Thanks for the replies. I would rather take it as measurement of hardness on lowest shell course is required as per the DEP considering the sedimental deposit being more in that area and attack from sour environment being more rapid in that region. Anyway thanks a lot for sharing your views.
Hi,
There is a clause in SHELL DEP 34.51.01.31 - 2013(Amendment/supplement to EN 14015:2004) for tank design & constrcution, related to hardness requirement. It states: "For tanks in which the stored product can be contaminated with sour water, the hardness of all welds (and their HAZ) below...