SOAP SUD TEST ON ROOF NOZZLE & MANHOLES?

[TANKO]

Hi to all....a question for you...
Which chapter (API 650) talks about soap sud test on roof nozzle and manholes?

thank you in advance

 

[PINOLERO]

I hope this helps:

7.3.4 Inspection of Reinforcing-Plate Welds
After fabrication is completed but before the tank is filled with test water, the reinforcing plates shall be tested by the Manufacturer
by applying up to 100 kPa (15 lbf/in.2) gauge pneumatic pressure between the tank shell and the reinforcement plate on each
opening using the telltale hole specified in 5.7.5.1. While each space is subjected to such pressure, a soap film, linseed oil, or
another material suitable for the detection of leaks shall be applied to all attachment welding around the reinforcement, both
inside and outside the tank.

C.3.6 COMPARTMENTS
Compartment plates are radial or circumferential dividers forming compartments that provide flotation for the roof (see C.3.4).
All internal compartment plates (or sheets) shall be single-fillet welded along all of their edges, and other welding shall be performed
at junctions as required to make each compartment leak tight. Each compartment weld shall be tested for leak tightness
using internal pressure or a vacuum box and a soap solution or penetrating oil.

F.4.4 When the entire tank is completed, it shall be filled with water to the top angle or the design liquid level, and the design
internal air pressure shall be applied to the enclosed space above the water level and held for 15 minutes. The air pressure shall
then be reduced to one-half the design pressure, and all welded joints above the liquid level shall be checked for leaks by means of
a soap film, linseed oil, or another suitable material. Tank vents shall be tested during or after this test.

J.4.2.2 Testing
d. Soap film, linseed oil, or another material suitable for the detection of leaks shall be applied to all shell, bottom, roof, and
attachment welds, and the tank shall be carefully examined for leaks.

 

[JStephen]

The repads on roof nozzles and manways are not normally pressure-tested like shell repads. Note that the neck is not necessarily welded to the roof plate, so there's not an enclosed area to pressurize.

 

[Duwe6]

On a 650 tank the external roof exists to keep the rain out. Thus the repads are structural, not pressure boundary. That is why JStephan is correct.

By roof, I do not include the top angle or wind girder. These are both structural and *very* necessary.