API 653 Storage Tank Inspection
What Is It
Your Storage Tank Is Only as Safe as Its Last Full Inspection
Above-ground storage tanks operate under constant hydrostatic load, while their most vulnerable component-the floor-remains in contact with a foundation that can hide corrosion from view.
API 653 governs the in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of welded steel storage tanks, helping identify deterioration before it becomes a containment failure.
Inspection support includes:
- Above-ground storage tanks
- Tank floors and shells
- Mounded bullets
- Horton Spheres
- Atmospheric storage tanks
Why API 653
Why API 653 Inspection Isn’t Optional
API 653 inspection helps protect tank integrity, compliance, and service life.
Prevents Containment Failure
Detect deterioration in the tank floor before it becomes a failure.
Supports Compliance
Meet documented inspection intervals required by API 653.
Protects Audit Position
Maintain a documented, code-aligned inspection history.
Extends Service Life
Find issues early, enabling repair rather than replacement.
How It Works
Our API 653 Inspection Method
We remain involved throughout the inspection lifecycle - from degassing through hydrotesting and final box-up.
Degassing and Access Preparation
Scaffolding and cleaning activities support safe, thorough inspection access.
External Inspection
Inspect the external condition of the tank shell and associated areas.
Internal Floor and Shell Inspection
Assess internal floor and shell condition for corrosion and deterioration.
MFL and Structural Evaluation
Use Magnetic Flux Leakage scanning to detect top-side and soil-side floor corrosion, alongside shell-settlement and structural-integrity evaluation.
Hydrotesting, Box-Up and Findings
Complete hydrotesting and final box-up, supported by documented findings for repair-versus-continued-service decisions.
Our Toolkit
Our API 653 Inspection Capability
Full Inspection Lifecycle
Involvement from degassing through hydrotesting and vessel box-up.
MFL Floor Scanning
Detection of top-side and soil-side corrosion in tank floors.
Shell and Settlement Evaluation
Assessment of shell settlement and structural integrity.
Safe Inspection Access
Scaffolding and cleaning support for thorough inspection work.
IRC provides inspection findings that support informed repair and continued-service decisions.
Where We Apply It
Storage Tank Inspection Coverage
Above-Ground Storage Tanks
API 653 integrity assessment for welded steel storage tanks.
Tank Floors and Shells
Inspection of critical areas exposed to corrosion and deterioration.
Horton Spheres
Support for five-yearly storage tank assessments.
Mounded Bullets and Bullets
Tank-integrity capability for high-compliance storage assets.
Atmospheric Storage Tanks
API 653-aligned inspection support for atmospheric storage tanks.
IRC supports both API 653-aligned and five-yearly storage-tank assessment requirements.
Why IRC
Why IRC Engineering Services?
API 653-Certified Inspectors
Qualified inspectors for above-ground storage tank integrity assessment.
Full-Lifecycle Involvement
Support from degassing to hydrotesting and final box-up.
Proven Large-Scale Experience
Completed scaffolding, cleaning, testing, inspection, and certification of 13 mounded bullets at HMEL’s Bhatinda Refinery.
High-Compliance Project Capability
Experience working to the safety standards required by world-class refineries, including HMEL and Reliance Industries.
Recognised Tank Assessment Capability
Recognised by the Chief Controller of Explosives under SMPV(U) Rules 18, 19, 33, and 12(2) for five-yearly storage tank assessments.
One partner for API 653-aligned and mandated storage-tank integrity requirements.
Trusted on World-Class Projects
Tank Integrity Work at HMEL Bhatinda Refinery
IRC completed scaffolding, cleaning, testing, inspection, and certification of 13 mounded bullets at HMEL’s Bhatinda Refinery.
This work demonstrates our ability to manage large-scale, high-compliance tank-integrity projects.
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