API 653 - Section 575 Flash Card – 27 Questions

1. The exterior surface of the tank bottom is known as the ________.

Bottom side (3.6)

2. What is a device that protects atmospheric storage tanks by maintaining the

pressure difference between the tank vapor space and the outside atmosphere to
2
just a few ounces per in ?

Pressure-vacuum vent (4.2.2)

3. What is the most common type of atmospheric storage tank?

Fixed cone roof tank (4.2.3)

4. What is the purpose of a geodesic dome on a tank?

Strength (4.2.3)

5. Why are atmospheric storage tanks generally inspected?

To protect the environment as well as the health and safety of employees

and public (5.1)

6. What is the primary cause of deterioration of steel storage tanks?

Corrosion (5.2)

7. During the inspection of a tank, a section of the bottom is removed. Several

globs of clay are found in the pad. What would you suspect?

Pitting corrosion may exist (5.2.1)

8. A tank that is supported above grade on a ring wall has its bottom exposed to
the elements. As an inspector, what would you do to prevent possible bottom
corrosion?

Paint or coat (5.2.1)

9. What usually causes internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in vapor

zone?

H2S vapors, H2O vapors, O2 or a combination (5.2.2)

10. Where is the most likely point and one of the potentially most critical points
for a crack to occur in a large storage tank?

Shell-to-bottom weld (5.4)

11. If the pan-type (single-deck) floating roof has a plugged water draw-off, what
would be the most likely consequence?

The weight of the accumulated water weight can be sufficient to submerge

or sink the roof (5.5)

12. What API document provides requirements for inspection frequency?

API 653

13. An AST was built and put in-service in 1990. The minimum thickness of the
bottom course was 0.35". The bottom course was constructed using 0.5" thick
plates. The tank was not inspected again until 2006. Thickness of the bottom
course was measured at 0.42". Determine the corrosion rate and calculated
remaining life.

CA = (0.5-0.42)/16 = 0.005"/yr R Life = (0.42-0.35)/0.005 = 14 years (6.2)

14. What type of inspection provides another means of establishing suitability for
continued service?

Risk-based inspection (6.3)

15. How should AST foundations be checked for settlement?

It can be measured by a surveyor's level (7.23)

16. Why should inspectors exercise great care when inspecting a roof of an
insulated tank?

Thin roof might not be strong enough to support weight of inspector (7.2.7)

17. Coatings (paint, etc.) may affect UT readings. What should be done?

Compensate for the coating when recording the metal thickness

measured (7.2.8.1)

18. A storage tank is used to store a product that must be kept warm (150ºF+). The
product has a high concentration of caustic and stress-corrosion cracking is
suspected because of caustic embrittlement. Where would you look for cracks?

Around connections for internal heating units and coils (7.2.8.3)

19. A riveted or bolted tank should have a number of randomly selected rivets or
bolts checked for tightness. How is this done?

By tapping the rivet or bolt head laterally with a hammer while holding the
opposite side (7.2.8.6)

20. If a fixed cone roof of a tank is suspected of being extremely thin, what
precaution should an inspector take to facilitate his inspection (beside using safety
harness with lanyard to tie-off point)?

Use planks long enough to extend over two roof rafters or walk on weld
seams (7.2.9)

21. Why do dry pyrophoric materials present a problem?

They can self-ignite when exposed to ambient (7.4.2)

22. When statistical methods are used for assessing the probable condition of a
tank bottom, what controls the number of UT measurements taken?

The diameter of tank and degree of soil-side corrosion found (7.4.4)

23. What size coupon is recommended for removal from a tank bottom to check
for underside corrosion?

12" minimum (7.4.4)

24. When penetrating oil is sprayed on the outside shell-to-bottom weld for a test,
what is this test called?

Wicking (8.2.2) (Diesel Test)

25. What is a method for checking for weld leaks in the bottom and in the shell?

Bubble test or vacuum box test (8.2.4)

26. Why is two-pass welding recommended for seal-welding leaking rivets?

To allow for a poor first-pass due to hydrocarbon contamination (9.2.2)

27. How long should the AST records be maintained?

Throughout the service life of the tank (10.2)