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Testing of Tank

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aiwa7777

Mechanical
Oct 6, 2010
25
Dear Peers,

A shop built storage tank is designed and built to API 650 Appendices J & F.

Can this tank be air tested in lieu of hydrotest.

F.4.4 and F.7.6 seem to indicate hydrotest only. J.4.2.2 allows air test.

Thanks for your response in advance.

(I previously posted this topic in API forum but did not get any response so far)
 
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I don't have the wording in front of me, and can't comment on how it's actually worded.

The air test in App. J is intended mainly as a leak-detection test, if I remember correctly, while the tests in App. F serve as both leak-detection and structural proof tests. That being the case, I would be inclined to go with the hydrotest for an Appendix F tank.

Also note that the tests in F.7.6 are performed after the anchor bolts are attached, so they are not shop tests.
 
We first need to understand the purpose of Hydrotest for Storage Tanks.

The water fill/hydro test of the tank is under testing of Shell in API 650 ADDENDUM 2: NOVEMBER 2009 Para 7.3.5. Under the same clause (7.3.5 (2)) alternate means of testing of shell weld joints are provided. Which are much safer than Pneumatic Testing.

As far as roof inspection of as per Appendix F is required, this is usually carried out at a very low pressure (1.25 to 1.5 times the design pressure) and can be substituted with Vacuum Testing as per API 650 ADDENDUM 2: NOVEMBER 2009 Para 7.3.7.

These alternatives are satisfying the inspection requirements regardless of the fact that the tank is Site erected of shop fabricated.

However, the alternatives will require a waiver / approval from your Client.


 
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