liquid must be in accordance with
Norm N-1596.
According to API 650, the liquid penetrant inspection method must be performed
according to item 6.4.
Leak Test:
The Standard N-1593 establishes the required conditions for conducting the test of
tightness through the passage of pressurized gases (formation of
bubbles) or by the penetration of liquids by capillarity.
The sole function of the leak test is to detect any possible leaks.
leaks, not aiming at the analysis of mechanical resistance, deformation or
structural overlays.
Under the designation of leak test, we can identify the
following types of essays:
I. Bubble formation test with positive pressure:
Usually used in the inspection of welds of the reinforcement plates.
openings on the side (test pressure up to 15 psig) and in the inspection of the welds
the floating roof type buoy-roof floats (test pressure up to 2 psig).
II. Negative pressure bubble formation test:
Usually used in the inspection of the welds of the roof and the bottom of a
storage tank.
The vacuum box must have convenient dimensions and proper sealing.
to enable the formation of partial vacuum during the test, as per
described in 6.6 of API 650.
III. Capillarity essay:
Typically used in the inspection of the internal weld between the side and the
bottom of the storage tank, before the execution of the external welding.
It is also used in the inspection of the angle welds of the watertight chambers.
two floating ceilings.
The test liquid must have a high capillary effect, being
frequently used diesel oil or kerosene.
If it is necessary to use a developer, it should be a large one.
absorption efficiency and provide adequate contrast for visualization of the
discontinuities.
The commonly used developers are: lime-based paint, talcum powder or
revealer used in testing with penetrant liquid.
Hydrostatic Test:
All tanks must be tested hydrostatically.
The hydrostatic test aims to verify the tightness of the side welds and the
quality of the equipment foundation.
The hydrostatic test also aims, for floating roof tanks, to verify the
buoyancy of the ceiling.
The hydrostatic test usually requires a large amount of water, which
supply must be scheduled in advance.
The use of salt water is not recommended, as it may cause severe damage.
internal corrosion of the equipment.
Pins for subsidence control, in accordance with Standard N-1807, must be
fixed to the tank base before the performance of the hydrostatic test.
The cleaning door joints and access doors, installed before the test
hydrostatic, they must be provisional.
For fixed roof tanks, the filling must be done up to 2 in (approximately 50
mm.) above the top edge of the top corner of the side.
For open top tanks, the filling should be carried out up to the part
superior of the top corner of the side or even an overflow (thief),
limitation of the maximum filling height of the equipment.
In our floating roof tanks, the maximum filling should not exceed
risk the movement or the buoyancy of the equipment's ceiling.
In carrying out the hydrostatic test, the following conditions must be
verified, according to the requirements of Standard N-271:
I. Adjustment of the test water temperature to the material of the
side panels.
II. Availability of freshwater.
III. If only salt water is available, the use of is mandatory.
corrosion inhibitor.
IV. Safety condition, before and during the test, including the
closing of the levees of the containment basin.
V. Opening of the articulated drain valves of the floating ceiling.
VI. Operation of the articulated ladder of the floating ceiling.
VII. Watertightness of the articulated drains of the floating ceiling.
VIII. Possible leaks from the bottom, sides, and ceiling (including inside)
two compartments of the floating ceiling). When there is a suspicion of leakage
it is recommended to use dyes in the water of the hydrostatic test to
facilitate their detection.
IX. Possible deformations in the hull.
X. Displacement of the floating ceiling, with the ceiling needing to lower to the height of
operation.
XI. Spacing between the side and the floating ceiling, such value must
respect the tolerance of the seal designer.
XII. Settlement measures of the foundation.
The items I / II / III / IV and V must be checked before the test.
hydrostatic.
Minimum temperature of the water in the hydrostatic test depending on the material and the
thickness of the side plates.
Any leak revealed during the hydrostatic test must be repaired.
before proceeding with it, according to the recommendations of the API Standard
650 (Section 5 – Item 5.4.4).
The repair procedure must be submitted for approval by the oversight.
assembly of the equipment.
After the hydrostatic test is performed, the interior of the equipment must be
perfectly clean.
25 - PAINTING AND CATHODIC PROTECTION:
25.1 – Painting:
A storage tank should only be painted after the hydrostatic test.
The steel surfaces that will be painted must initially be subjected to
to the weathering process, according to the determinations of Standard N-11.
The process aims to promote the detachment of the rolling scale, which
they are hard and extremely adhesive oxides, formed during the process of
sheet lamination.
The removal of lamination scale is achieved through natural oxidation.
resulting from the exposure of steel surfaces to the elements. Therefore, the
weathering process also aims to facilitate the subsequent operation of
abrasive blasting.
This process should be immediately interrupted when corrosion
atmospheric starting to become harmful.
The paint application on storage tanks must meet the
requirements of the following standards:
· N-13 Application of Paint.
· N-1201 Internal painting of tanks.
· N-1205 External painting of tanks.
The painting of a storage tank involves a series of operations:
· Visual Inspection:
Segundo a Norma N-1204, anotando os pontos contendo imperfeições
resulting from cutting and welding, traces of oil, grease, cement, concrete,
greases, laminating debris, corrosion spots and other foreign materials.
The degree of corrosion of the inspected surface must be classified (A, B, C or
D) in accordance with the visual standards of Norm ISO 8501-1. Also note the
points where the painting, if any, is damaged.
· Cleaning by physico-chemical action:
According to Norm N-5, acting on contaminated surfaces through
solvents, emulsions, degreasers, detergents, water, steam or others
materials and methods physical chemistry.
· Surface treatment to be painted:
According to Standard N-9, by means of abrasive jet (wet sand, dry sand,
steel shot, synthesized aluminum oxide or other abrasives) or
hydro jetting (water under high pressure), removing rust crusts, remnants
of the lamination layer and leaving the surface to be painted with the finish
required. Hydrojetting should only be used for maintenance services.
· Application of the primer paint:
According to the determinations of the designer/client.
· Application of the finishing paint:
According to the determinations of the designer / client.
· Control of the continuity of the film:
With the use of discontinuity detectors, according to Standard N-2137
Holiday Detector
Although Standard N-271 requires that the tank be painted after testing
hydrostatic, some situations, such as avoiding abrasive blasting
and accelerate the application of the painting system at the construction site, they can
justify the surface preparation for painting and the application of the primer, already
at the manufacturer's workshop.
Evidently, the regions that will be welded (edges of the sheets) only
They will receive the preparation and application of the painting scheme at the construction site.
In this case, it is essential to take care when handling and transporting the sheet metal.
painted.
25.1.1 – Internal Painting:
When the fixed ceiling is painted internally, the N-271 Standard requires that the
support structure, should be properly painted before the installation of the
ceiling tiles.
The central area of each plate must be painted before assembly, being the
painted edges after welding.
In floating roof tanks, Standard N-271 recommends the removal of the seal.
PW before the ceiling painting.
The internal painting scheme must be selected according to Standard N-1201.
levando-se em conta o tipo de tanque de armazenamento (teto fixo ou
floating), the corrosive environment, the stored product, and the temperature of
storage.
25.1.2 – Exterior Painting:
The external painting schemes, standardized by Standard N-1205, were
established, taking into account the reduction of losses due to evaporation, the
corrosive environment, the temperature of the stored product, and whether the equipment
it has thermal insulation.
25.2 – Cathodic Protection:
A storage tank can be cathodically protected, as long as
the fluid, with which it is in contact, should be conductive. Thus, in tanks of
storage, cathodic protection can be applied in the following areas:
· Fund:
External and internal.
· The entire interior:
Only in the water storage tanks and ship ballast.
· All the exterior and interior:
(In case there is the presence of water ballast), in the buried and submerged tanks.
25.2.1 – Internal cathodic protection:
The oil tanks usually have a certain amount of
salt water at the bottom and, therefore, can receive cathodic protection in this
region.
For other products, the need for cathodic protection is defined in
function of the existence of water, the values of resistivity, the conditions of
aeration etc.
The type of cathodic protection usually adopted is 'cathodic protection'
"galvanic" with zinc or aluminum anodes.
Magnesium anodes are used only when the stored product is
freshwater.
Thus, the internal anti-corrosion protection of the bottoms of tanks
the storage of oil and its derivatives is usually carried out,
an economical way, with an excellent quality painting (extending)
to the side up to a height of 1 meter) and supplemented, if necessary, by
a galvanic cathodic protection.
25.2.2 - External cathodic protection:
Only the tanks mounted on elevated concrete bases and with
excellent waterproofing, between the base and the bottom sheet, can be
considered exempt from corrosion externally to the bottom.
Thus, from an economic point of view, it is usually interesting to
cathodic protection job externally to the equipment's bottom.
The most commonly used type of protection is by 'imprinted chain'.
The project of a cathodic protection system for a tank
storage must meet the requirements set forth in Standard N-1983.
26 - BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES:
Storage Tanks - Eng. Stenio Monteiro de Barros;
API 650 - 'Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage' of the American Petroleum
Institute (API);
NBR 7821 - "Welded Tanks for Petroleum Storage and
Derivatives;
