PDVSA

ENGINEERING DESIGN MANUAL

VOLUME 19
ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA N

TITLE

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

F201

DEC 00

GENERAL REVISION

16

Y. K.

A. A.

E. C.

ABR.94

GENERAL REVISION

37

L. T.

E. J.

A. N.

DIC.86

FOR APPROVAL

32
APPD.

APPD.

DATE

DEC.00

REV.

DATE

APPD.BY Alexis Arvalo

E1994

DESCRIPTION
DATE

DEC.00

PAG. REV.
APPD.BY Enrique Carmona

ESPECIALISTAS

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

FECHA

DEC.00

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Index
SECTION 1 SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3
1.4
1.5

Referenced Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Addition) Drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Addition) Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2
2
3

SECTION 2 MATERIALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SECTION 3 DESIGN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.4
3.5
3.6
3.10
3.12
3.13
3.14
3.15
4.2

Bottom Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shell Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shell Openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Addition) Floating Roof Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Addition) Floating Roof Seals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Additions) Floating Roof Supports and Drains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Addition) Design Additional Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shop Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4
5
5
7
7
9
9
10
11

SECTION 5 ERECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12

5.2
5.3

Detail of Welding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection, Testing and Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12
12

SECTION 6 METHODS OF INSPECTING JOINTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

SECTION 7 WELDING PROCEDURE AND WELDER

QUALIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

7.4

Qualification of Welders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

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PDVSA F201
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FOREWORD
This specification covers minimum requirements for materials, design,
fabrication, erection and testing of welded steel storage tanks for above ground
atmospheric liquid hydrocarbons and chemical storage. This specification does
not cover tanks for water storage.
This specification is intended to supplement API Standard 650, Tenth Edition,
November 1998. Paragraph numbers, figures and tables of this specification
correspond to those in API 650. Paragraph numbers not found in API 650 are new
paragraphs.
Paragraphs shall be highlighted as shown below to indicate the type of change
from the API Standard:
(Addition) New paragraph or supplemental requirements/clarifications to an
existing paragraph.
(Deleted) Paragraph deleted.
(Decision) A decision has been made as required.
(Substitution) Paragraph supersedes API in its entirety.

SECTION 1 SCOPE
1.1.3

(Substitution) The SI measuring system shall be used in drawings. Dimensions

of piping, flanges, nozzles and bolts shall be in English units.

1.1.9

(Substitution) The seismic design of tanks shall meet the requirements of PDVSA
FJ251, Seismic Design of Metallic Tanks.

1.3

Referenced Publications

1.3.1

(Addition) In addition to API 650 tanks designed according to this specification

must comply with applicable Venezuelan codes, laws and standards.

1.3.2

(Addition) Tanks designed according to this specification must comply the

requirements of PDVSAFJ251 Seismic Design of Metallic Tanks, and of
PDVSAFJ221, Diseo Antissmico de Instalaciones Industriales.

1.3.3

(Addition) PDVSA IRM03 Sistema de Agua Contra Incendio

1.3.4

(Addition) PDVSA IRM04 Sistema de Espuma Contra Incendio

1.4

(Addition) Drawings
The PDVSA representative shall supply data sheets and schematic drawings of
the basic design indicating tank capacity, properties of products to be stored,

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ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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nozzles orientation, nozzles elevation, site location and environmental conditions.

Contractor shall design the tank and provide a complete set of detailed
mechanical drawings for shop and/or field fabrication, and installation procedures
that will guarantee correct construction, within the tolerances indicated in code
API 650.

1.5
1.5.1

(Addition) Definitions
Low strength tank steels
Steels having a specified minimum yield strength equal or lower than 43,000 psi
and a specified maximum tensile strength equal to or lower than 85,000 psi.

1.5.2

High strength tank steels

Steels having a specified minimum yield strength greater than 43,000 psi and a
specified maximum tensile strength equal to or lower than 100,000 psi.

1.5.3

Peaking
Deviation of shell contour from a true circle at vertical joints. It shall be determined
over a horizontal span of 900 mm, centered on the weld.

1.5.4

Banding
Deviation of the shell at horizontal joints from a vertical line. It shall be determined
over a vertical span of 900 mm centered on the weld.

1.5.5

Annular plates
Buttwelded bottom plates forming an annular ring upon which the shell is
installed.

1.5.6

Fully stiffened pontoons

Floating roof pontoons with top and bottom reinforced plates in order that the
entire pontoon cross section is effective in carrying loads transmitted from the
center deck.

1.5.7

Partially stiffened pontoons

Floating roof pontoons having top and bottom plates reinforced in such a way that
only part of the pontoon cross section is effective in carrying loads transmitted
from the center deck.

1.5.7

Production impact test plates

(As defined by ASME Code Section VIII, Par. UG84). Whenever the base material
requires impact testing, production weld test coupons shall be made, tested and
the results shall be delivered to PDVSA prior to starting the tank erection.

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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The production test coupons shall be taken from the bottom, middle and top
course longitudinal and circumferential weld seams. A test coupon shall be taken
from each heat number used in the tank construction. The test coupon shall be
welded as an extension to the end of the production weld. If it is not practical to
do it, the test plate will be made under the same production conditions as the
actual tank welds, using the same welding procedure, joint details, number of
passes, position, and consumables required for the actual tank joint. Inspector
refers to the PDVSA representative.

SECTION 2 MATERIALS
2.1.4

(Addition) Material specifications for annular plates shall be the same of the
corresponding first course.

2.1.5

(Addition) Cast fittings shall not be permitted.

2.1.6

(Addition) No welded piping (API 5L or equivalent) is permitted for nozzle an

nozzle necks for tanks constructed with steels having a specified minimum Yield
strength greater than 43,000 psi and a specified maximum tensile strength equal
to or lower than 100,000 psi.

SECTION 3 DESIGN
3.3.2

Corrosion Allowances
(Addition) Corrosion allowance shall be considered as specified in the PDVSA
data sheet, but never be less than 1.5 mm.

3.4

Bottom Plates

3.4.4

(Addition) PDVSAs sketch shall specify the following requirements for bottom
slope: None, Apex up or Apex Down.

3.5

Annular Bottom Plates

3.5.6

(Addition) The annular bottom plate width shall be in accordance with Table 1 or
as calculated per 3.5.2 of API 650, whichever is greater.
TABLE 3.4A CATEGORY OF BOTTOM REQUIRED

Category
of Bottom
Specified

Predicted
Settlement (2)
Maximum at
shell

Tank Diameter (1)

Over 15 m to 45 m

50 mm

Per API Standard 650

ANNULAR PLATE WIDTH

Tank Diameter
Over 45 m
Annular plates with a minimum
radial width of 600 mm between the
inside of the shell and any
lapwelded joint on the bottom.

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PDVSA F201
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150 mm

300 mm (3)

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Annular plates with a

minimum radial width of 600
mm between the inside of
the
shell
and
any
lapwelded joint on the
bottom.
Annular plates with a
minimum radial width of 900
mm between the inside of
the
shell
and
any
lapwelded joint on the
bottom.

Indice norma

Annular plates with a minimum

radial width of 900 mm between the
inside of the shell and any
lapwelded joint on the bottom.
Annular plates with a minimum
radial width of 1800 mm between
the inside of the shell and any
lapwelded joint on the bottom.

NOTES:
a.

No special requirements for tanks 15 meters or under in diameter.

b.

Predicted settlements are based on the following conditions:

Settlements include the initial water loading of the tank.
Differential settlements of tank bottom are defined as the deviation with respect
to uniform soil settlements.
The bidimensional tank inclination is not considered to be harmful for the tank
bottom.

c.

If the predicted tank settlement is excessive, means of improving foundation

characteristics must be considered before tank construction.

d.

Bottom plates shall have two pass welds.

e.

The annular plate width shall not be less than calculated according to API 650.

f.

Annular bottom plate thickness shall comply with requirements of PDVSA FJ

251.

3.6

Shell Design

3.6.1.3

(Addition) The specific gravity used for the design shall be 1,0. Use actual value
when the specific gravity of the fluid is greater than 1,0.

3.6.1.9

(Addition) The tank shell course thickness shall be designed according to the 1
foot method of API 650. Calculation of the thickness by the variable design point
method requires PDVSA approval.

3.6.1.10

(Addition) All vertical and horizontal shell joints shall be designed and specified
using complete penetration and fusion welding procedures.

3.6.1.11

(Addition) Single butt welds are not permitted.

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PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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DEC.00

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3.7

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Shell Openings

3.7.1

General

3.7.1.9

(Addition) The minimum number of shell and roof manholes shall be as follows:
Nominal Tank
Diameter ( meters)
Up to 6 m
From 6 to 20 m
From 20 to 30 m
Greater than 30 m

Shell
1
2
2
3

Fixed
1
2
2
2

Roof
Floating
1
1
2
2

3.7.5

Shell Manholes

3.7.5.1

(Substitution) Shell manholes shall conform to Figures34A and 34B and Tables
33 through 35, except that the minimum size shall be equal or greater than 24
in. Other shapes are permitted by 3.7.1.8. Manhole reinforcing plates or each
segment of the plates if they are not made in once piece shall be provided with
a 6mm (1/4in.) diameter telltale hole (for detection of leakage through the
interior welds). Each hole shall be located on the horizontal position centerline and
shall be open to the atmosphere. All tanks shall have at least one manhole of 30
in.

3.7.8

FlushType Shell Connections

3.7.8.12

(Addition) Flush type shell connections shall be provided with a flow guide box.

3.8.4

Roof Manholes

3.8.4.

(Addition) Manual Gauging and Sampling for Fixed Roof Tanks. A gauging hatch
shall be installed on a roof manhole cover, with a minimum diameter of 200 mm.
The gauging hatch shall have a heavy stayback cover and a seal with a corrosion
resistant seat, suitable for a pressure of 2 oz/sq. in, or the design pressure of the
tank, whichever is greater.

3.8.7

Water Drawoff Sumps

(Substitution) Water drawoff sumps shall be as specified in Figure 316 and
Table 318, with the exceptions indicated herein and according to PDVSA
sketches. Tanks for hydrocarbon service shall be provided with a minimum of one
water drawoff connection:
S For tanks of 6 m in diameter or less a water sump is not required.
S For apex down cone bottom tanks, a sump is not required. The drawoff line
shall be piped to the center of the tank, turned down and terminated 100 mm
above bottom.

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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S For tanks over 6 m in diameter a water sump is required. The end of the
drawoff pipe shall be 100 mm from the bottom of the sump.
3.9.4

Stiffening Rings As Walkways

(Substitution) A stiffening ring or any portion of it that is specified as a walkway
shall have a width not less than 760 mm clear of the projecting curb angle on the
top of the tank shell. It shall be located 1050 mm below the top of the curb angle
and shall be provided with a standard railing on the unprotected side and at the
ends of the sections used as a walkway.

3.9.6

Top wind girder

3.9.6.4

When a curb angle is required at the top of the shell of floating roof tanks, the
horizontal leg shall extend outward (Figure 320, detail b, API 650).

3.10

Roofs

3.10.1

Definitions

3.10.1.b

(Decision) SelfSupporting roofs are permitted only with PDVSA approval.

3.10.2.3

(Substitution) Roof plates of supported cone roof shall not be attached to the
supporting members. For tanks to be operated at high temperatures, the rafter to
shell connection shall be designed to allow differential thermal expansion
between the shell and the roof rafters.

3.10.2.5.3 (Addition) A frangible joint at the roof to shell junction shall be provided for
supported cone and selfsupporting cone roof designs.
3.10.2.9

3.12

(Addition) The horizontal leg of the roofsupporting angle shall be turned inward.
If the shell top angle is buttwelded to the shell (API 650, Fig. F2 (d) or (i), a
double side weld is required.

(Addition) Floating Roof Design

3.12.1

The design of floating roof tanks with specified flush type nozzles shall permit the
outer pontoon to reach a point within 380 mm of the tank bottom, unless limited
by obstructions such as mixers, roof drains, etc.

3.12.2

Tank roof design for tanks larger than 18 m in diameter shall be as follows
a.

Roofs shall be of the low deck (minimum vapor space) type.

b.

Center decks greater than 45 m in diameter shall have channel stiffeners on

the under side of the deck. Stiffeners shall be 6in, 8.2 lbs/ft, or 160 mm, 13.3
kg/m minimum and shall be installed as concentric rings with a maximum
radial spacing of 6m. In addition, the underside deck plates shall have

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ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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DEC.00

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continuously welded lap joints at a radial distance of 12 m from the center

of the roof.
3.12.3

Roofs for tanks greater than 46 m in diameter shall be designed for elastic stability
against gross out of plane buckling and local buckling of the outer pontoon, due
to the radial load imposed by deflection of the center deck. This radial load shall
be determined from the 250 mm of rainfall loading condition as defined in API 650,
Appendix C.3.4. or punctured center deck loading condition, whichever governs.
For prevention of gross out of plane buckling, the following relations shall be
satisfied:
a.

For Fully stiffened pontoons:

N< 7.5 EIx /R3

b.

For Partially Stiffened pontoons:

N < 5.0 EIx /R3
Where:
N = Design radial inward load, lb./in.
E = Modulus of elasticity, psi.
R = Mean radius of pontoon ring, in.
Ix = Moment of inertia of full pontoon cross section with respect to horizontal
axis through its centroid, in4.

Or:
a.

For Fully Stiffened pontoons:

N < 7.5 x 103 EIx / R3

b.

For Partially Stiffened pontoons:

N < 5.0 x 103 EIx / R3
Where:
N = Design radial inward load, Newtons per millimeter.
E = Modulus of elasticity, Kpa.
R = Mean radius of pontoon ring, mm.
Ix = Moment of inertia of full pontoon cross section with respect to
horizontal axis through its centroid, mm4.

c.
3.12.4

The radial unsupported width of Partially Stiffened plates shall not exceed
3m.

The inner rim of Partially and Fully Stiffened pontoons shall have the following
minimum thickness:

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PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

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TANK DIAMETER
60 to 75 m
75 to 90 m

3.12.5

3.12.6

3.13

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RIM THICKNESS
16 mm
19 mm

For tanks over 60 m in diameter the following calculations and tests are required
to substantiate the elastic stability of the roof pontoon design:
a.

Where the roof design has not been previously approved by PDVSA, the
vendor shall submit test data of a roof of similar diameter, to validate the
design.

b.

Where validation has not been made, the vendor shall conduct a proof test
on the largest tank to be supplied. The proof test shall be based on the most
critical design load condition. Calculations shall be submitted to PDVSA for
approval.

Tanks greater than 90 m in diameter shall have the following roof construction:
a.

The roof shall be double deck type.

b.

The top edge of the inner rim plates in the first two central compartments
shall be welded with continuous single fillet welds.

c.

All circumferential compartments other than the outer compartments shall

be provided with a minimum of four radial partition plates.

(Addition) Floating Roof Seals

3.13.1

Roof seals shall contact the liquid level at the shell for at least 90% of the
circumference of the tank. The maximum permissible gap between the primary
seal and the tank shell is 6 mm.

3.13.2

Toroidal type seals shall be equipped with a weather shield unless secondary
seals are specified. Liquid mounted toroidal seals are preferred.

3.13.3

Floating roofs with a flexible steel shoe type primary seal shall be equipped with
an abrasion resistant, weather and product proof, flexible seal in order to close
the space between the seating ring and the rim of the floating roof and shall be
designed to avoid any jam between the shell and the shoe when the roof is
moving.

3.13.4

Secondary seals shall be installed if required by PDVSA in the inquiry documents

and the design shall be approved by PDVSA.

3.13.5

The design of primary seals, secondary seals and weather shields shall permit
installation and removal from the top of the roof.

3.14
3.14.1

(Additions) Floating Roof Supports and Drains

Supports shall be made of carbon steel pipe, schedule 80 minimum thickness.
They shall be provided with a in hole at the bottom for drainage.

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3.14.2

The clearance between the support and the roof support sleeve shall be 3 mm
nominally at all points.

3.14.3

Supports shall be adjustable to two positions:

a.

The lower position shall permit the roof to reach 75 mm below the specified
lowest operating position, without interference with any internal accessory
or roof seal mechanism.

b.

The upper position shall provide a clearance of 2 meters between the roof
and the tank bottom, for cleaning purposes.

3.14.4

Bearing plates shall be centered under each support, welded to the shell bottom
by a 5mm continuous fillet weld. Plate dimension shall be 24 in square by 3/8 in
thick.

3.14.5

The length of the leg support sleeves shall be such that any opening will be above
the liquid level when the deck is deflected by the 250mm rainfall or by a
punctured center deck loading condition. The height of the support sleeves for a
single deck pontoon roof shall never be less than the tank diameter divided by 60.

3.14.6

Emergency drains shall not be provided when the pontoon area is less than 50%
of the roof area. Only for double deck type roofs may credit is taken in the roof
design when emergency drains are furnished.

3.15
3.15.1

(Addition) Design Additional Requirements

Level Gauge for Tanks.
Gauge type and installation shall be specified or approved by PDVSAs
representative. At least one level gauge per tank, readable from grade, shall be
provided.

3.15.2

Vertical tanks shall be gauged in accordance to API 2550.

3.15.3

Roof Vents
For fixed roof tanks, design and installation of normal and emergency vents
(including vacuum vents), shall be as specified in API STD 2000.
Floating roof tanks shall be equipped with a bleeder vent, designed to open
automatically when the roof lowers to a level of 75 mm.
When flexible, steel shoe type seals are employed and the shoes extend into the
liquid more than 100 mm, the roof shall be equipped with a vent or vents between
the roof rim and the seal shoe. These vents shall release excess air or
noncondensable vapors entering the tank through the filling line.

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3.15.4

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Connections for Temperature

For fixed roof tanks a NPS 25 mm threaded connection shall be installed for a
thermowell, at a minimum level of 5 ft from the bottom of the first course. A flanged
thermowell with a minimum size of 38 mm is also acceptable with PDVSA
approval.
For floating roof tanks and fixed roof tanks with internal floating covers, the type
and method of installation of the temperature measuring device shall be specified
by Vendor.

3.15.5

Fill Nozzles
Fill nozzles shall be sized to meet fluid velocity requirements according to API RP
2003.

3.15.6

Foam and Firewater Systems

Foam system shall be in accordance with PDVSA Guide IRM04, Sistema de
Espuma Contra Incendio. Firewater system shall be in accordance with PDVSA
Guide IRM03, Sistema de Agua Contra Incendio.

3.15.7

Tank Heating Coils

Coils and associated piping shall only have welded pressure joints. The design
shall consider differential thermal expansion and other loads affecting the tank.

3.15.8
a.

Pressure test holes in reinforcing plates at nozzles and manholes shall be

plugged with a plastic sealant after testing.

b.

Fill and discharge nozzles shall be API Low Type unless otherwise specified.

c.

Shell nozzle 50 mm and larger for internal pipe tank connections shall extend
into the tank as per API 650.

d.

Unless otherwise specified, all instrument connections, except thermowells,

shall be NPS 2 flanged, and thermowells shall be NPS 1 threaded.

3.15.9

Platforms, Walkways and Stairways

3.15.9.1

Atmospheric and lowpressure tanks up to a maximum height of 6 m shall be

provided with a vertical protected marine ladder. Tanks of more than 6 m in height
require a peripheral stairway in accordance to API 650, tables 318 and 319.
Platforms, if any, shall be in accordance to API 650, table 317.

3.15.9.2

For fixed roof tanks handrails shall be installed along the edge of the roof,
extending at least 4500 mm beyond the platform in each direction.

3.15.9.3

Standard design handrails shall protect stairways and platforms. A typical

handrail consists of top and intermediate railings with the required posts. On

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walkways and platforms posts will be installed on the base plates on all sides
except at the access.
3.15.9.4

Dome roof tanks shall require walkways from the edge to the center of the roof
for maintenance of accessories. These walkways will have handrails on both
sides and around working platforms. A swinging door shall be installed at access.

SECTION 5 ERECTION
5.2
5.2.5

Detail of Welding
Roofs
(Addition) Cone and dome roofs shall not have depressions that will allow
accumulation of water.

5.3

Inspection, Testing and Repairs

5.3.1

General

5.3.1.5

(Addition) Hardness of hotformed sections, weld metal and the heataffected

zone (HAZ) of all welds shall not exceed 200 Brinnell. The tank erector shall check
the weld hardness of the initial production weld for each welding process, filler
metal, and technique used. If the clearances are such that it is not possible to
check the production weld, a mockup under identical conditions shall be used.

5.3.4

(Substitution) Inspection of Tank Bottom Welds

a.

All bottom plate joints shall be vacuum tested using soapsuds solution at
10 psig.

b.

Annular plate butt joints shall be 100% radiographed or shall be magnetic

particle inspected from the topside after completion of the root pass and
again after completion of the full weld.

c.

Bottom to the shell joint shall be inspected as follows:

The inner fillet weld shall be leak tested after depositing at least one
layer and prior to starting the outside fillet weld. This leak testing shall
be performed with penetrating oil after slag removal. All oil shall be
removed before welding the outside fillet and before completing any
partially filled inner fillet weld.
Examination for inner fillet toe cracks shall be performed, using either
the liquid penetrant or magnetic particle method.
The gap between the bottom shell ring and the lap welded bottom
plates at the radial weld locations shall be a maximum of 3 mm.

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

FECHA

DEC.00

Pgina 13
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5.3.6

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Testing of the Shell

c.
(Addition) If method a) is selected, the hydrostatic test shall filling and
emptying. If salt water is used for this purpose and will remain in the tank for
more than 30 days, an oxygen scavenger and a corrosion inhibitor shall be
added. These additives shall be approved by PDVSA.
d.
(Addition) For floating roofs, contractor shall install the covers of deck
manholes before filling.
e.
(Addition) Contractor shall furnish, install and remove all piping required for
testing.
f.
(Addition) Contractor shall clean out any standing water, silt or dirt, left in the
tank after hydrostatic testing so that the tank interior is totally clean and
ready for operation.
g.
(Addition) The waterfilling rate shall not exceed the following:
BOTTOM COURS
THICKNESS (mm)
Less than 22
Equal or Greater 22

h.

TANK PORTION
Top course
Below Top Course
Top Third
Middle Third
Bottom Third

FILLING RATE
mm/hr
300
450
225
300
450

(Addition) The PDVSA inspector shall take note of water levels in the tanks.
The hydrotest shall be maintained for at least 24 hours.

SECTION 6 METHODS OF INSPECTING JOINTS

6.1.6

Determination of Limits of Defective Welding

6.1.6.1

(Addition) The following imperfections, in addition to those specified in API 650,

are unacceptable:
a.

Individual slag inclusions longer than either 6 mm or 1/3 of the plate

thickness, whichever is greater.

b.

Porosity with comet tails.

c.

If radiographs show unacceptable defects, the defective parts shall be cut

out and rewelded as directed by the PDVSA Inspector.

SECTION 7 WELDING PROCEDURE AND WELDER

QUALIFICATIONS
7.4
7.4.4

Qualification of Welders
(Addition) For the fillet welded bottom plates, a minimum of two welding passes
are required. The geometry and qualification procedures are as follows:

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

FECHA

DEC.00

Pgina 14
.Men Principal

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a.

Fillet weld geometry:

b.

Using the same type of electrode (same manufacturers designation), plate

(same material and thickness), and welding procedure, as will be used for
the tank bottom, 600 linear mm of lap weld shall be made.

c.

75 x 400mm tensile test strips shall be cut of this weld. The minimum
breaking strength of the strips shall be at least 70% or 80% of the specified
or guaranteed minimum tensile strength of the nonwelded plate for a 70%
or 80 % joint efficiency, respectively. Weld failure shall be at least 95% of the
shear fracture.

d.

From a separate test plate consisting of 300 mm of the first pass of the
bottom plate fillet weld, three cross sections of the weld shall be taken to
show the penetration into the base material. The minimum penetration at the
heel to be mm, as shown in the above sketch, and complete fusion shall
exist throughout each cross section.

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

PDVSA F201
REVISION

FECHA

DEC.00

Pgina 15
.Men Principal

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APPENDIX B RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDATIONS FOR ABOVEGROUND OIL
STORAGE TANKS.
B.2 Subsurface Investigation and Construction
B.2.6 (Addition) Settlement Measurements for tanks larger than 15 meters in
diameter:
a.

Shell settlement measurements shall be made after tank erection, prior to

hydrostatic testing and during water filling at the , and full levels,
corresponding to the maximum filling height of the tank. Water shall be held
at the and levels for 24 hours and settlement data assessed for
unexpected soil behavior. Shell settlement shall be taken at the beginning
and end of each hold period. Settlement measurements shall be taken at
equally spaced intervals of approximately 10m around the tank shell on
wellmarked locations on the annular plate or on clips welded to the shell.

b.

Ten (10) bottom internal measurements shall be made after hydrostatic

testing at 3m intervals (see Fig. 1) and the following:
Tank Diameter Meters
Less or equal to 46
From 46 to 69
From 69 to 99
Greater than

Number of
Diameter Axes
4
6
8
10

Additional measurements shall be made in the annular plate region at

approximately 10 meters intervals around the tank shell. At least 3 measurements
shall be made at each location commencing inward from the inside surface of the
tank shell and equally spaced on a radial line. A 100 % visual examination shall
be made of the tank bottom to detect any localized depression.

ENGINEERING SPECIFICATION

PDVSA

PDVSA F201
REVISION

FECHA

DEC.00

ATMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

Pgina 16
.Men Principal

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Indice norma

Lnea diametral
Punto de
medicin
en placa
anular

3m
Placa del fondo

3m

Placa anular

Punto de medicin
en placa anular

Punto de
medicin
en la pared

Fig 1. MEDICION DEL FONDO

APPENDIX E (DELETE) SESMIC DESIGN OF STORAGE TANKS