Refinery storage tanks are some of the most essential assets within a refinery, making proper storage tank care of the utmost importance.
Refinery storage tank failures can lead to massive costs and potentially-disastrous hazards. Leaking hazardous gases and liquids can create serious safety issues for personnel and the environment and potentially lead to more severe consequences if the leaks contain flammable materials.
Apex offers decades of experience in supporting the design, operational, and maintenance phases of refinery storage tanks, ensuring that your tanks remain in service and compliance.
Our storage tank protection solutions include:
As a OneSource provider of asset protection solutions, Apex satisfies all your storage tank protection needs.
We use a wide range of advanced NDT techniques for aboveground and underground tanks and all of their individual components, including floors, welds, annular rings, roofs, shells, and more.
Apex inspects tanks throughout all phases of their operational lives, encompassing their construction, inspection, and maintenance. Our inspections help tank operators identify signs of damage, including corrosion, leakage, cracking, and wall thinning.
Our NDT tank inspection techniques and services include:
Our customized, non-intrusive tank inspection services — which include using an intrinsically safe (IS) probe —maximize safety by allowing owners to determine the relative condition of their storage tanks without sending technicians into the asset.
Apex in-service, IS scanning service is a reliable, environmentally-conscious, and safe tank inspection method, primarily used for ultrasonic wall thickness measurements. These inspections allow tank owners to postpone a full out-of-service inspection until a more appropriate time, reducing costs, downtime, and lost profits.
Additional benefits of this tank scanning service include:
Apex uses a surveying tool designed to assess the tank bottom condition in aboveground storage tanks (ASTs).
Apex uses an in-service test that utilizes AE transducers mounted outside the tank wall to listen to the active corrosion inside the tank. Based on the test results and the resulting grade given to the tank, the owner/operator can decide whether or not it is necessary to open the tank for decontamination and internal inspection.
In addition to detecting active corrosion, Apex AE technology can detect and locate active leaks.
Apex helps tank operators optimize their maintenance budgets, as it has shown that tanks are often opened unnecessarily, leading to unnecessary downtime and lost productivity.
At Apex, we specialize in advanced tank coating solutions that serve the unique needs of the oil and gas industry, among other sectors. With over 23 years of hands-on experience, we understand the intricacies of tank preservation and maintenance, which allows us to offer coatings that meet the highest standards of durability and efficiency.
Why Choose Our Tank Coating Services?
Our Coating Process
For evidence of our expertise and dedication to quality, we invite you to explore the case studies detailing our work with past clients, including ongoing projects with well-established organizations.
To find out how our tank coating services can add value to your operation, please contact us for a consultation. We look forward to partnering with you for all your tank coating needs.
Roof and chime coating in storage tanks is a critical part of storage tank maintenance. The roof and chime are two of the most exposed areas of a storage tank, and they are therefore more susceptible to corrosion. If the roof and chime are not properly coated, corrosion can cause leaks and other problems that can damage the tank and its contents.
Our experienced team will apply coating that helps to seal the metal and protect it from the elements, including rain, snow, sunlight, and corrosive chemicals.
These are some benefits after our team finishes the roof and chime coating on the storage tanks:
Our qualified and profesional team will continue maintenance follow ups to protect the tank and its contents from corrosion and other problems.
Inspect the roof and chime regularly. Look for any signs of corrosion, cracking, or other damage.
Clean and coat the roof and chime. This will help to protect it from corrosion.
Repair or replace any damaged roof and chime components. It is important to address any problems early on to prevent them from becoming more serious.
With expert engineers on staff covering a variety of engineering disciplines, our engineering services help to ensure that your tanks are properly designed, operating efficiently, and free of mechanical integrity concerns. Apex engineers can assist with developing inspection and maintenance guidelines and procedures for new tanks and evaluating new tank designs and existing atmospheric storage tank conditions for regulatory compliance, including API 620, API 650, and API 653.
Storage Tank Maintenance Services
Storage tank interiors and exteriors require periodic cleaning to maximize their operational lifetimes and prevent contamination of the product they store. Corrosion, mud, and grime buildup needs to be removed before it worsens, and old coatings that no longer protect tank exteriors may be doing more harm than good. Apex offers multi-disciplined technicians that conduct inspections and perform light mechanical services to repair the damages they find to get your assets back into service as quickly as possible.
Apex provides rope access, confined space, and unmanned system (drone) access solutions to inspect and repair the hard-to-reach components on your storage tanks. Our rope access techs safely access at-height and confined locations and can complete nearly any inspection and maintenance service that those on the ground can. Diving technicians perform multiple inspection techniques, including drilling, blasting, welding, and formwork maintenance services. Aerial drones can pre-plan inspection and maintenance plans for tank roofs and interiors by providing initial assessments. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can capture high-resolution video/still images, conduct UT and VT NDT inspections, and perform 2D/3D mapping and surveying storage tank farms.
Apex turns storage tanks into Think Tanks by combining tank-bottom condition assessment services with our industry-leading inspection data management software, PCMS®. Apex engineers feed real-time data into PCMS, which performs qualitative and quantitative risk-based inspection (RBI) calculations to prioritize high-risk assets, helping to optimize maintenance budgets. In addition to RBI calculations, PCMS recommends future inspection dates, identifies risk thresholds, and centralizes all other storage tank inspection and integrity data, including:
Reporter electronic reporting system used to generate on-site storage tank inspection reports. Offering a complete visual representation of tanks and potential damage areas, the system supports data for tank floors, shells, fixed and floating roofs, foundations, and all related tank components. Other Reporter capabilities include:
The Importance of Tank Inspections
September 23, 2019, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are around 700,000 aboveground bulk storage tanks in the United States. While aboveground storage tanks are designed to withstand the elements, one fact remains: Left unchecked, tanks leak. Tank leaks can occur due to various factors – faulty equipment, corrosion, and UV degradation, to name a few. At Apex, we take tank leaks very seriously, as they can lead to environmental contamination and workplace injuries. We provide an all-inclusive approach to tank management, conducting regular inspections, offering repair guidelines, and completing onsite remediation for clients across the country.
A tank leak can lead to several serious issues. A leaking tank may lead to aesthetic complaints, costly repairs, or tank failure. A tank leak can cause severe environmental contamination and workplace injuries. Regular tank inspections are essential to identifying and addressing potentially catastrophic tank issues. You may think you’ll be able to spot a leaking tank on your own, but it’s not always that easy. Many tank leaks go unnoticed, leaking product into the surrounding groundwater for years before the problem is addressed. Of course, failing to undergo tank inspections can also lead to hefty fines from the EPA – fines that may occasionally reach millions of dollars.
First, we’ll identify what kind of tank inspection you need based on the contents of your storage tank. We offer a wide variety of services during our comprehensive tank inspections:
Our expert tank inspectors will begin by inspecting your tank’s exterior to identify any cracks or crazing. If cracks are found, our inspector will assess the depth and severity of the crack, conducting further testing from there. Our inspectors will also look for any corrosion that may be eating away at the walls of your tank. Finally, our inspectors will assess the tank containment area to ensure no environmental hazards. If tank issues are found, it’s not the end of the world. Our inspectors will assess the damage, then write up recommendations to help you reach compliance. Our remediation team can help address any leaks within 24 hours of your inspection.
Have you fallen behind on your tank inspections? Don’t put your personnel at risk. We’ve recently expanded our tank inspection service line to comply with a variety of governing bodies:
If you are ready to schedule your tank inspection, contact us.
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With Apex, you never have to worry about frustrating delays or the scheduling of multiple inspections. We employ expert tank inspectors who offer the technology and knowledge to conduct tank inspections anytime, anywhere in the continental United States and beyond. We’re also well-versed in EPA and OSHA guidelines, so we can help you develop a plan for ongoing compliance.
At Apex, our experts can prepare custom tank inspections and remediation recommendations for each client. We’re passionate about keeping you and your employees safe and compliant. If you have questions about the importance of tank inspections, Apex is here to help.
Apex provides full-service underground storage tank (UST) and aboveground storage tank (AST) inspection services in the Austin area, including AST integrity testing and in-service inspections. Our personnel has extensive experience, specialty training, and state-of-the-art equipment for inspecting any type
Apex provides full-service underground storage tank (UST) and aboveground storage tank (AST) inspection services in the Austin area, including AST integrity testing and in-service inspections. Our personnel has extensive experience, specialty training, and state-of-the-art equipment for inspecting any type of tank including fuel, oil, asphalt, water and chemical tanks.
Clients we've done projects for over the years.
Our personnel has certifications from both the American Petroleum Institute and Steel Tank Institute in the inspection and operation of these tanks, including:
Our personnel has certifications from both the American Petroleum Institute and Steel Tank Institute in the inspection and operation of these tanks, including:
This combination of expertise and nationally recognized certifications allow us to provide services for all types of projects, from a single fuel station tank to field-built erected tank farms.
You can trust Apex for professional tank testing and environmental services.
What are the Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection Requirements in the Manufacturer's Shop and in the field?
The construction code for the atmospheric storage tank is API STD 650, and for a low-pressure storage tank is API STD 620. These cover the minimum requirements for design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing. With the ab
What are the Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection Requirements in the Manufacturer's Shop and in the field?
The construction code for the atmospheric storage tank is API STD 650, and for a low-pressure storage tank is API STD 620. These cover the minimum requirements for design, materials, fabrication, inspection, and testing. With the above explanation, your inspection and test plan (ITP) for storage tank construction needs to meet the requirements of either API STD 650 or API 620. The storage tank inspection and test plan summarize all inspection requirements on several pages and in tabular format. The storage tank inspection and test plan are prepared in two sections, one for the supply, cutting, rolling, and beveling of storage tank plates in the manufacturer's shop, and the other section for construction activities in the field. The prepared plates in the shop are transferred to the field for assembly. Depending on the client's contract, sometimes there is only one contractor for shop and field activities, and sometimes there are two contractors one for the shop and one for field assembly. This table determines each party's responsibility (i.e. construction contractor, third-party inspector, and client). For more detailed information on above-ground storage tank inspection both in-shop and on-site review the following articles: Third Party Inspection for Storage Tank Inspection and Test Plan for Storage Tank
What are Important Points in the Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection in a Shutdown?
For detailed information, you need to refer to API STD 653 and API RP 575.
Internal Inspection-Shell Plate
Internal Inspection- Bottom Plate
Above-Ground Storage Tank Inspection
The Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection provides you with information about the inspection of storage tanks and storage tank testing in a construction shop and site, as well as storage tank in-service inspection in operating units. You may review the storage tank inspection procedure and storage tank I
Above-Ground Storage Tank Inspection
The Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection provides you with information about the inspection of storage tanks and storage tank testing in a construction shop and site, as well as storage tank in-service inspection in operating units. You may review the storage tank inspection procedure and storage tank ITP articles.
What is the Application of a Storage Tank?
There are two kinds of storage tanks, the Atmospheric Storage Tank and the Low-Pressure Storage tank.
The maximum pressure for the vapor or gas space of an atmospheric storage tank is 2.5 psi, and for a low-pressure storage tank is 15 psi.
If the pressure is more than 15 psi, the liquid cannot be stored in the storage tank and it is necessary to be stored in a pressure vessel.
Atmospheric storage tanks are used for storing crude oil, heavy oil, gas oils, furnace oils, naphtha, gasoline, non-volatile chemicals, etc.
Low-pressure storage tanks are used for storing light crude oil, some gasoline blending stock, light naphtha, pentane, some volatile chemicals, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, etc.
The physical shape of both kinds of above-stated storage tanks might be similar, but the construction code and design and inspection requirements are different.
Internal Inspection-Fix Roof
Internal Inspection-Floating Roof
Internal Inspection-Internal Equipment
External Inspection-Shell and Roof
What are the Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection Requirements in Operating Plants?
The In-Service Inspection code for your atmospheric storage tank is API STD 653. The content in this standard covers tank inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction. It is necessary for you to use this standard with the API Recommended Practice 575,
What are the Above Ground Storage Tank Inspection Requirements in Operating Plants?
The In-Service Inspection code for your atmospheric storage tank is API STD 653. The content in this standard covers tank inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction. It is necessary for you to use this standard with the API Recommended Practice 575, which is titled “Guidelines and Methods for Inspection of Existing Atmospheric and Low-pressure Storage Tanks. ”As you see above, the API STD 653 addresses only the atmospheric storage tank, but API RP 575 covers both atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks. The API STD 653 is designated for atmospheric above-ground storage tank inspection, for a tank built based on API 650, but you may use this code for any steel tank with specific consideration and operating details. Some other recommendation practices that you need to take into account in your above-ground storage tank inspection are API RP 651 for the tank bottom plates cathodic protection system, API RP 652 for the tank internal lining system, API RP 571 for damage mechanism, and API 577 for welding inspection and metallurgy. Many of the design, welding, examination, and material requirements of API 650 can be applied in the maintenance inspection, rating, repair, and alteration of in-service tanks. But if you found a conflict between the construction code API 650 and API 653, the requirement of API 653 must govern this standard, as it -specifically addresses above-ground storage tank inspections for operating plants. API 653 above-ground storage tank inspectors are qualified for the inspection of storage tanks, as they are certified by API for such activities.
External Inspection-Foundation
Apex Multifamily Builders
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