Non-Destructive Examination Protocols in API 650 for Welded Storage Tank Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review

Year : 2026 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 01 | Page : 29 60
    By

    Kamal Dhandha,

  • Hemant Suthar,

  • Dnyaneshwar Kharpude,

  1. Senior Inspection Engineer, Inspection Services, TUV India Pvt. Limited, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
  2. Plant Head, TEMA India Pvt. Limited, Panoli, Bharuch, Gujarat, India
  3. Senior Inspection Engineer, Inspection Services, TUV India Pvt. Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The storage tanks play vital roles in industrial sectors, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and chemical processing by enabling safe containment of liquids and gases during key operations like production, treatment, refining, transport/distribution, and inventory control. API 650 standard is a worldwide recognized specification that covers the design and manufacturing criteria for large, welded steel storage tanks. API 650 ensures that tanks are built to withstand internal pressures and environmental variations, ensuring safety and dependability. Tanks must undergo comprehensive testing to verify structural integrity. Non-destructive examination (NDE) requirements in the fabrication of API storage tanks would likely cover a range of NDE techniques used to verify the integrity of welds, materials, and overall tank construction, referencing standards like API 650 and 653. API 650 requires reliable testing methods such as hydrostatic testing, visual inspection of welds, and various non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, and liquid penetrant testing for comprehensive leak and defect detection. This paper discusses the applicability of NDE methods and techniques in compliance with API 650 for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of these tanks, especially in the context of oil and gas storage, where leaks or failures can have significant consequences. A case study on hydrotesting of heating coils also provides insights into avoiding the chances of corrosion potentiality.

Keywords: API 650, hydrostatic testing, non-destructive evaluation, storage tank integrity

[This article belongs to Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology ]

How to cite this article:
Kamal Dhandha, Hemant Suthar, Dnyaneshwar Kharpude. Non-Destructive Examination Protocols in API 650 for Welded Storage Tank Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2026; 16(01):29-60.
How to cite this URL:
Kamal Dhandha, Hemant Suthar, Dnyaneshwar Kharpude. Non-Destructive Examination Protocols in API 650 for Welded Storage Tank Fabrication: A Comprehensive Review. Journal of Petroleum Engineering & Technology. 2026; 16(01):29-60. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopet/article=2026/view=241476


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 16
Issue 01
Received 28/01/2026
Accepted 30/01/2026
Published 21/02/2026
Publication Time 24 Days
108

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