Hi,

I am looking for information on standard procedures to inspect a methanol tank. The API code calls for inspections every 5 years, but it does not provide specific instructions.

For example, should it be intrusive or non-intrusive. If intrusive, how to remove all the methanol, how to wash, what to do with the wash water... If not-intrusive, what options we have to assess the tank condition and what repairs we should perform in priority.

The tank has a capacity of 5000 ton, made of carbon steel, and it is the crude methanol tank: 67% methanol, 33% water. We also know there will be a certain quantity of wax in the tank, but we do not know if the wax will be at the bottom or on the walls.

Does anyone have a technical paper describing these aspects, or can suggest a resource?

Thank you. Rafael

look up API Standard 653 - will give you a guide

online weld & material tracking system
http://www.qcwelds.com/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr760.htm

Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04