API 650 Appendix E interior coating 1

[wedoit123]

A new Fuel tank With net capacity 125,000 BBL With Fixed roof according API 650 appendix E to build , client not allow a temporary door sheet opening for access of mobile equipment during interior coating application after hydrostatic test.

Tank dimension Diameter: 146 feet Height: 56 feet with hexagonal Intermediate columns to support Roof.

Please advise if there is any idea to allow access for mobile equipment after hydrostatic test of the tank.

 

[IFRs]

Cut a hole in the cone roof, lower it in with a crane. If you need a larger opening than 6 feet wide, remove more roof plate and one rafter.

 

[wedoit123]

Is the roof plate and rafter will not required any need of hydrostatic test for the tank after reinstall .

can scaffold tower build to access of labors for painting or that will have any concern on shell.

Please advise.

 

[MJCronin]

Wedoit123 ...

You do realize that, just after the massive amount of water is drained post tank Hydrotest ...that ...

Your client will then DEMAND a temporary door sheet opening for access of mobile equipment and claim that ... somehow ... in some way you were supposed to know this based on vague contract language ..

The client's new 22 year old MBA Project Engineer will DEMAND that your company pay for the expensive rework, redesign and recoating ... and re-hydrotest

Anybody agree ?

MJCronin
Sr. Process Engineer

 

[IFRs]

Roof plate and rafters are not part of the hydrotest which is only for foundation and brittle fracture of the shell.

Scaffold towers work but they need to be erected properly with outriggers and stabilization. Don't be that guy and hurt someone who sues everyone. Don't hire a local yahoo to design or erect or inspect it.

Consider hanging scaffold from holes in the cone roof. Remember to tie off all workers to a suitable OSHA tie-off. Get an PE licensed engineer involved.

Normal scaffolding does not affect a hydrotest or require one.

My opinion only (but I know of a lawsuit for just this situation where the worker was badly hurt)

 

[wedoit123]

Thanks IFRs & MJCornin, Appreciate your advise .

 

[JStephen]

Really just a matter of working out the best economics permitted by the situation.
Shop priming may reduce the amount of interior work required.
If a door sheet is used during tank erection, can the roof structure above the full level be coated prior to hydrotest?
Roof couplings and suspended scaffolding can be used to access the interior.
API does allow larger roof manways to be installed, limited by rafter spacing.
They make some little walk-behind loaders that can be used for moving sand, etc. Those may fit through a 48"x48" flush manway if that can be included.