Throughout human history, the need to store fluids has been a fundamental requirement to sustain life. Containers to store these fluids were initially made out of natural materials such as wood, clay, or stone. The industrial revolution led to the development of new materials and processes to create storage tanks made of metal which could store much larger quantities of fluids than ever before.
Today, there are different types of storage tanks made of different materials and used for different purposes. But they all have one common goal – to store fluids safely and securely.
One type of storage tank is regulated by the American Petroleum Institute (API) – the API 653 storage tank.
API 653 is the standard for tanks that store petroleum and other liquid products. These tanks can range in size from just a few hundred gallons to several hundred thousand gallons. API 653 tanks must undergo regular inspections to ensure they are in compliance with the regulations.
Here are the five steps to compliant API 653 tank inspections:
1. Plan the inspection
Inspections must be planned in advance and carried out by qualified personnel. The plan should include what needs to be inspected when the inspection will take place, and who will carry out the inspection. This plan should be reviewed and approved by the tank owner.
2. Prepare for the inspection
Before the inspection can take place, the tank must be prepared. This includes cleaning the tank and removing any obstacles that could hinder the inspection process. Once the tank is prepared, the inspector can begin the inspection.
3. Conduct the inspection
The actual inspection process will vary depending on the type of tank being inspected. But in general, the inspector will look for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or other damage. They will also take measurements to ensure that the tank meets all the requirements of the API 653 regulations.
4. Document the inspection
After the inspection is complete, the inspector will document the findings. This documentation should include photos, videos, or other evidence of the condition of the tank. The documentation should also include the inspector’s recommendations for repairs or other actions that need to be taken.
5. Follow up after the inspection
Once the inspection is complete, the tank owner should follow up to ensure that all the inspector’s recommendations are carried out. This may include repair work, replacement of parts, or other corrective action. Once the recommended actions are taken, the tank will be in compliance with API 653.
Keep Your Business Running Safely and Smoothly
Just like any other type of storage tank, API 653 tanks must undergo regular inspections to ensure they’re in compliance with the regulations. By following the 5 steps presented in this article, you can ensure that your API 653 tank inspections are compliant.
Remember, compliance is key to keeping your tank in good condition and ensuring the safety of the fluids it contains. So, don’t postpone your next inspection – plan it today!
