Storage Tanks: Design, Operation and Maintenance

Overview

Storage tanks hold large volumes of crude, products and chemicals at every refinery, terminal and production site, and tank failures, from overfills and boil-overs to bottom leaks and floating roof sinkings, are among the most costly incidents in the industry. Reliable tank operation depends on sound design, correct operating limits and a maintenance programme that finds problems before they cause a release. This course covers aboveground atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks across their life cycle. Participants learn tank types and their applications, design principles from API 650 and API 620, and the function of roofs, seals, vents, nozzles, foundations and bottoms. The course explains safe filling and emptying, overfill prevention to API 2350, venting to API 2000, floating roof operation, water draining and heating. It then covers inspection and maintenance in line with API 653, including bottom corrosion, settlement, repairs and the requirements for returning a tank to service.

Objectives

• Describe tank types and select the right type for a product
• Explain the main design requirements of API 650 and API 620
• Operate tanks safely within filling, emptying and venting limits
• Apply overfill prevention and floating roof operating practices
• Recognise common tank damage mechanisms and failure modes
• Plan inspection and maintenance in line with API 653
• Manage tank repairs, hydrotesting and return to service
• Control fire and environmental risks in tank farms

Who should attend

Training methodology

Tank drawings, photographs and video of real operations are used to explain each component. Participants calculate safe fill heights and venting requirements, review an overfill risk assessment, and interpret inspection data on shell thickness and bottom corrosion. Major incidents such as Buncefield and floating roof sinkings are analysed for lessons. A team exercise asks participants to prepare an inspection and maintenance plan for a tank due for out-of-service inspection. Participants are encouraged to bring examples from their own pipeline systems.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions