API 650 Storage Tank Design Checklist
1. General Requirements
- Determine applicable edition and addenda of API 650.
- Define tank service: product stored, temperature, pressure, and volatility.
- Confirm tank type: atmospheric pressure (<=2.5 psig).
- Check if additional standards apply (e.g., API 620, ASME, AWWA, UL).
2. Design Data
- Tank diameter and height
- Design liquid level (including freeboard)
- Specific gravity of stored product
- Design temperature range
- Corrosion allowance
- Seismic zone classification
- Wind load data
- Snow/ice load (if applicable)
- Foundation type and soil bearing capacity
3. Materials Selection
- Select materials per API 650, Table 4-1 to 4-6 (Group I, II, III).
API 650 Storage Tank Design Checklist
- Shell plate material and thickness
- Bottom plate material
- Roof plate and framing material
- Nozzle and manway materials
- Ensure material compatibility with stored fluid
4. Bottom Design
- Bottom plate thickness and layout
- Annular plate ring (if required per 5.5)
- Sketch of bottom weld layout
- Slope (typically 1:120 minimum for drainage)
5. Shell Design
- Calculate minimum shell thickness using 1-Foot method or Variable Design Point Method
- Verify minimum thickness per API Table 5-2
- Wind girders and shell stiffeners (if required)
- Shell courses layout and welding sequence
6. Roof Design
- Determine roof type: Cone, Dome, or Floating roof
API 650 Storage Tank Design Checklist
- Roof plate thickness
- Roof support structure (rafters, girders, columns)
- Check design for snow and wind load
- Roof-to-shell junction design (welded or bolted)
7. Nozzles, Manways, and Appurtenances
- Sizes and locations of nozzles (inlet, outlet, overflow, vent, drain)
- Reinforcement pads as per Section 5.7
- Manways and access hatches
- Shell and roof penetrations
- Anti-vortex plates, ladders, platforms
8. Design for External Forces
- Wind load design (Section 5.11)
- Seismic design per Appendix E
- Settlement and soil bearing capacity
- Anchoring requirements (if uplift occurs)
- Overturning and sliding checks
9. Welding and Inspection
API 650 Storage Tank Design Checklist
- Weld types and details per Section 3
- Inspection requirements (RT, UT, MT, VT) - Section 8
- Hydrostatic test requirements - Section 7.3
- Weld maps and procedure qualifications
10. Corrosion Protection and Coatings
- Corrosion allowance per service
- Cathodic protection (if required)
- Internal and external coating/lining
- Paint system specifications
11. Ventilation and Pressure Relief
- Design of venting per API 2000
- Emergency venting (overpressure/vacuum protection)
- Flame arrestors (if required)
12. Drawings and Documentation
- General arrangement drawing (GAD)
- Tank fabrication drawing (shell courses, roof, bottom layout)
- Nozzle schedule and details
API 650 Storage Tank Design Checklist
- Welding procedure specifications (WPS)
- Material test certificates (MTC)
- Inspection & Test Plan (ITP)
- Hydrotest report
13. Optional Features
- Foam chambers / fire protection systems
- Internal floating roof seals
- Liquid level gauges
- Water draw-off nozzles
- Roof drainage system
