COURSE OVERVIEW:

Above-ground storage tank integrity management represents a comprehensive engineering and operational strategy focused on ensuring the structural soundness and containment reliability of large-scale storage assets throughout their operational life. This discipline encompasses the systematic application of API 653 standards to evaluate the physical condition of tank components, including floors, shells, and roofs. By understanding the fundamental meaning of integrity management, organizations can transition from reactive maintenance to a proactive lifecycle approach that prioritizes safety and environmental protection.

The scope of this course extends beyond basic inspection to include the complex engineering evaluations required when a tank undergoes repair, alteration, or reconstruction. It addresses the technical challenges associated with corrosion, mechanical degradation, and settlement, providing a framework for making informed decisions regarding the continued serviceability of the asset. Participants will explore the interdependencies between design codes like API 650 and in-service codes like API 653, ensuring a holistic understanding of how design margins influence long-term integrity and inspection frequencies.

Coverage includes a detailed examination of non-destructive testing applications, brittle fracture considerations, and the documentation requirements essential for regulatory compliance. The curriculum delves into the practical aspects of tank floor scanning, shell thickness evaluations, and the assessment of tank foundations and settlement data. By the end of this program, the focus is shifted toward practical application, enabling professionals to develop robust integrity programs that balance cost-effectiveness with the stringent safety requirements of the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Interpret the technical requirements of the API 653 standard for tank inspection and repair.

2.  Calculate the minimum remaining thickness of tank shells for continued safe operation.

3.  Assess the structural integrity of tank floors using magnetic flux leakage and ultrasonic data.

4.  Evaluate the impact of tank settlement on the overall stability of the storage structure.

5.  Determine the appropriate inspection intervals based on corrosion rates and risk factors.

6.  Design repair procedures for shell inserts and door sheets in compliance with industry codes.

7.  Implement effective brittle fracture prevention strategies for tanks operating in cold climates.

8.  Validate the quality of tank reconstructions and major alterations through hydrostatic testing.

9.  Analyze the causes of tank roof failures and specify appropriate preventative measures.

10.  Manage the documentation and record-keeping requirements for mechanical integrity audits.

11.  Apply advanced non-destructive examination techniques to detect internal and external defects.

12.  Formulate a comprehensive tank maintenance plan that optimizes asset availability and safety.

13.  Execute thickness measurement programs that accurately reflect the condition of the asset.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for plant inspectors, integrity engineers, maintenance managers, storage tank supervisors, and quality assurance professionals responsible for the reliability and safety of atmospheric storage tanks in refineries and terminals.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.