Aboveground Welded Steel Storage

Tanks - Design and Construction

MP 14-P-01
July 1998

Scope
This ExxonMobil Engineering Practice (EMEP) covers basic requirements for the design, fabrication,
erection and testing of welded, cylindrical above-ground vertical atmospheric [up to 17 kPa (2.5
psig)] storage tanks fabricated of carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel. This document applies
only to tanks whose entire bottom is uniformly supported. Tanks for refrigerated products below a
temperature of 5°C (41°F) are not included.

Version 0
MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Table of Contents

Scope.................................................................................................................................................. 1

Table of Contents............................................................................................................................. 2

Table of Figures ............................................................................................................................... 5

Table of Tables ................................................................................................................................. 6

1. References ................................................................................................................................. 7

1.1. Master Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices .............................................. 7

1.2. ExxonMobil Data Sheets ............................................................................................... 7

1.3. ExxonMobil Practice Tutorials ...................................................................................... 8

1.4. NFPA–National Fire Protection Association............................................................... 8

1.5. API–American Petroleum Institute ............................................................................... 8

1.6. ASCE–American Society for Testing Material ........................................................... 8

1.7. ASME –American Society of Mechanical Engineers ................................................. 8

1.8. ASTM–American Society for Testing and Material ................................................... 9

2. General........................................................................................................................................ 9

2.1. Tanks for Production Liquids ........................................................................................ 9

3. Design........................................................................................................................................ 10

3.1. Design Loading .............................................................................................................10

3.2. Tank Bottoms ................................................................................................................ 10

3.3. Shells .............................................................................................................................. 10

3.4. Roof ................................................................................................................................ 10

3.5. Nozzles...........................................................................................................................11

4. Materials ....................................................................................................................................11

4.1. Bolting ............................................................................................................................. 11

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5. Corrosion Protection.............................................................................................................11

6. Fabrication, Erection, Welding and Tolerances............................................................. 12

6.1. Fabrication and Erection ............................................................................................. 12

6.2. Welding .......................................................................................................................... 12

6.3. Tolerances .....................................................................................................................13

7. Inspection and Testing ......................................................................................................... 13

7.1. Radiographic Inspection.............................................................................................. 13

7.2. Materials Identification................................................................................................. 14

7.3. Testing ............................................................................................................................14

8. Tank Appurtenances .............................................................................................................15

8.1. Connections and Manholes ........................................................................................ 16

8.2. Venting ...........................................................................................................................16

8.3. Loss Prevention Systems............................................................................................17

8.4. Stairways, Ladders and Platforms .............................................................................17

Appendix A: Floating Roof Requirements .............................................................................19

1. External Floating Roofs (for Open-Top Tanks).............................................................. 19

1.1. Design ............................................................................................................................19

1.2. Seals ............................................................................................................................... 19

1.3. Vertical Guide Pipe.......................................................................................................20

1.4. Drains ............................................................................................................................. 21

1.5. Fire Protection Systems .............................................................................................. 21

2. Internal Floating Roof Tanks ............................................................................................... 22

Appendix B: High Strength Steel Requirements.................................................................. 25

1. Design........................................................................................................................................ 25

2. Materials ....................................................................................................................................25

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3. Welding and Weld Inspection ............................................................................................. 26

3.1. Welding .......................................................................................................................... 26

3.2. Weld Inspection ............................................................................................................27

4. Erection.....................................................................................................................................27

5. Coatings....................................................................................................................................27

Appendix C: Figures ....................................................................................................................28

Appendix D: ExxonMobil Hydrostatic Tank Leak Test ....................................................... 43

1. Background.............................................................................................................................. 43

2. Applicability ............................................................................................................................. 43

3. MHTLT Procedure:................................................................................................................. 43

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Table of Figures
Figure 1: ExxonMobil Hydrostatic Leak Test Connections............................................... 16

Figure 2: Shell Insulation Flashing .......................................................................................... 18

Figure A–1: Catenary Foam System - Ladder Piping Details ........................................... 23

Figure A–2: Foam Standpipe with Baffle Figure .................................................................. 24

Figure C–1: Location of Shell and Bottom Connections and Appurtenances —

Typical Layout and Dimensions............................................................................. 28

Figure C–2: Location of Roof Connections and Appurtenances—Typical Layout and

Dimensions.................................................................................................................. 30

Figure C–3: Water Drawoff Arrangements—For Nonfreezing Areas .............................. 32

Figure C–4: Water Drawoff Arrangements—For Freezing Areas—Type 1.................... 33

Figure C–5: Separate Suction and Inlet Piping..................................................................... 34

Figure C–6: Separate Inlet Piping for Floating Roof Tanks............................................... 35

Figure C–7: Combination Suction and Inlet Piping ............................................................. 36

Figure C–8: Stripping Arrangements ...................................................................................... 37

Figure C–9: Gauging Datum Plate ............................................................................................ 37

Figure C–10: Aluminum Dome Roofs...................................................................................... 38

Figure C–11: Storage Tanks Double Steel Bottom with Liner and Leak Detection .... 40

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Table of Tables
Table 1 …………………………………………………………………………………………….14

Table A– 1: Minimum Guide Pipe Size According to Tank Size.......................................20

Table A– 2: Foam and Access Appurtenance .......................................................................21

Table C– 1 ........................................................................................................................................ 33

Table C– 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 34

Table C– 3 ........................................................................................................................................ 36

Table C– 4 ........................................................................................................................................ 39

Table C–5 ………………………………………………………………………………………….41

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1. References
The following publications form a part of this Practice. Unle ss otherwise specified herein, use the
latest edition.

1.1. Master Practices–ExxonMobil Engineering Practices

MP 00-P-10 Meteorological Data for Plant Design

MP 01-P-08 Foundation Design
MP 01-P-14 Containment Systems for Aboveground Storage Tanks
MP 03-P-03 Positive Materials Identification
MP 32-P-22 Storage Tank Inventory Instrumentation
MP 70-P-02 Fire Protection - Storage Tanks

1.2. ExxonMobil Data Sheets

ExxonMobil Data ExxonMobil Data Sheet Home Page
Sheets
T1401C01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design & Construction -
Customary Units
T1401M01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design & Construction -
Metric Units
T1401C02 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design & Construction -
Customary Units
T1401M02 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design & Construction -
Metric Units
D1401C01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Documentation Requirements
Sheet
D1401C02 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Documentation Requirements
Sheet
I1401C01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Inspection & Testing
Requirements Sheet
I1401C02 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Inspection & Testing
Requirements Sheet

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1.3. ExxonMobil Practice Tutorials

EPT 01-T-04 Thermal Insulation

EPT 16-T-01 Tank Heating and Heat Loss

1.4. NFPA–National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 11 Standard for Low-Expansion Foam (National Fire Codes, vol. 1)

NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code (Includes Tentative Interim
Amendment - 1996) (National Fire Codes, vol. 1)

1.5. API–American Petroleum Institute

API SPEC 12D Specification for Field Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids
Tenth Edition
API SPEC 12F Specification for Shop Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids
Eleventh Edition
API STD 650 Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage Ninth Edition; Addendum 1 - 1994;
Addendum 2 - 1995; Addendum 3 - 1996
API STD 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction Second Edition;
Errata February 1996; Errata May 1996; Follow Up to Errata May 1996;
Addendum 1-December 1996
API STD 2000 Venting Atmospheric and Low-Pressure Storage Tanks Nonrefrigerated and
Refrigerated Fourth Edition

1.6. ASCE–American Society for Testing Material

ASCE 7 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures

1.7. ASME–American Society of Mechanical Engineers

ASME SEC IX BPVC SECTION IX Qualification Standard for Welding and Brazing
Procedures, Welders, Brazers, and Welding and Brazing Operators
Addenda - 1995; Addenda - 1996; Interfiled (Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Codes)

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1.8. ASTM–American Society for Testing and Material

ASTM A123 REV Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and
A Steel Products (AASHTO M111)
ASTM Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron and Steel
A153/A153M Hardware (AASHTO No. M232)
ASTM A307 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60 000 psi Tensile
Strength

2. General
Tanks shall be designed, fabricated, inspected and tested in accordance with API STD 650 and as
modified herein.

The design, fabrication, erection and testing of welded, cylindrical above-ground vertical atmospheric
storage tanks fabricated of carbon steel and austenitic stainless steel shall be in accordance with
requirements of this EMEP, unless superceded by more stringent local regulations.

2.1. Tanks for Production Liquids

For tanks for production liquids ordered to API SPEC 12D or API SPEC 12F, the
following apply:

• Maximum capacity 477 m3 (3,000 bbl).

• Consult MP 70-P-02 for spacing, layout and fire protection.
• Painting and coating specifications are required.
• Frangible roofs are required for 12D tanks.
• No center roof supports for diameters less than 6.7m (22 ft).
• Qualification of welders and welding procedures shall be in accordance with the
ASME SEC IX.
• Consider high level alarms.
Tanks with steels having minimum specified yield strengths of 262 MPa (38,000 psi) and
greater shall be in accordance with Appendix B.

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3. Design

3.1. Design Loading

When design for earthquakes is required, the design criteria of API STD 650, Appendix E,
shall be used.

• Wind and earthquake loading shall not be applied simultaneously.

• Either overturning stability shall be verified on the empty tanks in the corroded
condition or anchorage shall be provided.

3.2. Tank Bottoms

When leak detection and/or secondary containment are required, one of the following
alternatives shall be specified:

1. An elevated tank bottom (generally for small tanks on concrete pads).

2. Impervious concrete or an impervious liner in the foundation (refer to MP 01-P-14).
3. A double steel bottom (refer to Figure C-11).

3.3. Shells
• The tank nameplate shall show the maximum permissible product specific gravity
based on actual shell thickness less corrosion allowance.
• Calculations for intermediate wind girders for tanks where the shell corrosion
allowance exceeds 1.5 mm (1 /16 in) shall be based on the nominal shell thickness
minus the corrosion allowance.

3.4. Roof

• Freely vented cone roofs shall be frangible in accordance with API STD 650.
• External and internal floating roofs shall be in accordance with Appendix A.
• Aluminum dome roofs shall be in accordance with Figure C-10.
• Where an internal coating for a fixed carbon steel roof is required, one of the
following shall be used:

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

a) A steel roof with any support members being external, usually a dome or umbrella
roof. Roof plates shall be fillet welded on both sides or butt welded. Any support
members shall be continuously welded to the roof and have drain slots.

b) An aluminum dome roof. 44

3.5. Nozzles
When subsurface foam injection is specified, connections shall be provided in accordance
with NFPA 11.

The tank vendor shall provide the following API STD 650, Appendix P information for
bottom shell course nozzles NPS 6 and larger on tanks with design temperatures greater
than 66°C (150°F) or of high strength steels (refer to Appendix B):

• Nozzle rotations, deflections and stiffness coefficients

• Nomograms of the allowable loads (refer to API STD 650, Figures P-5A and P-5B)

4. Materials
A carbon steel material other than those listed in API STD 650 may be used with prior ExxonMobil
approval.

For Steels having minimum specified yield strength of 262 MPa (38,000 psi) and greater, refer to
Appendix B.

For austenitic stainless steel tanks, the type of steel will be specified on the ExxonMobil Data Sheets
for this Master Practice. Substitution requires ExxonMobil approval.

4.1. Bolting
All carbon steel bolting for flanged connections shall conform to ASTM A307, Grade B
as a minimum. Bolts shall consist of regular unfinished machine bolts with one heavy
semifinished hex nut.

5. Corrosion Protection
A minimum corrosion allowance of 1.5 mm (1 /16 in) shall be provided on carbon steel shells, bottoms
and welded components contacted by the liquid (except floating roofs) except where internally
coated. Corrosion allowances specified on the ExxonMobil Data Sheet (ExxonMobil Data Sheets for
this Master Practice) shall govern if larger.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

When underbottom cathodic protection is required, an impressed current system is recommended.

6. Fabrication, Erection, Welding and Tolerances

6.1. Fabrication and Erection

• No holes shall be made in shell plates for erection purposes.

• After windgirder completion, the windgirders shall be flooded with water and areas
that accumulate water shall be marked. A drain hole of 16mm (5 /8 in) minimum
diameter shall be located in the low spot of each area, prior to painting, to completely
drain the girders.

6.2. Welding
Flux cored welding and electrogas welding require The Company’s approva l.

Downhill welding is not permitted on vertical shell seams without The Company’s
approval.

Fillet welds for external attachments shall be continuous. Wind girders shall be seal
welded to the shell on their underside.

Weld interpass temperature for stainless steel is limited to 177°C (350°F).

Internal and external welds to be coated or painted shall have neither sharp edges nor
excessive weld metal buildup.

Supplemental welding requirements applicable to shell joints are as follows:

1. Square-groove butt joints shall be permitted to a maximum plate thickness of 6 mm

(1 /4 in). This may be increased to 9 mm (3 /8 in) plate thickness if automatic welding
machines are used, or if one side of the weld is back-gouged to form a groove.
2. Automatic welding of vertical joints in tanks built to API STD 650, Appendix A or J,
does not require The Company’s approval. In all other cases, automatic welding of
vertical joints is limited to tank minimum design metal temperatures warmer than
10°C (50°F) and is not permitted unless approved by The Company. Submittals for
approval shall include the following information:
a) Minimum expected Charpy V-notch impact energy of base material, weld
material and heat affected zone at the minimum design temperature.
b) Welding procedures proposed, including heat treatment if any, and the resultant
mechanical properties of welded joints.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

c) Methods of quality control during tank erection, such as production weld test
plates, ultrasonic inspection and magnetic particle inspection.
d) Lists of other tanks with similar materials and procedures.
When impact testing of the base material is required, production weld test plates shall be
made and tested, and results approved by The Company prior to tank erection as follows:

1. The test plates made shall represent the bottom-course, mid-course and top-course
vertical and horizontal weld seams.
2. Each test plate shall be from one of the heats that produced the plates for the tank. It
shall be welded, in the field, using the same qualified welding procedure, joint detail,
number of weld layers, position and consumables required for the tank joint.

6.3. Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances shall be in accordance with API STD 650, with the following
modifications:

1. Tolerance for banding shall be 9 mm (3 /8 in) maximum.

2. Tolerance for out-of-plumbness of the top of the shell relative to the bottom of the
shell shall not exceed 50 mm (2 in).
3. No single shell course shall be out-of-plumb by more than 1/200 of the course height.
Plumbness shall be measured and reported to The Company immediately after
erection of each shell course at intervals not to exceed one half of the shell plate
width.
Cone roofs shall have no depressions in which water can accumulate.

7. Inspection and Testing

7.1. Radiographic Inspection

Radiographic inspection of butt joints shall be in accordance with API STD 650 and the
following supplemental requirements:

1. The film for spot radiographs at junctions between vertical and horizontal joints shall
be positioned with the greater length on the vertical seam.
2. For automatically welded horizontal joints, one spot radiograph shall be taken in the
first 3 m (10 ft) of weld after each setup of the automatic welder.
3. For automatically welded vertical joints in API STD 650, Appendix A, the
requirements of API STD 650, Paragraph 6.1.2.2.b shall apply.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

4. For manually welded joints, radiographic inspection requirements shall apply to each
welder.

7.2. Materials Identif ication

For stainless steels, this shall be in accordance with MP 03-P-03.

7.3. Testing
Tank bottom welds shall be tested using vacuum test equipment with a vacuum of 35 kPa
to 48 kPa (5 psi to 7 psi). The bottom-to-shell weld(s) shall be tested using penetrating oil
after completion of the inner fillet weld for 12 hours. The external fillet weld shall be
either magnetic or dye penetrant tested.

Before any internal coating is applied, the complete tank shall be hydrotested, using fresh
water, as follows:

1. Complete all tank fabrication.

2. Perform nondestructive examinations, including a vacuum box test of new floor
welds. Repair defects and retest.
3. Conduct a full hydrostatic test.
4. Conduct a ExxonMobil Hydrostatic Tank Leak Test (MHTLT), if available, as the last
part of the hydrostatic test, per Appendix D of this EMEP. If the MHTLT is not
available, observe the level change of the full tank, as follows:

Table 1

Tank Diameter Holding Time

<15 m (50 ft) 2 days
15 m to 21 m (50 to 70 ft) 3 days
>21 m to 30.5 m (70 to 100 ft) 5 days
>30.5 m (100 ft) 7 days

5. Repeat the vacuum box test of new floor welds. Repair and retest with vacuum box.
6. Abrasive-blast and apply a lining (if required).
7. Conduct a holiday pinhole test of the lining.
8. Fill tank with water.
9. Notes:

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

a) Where a floating roof is to be installed and the bottom is to be lined, the lining
may be applied prior to roof installation with proper protection of the lining
during roof installation. Alternatively, the lining may be applied after roof
installation. The lining may be applied prior to roof perimeter seal installation to
increase ventilation.
b) All welding or cutting in the tank shall be completed prior to conducting the
hydrostatic test or MHTLT. Any welding or cutting performed after the above -
noted operations shall be done with The Company’s supervision. Alternatively,
the MHTLT may be performed as the last step before returning the tank to
service.
For austenitic stainless steel tanks, the chloride content shall be less than 50 ppm.

Tanks shall be tested for bottom leaks using The Company’s Hydrostatic Tank Leak Test
in accordance with Appendix D or a ExxonMobil approved alternative test.

Hydrotest settlement readings shall be taken for every 2.4 m (8 ft) fill increment and just
before draining is begun at the following number of equal spaces (N) around the tank:

• N = D/3 (D = diameter in meters)

• N = D/10 (D = diameter in feet)
• Round N to the nearest even integer but no less than four. If the allowable differential
settlements (refer to MP 01-P-08) are exceeded, filling shall be stopped and
ExxonMobil notified. Hydrotest water shall be held for one day unless settlement is
occurring.
All of the above tests shall be performed prior to any painting or coating of the welds
being tested, except as noted in 7.3, Item 9(b) or if otherwise specified.

8. Tank Appurtenances
Appurtenances shall be furnished as specified in the ExxonMobil Data Sheets for this Master
Practice.

Shell and bottom connections and appurtenances shall be in accordance with Figure C-1 unless
otherwise specified.

Roof connections and appurtenances shall be in accordance with Figure C-2 unless otherwise
specified.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

8.1. Connections and Manholes

• On the shell, no screwed connections larger than NPS 2 shall be permitted, except for
the non-freezing type of water draw-off valves. Nozzles shall be of the API regular
type.
• Water drawoff valve connections shall be in accordance with Figure C-3.
• Connections for The Company Hydrostatic Tank Leak Test shall be provided in
accordance with Figure 1, unless otherwise specified.
• Flange bolt holes shall straddle center lines.

Figure 1: ExxonMobil Hydrostatic Leak Test Connections

8.2. Venting

• Vents for fixed roof tanks shall be sized in accordance with API STD 2000.
− Flame arresters shall not be supplied unless specified and approved by The
Company.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

− Coarse mesh stainless screens shall be supplied on all vents not susceptible to
plugging.
− Tank vents shall not be located closer to stairs or platforms than shown in Figure
C-2.
• Fixed roof tanks subject to pressure surges (e.g. hot oil, slop-oil and relief tanks) shall
have added venting capacity. A minimum of one venting-type roof manway shall be
provided.

8.3. Loss Prevention Systems

Fire protection systems and tank grounding systems shall be in accordance with MP 70-P-
02.

8.4. Stairways, Ladders and Platforms

• Open-grating stair treads on stairways and rolling ladders and grating-type floor plates
on platforms and walkways shall be galvanized, except as follows:
a) Galvanized parts shall not be in contact with stainless steel parts. Bolted
attachments with insulators may be used.
b) In locations with sour (H2S) fluids, structures shall be painted and not
galvanized.
• Galvanizing shall be in accordance with ASTM A123 REV A for grating and
structural parts, and with ASTM A153/A153M for hardware.
• Railings conforming to local requirements shall be provided on the open sides of all
exposed stairways, stair platforms and gauging/sampling areas on cone roofs (refer to
Figure C-2). An intermediate rail is not required unless the spacing of the posts
exceeds 225 mm (9 in) on center.
• When the roof slope of a cone roof exceeds 1:12 or snow or icing conditions are
expected, access to roof gauges, gauge hatches and the manway or combination
manway/vent nearest the roof stair shall be provided by platforms with grating.
• A fixed stair rise shall not exceed 45 degrees and the treads shall be of the non-skid
type.

8.4.1. Insulated Tanks

Stair treads shall not be welded to the shell. They shall be mounted on a
stringer supported from the shell at no less than 3 m (10 ft) intervals, with 75
mm (3 in) clearance from the insulation.

The distance between flange bolting and the insulation shall be sufficient to
allow insertion of a box wrench.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Shell insulation flashing at the top of the shell shall be provided as shown in
Figure 2.

Figure 2: Shell Insulation Flashing

Level gauges and alarms shall be in accordance with MP 32-P-22.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Appendix A: Floating Roof Requirements

1. External Floating Roofs (for Open-Top Tanks)

1.1. Design

• Floating roofs shall be of the multiple compartment, single -deck pontoon or double
deck type (refer to Table A-1) and shall be provided with the specified type of seals.
• Pontoon bulkheads shall be completely welded for liquid tightness.
• Roofs shall be designed to avoid fatigue failure caused by wind effects.
− Single -deck roofs in which the single deck exceeds 52 m (170 ft) in diameter shall
be stiffened, and the design shall be submitted for The Company’s approval.
• Roof support legs shall be adjustable to carry the roof in an upper cleaning position
with 2 m (6.5 ft) minimum clearance and a lower operating position with 75 mm (3 in)
clearance from tank internals and the tops of nozzle openings.
• Rolling ladders shall have self-leveling non-skid treads.
• Overflow slots are prohibited.
• Where a floating roof with a foam-filled seal may descend to the manhole level, a
filler plate conforming to the tank inside diameter shall be attached to the manhole
cover.

1.2. Seals

• Stainless steel shoe primary seals shall be used unless otherwise specified.
• Non-metallic primary seals shall be foam filled.
a) Other types may be submitted for The Company’s approval.
b) These seals may be vapor mounted if secondary seals are provided, unless
regulations require liquid mounting (as in the United States, for example).
c) A metallic weather shield shall be provided if secondary seals are not furnished.
• Non-metallic seal material shall be satisfactory for use with petroleum products
having an aromatic content up to 75 percent, unless otherwise specified.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

• Liquid-filled seals are prohibited.

• When a secondary seal is not required, provision shall be made for future installation
of a secondary seal with the tank in service.
• Each steel shoe section shall be electrically bonded to the roof with stainless steel
shunts, at maximum intervals of 3 m (10 ft), on the tank circumference. Insulated
joints or jumper bonds are not required. Shunts shall extend from the shoe to the roof,
above the seal area.
• Shunts shall be provided for secondary seals that have no electrical bond between the
shell and roof, with shunt spacing, as noted in the above paragraph.
• Minimum deviations from nominal rim spaces to be accommodated by the seal shall
be:
a) + 200 mm (8 in) for tanks over 82.3 m (270 ft) diameter.
b) + 150 mm (6 in) for tanks from 30.5 m (100 ft) to less than 82.3 m (270 ft)
diameter and greater thank 14.6 m (48 ft) high.

1.3. Vertical Guide Pipe

Roof rotation shall be prevented by means of a vertical guide pipe. The minimum pipe
size shall be in accordance with Table A-1.

This pipe shall extend to the top of the stairway platform to permit gauging. If used for
sampling, the pipe shall be slotted or perforated. (Refer to Figure C-9.)

Any environmental regulations concerning sealing the guide -pipe shall be met.

Table A–1: Minimum Guide Pipe Size According to Tank Size

Tank Height, m (ft)
≤12.2 (40) ≤14.6 (48) ≤17 (56) ≤19.5 (64) >19.5 (64)
Minimum Pipe Size Maximum Tank Diameter, m (ft)
(NPS)*
4 28.3 (93) 26.2 (86) 25.3 (83) 24.4 (80)
6 44.8 36.6 32.0 29.3 (96) 27.4 (90)
(147) (120) (105)
8 79.2 57.9 46.0 39.0 34.4
(260) (190) (151) (128) (113)
10 100.6 74.4 58.8 48.8
(330) (244) (193) (160)
12 112.2 85.0 68.0
(368) (279) (223)

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

14 106.1 83.2
(348) (273)
16 113.7
(373)
* NPS = nominal pipe size, inches.

1.4. Drains
Roof drains shall be limited to the following types:

1. Flexible steel/elastomer pipes equal to those manufactured by the Mesa Rubber

Co., Coflexip & Services, Inc. or Dunlop Ltd. Non-metallic material shall be
satisfactory for use with petroleum products with aromatic content up to 75
percent, unless otherwise specified.
2. Pipes with wire-reinforced hose pivot joints equal to that manufactured by Pivot
Master, Inc., with The Company’s approval. Expansion devices shall be provided
for freezing climates.
A steel gate valve shall be placed on the tank shell at the lower end of the roof drain
piping. For a single -deck roof, a gate valve may be specified for the roof end of the drain
pipe and located to allow temporary removal of the check valve specified by API STD
650, Appendix C.

Emergency drains shall be provided for double -deck roofs.

1.5. Fire Protection Systems

External floating roof tanks shall be equipped in accordance with Table A-2.

Table A–2: Foam and Access Appurtenance

Diameter m (ft) Shell Height Appurtenances/Requirements
m (ft)
>45.7 (150) Any A fixed or semifixed foam system, in
accordance with Figure A-1, with a
standpipe to grade (for connection to
piping terminating outside the dike).
36.6 (120) to and including 45.7 (150) Any An NPS 3 standpipe terminating at the
stairway top landing, with a baffle to direct
<36.6 (120) >15.2 (50)
the foam down the tank shell (as shown in
Figure A-2).
30.5 (100) to <36.6 (120) <15.2 (50) If foam systems are not installed as above,
the top wind girder shall be at least 750
mm (30 in) wide. It shall be located about

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Diameter m (ft) Shell Height Appurtenances/Requirements

m (ft)
1.1 m (3.5 ft) below the top of the shell or
shell extension and have a handrail for the
entire circumference. Access shall be
provided from the circular stairway to the
wind girder.
In addition, a circular foam dam shall be provided at the peripheral seal, except as follows:

1. For steel shoe primary seals, when fixed foam devices discharge below the
continuous fabric seal.
2. For other primary seals, when fixed foam devices discharge below a non-
combustible weathershield or non-combustible secondary seal, and the primary
seal is more than 150 mm (6 in) below the top of the roof rim plate.
3. Where there are no fixed foam devices or standpipes and any weathershields or
secondary seals are combustible.
Foam dams shall be continuously welded or otherwise tightly fastened to the roof. The
dam shall extend at least 50 mm (2 in) above the highest seal and shall be at least 300 mm
(12 in) high.

The foam dam shall be located one to two feet from the edge of the roof. The dam shall
be slotted to allow drainage of rain water.

The height of the drain slots shall not exceed 9.5 mm (3 /8 in), and the total of the drain slot
areas shall be 280 mm 2 /m2 (0.04 in 2 /ft2 ) of area between the foam dam and the tank shell.

2. Internal Floating Roof Tanks

Internal Floating Roof Tanks shall conform to API STD 650, Appendix H, and the following
requirements.

The floating roof design shall be one of the following types, defined in Appendix H of API STD 650,
with supplemental requirements as noted:

1. Steel pontoon or double -deck roofs. Pontoon bulkheads shall be completely welded for liquid
tightness.
2. Metallic roof on floats. The deck skin shall be deformed at its seams by the clamping
members to effect a tight seal (refer to Figure A–2).
The floating roof perimeter seal may be either metallic or non-metallic type, and a double or
secondary seal shall be provided where required.

Floating roof support legs shall conform to Section 1.1, fourth item (Appendix A).

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Combined circulation vents/inspection hatches in accordance with API STD 650, Appendix H shall
be provided on freely vented fixed roofs (excluding aluminum dome roofs) and shall have hinged
hoods with clamps.

Gas blanketed tanks shall have pressure tight, gasketed, clear plastic plates with hinged metal covers
on the roof manways, so that the internal floating roof and its seals may be viewed.

Overflow slots are prohibited.

Figure A–1: Catenary Foam System - Ladder Piping Details

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure A–2: Foam Standpipe with Baffle

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Appendix B: High Strength Steel Requirements

This appendix covers additional requirements for steels having minimum specification yield strength
of 262 MPa (38,000 psi) and greater.

1. Design
The annular bottom plate to which the shell course is welded shall be a minimum of 9 mm (3 /8 in)
thick, including corrosion allowance.

The welds attaching the floor plate to the annular bottom plate shall be made with a minimum of two
passes.

All shell opening connections shall be attached by full-penetration welds, including attachments to
insert-type reinforcement.

Attachments shall be designed so that the primary bending stress plus the primary membrane stress is
not greater than 11 /2 times the shell allowable stress.

2. Materials
Material for annular bottom plates shall have physical and chemical properties similar to those of the
shell material.

High-strength steel materials, other than those listed in API STD 650, may be used with prior
ExxonMobil approval. Approval shall be based on the following information:

1. Complete chemical and mechanical specification limits, including steel process and heat
treatment.
2. Description of measures employed to ensure uniformity of mechanical properties and
microstructure.
3. Minimum expected Charpy V-notch impact energy of base material, weld material and heat-
affected zone at the minimum design temperature.
4. Welding procedures proposed, including heat treatment if any, and the resultant mechanical
properties of welded joints.
5. Methods of quality control during tank erection, such as production weld test plates, ultrasonic
inspection and magnetic particle inspection.

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6. List of other tanks fabricated of the proposed material.

Micro-alloy elements in fine -grain carbon manganese steels are restricted as follows:

• Vanadium shall not exceed 0.05 percent.

• Niobium shall not exceed 0.05 percent.

• Their combined content shall not exceed 0.08 percent.
• When these elements are used, the soluble aluminum-to-nitrogen ration shall not be less than 2:1.
The ratio of actual yield strength to actual ultimate tensile strength shall not exceed 0.85.

3. Welding and Weld Inspection

3.1. Welding
Welding procedure requalification will be required for:

1. Individual weld layer thickness shall not be greater than that used in the procedure
qualification tests.
2. Electrodes not of the same size and AWS classification as that in the procedure
qualification test.
3. Nominal preheat and interpass temperatures shall be the same as those in the
procedure qualification tests.
4. Automatic welding if flux composition is changed or if speed and heat input are
changed beyond the range specified.
Fillet welds connecting the lowest shell course and bottom plates to the annular bottom
plate shall be made with low-hydrogen electrodes equivalent to AWS classification
EXX16 or EXX18.

Steels with minimum specified yield strengths greater than 262 MPa (38,000 psi) and
mechanical properties enhanced by heat treatment shall have a minimum of two layers of
weld metal on all scars, pickups, structural attachments or other welds made on the plate
surface.

Hardness surveys across the procedure qualification welds and heat-affected zones shall
be as follows:

1. Made with an instrument having an indentor of 1.6 mm (1 /16 in) maximum diameter.
2. Hardness shall not exceed 225 HB (238 HV10) except that peak hardness of up to 250
HB (260 HV10) is acceptable in the heat affected zone (HAZ).

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3. For steels with minimum yield strengths equal to or greater than 345 MPa (50,000
psi), peak HAZ hardness shall not exceed 310 HB (325 HV10).
A hardness test shall be made on each 30.5 m (100 ft) of the shell weld seams and on main
nozzle welds, and it shall not exceed 225 HB (238 HV10).

3.2. Weld Inspection

Weld inspection shall be in accordance with API STD 650 and the following
requirements:

• Horizontal Joints
− One radiograph in the first 3 m (10 ft) of each seam plus one for each 15.2 m (50
ft) of seam length.
• Vertical Joints
− Complete radiographing for all welds in plates thicker than 19 mm (3 /4 in). For
plates 19 mm (3 /4 in) and less, radiographing of all intersections plus one
additional radiograph for each 7.6 m (25 ft) of vertical seam length in each course.
Structural attachment welds and welds attaching the lowest shell course to the annular
bottom plates shall be examined by the magnetic particle or dye penetrant method to
detect cracks and other linear discontinuities.

Longitudinal welds in shell and floor nozzles and manways shall be examined by
radiography in accordance with the requirements for vertical shell joints. There shall be at
least one spot radiograph for each weld.

4. Erection
Lugs, clips and similar items attached by welding for purposes of erection only shall be removed.
The plate in these weld areas and at other scars shall be ground smooth and examined by the magnetic
particle or dye penetrant method.

5. Coatings
The bottom course and annular bottom plate shall be epoxy coated on the inside when the minimum
specified tensile strength of the plate material is greater than 586 MPa (85,000 psi).

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Appendix C: Figures

Figure C–1: Location of Shell and Bottom Connections and Appurtenances —

Typical Layout and Dimensions

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Legend for Type 1 and Type 2 Bottoms

1. Shell Manholes, tank diameters:
− Up to 25 ft–one NPS 24
− > 25 ft to 100 ft–two NPS 24 (180° apart)
− > 100 ft–three NPS 24 (180° apart)
2. Inlets and suction nozzles
3. Water drawoff
4. Foam chambers (note 1)
5. Sump (for Type 1 bottoms, number required same as number of shell manholes)
6. Datum (striker) plate (note 1)
7. Roof drain nozzle (note 2)
8. Thermowell connection NPS 1/CL 3000 coupling with round head plug 3 ft above tank bottom
9. Stripping nozzle (Note 1)
10. H-level & HH-level alarms (located near dike entrance or main path through tank farm.)
Notes :

1. Provide only when shown on the ExxonMobil Data Sheets for this Master Practice.
2. For open-top floating roof tanks only.
3. Connections may be parallel. Recommended for large-diameter piping.
4. Slope shall be increased to compensate for predicted center-to-edge settlement, so that slope
after predicted settlement is 1 inch in 10 ft.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–2: Location of Roof Connections and Appurtenances—Typical Layout

and Dimensions
Legend for Location of Roof Connections and Appurtenances
12. Circular stairway unless otherwise specified
13. Roof manholes, tank diameters
− Up to 50 ft–one NPS 24
− > 50 ft to 100 ft–two NPS 24 (180° apart)
− > 100 ft–three NPS 24 (180° apart)
Hatch-type combination manways/vents (shown by dashed line) located on the roof perimeter
shall be used for freely vented cone roof tanks with internal floating roofs.
14. Vent connections for PV valve or vapor recovery in pressurized tanks
15. Scaffold cable support or center vent for freely vented tanks
16. Railing
17. Pontoon manholes, NPS 20 minimum, one per compartment
18. Roof drain
19. Emergency drain for double deck floating roofs
20. Gauging/anti-rotation pipe (Notes 3 and 4)
21. Rim vent for shoe type seals (Note 2)
22. Roof supports (number as required)

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23. Automatic bleeder vent, leg operated

24. Rolling ladder with articulated steps
25. Water gauging connection over sump (Note 4)
26. Temperature, gauging and sampling hatch (Note 3)
27. Automatic gauge, ground or remote reading (Notes 1 & 3)
28. Averaging thermometer (Note 1)

Notes:
1. Provide only when shown on ExxonMobil Data Sheets for this Master Practice.
2. Manufacturer's design.
3. Location to be accessible from platform.
4. For single deck floating roofs, provide extension to avoid product flowing onto roof.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–3: Water Drawoff Arrangements—For Nonfreezing Areas

Notes:

1. For tanks with Type 1 bottom (peripheral sumps): provide one NPS 3 water drawoff to each
sump.
2. For tanks with Type 2 bottom:
− Provide one NPS 2 water drawoff for tanks up to 50 ft in diameter.
− Provide one NPS 3 water drawoff for tanks 50 ft to 90 ft in diameter.
− Provide one NPS 2 and one NPS 4 water drawoff connection for tanks over 90 ft in diameter;
see plan for arrangement.
3. Use gate valve; water drawoff pipe and valve to be same size.
4. Elbows may be welded ells, socket welded, or screwed malleable iron fittings

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–4: Water Drawoff Arrangements—For Freezing Areas—Type 1

Table C–1

Sizing Table NPS

Size of Value Pipe Y Pipe Z

2 3 11 /2
3 4 3*
4 6 3*
* Pipe Z shall be NPS 4 for sumps in tanks with Type 1 bottom

Notes:

1. For tanks with Type 1 bottom (peripheral sumps): provide one NPS 3 water drawoff to each
sump.
2. For tanks with Type 2 bottom:
− Provide one NPS 2 water drawoff for tanks up to 50 ft in diameter.
− Provide one NPS 3 water drawoff for tanks 50 ft to 90 ft in diameter.
− Provide one NPS 2 and one NPS 4 water drawoff connection for tanks over 90 ft in diameter;
see plan for arrangement.
3. Use gate valve; water drawoff pipe and valve to be same size.
4. Elbows may be welded ells, socket welded, or screwed malleable iron fittings.

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Figure C–5: Separate Suction and Inlet Piping

Table C–2

Nozzle Diameter NPS Tee Size NPS Tee Outlet Hole B Diameter
4 6x4 2 in
6 8x6 3 in
8 10 x 8 4 in
10 10 6 in
12 12 8 in
14 14 8 in
16 16 10 in
18 18 10 in
20 20 12 in
24 24 16 in
30 30 18 in

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Nozzle Diameter NPS Tee Size NPS Tee Outlet Hole B Diameter
36 36 22 in

Figure C–6: Separate Inlet Piping for Floating Roof Tanks

Note:

1. Detail C may be used for inlet velocities ≤ 0.9 m/s (3 ft/s) where no possibility of vapor slugs
exists.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–7: Combination Suction and Inlet Piping

Table C–3

Slot Dimensions

Nozzle & Pipe Diameter A B X

(NPS)
8 22 in 3 in H
10 26 in 4 in H
12 30 in 5 in H
14 30 in 6 in H
16 35 in 7 in H
18 39 in 8 in H
20 43 in 9 in H
24 52 in 11 in H -3 in
30 64 in 14 in H -6 in
36 76 in 17 in H -9 in

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–8: Stripping Arrangements

Figure C–9: Gauging Datum Plate

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–10: Aluminum Dome Roofs

Notes:

1. Aluminum dome roofs in accordance with API STD 650, Appendix G are permitted with the
following provisions:
− Where snow loading applies, they shall be in accordance with the unbalanced snow load of
ASCE 7-88, unless local regulations are more severe.
− Pedestal-type roof supports resting on the wind girder shall be provided when there is no top
rim angle on the shell or where support loads would exceed the following:

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Table C–4

Shell Thickness Load at Each Support Point

mm (in) kg (lbs)
3
4.8 /16 5400 12,000
1
6.4 /4 13,600 30,000
5
8.0 /16 26,300 58,000
3
9.5 /8 45,400 100,000
* Top Shell Course in corroded condition
2. Where an internal floating roof is required, provide the following:
− Inspection hatches, 0.6 m (2 ft) square, at a maximum spacing of 17 m (56 ft) around the
dome perimeter. Only one hatch is required for tanks with diameters of 9 m (30 ft) and
smaller.
− Access to these hatches via the shell wind girder, if of sufficient size and with a handrail, or
via a walkway with an outer handrail on the dome roof.
− Skylights located between inspection hatches with additional two near the center.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

Figure C–11: Storage Tanks Double Steel Bottom with Liner and Leak
Detection
NOTES:
• This design shall be considered for smaller diameter tanks [ ≤ 9 m (30 ft)].
• For larger diameter tankers, refer to MP 01-P-14.
• For design, fabrication and installation, see next page.
NOTES:

1. Melt zinc and weld steel wire core of anode to support ring as close as possible to upper bottom.
2. Cone up both floors to center so after predicted center to edge settlement occurs, slope is 1:120.
3. Liner:
− Petrogard 10 - 1 mm (0.04 in) thick, with factory seams for field joining.
− Other, specify.

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MP 14-P-01 Aboveground Welded Steel Storage Tanks - Design and Construction July 1998

4. Shell may not overhang support ring by more than 1.5 mm (1 /16 in) in either direction.
5. Sand Fill:
− Use dry, clean, commercial silica sand, pH neutral, non-corrosive, non-conductive and salt
free with the following sieve analysis:

Table C–5

Square Opening Sieve Size Percent Passing by Weight

#4 90 - 100
#200 10 maximum

The sand shall have electrical resistance greater than 50,000 Ohms/cm. Certified reports shall be
furnished for each truckload of sand. A minimum of five random samples from the as-received
sand shall be tested for chlorides and resistivity. One supplier of high quality sand in the U.S. is
Uniman Sand Inc. Use the "soil box" technique (as manufactured by the MCM Miller company
or other acceptable equivalent) to determine sand resistivity. An alternate test to the soil box is
ASTM G-57, Standard Method for Field Measurement of Soil Resistivity using the Wenner
Four-Electrode Method. Maximum acceptable chloride concentration is 2.0 ppm.

6. Installation of Liner Material

− No welding inside the tank or on the roof where sparks or molten metal might damage the
liner is permitted during membrane installation.
− Seam sealing may be performed by the contractor if the contractor is approved by The
Company and the liner manufacturer. If not, the liner manufacturer shall supply seam sealing
personnel.
− Vacuum test liner seams at 7 to 14 kPa (1 to 2 psi) in the presence of The Company. The
liner shall also be tested for pin holes using a holiday detector with a minimum of 10,000
volts. Defective areas may be patched and retested.
− The contractor's personnel shall protect the liner from damage while preparing the tank
bottom for installation of the sand pad.
7. Installation of Sand
− Sand shall be covered and kept dry during storage and installation. It is desirable to have the
sand delivered in closed trucks and installed at the time of delivery. Blowing the sand into
the tank via a hose is the fastest and easiest method.
− Sand installation shall be done in two equal layers so that the cathodic protection can be
installed equidistant from the two bottoms.
− Grade the sand from the doorway into the tank so that equipment is not operated on the liner
material. Spreading equipment, if used, shall have low pressure pneumatic tires. Sand
spreading tools shall not have sharp edges or points.
8. Installation of Bottom

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− Picks or pry bars shall not be used to position the plate due to potential for liner damage.

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Appendix D: ExxonMobil Hydrostatic Tank Leak Test

1. Background
The Company developed a test to detect tank bottom leaks.. The test uses a small column of water (or
liquid contained by the tank) that is connected to the tank and is instrumented to detect and record a
drop in tank water level of as low as 0.025 mm (0.001 in) over a four to eight hour period. Since leak
sensitivity decreases with increasing tank diameter, the test is recommended, but not required, for
tanks over 46 m (150 ft) diameter.

The test may also be used on existing tanks to check for bottom leaks in conjunction with or in
between internal inspections.

Bottom leaks in new tank floors have occurred even after a full vacuum box inspection of floor welds.
In some cases, a leak has occurred from a weld arc strike or cutting operation remote from a weld.
Leaks have occurred in the field in shop fabricated and shop tested tank bottoms as a result of
transportation or lifting stresses or field work such as installation of a sump. The cost of cleaning one
tank exceeds the cost of a large number of tests.

2. Applicability
All tanks shall be tested except the following:

1. Clean water tanks

2. Tanks with products that do not flow at ambient temperatures
3. Elevated tanks, provided that they are filled with at least 1.2 m (4 ft) of water, in their erected
position, prior to filling with product
4. Tanks where testing is waived by ExxonMobil

3. MHTLT Procedure:
1. Set up the testing date and ensure that test apparatus is available.
2. Blank all valves/lines that are below the intended liquid level.

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1. Prior to the test day, fill the tank with 1.2 m (4 ft) of water. For tanks with floating roofs, the
roof must be landed on its legs and the liquid level must be below the upper test tap.
2. Hold the liquid level for the time recommended by the testing company.
3. After the test, obtain a copy of the test results. Retain copies in the tank files, as well as in the
project files.

© ExxonMobil Oil, 1997 44 of 44