API 650 STD STAMP has fallen off my oil storage tank!

[mpeck1982]

Gentlemen,

In the near future I will have to hire a contractor to make some welding repairs on some small pits on top of my oil storage tank. It originally had an API 650 STD stamp on the tank but has fallen off in the past. So the tank doesn't have any stamp indication of an API STF on it currently. Since the contractor will be following all of the API 650/653 guidelines to repair the small pitting damage, what stamp should be go back on the tank? Should it be a API STD 653 stamp since it is a "repair" to an original tank? What is the best way to recertify this tank and which API standard to use?

 

[JStephen]

Review the section of API-653 dealing with nameplates.
Generally, if a nameplate has been lost and it can be positively identified what the tank is and other pertinent information, the nameplate can be replaced. If it's the "mystery tank" that nobody knows anything about who built it or when or how, then that's not an option.

API-653 nameplates are mandated for reconstructed tanks, but it is really meaningless to put an API-653 nameplate on a tank due to minor repairs being done. That is, somebody can certify that certain repairs were performed to API-653, but that doesn't mean the tank met API-650 in the first place.

 

[Duwe6]

what JStephen said. API is totally different from ASME. For your tank to be an API-650 tank in the eyes of your contractor, all it takes is for you [owner] to tell that to the contractor. And nameplates/Code Data plates are optional for new construction. Further, there is no such animal as an 'API Repair' tag.

 

[mpeck1982]

The original tank manufacturer is no longer in business. I contacted API and they said if there is no longer a nameplate that has the API monogram and certification the tank is no longer API 650 standard qualified. They also said that the nameplate couldn't be replaced. The tank was inspected/tested for API 650 on a specific day by a specific certifier back in 1976. The nameplate would be void if replaced. I asked API to send this to me in writing in an email and they refused. Has anybody ever ran into an issue like this before?

 

[Duwe6]

"The nameplate would be void if replaced." IM[not so]HO - this is hogwash. It is your tank, you know where the tag is, you have no doubt as to which tank it belongs to. You, as the Owner/User can reattach that nameplate. API is not ASME. For ASME, the fabricator has to provide the Inspector - AI. For API, you as the owner have to supply the Inspector - API-653. Same with engineering and calc's - ASME they 'belong' to fabricator, API - that monkey is on your back. With you being [or providing]the Engineer-of-Record, and you having the 'relationship' with the Inspector-of-Record, you can reattach your nameplate.