Storage Tanks API 650, including API 653 (Standard for Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction)
Overview:
This intensive course provides a comprehensive understanding of the design, construction, inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of aboveground welded steel storage tanks in accordance with:
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API 650 – Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
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API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
Participants will gain practical knowledge of tank design principles, material selection, fabrication requirements, in-service inspection methodologies, damage mechanisms, fitness-for-service assessments, and repair techniques used in oil & gas, petrochemical, mining, and energy sectors.
This course bridges the gap between tank design (API 650) and lifecycle integrity management (API 653).
Course Details
Date:
29 – 30 April 2026
Venue:
Online
Time:
8:30 – 16:30 Daily
CPD:
2 CPD Points- ECSA
Fees:
R8 999
Course Content
Module 1: Fundamentals of Aboveground Storage Tanks
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Types of storage tanks (fixed roof, floating roof, cone roof)
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Tank components and terminology
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Loading conditions (hydrostatic, wind, seismic)
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Tank failure mechanisms
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Overview of API standard hierarchy
Module 2: Tank Design According to API 650
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Scope and limitations of API 650
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Design metal temperature & material selection
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Shell design calculations
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Bottom plate design and annular rings
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Roof design requirements
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Nozzle and manway reinforcement
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Weld joint design & inspection
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Fabrication tolerances
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Hydrostatic testing requirements
Module 3: Inspection Requirements Under API 653
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Scope of API 653
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Inspector qualifications and certification
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Types of inspections:
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External inspection
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Internal inspection
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On-stream inspection
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Inspection intervals determination
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Ultrasonic thickness measurement
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Bottom scanning techniques
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Settlement measurement and evaluation
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Risk-based inspection (RBI) principles
Module 4: Damage Mechanisms & Failure Analysis
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Corrosion mechanisms in storage tanks
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Soil-side corrosion
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Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)
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Stress corrosion cracking
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Brittle fracture
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Tank bottom pitting
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Leak detection methods
Module 5: Repair, Alteration & Reconstruction (API 653)
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Repair versus alteration definitions
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Welded repair methods
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Shell insert plate replacement
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Bottom replacement procedures
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Nozzle modifications
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Tank jacking and re-leveling
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Reconstruction requirements
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Nameplate and documentation updates
Module 6: Fitness-for-Service & Remaining Life Assessment
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Corrosion rate calculations
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Minimum thickness determination
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Remaining life estimation
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Hydrostatic test exemptions
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Engineering critical assessments
Module 7: Tank Integrity Management Systems
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Developing inspection plans
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Documentation & record keeping
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Compliance strategies
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Maintenance planning
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Integration with plant reliability programs
Each delegate will need the following to attend:
- Steady Internet connection for the duration of the training
- Laptop / PC / Smart Phone and Power supply (Charger)
- Zoom Meeting Software installed onto your laptop /
- PC / Smart Phone
- Quiet Space
