PETRONAS TECHNICAL STANDARDS

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

ABOVEGROUND VERTICAL STORAGE TANKS

(AMENDMENTS/SUPPLEMENTS TO API STANDARD 650)

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012

2012 PETROLIAM NASIONAL BERHAD (PETRONAS)

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the permission of the copyright owner.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 2

PTS Circular
2012 - 1
PTS No:
PTS Title:

34.51.01.33
Aboveground Vertical Storage Tanks (Amendments/ Supplements to API
Standard 650)

This PTS 34.51.01.33 - Aboveground Vertical Storage Tanks (Amendments/ Supplements to

API Standard 650) (January 2012) is a new PTS incorporating PETRONAS Lessons Learnt, Best
Practice and new information issued by relevant industry code and standards.

The custodian of this PTS is:

Name: MK Shrivastava
Telephone No: 03-2783 6508
Please direct any questions regarding this PTS to the above-named.

Document Approval
Name

Designation

Date

Prepared

M Fadhly A Ghani

Mechanical Engineer

Reviewed

Hasni B Haron

Approved

MK Shrivastava

Verified

Zuraimi M Idris

Verified

Saifol Mualim B Ahmad

Yahaya

Staff Engineer (Unfired

Static) Mechanical,
GTS
Custodian (Unfired
Static) Mechanical,
GTS
Senior Manager,
Mechanical Engineering,
GTS
General Manager,
Engineering, GTS

Endorsed

Pau Kiew Huai

Revision History
Rev No.
Reviewed by
1

Hasni B Haron

Signature

Senior General Manager,

GTS

Approved by
MK Shrivastava

Date
January 2012

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 3
PREFACE

PETRONAS Technical Standards (PTS) publications reflect the views, at the time of
publication, of PETRONAS OPUs/Divisions.
They are based on the experience acquired during the involvement with the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of processing units and facilities. Where
appropriate they are based on, or reference is made to, national and international
standards and codes of practice.
The objective is to set the recommended standard for good technical practice to be applied
by PETRONAS' OPUs in oil and gas production facilities, refineries, gas processing plants,
chemical plants, marketing facilities or any other such facility, and thereby to achieve
maximum technical and economic benefit from standardisation.
The information set forth in these publications is provided to users for their consideration
and decision to implement. This is of particular importance where PTS may not cover every
requirement or diversity of condition at each locality. The system of PTS is expected to be
sufficiently flexible to allow individual operating units to adapt the information set forth in
PTS to their own environment and requirements.
When Contractors or Manufacturers/Suppliers use PTS they shall be solely responsible for
the quality of work and the attainment of the required design and engineering standards. In
particular, for those requirements not specifically covered, it is expected of them to follow
those design and engineering practices which will achieve the same level of integrity as
reflected in the PTS. If in doubt, the Contractor or Manufacturer/Supplier shall, without
detracting from his own responsibility, consult the owner.
The right to use PTS rests with three categories of users:
1)

PETRONAS and its affiliates.

2)

Other parties who are authorised to use PTS subject to appropriate contractual
arrangements.

3)

Contractors/subcontractors and Manufacturers/Suppliers under a contract with users

referred to under 1) and 2) which requires that tenders for projects, materials
supplied or - generally - work performed on behalf of the said users comply with the
relevant standards.

Subject to any particular terms and conditions as may be set forth in specific agreements
with users, PETRONAS disclaims any liability of whatsoever nature for any damage
(including injury or death) suffered by any company or person whomsoever as a result of or
in connection with the use, application or implementation of any PTS, combination of PTS
or any part thereof. The benefit of this disclaimer shall inure in all respects to PETRONAS
and/or any company affiliated to PETRONAS that may issue PTS or require the use of
PTS.
Without prejudice to any specific terms in respect of confidentiality under relevant
contractual arrangements, PTS shall not, without the prior written consent of PETRONAS,
be disclosed by users to any company or person whomsoever and the PTS shall be used
exclusively for the purpose they have been provided to the user. They shall be returned
after use, including any copies which shall only be made by users with the express prior
written consent of PETRONAS.
The copyright of PTS vests in PETRONAS. Users shall arrange for PTS to be held in safe
custody and PETRONAS may at any time require information satisfactory to PETRONAS in
order to ascertain how users implement this requirement.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 5
SCOPE........................................................................................................................ 5
DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS ......... 5
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................. 5
CROSS-REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 5
SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES ............................................................................... 6

PART II
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 7

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................ 7
SELECTION ................................................................................................................ 7
CONTROL OF VOLATILE EMISSIONS ..................................................................... 7
NET WORKING CAPACITY ....................................................................................... 8
MAXIMUM LIQUID LEVEL ......................................................................................... 8
PRODUCT LEVEL SET POINTS................................................................................ 8
TANK APPURTENANCES ......................................................................................... 8
FIRE PROTECTION ................................................................................................. 11
COATING & LINING ................................................................................................. 11
FLOATING ROOFS .................................................................................................. 12
TANK FOUNDATIONS ............................................................................................. 14

PART III
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

AMENDMENTS / SUPPLEMENTS TO API 650 ...................................................... 16

SCOPE...................................................................................................................... 16
REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 16
DEFINITIONS ........................................................................................................... 16
MATERIALS .............................................................................................................. 16
DESIGN .................................................................................................................... 17
FABRICATION .......................................................................................................... 18
ERECTION................................................................................................................ 18
METHOD OF INSPECTING JOINTS ....................................................................... 20
WELDING PROCEDURE AND WELDER QUALIFICATIONS ................................. 20

PART IV

REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 21
APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

FITTINGS FOR STANDARD VERTICAL FIXED ROOF TANKS .................... 22

APPENDIX B

FITTINGS FOR STANDARD VERTICAL FLOATING ROOF TANKS ............ 23

APPENDIX C

HYDROSTATIC TESTING PROCEDURE ...................................................... 24

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 5
PART I INTRODUCTION
1.1

SCOPE
This new PTS specifies requirements and provides recommendations for design and
construction of above ground vertical storage tanks in accordance with API Standard 650,
Welded Tanks for Oil Storage.
The PTS is based on API Standard 650: Eleventh Edition, June 2007; incorporating
Addendum 1: November 2008 and Addendum 2: November 2009. Wherever reference is
made to API Standard 650, it shall be understood to mean API Standard 650 Eleventh
Edition, June 2007; incorporating Addendum 1: November 2008; Addendum 2: November
2009 as amended / supplemented by this PTS.
Part III of this PTS is written as amendments and supplements to API Standard 650
Eleventh Edition, June 2007. Throughout Part III, numbering consistent with API Standard
650 has been used to identify specific clauses that are amended by this PTS. Clauses
under API Standard 650 that are not modified by this PTS remain valid as originally written.
This is the first edition of this PTS. It is intended for use globally within the PETRONAS
Group. Users of the PTS are advised to exercise due care and good engineering
judgement to ensure that the application of this PTS results in compliance with all relevant
local jurisdictional and legislative requirements.

1.2

DISTRIBUTION, INTENDED USE AND REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS

Unless otherwise authorised by PETRONAS, the distribution of this PTS is confined to
PETRONAS
companies
and,
where
necessary,
to
Contractors
and
Manufacturers/Suppliers nominated by them. Any authorized access to PTSs does not for
that reason constitute an authorization to any documents, data or information to which the
PTSs may refer.
This PTS is intended for use in facilities related to oil and gas production, gas handling, oil
refining, chemical processing, gasification, distribution and supply/marketing. Application in
other facilities may also apply.
When PTSs are applied, a Management of Change (MOC) process should be
implemented; this is of particular importance when existing facilities are to be modified.
If national and/or local regulations exist in which some of the requirements could be more
stringent than in this PTS, the Contractor shall determine by careful scrutiny which of the
requirements are the more stringent and which combination of requirements will be
acceptable with regards to the safety, environmental, economic and legal aspects. In all
cases the Contractor shall inform the Principal of any deviation from the requirements of
this PTS which is considered to be necessary in order to comply with national and/or local
regulations. The Principal may then negotiate with the Authorities concerned, the objective
being to obtain agreement to follow this PTS as closely as possible.

1.3

DEFINITIONS

1.3.1

General Definitions
The Contractor is the party that carries out all or part of the design, engineering,
procurement, construction, commissioning or management of a project or operation of a
facility. The Principal may undertake all or part of the duties of the Contractor.
The Manufacturer/Supplier is the party that manufactures or supplies materials,
equipment and services to perform the duties specified by the Contractor.
The Principal is the party that initiates the project and ultimately pays for its design and
construction. The Principal will generally specify the technical requirements. The Principal
may also include an agent or consultant authorised to act for, and on behalf of, the
Principal.
The word shall indicate a requirement.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 6
The word should indicate a recommendation.
1.4

CROSS-REFERENCES
Where cross-references to other parts of this PTS are made, the referenced section
number is shown in brackets. Other documents referenced by this PTS are listed in
(Part IV).

1.5

SUMMARY OF MAIN CHANGES

This PTS is a new PTS incorporating PETRONAS Lessons Learnt, Best Practice and new
information issued by relevant industry code and standards.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 7
PART II GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.1

INTRODUCTION
Special provisions and PETRONAS best practices to be adopted in the design and
construction of aboveground storage tanks are listed in Part II of this PTS.
Where there is a discrepancy between this PTS and API Standard 650, the subject matter
under consideration shall be brought to the attention of the Principal, who shall initiate a
technical review and deliver a resolution.

2.2

SELECTION
Selection of storage tanks for any given hydrocarbon service, shall require consideration of
the following aspects;
a) Vapour Pressure
b) Flash Point
c) Density
d) Viscosity
e) Evaporation Loss
f)

Pumping Losses

g) Climatic Conditions
h) Environmental Considerations
i)

Ground Conditions

j)

Local Regulations

k) Working Capacity
l)
2.3

Economics

CONTROL OF VOLATILE EMISSIONS

For the control of volatile emissions under any given hydrocarbon service, selection of
storage tanks shall be based on the following guidelines. Where local jurisdictional
regulations stipulate further stringent requirements, the local jurisdictional requirements
shall prevail.
a) The true vapour pressure (TVP) for hydrocarbons stored in fixed roof tanks without
an internal floating roof, shall be less than 10.34 kPa (1.5 psi) gauge.
b) Fixed roof tanks with internal floating covers shall be used for the storage of volatile
hydrocarbons with vapour pressures greater than 10.34 kPa (1.5 psi) gauge, and
where required for environmental or public health reasons.
c) TVP for hydrocarbons in conventional storage tanks with internal or external
floating roofs shall not exceed 76.0 kPa (11.0 psi) gauge.
d) For certain applications, floating roof tanks can be used for products with vapour
pressure up to 86 kPa (12.5 psi) gauge, but the bulk monthly average temperature
TVP must not exceed 76 kPa (11.0 psi) gauge.
e) Hydrocarbon products with a TVP greater than 76.0 kPa (11.0 psi) gauge shall be
stored in tanks with vapour recovery systems, low-pressure refrigerated storage
tanks, or in pressurised storage vessels.
f)

Tanks under 4,000 L (25.2 bbls) volume and 4.0 m (13 feet) diameter storing
products between 10.34 kPa and 76 kPa TVP, may use pressure vacuum vents in
lieu of an internal floating roof to control volatile emissions.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 8
2.4

NET WORKING CAPACITY

The Principal shall define the net working capacity required.
The Manufacturer shall provide the most economically sized tank to ensure the as built
dimensions will satisfy the required net working capacity and the product level set points
specified by the Principal.

2.5

MAXIMUM LIQUID LEVEL

The maximum liquid level for fixed cone roof tanks (FRT) is the overall height of the tank
shell excluding the rim angle or top angle. Where an overflow or surface foam nozzle is
installed on the top shell course, the maximum liquid level is measured to the underside
(invert) of the overflow or surface foam nozzle.
The maximum liquid level for fixed cone roof tanks with an internal floating roof (IFRT), is
the lowest height of the shell based on the below listed dimensions less the dimensional
clearance required for the internal floating roof seal profile above the liquid level.

Height of the shell from the tank bottom measured up to the side overflows or to the
underside of the circulation vents.

Height of the shell from the tank bottom measured up to the lower edge of fixed
roof support rafter members.

The dimensional clearance for the floating roof seal profile above the liquid level is
dependent on the seal configuration. This dimension is provided by the floating roof seal
manufacturer and is a critical parameter allowed in the overall height of the tank shell.
A further 50 mm (2 inches) buffer should be allowed to ensure the seal system does not
collide with the underside of the rafter members or ride over the circulation vents when the
tank is filled to maximum liquid level. This allowance is made to ensure the seal system is
not inadvertently damaged during routine operations.
The maximum liquid level for external floating roof tanks is the overall height of the tank
shell excluding the rim angle or top angle less the effective sum of the following
dimensions.
Height for the depth of the pontoons above the liquid level.
Height of the seal profile above the liquid level.
Freeboard allowance for storage tanks in seismic regions.
2.6

PRODUCT LEVEL SET POINTS

The basis for defining the liquid level set points shall be agreed with and confirmed by the
Principal.
Product level set points for tank overfill protection shall provide sufficient response time
based on maximum product flow rates and account for site-specific safeguarding practices /
norms.

2.7

TANK APPURTENANCES
The type of appurtenances provided for a storage tank is dependent on the specific process
conditions and operational requirements. The final list of appurtenances for any given tank
shall therefore be agreed with and approved by the Principal.
Unless otherwise specified in the requisition, tanks shall be provided with the standard
range of fittings and accessories as listed in Appendix A of this PTS for fixed roof tanks and
Appendix B of this PTS for floating roof tanks. PETRONAS Standard Drawings, group S 51,
are available as a reference and guide for standard tank fittings and accessories.
Fittings and accessories may be supplied in accordance with standard designs of the tank
Manufacturers subject to the approval of the Principal

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
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For guidance, key appurtenances generally required on a storage tank shall be provided
based on the below listed requirements and the Manufacturer shall design the required
fixtures and appurtenances to meet the service requirements specified by the Principal.

Inlet & Outlet Nozzles

Inlet and outlet nozzles shall be sized based on the maximum product inflow and
outflow rates.

Inlet Diffuser
The inlet diffuser shall be designed to ensure an exit flow velocity of less than or
equal to 1 m/s (3 ft / sec).

Floating Suction
Floating suctions should be installed where product quality assurance requirements
dictate e.g. aviation grade fuels.

Tank Bottom Sumps

Tanks less than 15 m (50 feet) diameter with coneup floor shall be provided with
one (1) bottom sump.
Tanks greater than 15 m (50 feet) diameter with a cone-up floor profile shall have a
minimum two (2) bottom sumps.
Tanks with a cone-down floor profile sloped to the centre of the tank shall have one
(1) centrally located bottom sump.

Water Draw Off

Minimum pipe size for the water draw off shall be DN 50.
The minimum clearance between the bottom of the sump and end of the draw off
pipe shall be one (1) pipe diameter.
For cold weather locations where subzero temperatures are experienced, an
equalization valve system to prevent freezing of the exterior section of the water
draw off shall be installed.

Shell Nozzles
The number of shell nozzles shall be governed by the process requirements for the
individual tanks.
If directed by the Principal, additional nozzles shall be installed to fulfil future
operational requirements for the tank.
Shell nozzles for foam chambers / pourers shall be governed by the fire protection
requirements for the specific storage tank.
Thermo Well Connection
The thermo well connection should be located on the bottom shell course at a
height of 900 mm (36 Inches) above the tank floor level.
The thermo well nozzle shall be minimum 40 mm (1 inches) diameter with ASME
B16.5 Class 300 slip-on raised face flange.

Shell Manways
Shell manways shall be located peripherally close to each water draw off sump to
facilitate ease of pump out during tank cleaning.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
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Consideration should be given to locating at least one manway in line with the
prevailing wind direction for the tank location.
Tanks less than 6.0 m in diameter shall have one (1), DN 600 mm shell manway.
Tanks greater than 6.0 m in diameter but less than 30.0 m in diameter shall be
provided with a minimum of two (2) DN 600 mm shell manways. Additional
manways shall be provided if directed by the Principal.
Tanks greater than 30.0 m in diameter should have at least three (3) DN 600 mm
shell manways.

Clean Out Doors

Storage tanks in dirty service e.g. bitumen or crude, shall have a minimum of one
(1) flush type clean out door.

Manways for Tank Mixers

Shell manways for tank mixers shall be located to suit the orientation requirements
specified by the mixer manufacturer / supplier.
Side entry mixers shall be installed in accordance with PTS 31.51.10.31, Side Entry
Mixers for Storage Tanks.

Nozzles for Level Instrumentation

For fixed roof tanks, install two (2), DN 200 mm) diameter flat face roof nozzles to
allow for the installation of a dual radar gauge system.
Nozzles for radar gauges shall be installed away from the edge of the tank shell, a
minimum distance of 15% of the tank height (H) i.e. 0.15 x H. The horizontal
separation distance between the two nozzles shall not be less than 2.44 m (8 feet).
Where a stilling well is installed on a fixed roof tank without an internal floating roof,
then only one roof nozzle is required as the first radar gauge is installed over the
stilling well and the second on the roof nozzle.

Free Vents
Roof nozzles for free vents should be located at the apex of the fixed roof.
Free vents on asphalt or heavy oil tank shall be offset from the roof centre to avoid
the congested area in the vicinity of the centre column flange plate and rafters
where heavy material can accumulate and plug the vent.

Roof Manways
Tanks less than 6 m in diameter shall be provided with one (1), DN 500 mm roof
manway.
Tanks greater than 6 m in diameter shall be provided with two (2), DN 500 mm roof
manways.
Additional roof manways shall be provided if requested by the Principal.
At least one (1) roof manway should be located adjacent to the landing at the top of
the tank stairway. Care shall be taken in the physical positioning of the manway so
as to prevent tripping hazard to personnel accessing the tank roof.

Stilling Well
For fixed roof tanks, install one stilling well.
Where dual radar gauges are installed on storage tanks with internal and external
floating roofs, provide two stilling wells. The stilling wells should be located radially
180 apart.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
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Stilling wells shall have provisions i.e. dip hatch for manual dipping of the tank and
the well tube shall be have equally spaced holes or slots over the entire height to
prevent product stratification inside the well.

Gauge Hatch
Provide one (1), DN 200 mm roof nozzle with a flat face flange. Locate the nozzle
near the top stairway landing. The gauge hatch shall be of the self closing type.
A separate gauge hatch is not required if the tank is equipped with a stilling well
that has provisions for manual dipping of the tank.

Earth Lugs
Install two (2) earth lugs equally spaced around the perimeter of the tank for Tanks
up to a diameter of 36 m and for above 36 m diameter provide three (3) earthing
lugs equispaced. The earth lug shall be seal welded to the first shell course at a
height of 300 mm (12 inches) above the floor plate projection.

Sample Valves
At least three (3) sample valves sample valves should be installed at the
designated heights along the stairway. Additional shall be provided if requested by
the Principal.

Tank Isolation Valves

If specified by the Principal, cast steel gate valves shall be installed on each shell
nozzle.

Relief Valves
Connections for thermal relief nozzles should be placed on the bottom shell course
at or near the respective isolation valve / piping connection.

2.8

FIRE PROTECTION
Fire protection systems for aboveground storage tanks shall conform to local jurisdictional
regulations and fire protection guidelines based on the following PTS;

PTS 80.47.10.30, Assessment of the Fire Safety of Onshore Installations

PTS 80.47.10.31, Fire Protection Systems and Equipment

The Principals Technical Safety Specialist shall be consulted to verify fire protection
requirements for any specific storage tank under consideration.
If specified by the Principal, the Manufacturer shall include provisions for design and
installation of attachments, pipe risers, foam pourers, pipe support brackets, splash plates
etc and pressure testing of the installed fire protection system up to the grade level flange.
Connection and tie-ins to the facility fire water hydrant system and foam supply and
including commissioning of the fire protection system shall be the responsibility of the
Principal unless this is specifically included in the Manufacturers scope of work.
2.9

COATING & LINING

External coating of the storage tank shall be in accordance with PTS 30.48.00.31-P,
Protective Coatings and Linings.
The selection of acceptable coatings for any given application shall be defined in
consultation with the Principal. The Principals Coating Specialist shall be consulted in this
regards.
Tank insulation shall be designed to commence above the floor to shell joint whereby the
exposed weld can be readily inspected. Insulated tanks should be coated on the external

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 12
surfaces with thermal spray aluminium (TSA) or an approved alternative coating prior to
application of insulation.
Where site specific humidity (dry & arid) conditions permit and subject to agreement by the
Principal, external surfaces of storage tanks may be left uncoated.
Internal lining of a storage tank shall be governed by product quality assurance
requirements and service conditions. The decision to internally line the tank shall be
confirmed by the Principal. Internal coating of the storage tank shall be in accordance with
PTS 30.48.00.31-P, Protective Coatings and Linings.
2.10

FLOATING ROOFS
Floating roofs shall conform to local jurisdictional regulations and applicable environmental
protection regulatory requirements for control of volatile emissions from aboveground
vertical storage tanks.
The Manufacturer shall submit detailed calculations for the floating roof design to
demonstrate that the proposed design fulfils the buoyancy and strength requirements for
the conditions specified.
The Manufacturer shall submit detailed calculations for the automatic bleeder vent and rim
vent design in compliance to API 650.
Acceptable types of internal floating roofs include the following:

Full contact honeycomb aluminium panel.

Full contact carbon steel pontoon supported deck.

Full contact interlocking reinforced epoxy (GRE) internal floating cover.

Pontoon supported aluminium internal floating cover.

Use of pontoon supported aluminium internal floating cover shall be subject to prior
approval by the Principal.
Aluminium internal floating roofs shall not be used where caustic may be present.
Pan type internal floating roof decks are prone to sinking therefore shall not be installed.
External floating roofs shall be of carbon steel construction. Open top tanks 48 m diameter
(150 feet) and greater, should be installed with a double deck external floating roof.
Geodesic domes should be considered for open top tanks, where severe weather
conditions e.g. high winds, heavy rainfalls or snow and ice may impact the safe operation or
performance of the external floating roof.
The functional design and selection of floating roof rim seals is very important. Vapour tight
liquid mounted mechanical shoe type seals and liquid mounted seals are the preferred
types. Liquid mounted seals have a shorter lifetime, but the best resistance against
consequences resulting from earthquakes. The application of vapour mounted rim seals
shall be avoided (e.g. wiper type of seal).
The circumferential primary roof seal may comprise metallic shoes having flexible seals
with a weight or spring-operated pusher mechanism, or be a compression plate type seal,
or a fabric foam filled seal.
- The lower part of the metallic shoe shall be submerged in the product (liquid mounted
seal type);
- Compression plate types shall be provided with a continuous weighted skirt that is partly
submerged in the product;
- Foam filled envelope seals shall be of the liquid mounted type.
Working range of primary and secondary seal shall be specified as: R (-X, +3X) explanation
is described in EEMUA 159. The primary seal fabric shall be made of flame retardant
material in accordance with DIN 22100 or equivalent and shall also be product resistant.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 13
The primary seal may have additional protection such as a weather shield or a secondary
seal to prevent deterioration of the seal fabric by direct sun radiation and accumulation of
rainwater on the seal. The secondary rim mounted seal shall, if further reduction of
emission to air is required, have a working range similar to that of the primary seal.
If a product with an aromatic higher content higher than 40 % is to be stored, a seal
material shall be chosen which will withstand contact with that product.
The Contractor or Manufacturer shall have tested the seal material sufficiently to guarantee
the adequacy of the seal material properties (UV resistance, product resistance and fire
retardency) for the proposed service. If required by the Principal, copies of test reports shall
be made available.
Seals around penetrations such as stilling well, columns, gauge poles and ladders shall be
designed with two vapour mounted wiper seals, mounted in a guided roller arrangement to
accommodate roof lateral movement.
Verification of seal gaps throughout the perimeter of the floating roof shall be completed in
conformance with local jurisdiction regulations. Gap measurements shall be taken during
hydrostatic testing at the heights prescribed under the local regulations. All actual seal
measurements shall be reported to the Principal.
Other requirements for seal system design shall follow requirements of EEMUA 159.
All floating roofs shall be equipped with a complete set of accessories required for the
proper functioning of the floating roof. All penetrations through the floating roof, with the
exception of penetrations for vents, shall protrude the bottom deck/membrane by at least
200 mm.
Automatic bleeder vents shall be provided to vent the air from under the floating roof when
the tank is being filled initially. They shall be designed to open automatically just before the
roof lands on its supports, thereby preventing the development of a vacuum under the roof.
The capacity of the vents shall be based on the maximum pumping rates.
Special inlet diffusers may be required if:
the tank is equipped with a floating roof/cover (External Floating Roof Tank, Internal
Floating Roof Tank, Covered Floating Roof Tank); or
the tank is equipped with a floating suction, in order to avoid the following potential
problems:
too high inlet product flow rates could cause instability of the floating roof/cover or
floating suction.
if the inlet flow contains a large volume of vapours (due to gas forming or a vapour
breakthrough) there is a possibility that this leads to excessive vapour loads to the floating
roof/cover or floating suction, leading indirectly to instability.
The staircase along the shell shall end on the top of the windgirder. A clear vertical height
between the platform and primary windgirder of 2000 mm shall be provided. A separate
staircase shall give access to the gauger's platform, both provided with hand-railing
arrangements, adjusted to accommodate the roof access ladder and gauge pole assembly.
Articulated roof drains for external floating roofs shall be flanged carbon steel pipe with
pivot master or mechanical swivel joints. Flexible rubber hose joints shall not be used.
Floating roofs shall be fitted with drains of which the number and capacity shall be
determined in accordance with the maximum local rainfall. The actual capacity shall be
determined with the roof at its highest and lowest positions.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 14
For pontoon type roofs a check valve (non-return valve) shall be provided near the roof end
of the articulated pipe drain to prevent backflow of stored product onto the roof in the event
of leaks in jointed pipes.
Emergency drains shall not be installed in single deck pontoon-type roofs as the product
level in the tank is always higher than the rain water level at the centre deck of the roof.
The minimum size of the roof drains shall be DN 80 for tanks up to and including 20 m
diameter, DN 100 for tanks over 20 m diameter and DN 150 for tanks of 60 m or more in
diameter.
Proposed roof drain sizes:
Typical drain Sizes
Tank diameter

Nominal roof drain sizes

For areas with high rainfall

Upto 20m

1 x 80 mm

1 x 100mm

20-50 m

1 x 100mm

2 x 100mm

50- 60 m

1 x 150mm

2 x 150mm

over 60 m (double slope

roofs)

2 x 150mm

4 x 150mm

When installing Pivot master roof drains it is strongly recommended to use two pivot master
drains placed in opposite direction to counter balance the eccentric load from the drain
configuration. This will eliminate the floating roof lateral movement and load onto the rim
seal(s) all the time in one direction.
Foam dam shall be installed on all carbon steel internal and external floating roofs.
On open top tanks, fixtures that can be a source of emissions above the decks of external
floating roof shall be provided with approved sleeves or flexible covers to restrict vapour
escape.
Proper and effective grounding/ lightning protection shall be provided to maintain full
electrical bonding between shell and floating roof. Electrical earthing facilities (spring
stainless steel shunts) shall be fitted for earthing the floating roof across the rim space at
an interval of maximum 2.0 m. The number and cross sectional areas of earthing cables
that shall be installed between an internal floating roof and the tank structure shall be
furnished for review by PRINCIPAL. The number and cross sectional areas of earthing
cables that shall be installed between an external floating roof and the tank's structure shall
be established and furnished for review by PRINCIPAL. In addition to these requirements,
at least three earthing cables shall be provided to earth the roof of (external) floating roof
tanks:
From roof to shell (routed via the ladder)
From roof to ladder
From ladder to shell
2

The cables shall be PVC insulated and have a cross section of at least 70 mm .
The requirements of PTS 33.64.10.10, NFPA 780 and API RP 2003 and IEC 62305 shall
be complied with for the earhing system.

2.11

TANK FOUNDATIONS
The type of foundation for any tank is dependent on the underlying geotechnical conditions
over which the foundation will be supported. Therefore unless site specific ground
conditions are known in sufficient detail, a subsurface investigation should be conducted so
that an economical and fit for purpose tank foundation can be designed.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 15
The following types of foundations can be used

compacted gravel pad.

concrete ring beam.

The Principals shall be consulted for advice on foundation options and detailed design
requirements. Pile foundations shall not be used unless this is dictated by prevailing
subsurface geotechnical conditions.
Tank foundations shall be designed such that the elevation of the tank bottom is at least
300 mm (12 inches) above the surrounding natural grade. A 75 mm (3 inches) fine granular
compacted asphalt bed layer shall be laid over the entire pad. The purpose of the asphalt
bed layer is to provide a cushion for the bottom plates to rest on and seal the underside of
the tank against moisture ingress thus providing a means to mitigate against underside
corrosion of the tank bottom.
The shoulders of the compacted gravel pad shall be lined with an asphalt apron or an
impervious overlay e.g. concrete, to prevent moisture ingress into the foundation and
erosion of the base. The natural surrounding grade shall be sloped to shed ground runoff
away from the tank base.
Foundation design and construction shall be based on sound geotechnical engineering
principles, local construction preferences and experience. The guidelines under Design &
Engineering Practice PTS 34.11.00.11, Site Preparation, Earthworks Including Tank
Foundations and Tank Farm shall be followed.
The design and materials selection for foundation construction shall be targeted to mitigate
underside corrosion of the floor plates however, if cathodic protection of the tank bottom is
proposed, the Principals Corrosion Technical Specialist shall be consulted.
Other requirements for cathodic protection system design shall follow requirements of PTS
30.10.73.10.
Foundation design shall fully incorporate local jurisdiction legislative requirements for
hydrocarbon release prevention and leak detection.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 16
PART III AMENDMENTS / SUPPLEMENTS TO API 650
1.

SCOPE
1.3.1

Add the following to this clause:

The Manufacturer shall prepare a project schedule showing all phases of the tank design
and construction. The schedule shall be prepared in sufficient detail highlighting all
pertinent activities, interdependencies amongst activities, review hold points and project
milestones.
Project review hold points and approvals by the Principal shall be clearly defined and based
on mutual agreement with the Principal.
The project schedule shall be reviewed by the Principal and any feedback / comments
provided by the Principal shall be addressed by the Manufacturer prior to final acceptance
by the respective parties.
Assessment and monitoring of actual progress on the project shall be based on the project
schedule.
1.3.5

Add the following to this clause:

At the respective phases of the project, the Principal shall review work in progress, the
primary intent of which is to assure general compliance with the specifications of the
project.
Feedback and comments provided by the Principal shall be carefully recorded and logged
for audit purposes. Individual action items shall be addressed and closed out by the
Manufacturer in mutual agreement with the Principal.
Authorization to commence fabrication or field construction will only be issued after the
Principal has agreed that there are no outstanding review action items and all relevant
documentation has been released as Issued for Construction
2.

REFERENCES
Add the following to the first paragraph under Section 2
Additional reference documents are listed in Part IV of PTS 34.51.01.33.

3.

DEFINITIONS
3.4

Add the following to this clause:

In the case of heated tanks, the lowest possible operating temperature may be substituted
for the design metal temperature provided the tank will not be subject to one day mean
atmospheric temperatures any lower than the minimum operating temperature.
4.

MATERIALS
4.1.2

Add the following to this clause:

All materials shall be suitable for the specified minimum design metal temperature (MDMT)
for the storage tank.
Material specifications that have been accepted for the project shall not be substituted
without the prior written approval of the Principal.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 17
5.

DESIGN
5.1.4

Add the following to this clause:

Details of each weld and its corresponding welding procedure specifications shall be shown
on the drawings.
5.2.2

Add the following to this clause:

For storage of products with a specific gravity equal to or less than 1.0, 10% design margin
shall be applied to the specific gravity (SG) for thickness and other calculations.
For products with a specific gravity greater than 1.0, 5% design margin shall be applied to
the specific gravity (SG) for thickness and other calculations.
5.3.2

Add the following to this clause:

Minimum corrosion allowance for the respective tank components shall be as follows:
1. Bottom Plates = 1.5 mm or as specified subject to service conditions
2. Annular Ring = 1.5 mm (1/16 inch)
3. Shell Plate = 1.5 mm (1/16 inch)
4. Nozzles = 1.5 mm (1/16 inch)
5. Roof = 1.0 mm specified subject to service conditions
6. Structural Framing = 1.5 mm (1/16 inch) or as specified subject to service
conditions
7. Bottom Sump = 3 mm (1/8 inch) or as specified subject to service conditions.
Provisions for higher corrosion allowances may be made by the Principal to account for
local climatic or site-specific service conditions.
5.3.4

Add the following to this clause:

The maximum allowable hardness requirements for base material, heat affected zone and
weld metal shall be as follows:
1. Tanks in sour service shall not exceed 238 BHN (248 Hv10)
2. Tanks in sweet service shall not exceed 285 BHN (300 Hv10)
Where tanks in sweet service have the potential to be switched to sour service, the
maximum hardness shall be restricted to 238 BHN.
5.4.3

Add the following to this clause:

Single welded full fillet lap joint shall be made with a minimum of two (2) passes.
Pipe supports, fixed roof column support bases, floating roof leg supports and other internal
fixtures supported off the tank floor shall be provided with a 6 mm (1/4 inch) circular
reinforcing pad (wear pad).
The reinforcing pad shall be of seal welded to the tank floor.
5.5.1

Add the following to this clause:

Annular bottom plates shall be of the same material, heat treatment and shall conform to
the same impact properties as the bottom course to which the annular plates are welded.
The minimum lap between the bottom and annular plates shall be 65 mm (2 inches).

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 18

5.7.1.2

Add the following to this clause:

Openings shall not be placed over the shell vertical or horizontal weld seams.
5.7.6.4

Add the following to this clause:

Nozzles on insulated storage tanks shall have adequate out stand to permit the
installation of insulation complete with cladding.
5.8.1.2(b) Add the following to this clause:
Permanent attachments shall be seal welded to prevent crevice corrosion.
Attachments e.g. galvanise unistrut brackets for cable trays, shall be welded to reinforcing
pads before installation on the tank.
5.8.4

Add the following to this clause:

Roof manholes shall be installed with reinforcing plate.

5.8.5.6

Add the following to this clause:

Roof connection larger than DN 80

installed with a reinforcing plate.
5.8.7

(NPS 3) that support piping connection shall be

Add the following to this clause:

The external surfaces of the draw off sump that is embedded into the foundation shall be
coated with a bituminous based epoxy lining for corrosion protection. The coating shall not
extend over the heat affected zone of the sump flange / floor plates attachment welds.
5.8.8

Add the following to this clause:

The safe load capacity for the scaffold cable support shall be agreed with and confirmed by
the Principal.
5.8.10 (a) Add the following to this clause:
Stairway treads shall not be welded directly to the tank shell. Tank stairways shall be
provided with double stringers.
Platforms, landings, stairways and railings shall be either hot dipped galvanized or coated
with a protective paint for corrosion protection.
Where site specific humidity (dry & arid) conditions prevail, platforms, landings, stairways
and railings may be left uncoated provided this is approved by the Principal.
6.

FABRICATION
6.1.5

Add the following to this clause:

Materials delivered to site shall be stored to prevent direct contact with ground and
protected from any form of damage or deterioration during the onsite storage period.
7.

ERECTION
7.2.1.1

Add the following to this clause:

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 19
No production welding shall be permitted until the Principal has reviewed and confirmed in
writing, acceptance of the Manufacturers proposed welding procedures.
Vertical seams welded with the shield metal arc weld (SMAW) process shall apply the up
hand position technique.
7.2.1.7

Add the following to this clause:

The Manufacturer shall take all necessary precautions to safeguard the tank against
deformation, distortion or damage due to buckling under self weight, wind loads or other
construction related loads that may impact the stability of the tank whilst under construction.
The structural design and installation of temporary safeguard supports shall be the sole
responsibility of the Manufacturer.
7.2.2.1

Add the following to this clause:

Prior to laying out the bottom plates, the underside of individual plates and including the top
surface of the tank foundation pad shall be inspected to remove clay lumps or other
deleterious materials.
7.2.2.2

Add the following to this clause:

Welding of the bottom plates to the annular ring or sketch plate shall not be commenced
until both sides of the floor to shell corner fillet weld is 100% complete.
7.2.3.3

Add the following to this clause:

The surface preparation and inspection requirement specified under this clause shall be
identified on the project Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) prepared by the Manufacturer.
7.2.4

Add the following to this clause:

The weld crowns on the annular plate joints may be ground flush at the contact area with
the bottom course shell course.
Welding of the annular ring or the sketch plates to the bottom shell course shall not be
commenced until welding of the vertical joints in the entire bottom shell course is 100%
complete.
Tack welds used in the shell to bottom joint between the shell course and the floor or
annular plates shall be totally removed.
7.3.1

Add the following as sub clause 7.3.1.5

The Manufacturer shall produce a detailed Inspection & Test Plan (ITP) listing all inspection
activities and hold points for the various phases of the project.
The ITP shall be submitted to the Principal for review and comment. Feedback provided by
the Principal shall be incorporated into the final ITP. The final ITP shall form the tracking
document for all inspection and testing.
Where required, advance notice shall be given to the Principals Inspectors to witness or
verify inspections completed by the Manufacturer. The extent of notice required shall be
based on mutual agreement between the Principals Inspectors and the Manufacturer.
Copies of the inspection records shall be handed to the Principals Inspector immediately
following completion of any specific inspection activity.
All inspection records shall also be included in the Tank Handover Documentation
Package.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 20

7.3.2

Add the following to this clause:

The Manufacturer shall progressively conduct representative field testing to verify hardness
on all internal welding.
Hardness values in excess of the specified limits shall be reported and brought to the
attention of the Principal whereby the underlying causes for high hardness shall be fully
investigated and the toughness of such welds carefully evaluated before acceptance is
granted.
Field weld with hardness values outside the limits deemed acceptable by the Principal shall
be replaced.
7.3.6

Add the following to this clause:

The Manufacturer shall submit to the Principal, a detailed procedure for the hydrostatic
testing of the storage tank.
Commencement of hydrostatic testing shall not be permitted unless the Principal has
provided written confirmation of acceptance of the Manufacturers hydrostatic testing
procedures.
Hydrostatic procedure shall follow requirements as per PTS 70.51.10.11 and Appendix C.
8.

METHOD OF INSPECTING JOINTS

8.1.1

Add the following to this clause:

Radiographic films shall be independently verified by the Principals Inspector whereby any
additional defects identified will be included to the list of weld repairs to be completed by
the Manufacturer for the respective components examined.
9.

WELDING PROCEDURE AND WELDER QUALIFICATIONS

9.1

Add the following to this clause:

Where required by local by-laws, welding procedures shall also be tested and registered
with the appropriate regulatory authorities.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 21
PART IV REFERENCES
In this PTS, reference is made to the following publications:
NOTES:

1. Unless specifically designated by date, the latest edition of each publication shall be used,
together with any amendments/supplements/revisions thereto.

PETRONAS STANDARDS

Protective Coatings and Linings

PTS 30.48.00.31-P

Cathodic Protection

PTS 30.10.73.10

Side Entry Mixers for Storage Tanks

PTS 31.51.10.31

Site Preparation and Earthworks Including Tank

Foundations and Tank Farm

PTS 34.11.00.11

Field Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Vertical

Steel Storage Tanks

PTS 70.51.10.11

Assessment of The Fire Safety of Onshore

Installations

PTS 80.47.10.30

Fire Protection Systems and Equipment

PTS 80.47.10.31

Electrical Engineering guidelines

PTS 33.64.10.10

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
User's Guide to Inspection, Maintenance and Repair
of Aboveground Vertical Cylindrical Steel Storage
Tanks
Protection against lightning Part 2: Risk management

EEMUA 159

IEC 62305-2

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 22
APPENDIX A

FITTINGS FOR STANDARD VERTICAL FIXED ROOF TANKS

(UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED ON THE REQUISITION)
Tank diameter (m)

Description of fitting

8 10 12.5 15 17.5 20 22.5 25 27.5 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 54 60

Fittings common to all fixed roof tanks

One set, all sizes

Handrail at edge of roof

Handrail to centre of roof

Not
required

Spiral staircase or ladder

One set, all sizes

Roof manholes

DN 500

Shell manholes

DN 600

Shell inlet nozzle

As specified

Shell outlet nozzle

As specified

Product drain nozzle and piping

DN 50

Water drain nozzle and piping

One DN 50 for all sizes, if required

Centre drain pump

As specified

Roof nozzle for dip hatch device

As specified

Roof nozzles for vents or breather valves

As specified

Water spray system

As specified

Foam system

Size

One set

2 Numbers DN 500
Two or Three numbers DN 600 as indicated in this PTS

DN 100

DN 150

As specified in requisition

Number required
Earthing boss/lugs

Automatic liquid-level gauge/high level alarm

As specified

Additional fittings for Class 1 and Class II * product tanks operated at pressures up to 56 mbar (ga) and a vacuum of 6.0 mbar (ga)
Sump for tank cleaning

As specified

Manometer condensate trap and piping

Boss on roof as specified

Breather valves

As specified

Slot dipping device and adapters, etc.

As specified

Additional fittings for Class III + Unclassified * * product tanks operated at atmospheric pressure
Swing pipe and accessories

As specified

Sump for tank cleaning

If required

Jacketed drain sump for bitumen tanks only

DN 150

Free vents

As specified

Combined vent and dip hatch, DN 200 bore

Only required on large tanks

Dip hatch, DN 150

One piece, all sizes

Heating coils (when required)

One set, all sizes

Suction heater (when required)

One piece, all sizes

Clean-out door

As specified

*
**

Flash point less than 55 C

Flash point 55 C and higher

Two DN 150

DN 200

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 23
APPENDIX B

FITTINGS FOR STANDARD VERTICAL FLOATING ROOF TANKS

(UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED ON THE REQUISITION)

Description of fitting
Type of floating roof

Pontoon deck/double deck/special type

Type of seal (incl. sec. seal)

Metallic shoes/wiper type/foam seal

Spiral staircase

One set

Shell manholes

Two DN 600

Shell outlet nozzles

As specified

Shell inlet nozzles

As specified

Inlet extension pipe

One piece, all sizes

Product drain nozzle and piping

As specified

Water drain nozzle and piping

As specified

Drain sump

As specified

Sump for sludge removal

As specified

Automatic liquid-level gauge

One set, all sizes, as specified

Earthing bosses/lugs on shell

Three pieces, all sizes

Roof drain stormwater

One set, as specified

Roof earthing equipment including shunts

One set, all sizes

Seal mechanism and sealing fabric

One set, as specified

Rolling ladder

One set, with self-levelling treads

Roof manhole, DN 750

One set, all sizes

Roof compartment manhole, DN 500

One set, all sizes

Emergency drain

One set for double deck roofs only

Rim vent

As specified

Roof vent (pressure/vacuum)

As specified

Automatic bleeder valve

One set, as specified

Dip hatch

One set

Guide device

One

Roof supporting legs

One set, as provided by Manufacturer

Shell manholes for mixers

As specified

Clean-out door

As specified

Roof seal fire detection system

As specified

Foam dam/foam system

One set, all sizes/as specified

Drain plug

One set on single roof deck

High level alarm

One set, all sizes

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 24
APPENDIX C
C.3.1

HYDROSTATIC TESTING PROCEDURE

GENERAL
The required water quality shall be agreed with the Principal.
Storage tanks placed on clay, silty or sandy subsoil should be filled in four stages. The
duration of, and the interval between, the various stages depends on the subsoil conditions
and the settlement behaviour during hydrostatic testing.
Soil data and settlement and stability calculations shall be available before the tank is
tested.
The settlement behaviour during and after hydrostatic testing shall be monitored.

C.3.2

TESTING RATE
In this section, "H" is the final filling height.
Table 1 summarises the required maximum filling rates and monitoring periods between
stages.
Stage 1
The tank shall be filled to 0.5 H at a maximum filling rate of 'a' metres per day. The filling
period in any one day shall not be less than 3 hours and shall not be more than 18 hours.
At the end of each filling period, for the remaining hours in the day's total of 24 the
foundation shall be allowed to equilibrate, consolidate and be monitored. At the end of
stage 1, there shall be a further equilibration and monitoring period of 'X' hours before the
commencement of stage 2.
Stage 2
The tank shall be filled from 0.5 H to 0.67 H at a maximum filling rate of 'b' metres per day.
The filling period in any one day shall not be less than 3 hours and shall not be more than
16 hours. At the end of each filling period, for the remaining hours in the day's total of 24
the foundation shall be allowed to equilibrate, consolidate and be monitored. At the end of
stage 2, there shall be a further equilibration and monitoring period of 'Y' hours before the
commencement of stage 3.
Stage 3
The tank shall be filled from 0.67 H to 0.83 H at a maximum filling rate of 'c' metres per
day. The filling period in any one day shall not be less than 3 hours and shall not be more
than 16 hours. At the end of each filling period, for the remaining hours in the day's total of
24 the foundation shall be allowed to equilibrate, consolidate and be monitored. At the end
of stage 3, there shall be a further equilibration and monitoring period of 'Z' hours before
the commencement of stage 4.
Stage 4
The tank shall be filled from 0.83 H to 1.00 H at a maximum filling rate of 'd' metres per
day. The filling period in any one day shall not be less than 3 hours and shall not be more
than 14 hours. At the end of each filling period, for the remaining hours in the day's total of
24 the foundation shall be allowed to equilibrate, consolidate and be monitored. At the end
of stage 4, the tank shall be left full and shall be monitored for at least 4 more days.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 25
Table C.1

Filling rates and Monitoring periods

Maximum filling rate (m/d)

Stage 1
(a)

Stage 2
(b)

Stage 3
(c)

Stage 4
(d)

Soft clay or silt

0.75

0.5

48

48

48

Stiff clay

1.25

0.75

0.5

36

36

48

Clayey, silty sand

2.5

1.25

0.75

0.5

24

36

48

Sand

2.5

1.5

0.75

12

12

24

Weathered rock,
cemented soil

12

48

Sound rock or
concrete slab

24

Subsoil conditions
underneath tank pad

C.3.3

Monitoring period
between stages
(hours)

MEASUREMENT OF TANK BOTTOM PROFILE BEFORE HYDROSTATIC TEST

The tank bottom profile shall be measured and recorded before starting to fill the tank.

C.3.4

MEASUREMENT OF SETTLEMENTS DURING TESTING

Measurement of the tank shell settlements should be taken from at least 8 points, evenly
spaced around the circumference at a distance of 12 metres maximum. In accordance with
the filling rate of at least 3 hours per day, the following daily schedule of measurements
shall be applied:
prior to the filling period;
just after the filling period;
2 hours after the filling period (optional, depending on the results);
5 hours after the filling period.
Also during each equilibration period between the various stages, and during the period
when the tank is full after completion of stage 4, and during the draining of the tank, three
measurements should be taken daily.
NOTE:

C.3.5

For sound rock, weathered rock and cemented soil, the measurements may be limited to:
(i)
prior to hydrostatic testing,
(ii)

monitoring period (Z) between stages 3 and 4, and

(iii)

end of stage 4.

SETTLEMENT BEHAVIOUR DURING TESTING

The measured daily settlement rate during the equilibration and monitoring periods X, Y
and Z, and during the period when the tank is full (i.e. after completion of stage 4) shall
diminish with time (i.e. the settlement rate after the second stage shall be less than that
after the first stage).
If settlement rates do not diminish, the tank shall be emptied until settlement stops, and a
geotechnical engineer shall be consulted.

C.3.6

EMPTYING OF THE TANK AFTER THE HYDROSTATIC TEST

Before the test water is pumped or drained from the tank, adequate measures shall be
taken to avoid a vacuum condition inside the tank. For fixed roof tanks, all roof vents and
manholes shall be open. For floating roof tanks, check the roof bleeder vents at the floating
roof. Special care should be taken if the test water is drained by gravity.

PTS 34.51.01.33
January 2012
Page 26
C.3.7

MEASUREMENT OF TANK BOTTOM PROFILE AFTER THE HYDROSTATIC TEST

After the test, about 25 cm of water should be left inside the tank to ensure that tank
bottom is in contact with its foundation profile.
The tank bottom profile shall then be measured. The measured values shall be verified
against the settlement predictions and recorded in the tank maintenance file.
The results may require corrective action to be taken as follows, which shall be recorded in
the tank maintenance file.
a)

Fixed and Floating Roof Tanks

Jacking and relevelling the foundation in case of local settlement and/or tilting.

b)

Floating Roof Tanks

Correction of roof support leg lengths.

C.3.8

FILLING RATE (PRODUCTS) AFTER HYDROSTATIC TESTING

In the event of poor settlement results during hydrostatic testing, a geotechnical/foundation
engineer shall be consulted prior to the first operational filling. The Principal may require
some limitations in the filling rate for the first few operational fillings.

Last page of this PTS