Aboveground Storage Tank Inspection (API 653 Exam Preparation)
فحص الخزانات فوق الأرض (التحضير لاختبار API 653)
- Next date
- Available in-house
- Fees from
- —per delegate
- Formats
- In-house training0 sessions
- Duration
- 5 daysCertificate
Overview
Aboveground storage tanks hold very large inventories of crude oil, products and chemicals, and their integrity is critical to safety, environmental protection and business continuity. The API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector certification is widely recognised for professionals who inspect, repair and evaluate tanks. Its examination covers a broad body of knowledge, including the tank inspection code, tank design standards, welding and examination requirements and several recommended practices, and it requires accurate calculations and quick navigation of the documents under time pressure.
This course provides structured preparation for the API 653 Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector certification examination. Participants review the requirements for inspection intervals, shell, bottom and roof evaluation, minimum thickness and hydrostatic test height calculations, settlement evaluation, repairs, alterations and reconstruction. The course covers relevant parts of tank design standards, cathodic protection, tank linings, brittle fracture assessment, welding qualifications under ASME Section IX, examination methods under ASME Section V and damage mechanisms affecting tanks. It includes practice questions, timed mock exams and exam strategy. This is independent preparation, not affiliated with API.
Objectives
- Understand the examination structure, body of knowledge and an effective study plan
- Apply inspection interval requirements for tank shells, bottoms and roofs
- Calculate minimum shell thickness, hydrotest height and remaining life
- Evaluate tank bottom corrosion and settlement using code methods
- Apply repair, alteration, reconstruction and hydrostatic testing requirements
- Interpret welding, NDE, cathodic protection and lining requirements
- Improve exam performance through practice questions and timed mock examinations
Who should attend
Tank inspectors, inspection and integrity engineers, QA/QC staff and terminal engineers preparing for the API 653 examination who meet the eligibility requirements.
Training methodology
The course follows a structured exam preparation approach, combining focused reviews of each referenced document with worked examples and extensive practice questions. Participants carry out shell thickness, hydrotest height, bottom remaining life and settlement calculations, practise locating information quickly in the codes and review welding procedure and qualification records. Daily quizzes highlight weak areas, while timed mock examinations under realistic conditions build speed and confidence. Trainers explain common errors and exam strategies. Participants should bring the current editions of the referenced documents to make the best use of the course.
Programme outline
Day1Exam Overview and Tank Inspection Basics
- Examination format, effectivity sheet, body of knowledge and how to plan effective study
- Scope of the tank inspection code and the responsibilities of owners and inspectors
- Tank types, components and the design standards referenced in the examination
- Inspection types, routine in-service inspections and formal external and internal inspections
- Inspection intervals for shells and bottoms and the factors that change them
- Corrosion rates and remaining life calculations for tank shells and bottoms
- Practical exercise: solving inspection interval and corrosion rate calculation questions
Day2Shell Evaluation and Hydrostatic Testing
- Minimum shell thickness calculations for tanks that remain in continued service after inspection
- Joint efficiency, allowable stress and the use of tables in shell calculations
- Evaluation of corroded areas, pitting and local thin areas in tank shells
- Hydrostatic test height and maximum fill height calculations after evaluation
- Hydrostatic testing requirements after tank repairs, alterations and full reconstruction work
- Brittle fracture assessment and decisions on whether a hydrotest is required
- Practical exercise: working through shell thickness and fill height calculation questions
Day3Bottoms, Roofs, Settlement and Cathodic Protection
- Tank bottom inspection methods and the evaluation of underside and topside corrosion
- Minimum bottom thickness, remaining life and inspection interval calculations for bottoms
- Settlement types: uniform, planar tilt, differential and edge settlement and their evaluation
- Fixed and floating roof inspection and common roof and seal problems
- Cathodic protection of tank bottoms and its inspection and survey requirements
- Tank linings, release prevention barriers and the leak detection systems used under tanks
- Practical exercise: calculating bottom remaining life and evaluating settlement survey data
Day4Repairs, Alterations and Welding
- Repair and alteration requirements, approvals and the documentation needed for tank work
- Shell repairs, door sheets, nozzle installation and lap-welded patch plates
- Bottom repairs, complete replacement bottoms and the requirements for the critical zone
- Reconstruction of tanks and the inspection and testing requirements involved
- Welding procedure specifications and procedure qualification records reviewed under ASME Section IX
- Examination methods under ASME Section V and acceptance criteria for tank welds
- Practical exercise: reviewing a WPS and PQR and answering welding questions
Day5Mock Examinations and Exam Technique
- Strategies for closed-book and open-book questions and time management in the exam
- Common calculation errors and the most frequently tested topics in the examination
- Timed mock examination covering the complete body of knowledge under realistic exam conditions
- Review of mock examination answers with explanations of difficult questions
- Final revision of formulas, tables and key requirements from each document
- Second timed mock examination and individual feedback on areas needing more study
- Final review and personal study plan for the weeks before the examination
Dates and fees
There are no scheduled dates for this course at the moment. Request it as in-house training, or ask us about the next date.
Certificate
Every delegate who attends the full programme receives a Harfard Technology certificate of completion stating the course title, duration, dates and venue.
Frequently asked questions
Will I receive a certificate?
What is the difference between classroom and online?
Can you run this course for our company?
How do I register?
Related courses
Inspection, Welding & CorrosionCathodic Protection for Pipelines and Facilities
Available in-houseInspection, Welding & CorrosionPressure Vessels: Inspection, Repair and Integrity
Available in-houseInspection, Welding & Corrosion