New tank bottom, hydrostatic test?

[Jaosis]

Dear sirs,

Is it possible to remove an entire old tank bottom cutting the shell-to-bottom joint and install a new tank bottom without doing a hydrostatic test according requirements of API 653 12.3.2 that states necessary conditions that shall be satisfy in order not to carry out a hydrostatic test for major repairs and major alterations?

Thank you in advance for your answers.

 

[Soln]

It's possible with the acceptance of the owner according to the conditions of 12.3.2. Hydrogen test is a common substitute if water is an issue.

 

[Jaosis]

Thank you roughandtumble, yes water is the issue, but the requirements that must be met are established in API 653 and they are the appropriate parts of 12.3.2.3 through 12.3.2.6. Paragraph 12.3.2.5 determine conditions for shell-to-bottom weld repair that is not possible meet in this case because the original shell-to-bottom joint is going to be completely cut. What is your interpretation?