Atmospheric tank

[ruble3]

I'm a little out of my element here and there is no-one on site to ask (i.e. no qualified person) -looking through info on API 650, API 2000 etc, what governs alterations to a tank, 9 metres high, 9 metres diamter that conatins a slurry ( non flammable. non toxic etc)? - there is a manhole for entering the tank near the bottom - it becomes a major pain to clean the tank out completely (there is still 2 or 3 feet of slurry in the bottom when drained)- the operators want a slot cut in the bottom near the base to aid cleanout- I've been telling them thay just can't cut a slot and weld a patch over it when done but I can't find the proper 'articles' that tell me that- just about everything covers oil, petroleum products etc and not just a water/slurry mix
PS I'm in Ontario if that makes any difference
same issue for a water stoarge tank(open to atmosphere) for fire protection -they want to add a nozzle for a pressure transmitter- same thing- they just want to empty the tank, add the nozzle & everything is fine and dandy! not in my mind

Thanks for any pointers in right direction

 

[JoeTank]

Look at API-653 for the rules for cutting shell door sheets.

Steve Braune
Tank Industry Consultants

http://www.tankindustry.com

 

[davidribeiro]

Yip API 653 is the way to go! Nice one Steve...

David

 

[JStephen]

Government regulations (in the US) generally require oil tanks and their maintenance to comply with API-650 and API-653. However, there is not usually a specific requirement that general industrial tanks comply with API-650/653- it is typically used because there is no other standard applicable either.

In other words, complying with API-653 for the tank modifications you mention would represent good engineering practice, but is not necessarily a requirement.

9m x 9m is not that large a tank, but you still wouldn't want to be in the vicinity if it ever split open.