Course Details

This course is appropriate for a wide range of professionals but not limited to:

• Engineers
• Operators
• Inspectors
• Maintenance Professionals

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of crude oil storage tanks
• Apply industry standards (API, ASME, ISO) in the design and operation of storage tanks
• Evaluate key design and construction parameters
• Operate and monitor crude oil tanks safely and efficiently
• Conduct tank inspections and perform integrity assessments
• Implement effective maintenance and repair strategies
• Identify and manage HSE and operational risks

By the end of this course, participants should be able to:

• Understand the fundamentals of crude oil storage tanks
• Apply industry standards (API, ASME, ISO) in the design and operation of storage tanks
• Evaluate key design and construction parameters
• Operate and monitor crude oil tanks safely and efficiently
• Conduct tank inspections and perform integrity assessments
• Implement effective maintenance and repair strategies
• Identify and manage HSE and operational risks

DAY 1

FUNDAMENTALS OF CRUDE OIL STORAGE TANKS

Introduction and Tank Fundamentals

• Pre-test
• Overview of crude oil storage in upstream/midstream operations
• Types of storage tanks: Fixed roof, floating roof, domed roof, bullet tanks
• API, ASME, and ISO standards (e.g., API 650, API 653, API 620)
• Key design considerations: capacity, location, foundation, and product characteristics

Tank Components and Design Parameters

• Shells, roofs, bottoms, nozzles, manways, and appurtenances
• Wind girders, stairways, platforms, and secondary containment
• Design for pressure and vacuum – venting systems and pressure relief
• Tank farm layout and bund wall requirements

DAY 2

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES

Detailed Tank Design

• Material selection and corrosion allowances
• Structural design parameters (wind load, seismic, hydrostatic pressure)
• Tank sizing and tank selection criteria
• Foundation and soil considerations (ring wall, pad, pile-supported)

Construction Techniques and Quality Control

• Construction sequence (bottom, shell, roof)
• Welding procedures, NDT methods (RT, UT, MPI)
• Hydrostatic testing and leak detection
• Construction safety practices and contractor management

DAY 3

TANK OPERATION AND INSPECTION

Safe Operation and Monitoring

• Tank operation and handling crude oil (filling, discharging, sampling)
• Floating roof operation and seal systems
• Gauging and instrumentation (level, temperature, pressure sensors)
• Tank breathing and vapor control systems (degassing and venting)

Inspection Techniques

• API 653 in-service inspection requirements
• Routine vs. periodic inspection
• External/internal visual inspection, settlement monitoring
• Shell thickness measurement and corrosion rate analysis

DAY 4

MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND UPGRADING

Maintenance Strategies

• Preventive and predictive maintenance approaches
• Tank cleaning procedures (mechanical and chemical)
• Floating roof seal replacement and rolling ladder repair
• Coating systems and cathodic protection

Repairs and Alterations

• Tank bottom repair and replacement
• Nozzle repairs and hot tapping
• API 653 repair limits and fitness-for-service assessment
• Upgrading tank to meet new operational needs (e.g., heating systems, insulation)

DAY 5

RISK MANAGEMENT, SAFETY, AND CASE STUDIES

Safety, Risk and Environmental Management

• HSE concerns in tank farms and operations
• Fire protection systems: foam systems, rim seal fire detection
• Overfill protection and alarms
• Environmental considerations: VOC emissions, bund management, leak detection

Real-World Case Studies and Final Workshop

• Case studies of tank failures, fires, and lessons learned
• Group exercise: Troubleshooting tank issues and recommending solutions
• Review of best practices and final Q&A
• Course recap and Post-test