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FOUNDATION
Nelson Words
FOUNDATION
7. This ringwall has minor cracks intermittently around the tank. These
cracks should be sealed to minimize further degradation of the
foundation from moisture penetration corroding the reinforcement or
from freeze/thaw cycling further opening these cracks.
8. The tank is resting on a concrete ringwall foundation. This ringwall has
hairline cracks intermittently around the tank. The ringwall is coated
and this coating has failed. Consideration should be given to recoating the ringwall to minimize further degradation of the foundation
from moisture penetration corroding the reinforcement or from
freeze/thaw cycling further opening these cracks.
9. The tank is resting on a concrete ringwall foundation. This ringwall has
severe spalling and cracks intermittently around the tank. These
areas should be repaired and sealed to minimize further degradation
of the foundation from moisture penetration corroding the
reinforcement or from freeze/thaw cycling further opening these
cracks.
10. The grade surrounding the tank does not provide drainage away from the
foundation. Vegetation around the foundation and from under tank is
heavy. Consideration should be given to re-working the grade to
provide adequate drainage away from the tank and to allow for visual
inspection of the shell-to-bottom joint area at all times (Ref. API 653,
Para. 4.3.1).
11. The grade around the perimeter of the tank has washed away creating
voids under the shell and bottom edge projection. This condition
should be corrected by the addition of suitable subgrade material to
the periphery of the tank and under the shell-to-bottom projection.
(Precautions should be taken to avoid placing rock or gravel under the
tank since the presence of such material may result in increased
underside pitting corrosion).
12. At the time of inspection, the lower 0.5 to 1.0 inch of the shell was
covered with rock and soil from Stations 186.0 to 222.0 feet
(measured circumferentially CCW from Manway A). This area has
active corrosion on the shell and the bottom edge projection.
Consideration should be given to re-working this area to provide
adequate drainage away from the tank to allow for visual inspection of
the shell-to-bottom joint area at all times (Ref. API 653, Para. 4.3.1).
This area should be re-coated to minimize further corrosion.
13. There is no moisture barrier in place at the bottom edge projection,
allowing water to enter under the tank bottom. A suitable moisture
barrier should be installed around the entire tank bottom perimeter.
Nelson Words
BOTTOM
Nelson Words
BOTTOM
the total perimeter. There are several sketch plates that have pitting
within the critical zone that cannot be considered widely scattered.
This tank is a good candidate for a complete bottom replacement.
19. Corrosion rate calculations per API Standard 653, Para. 2.4.7 regarding
minimum tank bottom plate thickness based on the original date of
construction and the results of the inspection measurements by
ultrasonic readings, taken at random locations and at several areas of
one square foot automated scans, indicate a future service cycle
recommendation of 20 years is possible but it should be noted that
areas of the floor not inspected (especially bottom plate underside
areas not visible) could have actual corrosion rates which would
exceed those calculated from the information taken. On that basis,
consideration should be given to planning at least one additional
internal inspection at an intermediate interval to the 20-year calculated
cycle to confirm these corrosion rates or to establish new ones from
more complete or more recent data.
20. Based on these findings, the next internal inspection should be conducted
within 20 years subject to intermediate confirmation of continuing
coating integrity (tank should be cleaned and inspected for evidence
of internal corrosion or paint failure).
21. There are numerous pre-existing lap welded patch plates in the critical
zone which do not intersect the shell-to-bottom weld at ninety degrees
as recommended by API 653. This can result in areas of increased
stress concentration and possible accelerated corrosion. Visual
inspection did not identify any such corrosion present. Additional
inspection by Magnetic Particle (MT) methods indicated no identifiable
defects.
22. The roof support columns are welded to bearing plates that are welded to
the bottom. This detail results in the roof being rigidly connected to the
bottom. This practice is not recommended and these details should be
changed at the time the new bottom is installed.
23. The roof support pipe columns are welded to their base plates and these
base plates are not seal welded to the bottom. Consideration should
be given to changing this detail by detaching the pipe columns from
their base plates, installing lateral clips and seal welding the base
plates to the bottom.
24. The center roof support column clips do not provide adequate lateral
restraint from movement. Lateral clips should be installed to restrict
lateral movement in all directions.
Nelson Words
BOTTOM
25. The existing bottom edge projection from Stations 273.0 to 286.0 feet is
less than the 3/8 inch allowable per API 653, Para. 2.4.7.7. The
sketch plates affected by this condition should be replaced with
material having sufficient edge projection the next time this tank is
scheduled for major repairs to the shell or when a hydrotest is required
due to other repairs.
26. Eight (8) of the sixteen (16) floating roof striker plates exhibit numerous
areas of weld corrosion and product weeping from beneath. These
conditions should be repaired prior to returning the tank to service.
27. There are several areas of evidence of leakage from the bottom around
the tank. This riveted bottom is lined with a heavy irregular fiberglass
coating that extends up the shell. The lower six (6) inches of the shell
and rivets on the outside of the tank are severely corroded under
layers of epoxy coating. Due to the heavy irregular bottom coating,
the MFE and ultrasonic examination of the bottom plates could not be
performed. Visual (VT) inspection of the shell-to-bottom connection
was also impossible due to this heavy coating. This bottom should be
replaced with a new lap welded bottom installed through slots in the
shell cut above the corrosion or the coating could be removed to allow
for more complete bottom inspection.
28. Two leak paths were found on the bottom, one located on a plate-to-plate
lap weld and the other on the center roof support bearing plate seal
weld. These areas should be repaired in accordance with API 653
prior to returning the tank to service.
29. The ladder/gauge pole assembly is welded to its bearing plate and this
bearing plate is not seal welded to the bottom. The bearing plate is
restricted from movement with lateral clips welded to the bottom. A
better detail would be to seal weld the bearing plate to the bottom,
detach the ladder from the plate and relocate the lateral clips to
restrict the ladder/gauge pole movement.
30. There are two (2) pre-existing lap welded patch plates in the critical zone
on Plate 105 which do not intersect the shell-to-bottom weld at ninety
degrees as recommended by API 653. This can result in areas of
increased stress concentration and possible accelerated corrosion.
Visual (VT) inspection did not identify any such corrosion present.
Additional inspection by Magnetic Particle (MT) methods indicated no
identifiable defects.
31. Two leak paths were found in the shell-to-bottom weld on Plates 3 and 23.
These leak paths should be repaired in accordance with API 653. The
visual examination of the shell-to-bottom joint was limited due to poor
cleaning.
Nelson Words
BOTTOM
32. The tank currently has four (4) water draw nozzles with no draw-off
sumps. Consideration should be given to installing draw-off sumps in
the bottom at these locations so that water may be more effectively
removed from the tank. The draw-off sumps should be installed in
accordance with API 650 and 653 guidelines (Ref. API 650, Figure 318 and Table 3-16).
33. The tank currently does not have cathodic protection. Consideration
should be given to installing a cathodic protection system as a method
of achieving better corrosion control (Ref. API 651, Cathodic
Protection of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tanks).
34. The center roof support column lateral clips do not provide adequate
restraint from movement. Consideration should be given to modifying
the clips so that lateral movement will be restrained.
35. The shell-to-bottom weld has severe crevice corrosion and the sketch
plates have deformed due to the edge settlement around the perimeter
of the tank. Note the examination of the sketch plates was limited due
to the edge settlement. The shell-to-bottom weld is covered with an
epoxy coating thus preventing a complete examination. Consideration
should be given to replacing the sketch plates to correct these
conditions or the coating should be removed to allow for more
complete inspection of these areas.
36. The roof support pipe columns do not have drainage holes at their base.
Drainage holes should be installed at the base of these pipe columns
to provide positive drainage.
37. The bottom edge projection has severe corrosion around the entire
perimeter of the tank with areas of complete deterioration. This
corrosion does not appear to extend beyond the shell-to-bottom weld.
Due to severe internal corrosion within the critical zone and edge
settlement, the recommended repair would be to install a new annular
plate ring around the entire base of the tank in accordance with API
653. Consideration should be given to improving the top side or
underside corrosion protection by application of a coating or by
installation of a cathodic protection system.
Nelson Words
SHELL
Nelson Words
SHELL
45. There is a riveted door sheet located at Station 121.5 feet (measured
circumferentially CCW from Manway A). This riveted door sheet is an
API Appendix A shell connection which is not normally used in tanks
built to more current industry practices. Consideration should be given
to replacing this shell connection with an API flush-type cleanout
connection if there is long-term concern about the possibility of leaking
rivets.
46. Item K is a 5-inch diameter butt welded shell insert plate. This insert plate
does not meet API 653 minimum size requirements. This insert plate
should be replaced with one that meets API 653 requirements the next
this tank is scheduled for major repairs.
47. The bottom edge projection has leafing-type corrosion and coating failure
intermittently around the tank periphery. This area should be properly
cleaned to determine the extent of the corrosion and then re-coated to
minimize further corrosion.
48. The shell-to-bottom joint and bottom edge projection area has coating
failure around the entire periphery as well as active leafing-type
corrosion of the bottom edge projection. This area should be
completely sandblasted and re-coated.
49. Item L is a 5-inch x 0.25-inch lap welded patch plate. The lap patch
should be removed and a butt welded insert plate installed according
to current API standards (minimum 6-inch patch size required) the next
time welded repairs to the shell are performed.
50. The tank nameplate mounting bracket is not attached to the tank. This
nameplate should be permanently re-attached to the tank.
51. Due to the extended time this tank has been out of service, a full height
hydrostatic test is recommended prior to returning the tank to service.
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
plate around this nozzle neck at the next opportunity when welding
repairs to the shell are to be performed.
72. Nozzle F has its valve welded directly to the shell. This is not an API
standard connection detail. This connection should be replaced with
an API standard shell nozzle detail the next time this tank is scheduled
for major repairs to the shell or when a hydrotest is required due to
other repairs.
73. The water draw Nozzle H is a 4-inch threaded nozzle with a 6-inch
opening cut in the shell. This is not an API standard detail and is not a
recommended practice. This nozzle should be replaced with an API
standard nozzle detail (per API 650, Fig. 3-5) the next time this tank is
scheduled for major repairs to the shell.
74. The nominal neck thickness of Nozzles A, B, C has been reduced as a
result of service conditions over the life of the item. Consideration
should be given to performing further evaluation to determine whether
or not the nozzle neck is suitable for continued service without repair
or replacement (Note to API Inspector/Technical Report Writer - from a
practical standpoint, we should record in the field and include in the
report Summary any neck thickness more than 10% less than the
nominal thickness. This assumes that the neck was either Sch. 80 or
X-strong wall thickness to begin with).
75. The neck thickness of Nozzle G indicates that the nozzle neck is less
than the minimum required per API 650, Table 3-6, Column 3. These
details have been present for an extended period of time and no
immediate corrective action is required. Consideration should be given to
further evaluation to determine whether or not the nozzle neck is suitable
for continued service without repair or replacement, or to modifying these
details as necessary at a future opportunity when welded repairs to the
tank are planned.
The neck thickness of Nozzles G, L, P, and R indicates that the nozzle necks
are less than the minimum required per API 650, Table 3-6, Column 3. These
details have been present for an extended period of time and no immediate
corrective action is required. Consideration should be given to further
evaluation to determine whether or not the nozzle necks are suitable for
continued service without repair or replacement, or to modifying these details
as necessary at a future opportunity when welded repairs to the tank are
planned.
1.
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
The neck thickness of Nozzle J-1 does not meet the minimum
requirements of API 650, Table 3-6, Column 3. Consideration should be
given to replacing this nozzle with details that meet minimum API 650
nozzle requirements (ref. Fig. 3-5).
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
7. Nozzles D and J are 10-inch product lines with 16-inch openings cut in
the shell. This results in the nozzle neck being welded to the
reinforcing plate but not to the shell. The size of the reinforcing plate
is also less than required for this size shell opening. These are not
API standard details and are not recommended practices. These
nozzles should be replaced with API standard nozzle details (per API
650, Fig. 3-5) the next time this tank is scheduled for major repairs to
the shell.
8. The water draw Nozzles E, I and S are threaded nozzles. Consideration
should be given to replacing these nozzles with API 650 flanged
nozzle details per Figure 3-5.
9. Nozzles B, D, E and F are 3-inch threaded water draw nozzles.
Consideration should be given to replacing these nozzles with new
API flanged nozzle details at a future opportunity when the tank is
taken out of service for welded shell repairs.
10. Nozzle I is a 3-inch nozzle installed offset into a 5-inch shell opening with
very poor quality welding between the nozzle, shell and reinforcing
plate. This nozzle should be replaced with an API standard nozzle
detail (per API 650, Fig. 3-5) at a future opportunity when welded
repairs to the shell are performed.
11. Nozzles D and Q have their valve bodies welded directly to the shell.
This is not an API standard detail. These connections should be
replaced with API standard shell nozzle details the next time this tank
is scheduled for welding repairs to the tank shell or when a hydrotest
is scheduled for other repairs.
12. Nozzle J appears to have been installed by hot tapping. This nozzle
should have the sharp edges removed and the inside neck-to-shell
detail should be seal welded.
13. The tank gauge and high level alarm systems should be tested, repaired if
necessary and calibrated prior to returning the tank to service.
14. The tank ground system has two (2) locations with no ground cable or
rod. A ground cable and rod should be properly installed at these
locations prior to returning the tank to service if it is determined that
additional tank grounding is required.
15. Nozzle N (the roof drain) is bolted to its reinforcing plate. This is not an
API standard detail and should be replaced with a welded API flanged
nozzle detail.
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
16. The tank currently does not have a high level alarm. Consideration
should be given to installing a high level alarm system or alternative
overfill protection device prior to returning the tank to service.
17. The reinforcing pad for Nozzle K is welded over a vertical seam. This
practice also presents risks of accelerated corrosion and stress
concentration. API 650 currently allows this practice subject to
additional non-destructive examination. This detail has been present
for an extended period of time and Visual (VT) inspection found no
identifiable defects. The nozzle detail should be monitored in future.
18.
19. The tank ground system has three (3) locations with improper
connections. Item J located at Station 96.8 feet is not attached at the
rod. Item M located at Station 154.4 feet, the rod is pulled out of the
ground and laying on the surface. Item Y located at Station 333.7 feet
is not attached at the shell.
All locations are measured
circumferentially CCW from Manway A. Consideration should be given
to further evaluating the need for grounding of this tank (reference API
2003 for additional guidance).
20. There is an attachment weld failure on the stairway between Treads 28
and 29. These attachment welds should be repaired before the tank is
returned to service or use of the stairway restricted due to personnel
safety concerns.
21. Nozzles C and F were installed by hot tapping. These nozzles should be
have the sharp edges removed and each inside neck-to-shell detail
should be seal welded.
22. Nozzles J and K are 10-inch nozzles with a 14.5-inch hole cut in the shell
resulting in the nozzle being welded to the reinforcing plate. This is
not a standard API nozzle detail and is not a recommended practice.
Consideration should be given to replacing this nozzle detail with a
standard API nozzle connection detail at a future opportunity where
welded repairs to the shell are to be performed.
23. Nozzle D is a blind flange that has thread engagement less than flush on
several bolts. This nozzle has a plugged telltale hole and seepage
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
from a hole within the seal weld on the internal side. Consideration
should be given to replacing the bolting with studs of sufficient length
to provide at least one thread extending past the nut on each stud and
to repairing the internal seal weld and pressure testing the reinforcing
plate.
24. Nozzle Q was installed by hot tapping and the trough on the inside of the
tank is only partially welded to the shell. This nozzle is not in service.
It is blinded on the outside of the tank and does not currently have
external connecting piping. The reinforcing plate on this nozzle does
not have rounded corners or a telltale hole. Consideration should be
given to carefully removing the trough from the shell grinding the
sharp edges and possibly seal welding this nozzle on the inside, but
only after a telltale hole is drilled in the reinforcing plate outside and
the space is verified to be gas-free before any hot work is performed.
25. Nozzle H does not have an adequate reinforcement plate in accordance
with API 650. This nozzle should have its reinforcement plate
replaced using an API standard detail at a future opportunity when
welding repairs to the tank shell are to be performed.
26. Nozzles D and K have evidence of leakage around the valve stems. The
valve packing should be replaced on these nozzles valves prior to
returning the tank to service.
27. The water draw line piping support welds at the support to the pipe, near
the shell, are cracked. These welds should be repaired or the support
detail should be changed to one providing more flexibility of future
movement.
28. Nozzles M, O and the RVP nozzle were installed by hot tapping. These
nozzles should have the sharp edges removed and seal welded on the
inside. These three (3) nozzles also have plugged telltale holes. After
completion of the repairs, the plugs should be removed and the telltale
holes left open.
29. Nozzle F appears to have been installed by the hot tap method. The
sharp edges remaining on the inside of the shell should be removed
and the nozzle seal welded on the inside.
30. Nozzles E and G have sharp edges and burrs on the inside of the shell.
These conditions should be corrected prior to returning the tank to
service.
31. Nozzles C and H both have their valves welded directly to the shell. This
is not an API standard detail and not a recommended practice. Both
Nelson Words
NOZZLES
Nelson Words
FIXED ROOF
43. There is a safety rail extending to the center of the roof from the stairway
platform that is both bolted to the roof and to its attachment members.
Consideration should be given to replacing all bolted connections with
welded ones.
44. The flame arrestor should be cleaned, tested and calibrated to insure
proper operation.
45. There is one overflow located over the stairway. Consideration should be
given to either relocating this overflow or sealing it closed.
Nelson Words
FIXED ROOF
46. The mid-rail for the roof safety railing at the top of the stairway has a
failed weld. The attachment weld at the mid-rail should be repaired as
soon as possible to eliminate a possible personnel safety hazard.
47. There is a safety rail extending from the stairway platform railing to the
gauge support structure that is both bolted to the roof and to its
attachment members. Consideration should be given to replacing all
bolted connections with welded ones.
48. There are two (2) ten-inch pressure/vacuum vents with flame arrestors.
Consideration should be given to verifying they provide adequate
relief for the tank and to cleaning, testing and calibrating both units.
49. There is an old gauge access hatch that is bolted to the roof. This hatch
is missing three (3) bolts and allows water to enter the tank.
Consideration should be given to replacing this hatch with a seal
welded patch plate or appropriate measures should be taken to insure
that this detail does not allow water into the tank or product vapor to
escape out.
50. The roof has four (4) eight-inch vacuum breakers that are bolted
connections. Consideration should be given to determining the
requirement of these vents and either replacing them with welded
nozzles or removing them and seal welding patch plates on the roof. If
required for operation, appropriate measures should be taken to
insure that these details do not allow water into the tank or product
vapor to escape out. These vents should be cleaned and calibrated if
they are to remain in service.
51. The tank does not have a ladder from the fixed roof to the floating roof.
The gauge pole is an eight-inch aluminum pipe that is welded to the
tank bottom. Consideration should be given to replacing the gauge
pole with a combination gauge pole/ladder assembly to provide
access to the floating roof.
52. The hatch cover on the gauge pole is missing a hinge and is not attached
to the hatch. This condition should be corrected.
53. The roof center vent does not have a screen to prevent birds from
entering the tank. This vent should have a screen installed over the
opening.
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
The floating roof seal is a foam log. This seal is soaked with product
and should be replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
54. Nozzle C, vacuum breaker, currently does not have a striker plate under
its leg. Consideration should be given to installing a seal welded
striker plate under the vacuum breaker leg.
55. The roof drain sump is full of debris. The sump and drain line should be
cleaned out to allow for proper drainage of the roof. The roof currently
is retaining a large amount of water around the center pontoon
chamber. This condition should be monitored after the roof is returned
to service to verify that the water properly drains away.
56. The grounding cable from the shell to the rolling ladder is not connected.
This cable connection should be repaired or replaced prior to returning
the tank to service.
57. The vacuum breakers have only one leg setting (low roof position) and
are blind-flanged, rendering them inoperable. The need for and
operability of the vacuum breakers should be evaluated and any
necessary modifications or repairs should be performed.
58. The primary seal is a mechanical shoe. The vapor barrier and the shoes
are severely deteriorated. A new primary seal should be installed prior
to returning the tank to service.
59. The floating roof seal has been removed. A new primary seal should be
installed prior to returning the tank to service.
60. The foam log primary seal was removed prior to the inspection. A new
primary seal is scheduled to be installed prior to returning the tank to
service.
61. The floating roof nozzle vapor gaskets and appurtenance vapor seals
should be replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
62. The mechanical vacuum breaker leg is not adjustable and will only
operate when the roof is in low position. Consideration should be
given to making the vacuum breaker leg adjustable (pin settings for
both high and low roof positions).
63. The floating roof was not accessible due to the unsafe condition of the
vertical ladder. Visual inspection of the seal from the underside of the
floating roof revealed no apparent defects. The vertical ladder should
be repaired if access via that means is ever anticipated or desired.
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
64. The floating roof is a steel pan with legs in fixed low roof position which
was installed in 1972. This roof does not have a vacuum breaker.
65. The floating roof appurtenance vapor seals (i. e. vapor seal at the gauge
pole well or around column wells in internal floating roofs) should be
replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
66. The primary seal is a foam log. This seal has gaps of 0.5 inch to 1.25
inches for over 45% of the tank perimeter. This seal should be
repaired or completely replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
67. The primary seal mechanical shoes are severely corroded intermittently
around the tank. The primary seal shoes should be replaced prior to
returning the tank to service.
68. The mechanical vacuum breaker leg is not adjustable and will only
operate when the roof is in low position. Consideration should be
given to making the vacuum breaker leg adjustable.
69. The floating roof rim vent is not operable. This vent should be repaired to
allow for proper operation.
70. The rolling ladder platform is bolted to the roof. Consideration should be
given to replacing the bolted connections with welded details.
71. The floating roof appurtenance seals (i. e. vapor seal around gauge pole
well or at column wells in internal floating roofs) show signs of
deterioration and should be replaced prior to returning the tank to
service.
72. There are three (3) floating roof legs located on Plates 22, 31 and 37 that
are too short and do not provide support to the roof. There is also one
(1) leg missing on Plate 27. These conditions should be corrected
prior to any additional work being performed on or under the roof.
73. The mechanical vacuum breaker legs are not adjustable and will only
operate when the roof is in low position. Consideration should be
given to making the vacuum breaker legs adjustable so that they will
operate the vents with the roof in either low or high position.
74. Nozzles B and L are combination pressure/vacuum vents. Nozzle L also
has a flame arrestor. This tank has four roof vents and four shell vents
that were installed after original construction. Due to the additional
venting to the tank, Nozzles B and L may no longer be required for
tank operation. Consideration should be given to determining the
need for these vents and either removing them or cleaning, testing
and calibrating them prior to returning the tank to service.
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
75. There are two (2) six-inch pressure/vacuum vents. These vents should be
cleaned, tested and calibrated prior to returning the tank to service.
76. The roof bolting securing the sheeting to the channels is severely
corroded. There is one area near the shell where the bolting is loose
and not securing the sheeting properly. Consideration should be
given to replacing this bolting with a non-corroding material.
77. The roof seal is an old style mechanical system that is worn and may not
have much service life remaining. The seal fabric was removed prior
to the inspection. Consideration should be given to replacing the old
mechanical seal system with a new design.
78. The rolling ladder is missing a handrail at the top on one side. The
support structure does not have a deck to step on to at the bottom of
the ladder. The ladder does not have self-leveling stairs. The rolling
ladder should be repaired to insure a safer and more operable
condition.
79. There are five (5) roof legs that do not rest on the tank bottom. The legs
are located on Plates 24, 48, 50, 69 and 70. These roof legs should
be modified/adjusted so that they provide adequate support for the
floating roof.
80. The roof coating system has failed and there is rust and corrosion on the
roof deck. Consideration should be given to sandblasting and recoating the roof deck.
81. The top of the pontoon roof deck has been sand blasted around the
outside perimeter following the removal of the seal material. This area
has scattered pitting with an average depth of 0.060 inch. This seal
should be replaced with a new system that will not retain product at
the rim and the roof re-coated to minimize further corrosion.
82. There are two (2) pontoons that have product inside the chambers on the
outside perimeter. These pontoons should be removed and replaced.
83. The roof drain sump is full of dirt and debris. Consideration should be
given to cleaning the sump and the drain line.
84. The floating roof is an aluminum pontoon. The roof has three (3) missing
legs, one (1) leg that is bent, thirty-nine (39) legs out of plumb and ten
(10) legs that are corroded and missing their feet. The roof is in severe
service due to the high velocity of product entering the tank, especially
near the diffuser line where pontoons were added to provide additional
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
near the valve to prevent product leakage. This line is no longer used
to drain water from the roof due to the installation of a geodesic dome.
This line should be completely removed or isolated as soon as access
to the tank can be achieved. A close visual inspection and possible
Ultrasonic (UT) examination of the remaining piping should be
performed to verify its integrity or a pressure test should be performed
once the tank is emptied and before the tank is returned to service.
94. The roof is currently pinned in high position and there are only cotter pins
on one side of the roof leg pins. Consideration should be given to
installing cotter pins on both sides of the leg pins to keep them in
position.
95. The rolling ladder has two treads that have come off their pivot hinges
and one tread missing at the base of the ladder. These conditions
should be corrected before the tank is returned to service to allow
continued safe operation of the ladder.
96. The floating roof primary seal has deteriorated with large areas of the seal
missing and the secondary seal is starting to show signs of
deterioration. A new primary and secondary seal should be installed
prior to returning the tank to service.
97. The floating roof vacuum breaker legs are currently set for the low roof
position. The roof is currently set in high position, making the vacuum
breakers inoperable. The roof legs should be set to operate in low
roof position after returning the tank to service.
98. The pontoon support straps on the pontoons above Plates 41 and 89
have failed and the strap on the pontoon above Plate 5 is torn. These
straps should be replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
99. There are eighty-five (85) floating roof legs with no striker plates.
Consideration should be given to installing seal welded striker plates,
steel striker plates permanently affixed to the bottom by alternate
means (epoxy) or manufacturers aluminum leg pads (with pins) under
each roof leg.
100.There are two (2) twenty-inch combination pressure/vacuum vents on the
floating roof. Consideration should be given to cleaning, testing and
calibrating these vents.
101.The floating roof has six (6) legs that are not plumb on Plates 3, 8, 19,
21, 40 and 49. Consideration should be given to re-positioning these
roof legs.
Nelson Words
FLOATING ROOF
102.The two (2) gauge openings and the ladder opening on the floating roof
do not have vapor seals to prevent the escape of product vapors.
These penetrations should have vapor seals installed around their
openings to reduce the escape of product vapors.
103.There is a ten-inch vacuum breaker vent on the floating roof. This vent is
currently not operable due to the adjustment pin being removed. This
pin should be replaced at the proper setting prior to returning the tank
to service.
104.The floating roof has twenty-four (24) legs that are missing one (1) of
their cotter pins and two (2) legs that are missing both cotter pins that
help keep the leg pins in proper position. These cotter pins should be
replaced prior to returning the tank to service.
105.Safety Note: The access to the rolling ladder has been modified due to
the installation of the geodesic dome. The current access is not safe
due to the lack of steps from the platform to the rolling ladder. This
detail should be modified or changed to increase the personnel safety
at this access point.
106.The floating roof primary seal is a mechanical shoe. The vapor seal
material and shoes are starting to deteriorate with areas of severe
corrosion and holes. This seal should be replaced. The secondary
seal is a wiper. This seal is in acceptable condition.
107.The roof drain is an old style mechanical joint drain. There are several
areas of damage along the fixed piping. The useful remaining life of
this drain is limited and consideration should be given to replacing it
with a more modern system designed for better flow and reliability or
this drain should be pressure tested prior to returning the tank to
service.
108.The rolling ladder is missing a handrail at the top on one side. The
ladder does not have self- leveling stairs. The rolling ladder should be
repaired to a safe operating condition before the tank is returned to
service.