Testing Above Ground Storage Tanks 1

[Stein23]

Does anyone know of a specific regulation that requires hydrostatic testing of large (>750,000 gal) field-erected above ground storage tanks?

Are other tests acceptable in place of hydrostatic testing? i.e radiographic testing

Are there different testing requirements for petroleum versus non-petroleum storage tanks?

 

[Kiwi2671]

stein23,
You do not mention code of construction.
If it is API 650 there are alternatives.
See API 650 Clause 5.3.5,
Regards,
Kiwi

 

[MJCronin]

Kiwi is correct.

The first place I would look is API650. "Hydrotesting" (filling the tank with water and waiting) is most commonly performed. However, testing welded joints with a vacuum box is also a permissable method if agreed to by the purchaser.

You did not mention your code of construction.

The local inspection authority may have important input here

 

[DSB123]

stein23,
In addition to above posts by hydrotesting you are also applying weight to the tank base which essentially tests/loads the foundation. Would you/Client be happy that the first time the tank base is loaded is with the product being stored??

 

[Duwe6]

As Kiwi states, hydro may be omitted. However, you have to get the Owner, Tank Engineer-or-Record, and API-650 Inspector-of-Record to all sign-off on omitting the hydro. You will find that obtaining the signatures of the Engineer and Inspector a fairly hard to obtain. There are a LOT of things that a hydro accomplishes, and waiving it "for the Owner's convenience" is not a sufficient reason [for me, at least].