Definitions 653

Question 1

The standard (such as API standard or UL 5 standard) used for the construction of the tank component in question. If this standard is not known, the as-built standard is the standard that was in effect at the date of the installation of the component. If the date of the installation of the component is unknown, then the current applicable standard shall be considered to be the as-built standard. See Annex A for a list of API welded storage tank standards. The standard used for repairs or alterations made after original construction is the as-built standard only for those repairs or alterations, so there may be more than one as-built standard for a tank.

Answer 1

As-built standard

Question 2

One of the following organizations that employ an aboveground storage tank inspector certified by API.
a) The inspection organization of the jurisdiction in which the aboveground storage tank is operated.
b) The inspection organization of an insurance company which is licensed or registered to and does write aboveground storage tank insurance.
c) An owner/operator of one or more aboveground storage tank(s) who maintains an inspection organization for activities relating only to his/her equipment and not for aboveground storage tanks intended for sale or resale.
d) An independent organization or individual under contract to and under the direction of an owner/operator and recognized or otherwise not prohibited by the jurisdiction in which the aboveground storage tank is operated. The owner/operator’s inspection program shall provide the controls necessary for use by authorized inspectors contracted to inspect aboveground storage tanks.

Answer 2

Authorized inspection agency

Question 3

An employee of an authorized inspection agency who is qualified and certified to perform inspections under this inspection standard. Whenever the term inspector is used in API 653, it refers to an authorized API Standard 653 inspector.

Answer 3

Authorized inspector

Question 4

The area on a tank bottom where settlement begins.

Answer 4

Breakover point

Question 5

The tank(s) for which corrosion rates are not known.

Answer 5

Candidate tank

Question 6

A change from previous operating conditions involving different properties of the stored product such as specific gravity or corrosivity and/or different service conditions of temperature and/or pressure.

Answer 6

Change in service

Question 7

The tank(s) for which corrosion rates and service history are known and documented.

Answer 7

Control tank

Question 8

The total metal loss divided by the period of time over which the metal loss occurred.

Answer 8

Corrosion rate

Question 9

The portion of the tank bottom or annular plate within 3 in. of the inside edge of the shell, measured radially inward.

Answer 9

Critical zone

Question 10

The current edition of the standard (such as API standard or UL standard) that applies if the tank were built today.

Answer 10

Current applicable standard

Question 11

A plate (or plates) cut from an existing tank shell to create a temporary access opening. After planned work is completed, the door sheet(s) shall be reinstalled or replaced.

Answer 11

Door sheet

Question 12

A person who assists the inspector by performing specific nondestructive examination (NDE) on aboveground storage tanks and evaluates to the applicable acceptance criteria, but does not interpret the results of those examinations in accordance with API 653, unless specifically trained and authorized to do so by the owner/user.

Answer 12

Examiner

Question 13

A formal visual inspection, conducted or supervised by an authorized inspector, to assess all aspects of the tank as possible without suspending operations or requiring tank shutdown (see 6.3.2).

Answer 13

External inspection

Question 14

A methodology whereby flaws contained within a structure are assessed in order to determine the adequacy of the flawed structure for continued service without imminent failure.

Answer 14

Fitness-for-service assessment

Question 15

Identifies a procedure for installing a nozzle in the shell of a tank that is in service.

Answer 15

Hot tap

Question 16

A test performed with water, in which static fluid head is used to produce test loads.

Answer 16

Hydro test

Question 17

A shortened title for an authorized tank inspector qualified and certified in accordance with this standard.

Answer 17

Inspector

Question 18

A formal, complete inspection, as supervised by an authorized inspector, of all accessible internal tank surfaces (see 6.4.1).

Answer 18

Internal inspection

Question 19

installing a shell penetration larger than NPS 12 beneath the design liquid level;

Answer 19

major alteration/or major repair

Question 20

installing a bottom penetration within 12 in. of the shell;

Answer 20

major alteration/or major repair

Question 21

removing and replacing or adding a shell plate beneath the design liquid level where the longest dimension of the replacement plate exceeds 12 in.;

Answer 21

major alteration/or major repair

Question 22

removing or replacing annular plate ring material where the longest dimension of the replacement plate exceeds 12 in.;

Answer 22

major alteration/or major repair

Question 23

complete or partial (more than one-half of the weld thickness) removal and replacement of more than 12 in. of vertical weld joining shell plates or radial weld joining the annular plate ring;

Answer 23

major alteration/or major repair

Question 24

installinganewbottom

Answer 24

major alteration/or major repair

Question 25

removing and replacing part of the weld attaching the shell to the bottom, or to the annular plate ring, in excess of the amounts listed in 12.3.2.5.1 a);

Answer 25

major alteration/or major repair

Question 26

jacking a tank shell.

Answer 26

major alteration/or major repair

Question 27

The legal entity having both control of and/or responsibility for the operation and maintenance of an existing storage tank.

Answer 27

Owner/operator

Question 28

The side of the tank that is in contact with the stored liquid product.

Answer 28

Product side

Question 29

A condition that exists when the material of a component is deemed acceptable for use by the provisions of any of the following sections of this standard:
a) Section 5.3.2 (based on edition of standard of tank’s original construction, or by coupon testing); b) Section 5.3.5 (based on thickness);
c) Section 5.3.6 (based on lowest design metal temperature);
d) Section 5.3.8 (based on exemption curves).

Answer 29

Recognized toughness

Question 30

Any work necessary to reassemble a tank that has been dismantled and relocated to a new site.

Answer 30

Reconstruction

Question 31

The organization having assigned responsibility by the owner/operator to design and/or reconstruct a tank.

Answer 31

Reconstruction organization

Question 32

Work necessary to maintain or restore a tank to a condition suitable for safe operation. Repairs include both major repairs (see 3.20) and repairs that are not major repairs. Examples of repairs include:
a) removal and replacement of material (such as roof, shell, or bottom material, including weld metal) to maintain tank integrity;
b) re-leveling and/or jacking of a tank shell, bottom, or roof;
c) adding or replacing reinforcing plates (or portions thereof) to existing shell penetrations;
d) repair of flaws, such as tears or gouges, by grinding and/or gouging followed by welding.

Answer 32

Repair

Question 33

An organization that meets any of the following:
a) an owner/operator of aboveground storage tanks who repairs or alters his/her own equipment in accordance with this standard;
b) a contractor whose qualifications are acceptable to the owner/operator of aboveground storage tanks and who makes repairs or alterations in accordance with this standard;
c) one who is authorized by, acceptable to, or otherwise not prohibited by the jurisdiction, and who makes repairs in accordance with this standard.

Answer 33

Repair organization

Question 34

The process by which corrosion rates and inspection intervals are established for a candidate tank using corrosion rates and service history from a control tank for the purpose of establishing the next inspection date.

Answer 34

Similar service assessment

Question 35

The side of the tank bottom that is in contact with the ground.

Answer 35

Soil-side

Question 36

One or more persons or organizations acceptable to the owner/operator who are knowledgeable and experienced in the engineering disciplines associated with evaluating mechanical and material characteristics that affect the integrity and reliability of aboveground storage tanks. The storage tank engineer, by consulting with appropriate specialists, should be regarded as a composite of all entities needed to properly assess the technical requirements.

Answer 36

Storage tank engineer

Question 37

A condition that exists when it cannot be demonstrated that the material of a component satisfies the definition of recognized toughness.

Answer 37

Unknown toughness

Question 38

Any work on a tank that changes its physical dimensions or configuration.

Answer 38

Alteration