Back Gouging : Shell to shell- NDE, Storage Tanks, API 650

[zhamal]

Hi all, Pls i need help. Tell me pls is there any NDE requirement after back gouging of shells on storage tanks. Could not find anything for it in API 650. We ve been doing Magnetic particle test till now, but my QC manager was not aware of this and he is yelling that this just waste of money.

 

[Geoff13]

You'll probably get more help in either:
- the API Code forum (forum809)
- the Storage Tank Engineering forum (forum1452)

 

[JStephen]

I'm not aware of it. One of the Annexes to API-650 lists the methods of testing and where they are specified, and going through the pertinent sections of that might help nail down if it is or is not required.
You might try to track down when and where and how you started that practice, and also what standards are being applied for it.

 

[weldstan]

There is no API 650 requirement for NDE after back gouging. I do know that some Purchasers have required MT of the back gouged side prior to welding.

 

[r6155]

There is API 650 requirement for NDE after back gouging: VISUAL EXAMINATION

Regards

 

[IFRs]

There is a requirement in API 653 (repairs, etc) but not API 650 (new tanks) for NDE after back-gouging if the shell thickness is over 1". Maybe this is where the pracitce started?

 

[DekDee]

Maybe your QC Manager needs to pay more attention to what is actually happening on the job - a bit hard to see what is going on when sitting in an office.