Technical Inquiries for API Standard 650, Welded Tanks for Oil Storage

Last Updated August 2016. (New Additions for 2016 are Highlighted in Yellow)
Important Note: The API inquiry process is intended to help users understand the technical requirements in the standard without providing the intent, background, and technical basis. The posted interpretations (responses) to inquiries
are based on the standard’s edition/addendum in effect when the interpretation was prepared. Before applying any interpretation, always look for a later interpretation (if one exists). If there is a conflict between interpretations, use the
latest interpretation. If there is a conflict between an interpretation and the current issue of the standard, use the current standard.
Section Edition Inquiry No. Submitted Inquiry SCAST Reponse
Multiple Ed 12, Ad 0 650-2013-F8 May ASTM A500 cold formed round structural tubing be substituted for ASTM A53 pipe for round structural members Yes – subject to the provisions of Para. 4.4, including 4.4.1.d.
such as floating roof legs, for roof support columns, etc?

2 10th - Nov. Do the current rules in API 650 allow for a carbon steel tank to incorporate stainless steel components such as No. For a carbon steel tank, API 650 does not allow the use of
1998 nozzles or an entire shell ring, provided all requirements of API 650 are followed for each of the particular material materials that do not comply with the specifications listed in
types (CS or SS) used in the structure? Section 2.

2.1 9th - May Does API 650 permit the substitution of Charpy impact testing in lieu of meeting specified chemistry requirements? No.
1993
2.1.1 9th - May What API group number is A 36? A 36 can be a Group I or Group II material, if it complies with
1993 the respective footnotes in Table 2-3 of API 650
2.2 10th - Nov. 650-I-06/04 1: Does the 0.01 in. thickness tolerance specified for plate in API 650, 2.2.1.2.3 apply to carbon and stainless coil 1: Yes. All requirements of the base document apply to an
1998 product? Appendix S tank unless specifically changed or waived by a
statement in Appendix S. Refer to S.1.5.
2: When purchasing hot-rolled coil-processed steel for use as roof, shell, and/or bottom plate on a stainless tank,
does the ASTM under-run tolerance apply? 2: The minimum of the ASTM tolerance or as specified in API
650, Sections 2.2.1.1, 2.2.1.2, or 2.2.1.3, shall apply.

2.2.9 9th - May Referring to Section 2.2.9.3, does the phrase "experience or special local conditions justify another assumption" No. The Section is referring to variations in local climatic
1993 mean that a tank is permitted to be designed for temperatures higher than the specified 15°F above the lowest one- conditions that might not show up on the isothermal charts.
day mean ambient temperature of the locality if the stored product was "normally warmer" than this specified However, the document does not yet provide data for locations
temperature? not covered in Figure 2-2, such as Alaska and Hawaii.

2.2.9 9th - May Is it permissible to use Group I plates for a tank bottom, except for plates welded to the shell, for tanks with a -50°F API 650 only addresses toughness of bottom plates welded to
1993 design metal temperature? the shell, per Section 2.2.9 or 2.2.10.

2.2.9 9th - May Does Table 2-3 only relate to plates that are to be heat-treated? No.
Table 2-3 1993
2.2.9 9th - May Does API 650 require that all A 36 material be killed or semi-killed? Yes, see Table 2-3, Note 2.
Table 2-3 1993
2.2.9 10th - Nov. 650-I-11/01 Does API 650 require that the material used for the tank shell is of the same group that the material used for No, see Section 2.2.9.4.
1998 manhole reinforcement plates?
2.2.9 10th - Nov. 650-I-49/02 Does API 650 limit the thickness of Group I, Grade 250 steel plate to 25 mm (1 in.)? No, however, API 650 does require that the material be impact
1998 tested, if the thickness is greater than that allowed by the
exemption curve in Figure 2-1.
2.2.9 10th - Nov. 650-I-33/03 Are roof materials required to meet the toughness requirements in 2.2.9? No. Refer to 2.2.9.1.
1998
2.2.9 10th - Nov. 650-I-44/03 Does API 650 require manganese content between 0.8% and 1.2% for A 36 plate less than 0.75 in. to be classified Yes. Refer to Table 2-3b, Note 6. Otherwise, the plate would
1998 as a Group II material? be classified as Group I.
2.2.2a 9th - May Referring to API 650, does A 36 plate material meet the requirements of Section 2.2.2.a? Yes. However, the use of A 36 material also requires that other
1993 conditions, such as those described in Figure 2-1 and Table 2-
3, and their notes, are met.

2.2.2c 9th - May Does the thickness limitation of 1 in. for A 283 Grade C plates specified in Section 2.2.2.c of API 650 apply to the Yes.
1993 type of plates used in construction of a tank, such as the thickness of the bottom reinforcing plate and bolting flange
and cover plate for flush-type cleanout fittings in Table 3-12?
2.3.3 9th - May Should the M.3.2 yield strength reduction factor also be applied to the 0.426T and 0.472T terms of Section 2.3.3.1 Yes.
1993 when determining the allowable stress S?
2.5.2 10th - Nov. 650-I-15/00 1: For nozzles made from pipe materials, does API 650, Section 2.5.2 require that seamless pipe be used for 1: Yes, unless ASTM A 671 pipe is used.
1998 nozzles in shells made from Group I, II, III, or IIIA materials?

2: Does API 650, Section. 2.5.2 preclude the use of electric-resistance welded pipe meeting ASTM A 53, or electric- 2: Yes.
welded pipe meeting API 5L, for nozzles in shells made from Group IV, IVA, V, or VI materials, but allow use of
electric-fusion-welded pipe nozzles made from ASTM A 671?

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Section Edition Inquiry No. Submitted Inquiry SCAST Reponse
3.7.3.3 10th - Nov. 650-I-19/99 Referring to API 650, Section 3.7.3.3 and 3.7.3.1(a), if the thickened insert or reinforcing plate is detailed to extend No, these sections do not define requirements for the distance
1998 the reinforcing to the bottom-to-shell joint, does the distance from the toe of the weld around the penetration (nozzle from the nozzle neck to the edge of reinforcing. However, the
neck) to the shell-to-bottom weld still have to meet the minimum spacing of 8t or 10 inches from any butt-welded spacing between the nozzle centerline and the edge of
joint, including the bottom-to-corner weld? reinforcing, which is also the shell-to-bottom for this assumed
tombstone-type detail, must meet the limits in Table 3-6,
Column 9.

3.7.3.4 9th - May Does API 650 allow for nozzles to be installed in circumferential seams? Yes, if the conditions specified in Section 3.7.3.4 are met,
1993 including purchaser and manufacturer agreement, and
radiography requirements.
3.7.4 9th - May Does API 650 require flush-type cleanout fittings to be stress-relieved as a complete assembly, when more than one Yes. The contractual arrangements are not a factor.
1993 manufacturer is involved in fabricating the components?
3.7.4 10th - Nov. When stress-relieving the assembly defined in API 650 Sections 3.7.4.1, 3.7.4.2, and 3.7.4.3, is it permissible to No, however, there is no rule against shortening the plate length
1998 perform a local heat treatment that includes part of a shell plate, instead of the whole shell plate, i.e., the portion circumferentially, prior to installation of the fitting or connection.
around the connection at full width of shell plate?
3.7.4 10th - Nov. 650-I-20/00 Does API 650, Section 3.7.4, require that all flush-type cleanout fittings be stress-relieved? Yes, except as permitted by A.8.2.
1998
3.7.4 10th - Nov. 650-I-16/03 1: Does a cover plate that has no welding performed on it require PWHT when the nozzle assembly it attaches to 1: No, see Section 3.7.4.
1998 requires PWHT?

2: Does API 650 specify the number and location of the thermocouples used to monitor the PWHT? 2: No, API 650 does not address this issue.

3.7.4.1 9th - May Does API 650, Section 3.7.4.1, require stress-relieving of flush-type cleanout fittings only if the entire tank is stress- No. Unless Appendix A applies, stress-relieving of flush-type
1993 relieved? cleanout fittings is required regardless of whether the entire
tank is stress-relieved or not.

3.7.4.1 9th - May Is there a conflict between API 650 Sections 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.3 and 3.7.7.3 and 3.7.8.3 regarding stress-relieving of No. 3.7.4.1 and 3.7.4.3 cover the general rule; 3.7.7.3 and
1993 flush-type cleanout fittings? 3.7.8.3 cover a special situation that merits tighter stress-
relieving requirements. Flush-type cleanout fittings are a
complex weldment.

3.7.4.1 10th - Nov. Referring to API 650, Section 3.7.4, must all flush-type cleanouts and flush-type shell connections be stress-relieved Yes, see Section 3.7.4.1.
1998 regardless of the material used, the nozzle diameter, or the thickness of the shell insert plate?
3.7.4.2 10th - Nov. 650-I-53/99 1: Per API 650, Section 3.7.4.2, for shell openings over NPS 12, if insert plates are not used to reinforce the shell 1: Yes.
1998 opening, is the shell thickness a factor in determining if PWHT of the assembly is required?

2: Regarding Section 3.7.4.2, is stress-relieving mandatory for the prefabricated assembly when the thickness of the 2: No. The requirement applies only to NPS 12 or larger
thickened insert plate exceeds 1 in., irrespective of the shell opening size. connections.
3.7.4.2 10th - Nov. 650-I-17/01 Does Section 3.7.4.2 of API 650, mean that stress-relieving of opening connections after welding the shell joints is Stress-relieving of the opening connections meting the
1998 prohibited? conditions specified in 3.7.4.2 is required prior to installation of
the assembly into the shell.
3.7.4.3 9th - May 650-I-41/98 1: Does API 650 require the stress-relieving of a pre-fabricated clean-out fitting, or a reinforced opening in a tank 1: The entire assembly, not just the welds, must be heated to
1993 shell, be performed in one operation by enclosing the assembly in a furnace, or can the heat treatment be achieved the required temperature. The method for accomplishing this is
by placing electric wire elements just around the welded joints of the assembly and providing insulation? not specified in API 650. Refer to Section 3.7.4 of API 650.
Clean-out fitting assemblies, but not other reinforced
connections, may alternatively be stress-relieved by heat
treating the entire tank with the assembly installed in the tank.
2: Does API 650 allow stress-relieving reinforced shell openings or clean-out shell fittings in position after installation
using electric wire elements and insulation? 2: No. Clean-out openings are required to be stress-relieved
prior to installation in the tank or by heating the entire tank.
Refer to Section 3.7.4.

3.7.4.3 9th - May Referring to API 650, Section 3.7.4.3, is it acceptable to perform the required stress-relieving in a field fabrication The entire assembly has to be heated uniformly, not just the
1993 shop, applying the heat locally? welds. API 650 does not specify the technique to be used to
achieve this uniform heating, or where the stress-relieving is to
be performed.

3.7.4.3 10th - Nov. Referring to API 650, Section. 3.7.4.3, if the required reinforcing can all be placed in the nozzle neck, using internal Yes.
1998 and external projections as required, thereby eliminating any insert plate or reinforcing plate, is PWHT of the
prefabricated opening connection assembly required?
3.7.4.3 10th - Nov. 650-I-01/00 Does API 650, Section 3.7.4.3, allow stress-relieving nozzles, as described therein, after installation in the shell, No. The heat treatment has to be performed prior to installation
1998 using locally applied heaters? in the tank.

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 Section Edition Inquiry No. Submitted Inquiry SCAST Reponse
3.7.4.4 9th - May Does API 650, Section 3.7.4.4, require for the stated materials that the weld attaching a nozzle reinforcing plate to a Yes, in addition, the nozzle-to-shell weld is to be stress-relieved
1993 shell plate be stress-relieved? also.
3.7.4.1 & 3.7.4.2 10th - Nov. 650-I-02/00 1. Referring to API 650, Section 3.7.4.2 and 3.7.4.3, is the thermal stress relief required to be performed in an 1: No, but the heat treatment must be performed prior to
1998 enclosed furnace? installation of the assembly into the shell.

2. Does API 650, Section 3.7.4.2 and 3.7.4.3, allow stress-relieving nozzles, as described therein, using locally
applied heaters? 2: Yes, however, the heat treatment has to be performed prior
to installation into the tank.
3.7.5 9th - May Does API 650 specify a minimum number and location for manholes and inspection openings in tanks? No.
1993
3.7.6 10th - Nov. Does API 650 allow nozzle-type clean out fittings that are half above floor level and half below floor level to be No.
1998 replaced in an old tank or installed in a new tank? If so, what section permits them to be replaced?
3.7.6 9th - May Are the shell nozzle heights governed by the weld spacing specified in column 9 of Table 3-8 or by Footnote (c)? A spacing which is the greater of Column 9 or Footnote C
Table 3-8 1993 applies.
3.7.6 9th - May Where conditions occur, such as the floor of the tank or another nozzle, is it permissible to use a recognized method Yes. Refer to 3.7.2 and 3.7.1.2 of API 650. Purchaser
Table 3-8 1993 such as AREA REPLACEMENT RULES to determine the required area and/or width of a repad -- rather than just agreement is required.
applying the width of the repad listed in Table 3-8 of API 650 (without calculation)? The calculation would be certified
by a Professional Engineer.
3.7.6 9th - May In Figure 3-5, is the thickness (T) of the reinforcing plate equal to the shell thickness (t)? Yes.
Figure 3-5 1993
3.7.6 9th - May Referring to Figure 3-5, is a butt-welded connection inside the tank an acceptable detail? Yes.
Figure 3-5 1993
3.7.6.1 10th - Nov. Does Section 3.7.6.1, permit making a hot tapping connection on a blind flange on a nozzle in a tank? No. Refer to 3.8.3 for rules on installing a nozzle in a cover
1998 plate in a new tank. Refer to API 653, Section 7.14, for rules
and guidance on hot tapping in an in-service tank.
3.7.7 10th - Nov. 650-I-08/99 Does a flush-type cleanout built to API 650 require a machined surface on either the bolting flange or the cover No.
1998 plate?
3.7.7 10th - Nov. 650-I-01/04 1: When installing a flush-type cleanout fitting, is it mandatory to provide a bottom reinforcing plate width the as 1: Yes. Refer to Figure 3-9, Note 2.
1998 same as the annular plate width?

2: When an annular plate is provided, does API 650 permit provision of bottom reinforcing plate having lesser width 2: No. Refer to Figure 3-9, Note 2.
than that of annular plate?
3.7.7 10th - Nov. 650-I-53/02 Are plate under-tolerances permitted in API 650, Table 3-10? Yes. See Section 2.2.1.2.3.
1998
3.7.7 10th - Nov. 650-I-13/00 The width of the block out shown in detail “c” in Figure 3-10 is given as W + 300 mm (12 in.). For a 36 in. cleanout, Yes
Figure 3-10 1998 would the width be 118 inches (W + 12 = 118 inches)?
3.7.7.6 10th - Nov. 650-I-56/02 Do the minimum thicknesses listed in Table 3-10, and calculated by the equations in section 3.7.7.6 have a corrosion No. See Section 3.3.2.
1998 allowance?
3.7.8 10th - Nov. 650-I-18/00 Referencing Figure 3-11, does API 650 cover flush shell connections to be installed non-radially? No.
Figure 3-11 1998
3.7.8 10th - Nov. 650-I-18/00 Referencing Figure 3-12, are flush-type shell connections smaller than 8 inches covered in API 650? No.
Figure 3-12 1998
3.7.8 9th - May Should the corrosion allowance used on the shell plate be included in the required thickness of the reinforcing pad? No. A corrosion allowance for an external reinforcing pad is not
1993 required unless specified by the purchaser.
3.7.8 10th - Nov. 650-I-52/00 Does API Std. 650 allow an eccentric reducer to be installed between the nozzle neck and the flange of a flush-type No. Refer to API Std. 650 Section 3.7.8.2.
1998 fitting?
3.7.8 10th - Nov. 650-I-14/02 In determining the thickness of a cover plate and bolting flange in which product mixing equipment is installed, is
1998 there a conflict between 3.8.3.2 and 3.8.3.3. No.

3.7.8.11 10th-add. 4 650-I-02/07 My question relates to radiographic examination of nozzle joints on tanks. In section 3.7.8.11 the clause states:
‘All longitudinal butt-welds in the nozzle neck and transition piece,..shall receive 100% radiographic examination (see
6.1)
In section 6.1.1 the clause states:
Pending
‘Radiographic inspection is not required for the following: welds in nozzle and manway necks made from plate’
Which phrase is correct or am I not interpreting correctly? Surely a manway neck made from plate would have a
longitudinal butt weld?

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