Storage Tanks Archives - The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.

Advancements in Risk-Based Inspection Strategies for Ammonia Storage Tanks

Apr 30, 2024

Authors: Maria Rennillo, Engineering Solutions Lead, Staff Engineer II; Matthew Kaiser, E.I.T., Staff Engineer I; Katelyn Gustoff, Consulting Engineer II

Developing a repeatable, in-service inspection strategy for ammonia storage tanks is difficult; however, it will help improve operational reliability and minimize the probability of failure from several damage mechanisms, including ammonia stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this article, the authors discuss Equity’s multi-disciplinary approach to navigate the challenges of these high-consequence ammonia storage tanks. Read how we integrate risk-based inspection (RBI), fitness-for-service (FFS), and materials and corrosion expertise to provide a comprehensive and practical inspection strategy.

A Deep Dive into Aboveground Storage Tank Settlement Evaluation

Feb 28, 2023

Authors: Katelyn J. Gustoff, Consulting Engineer I, Derek E. Slovenec, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Engineer I

Foundational settlement, particularly non-uniform settlement, poses a significant threat to the integrity and operational reliability of aboveground storage tanks. In this article, Katelyn and Derek take a detailed look into at the most common API 653 evaluation methods to provide insight into the limitations and use of the various techniques and show the potential benefit of conducting a detailed analysis for differential shell settlement and bottom edge settlement.

Buckling Evaluation of Pressure Equipment and Plant Structures

Feb 28, 2023

Authors: Derek E. Slovenec, Ph.D., P.E., Senior Engineer I, Matthew Kaiser, E.I.T., Staff Engineer I

In any industrial facility or plant, buckling poses a significant risk to nearly all components under compressive stress. Several finite element analysis (FEA) tools are used to solve complex buckling issues; however, without fully understanding the underlying mechanics and other relevant factors, the results can be misleading. In this article, Derek and Matthew review the methodology and limitations of the ASME VIII-1, ASME VIII-2, and AISC 360 standards for assessing buckling in beams, columns, steel structures, and pressure vessels.

Level Measurement in Mature Atmospheric Storage Tanks

Apr 26, 2022

Author: Bart Smith

Mature storage tanks were typically constructed between 1950 to 1970. As the installation of remote monitoring solutions increases in mature tanks, maintenance personnel must start addressing the best way to make the required change or addition. In this article, Bart Smith explores the history of tank level management and measurement techniques and provides recommendations for updating instrumentation to improve safety and reliability.

Aboveground Storage Tank Overfill Prevention – Updated Standards, Regulatory Focus, and E²G Services

Mar 29, 2022

Author: Joel L. Andreani, P.E.

This article discusses how the combination of the changes in the fifth edition of API 2350, Overfill Prevention for Atmospheric Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities (2020), and the adoption of this standard by various regulatory bodies has put additional requirements for overfill prevention on owners/operators of AST facilities.

Prevention of Overfill for Atmospheric Storage Tanks

Mar 29, 2022

Author: Phillip J. Smith

The 5th edition of the ANSI/API Overfill Prevention for Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities was recently released. In this article, read about the recent changes to API 2350 and an 11-step procedure that you can apply at your processing facility.

No Documentation, No Problem. OSHA Compliance is Still Feasible.

Aug 27, 2021

Author: Brian R. Macejko

Conducting suitability-for-service (SFS) assessments helps owner-operators obtain OSHA compliance for any fixed equipment that lacks documentation. In this article, Brian Macejko highlights E²G’s six-step process, based on API 510 Pressure Vessels, that helps owner-operators comply with OSHA requirements.

Tank RBI, Not Just an Inspection Deferral Tool

Jul 27, 2021

Author: Joel Andreani

Learn how applying quantitative RBI principles to storage tanks will result in optimized inspection intervals and reduced risk of loss of containment. This article discusses the difference between qualitative and quantitative tank RBI and how tank RBI is a central part of a facility’s overall tank integrity management program (IMP).

Fitness-for-Service for Aboveground Storage Tanks

Jul 27, 2021

Author: Katelyn J. Gustoff

This article explores applying the API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 (API 579) FFS standard to aboveground storage tanks and shares several case studies to illustrate how FFS techniques can help you make informed run-repair-replace decisions for a facility’s storage tanks.

Evaluating a Tank Fixed Roof Structural Failure

Apr 27, 2021

Author: Derek Slovenec

Aboveground storage tanks are susceptible to damage from many factors, including environmental loads, process upset conditions, strength reduction due to metal loss, tank settlement, or some combination thereof. This damage often manifests as buckling of the tank shell, which is thin relative to its large surface area.

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS ARCHIVE

Filter:

Equity Technology Group

Contact Equity

Home

CONTACT US

Equity Engineering

UPCOMING EVENTS

0 events, 26

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 27

1 event, 28

1 event, 28

2025 Equity Symposium

2025 Equity Symposium

1 event, 29

1 event, 29

2025 Equity Symposium

0 events, 30

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

0 events, 31

0 events, 1

0 events, 1

0 events, 2

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

0 events, 3

0 events, 4

0 events, 4

0 events, 5

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

0 events, 6

0 events, 7

0 events, 7

0 events, 8

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

0 events, 9

0 events, 10

0 events, 10

0 events, 11

0 events, 11

0 events, 12

0 events, 12

0 events, 13

0 events, 13

0 events, 14

0 events, 14

0 events, 15

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

0 events, 16

0 events, 17

0 events, 17

0 events, 18

0 events, 18

0 events, 19

0 events, 19

1 event, 20

1 event, 20

0 events, 21

0 events, 21

0 events, 22

0 events, 22

0 events, 23

0 events, 23

0 events, 24

0 events, 24

0 events, 25

0 events, 25

0 events, 26

0 events, 26

0 events, 27

0 events, 27

0 events, 28

0 events, 28

0 events, 1