In the Yakima River oil spill of March 2015, about 50 different birds, including waterfowl like duck and geese, were covered in oil. This kind of incident highlights how the importance of adhering to API 650 and API 653 standards. These codes pertain to storage tanks, which often hold things oil and liquid fertilizer. At the end of the day, API 650 and API 653 tank reconstruction and repair can be vital in preventing costly spills.
Different Kinds Of Tanks With Different Kinds of Needs
Temporary tanks store their products for more than 30 days but less than 1 year, whereas tanks larger than 50,000 gallons in capacity that must be made onsite are called “field-erected tanks”. There are also many above ground storage tanks, or ASTs. Most if not all of these must follow API 650 and API 654 requirements.
Concerns To Consider With Storage Tanks
Things like API 653 tank reconstruction can be unwieldy, but are manageable and predictable through API 650 and API 653 tank inspections. Inspectors will be on the lookout for particular concerns and specifications, and will let the tank owners know when something needs to be repaired or replaced. Every tank must be checked periodically, with the rate of checks depending on what kind of tank it is.
Keep Potential Problems In Mind
There are a number of issues that storage tanks are susceptible to, including damage done by the very products they contain. Materials like liquid fertilizer can cause a good deal of corrosion, which is why Steel Above Ground Storage Tanks must have corrosion protection should their capacity exceed 1,100 gallons. If ignored, one may have to repair tanks damaged by corrosion. Other issues include earthquakes and tornados; certain tanks require specific protective measures, and if they’re not followed or damage still occurs, an API 653 tank reconstruction may follow.
Ultimately, codes like API 650 and API 653 are here to help storage tank constructors and owners make better tanks that will last longer with less impact in case of damage. It’s very important to have standards to follow when you’re dealing with something as potentially high-risk as liquid fertilizer tanks, and these are tailor-made to each particular type of storage tank. If followed carefully, API 650 and API 653 will ensure that each storage tank performs its purpose to perfection.
