Reliance

Procedure For
Vacuum Testing of fixed roof welded
Storage Tanks as per API 650/620

EPCMD-2-QM00-JEP-ME-042

27.07.2011

Issued for implementation

PKS

RC

AJV

AA

26.07.2011

Issued for review

PKS

RC

AJV

Rev

Date

Revision

Prepared
By

Checked
By

Approved
By

Reliance
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Purpose
3. Scope
4. Abbreviations & Definitions
5. Responsibility and Authority
6. Reference documents
7. Procedure
8. Record
9. Attachments

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1.0 Introduction
Reliance has executed large number of tankages at various sites and more
numbers of tanks are also under construction as per API 650/620. These
tanks are constructed by various reputed tank manufacturers at sites. All the
tanks are tested as per API standards and based on the procedures submitted
by the contractors. As per that partial vacuum testing of fixed roof tank is the
most critical one.
Partial vacuum testing is carried out to check the ability of the upper part of
the tank to withstand the partial vacuum for which it is designed and also to
check the operation of the vacuum relief valve on the tank. It is felt for critical
test like vacuum testing of fixed roof tanks a procedure shall be developed.

2.0 Purpose
Purpose of this procedure is to have a uniform approach at all reliance sites
and at the same time as guidance to our engineers.

3.0 Scope
Scope of this procedure is limited to partial vacuum testing of fixed roof tanks
as per API 650/620.
These tests shall be carried out if the design drawings mention the same. The
test pressure shall be mentioned by the designer.

4.0 Abbreviations & Definitions

WPS Welding Procedure Specification
PT

Dye Penetrant Testing

MT

Magnetic Particle Testing

RT

Radiography Testing

UT

Ultrasonic Testing

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Reliance
API American Petroleum Institute
QMD Quality Management Department
PSI

Pounds per Square Inch

5.0 Responsibility and Authority

Respective area construction manager is responsible to implement this

procedure at his area of working.

HOD of QMD is responsible for maintaining this procedure.

6.0 Reference documents

API 650 Welded Steel tanks for Oil storage (clause no.5.2.5)
API 620 Welded large low-pressure storage tanks (clause no.5.10.5.2 &
7.18.5)

7.0
7.1

2QM00 JEP ME 001

Procedure for Pressure testing of API tanks

2QM00 ITP ME 050

Inspection and Test plan for Storage tanks

Procedure - Vacuum testing

After completion of the pneumatic testing of the roof, water filled up to the
tank shall be maintained at the design liquid level of the tank.

7.2

All roof appurtenances shall be blinded.

7.3

A vacuum relief valve shall be provided on one of the nozzle with the required
rating.

7.4

In addition to a vacuum relief valve a quick opening valve shall also be

provided at the ground level with proper piping from the roof top.

7.5

Provide a valve on the shell nozzle for draining of the water which will create
the sufficient vacuum.

7.6

Provide Manometer 2 nos. at the ground level with sufficient tubing from the
roof top on different roof nozzles.

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7.7

Check all the arrangements have been made as given above.

7.8

Slowly open a valve provided on one of the shell nozzle to drain the water.

7.9

Observe the manometer so that required level difference is achieved which

indicates the vacuum test pressure inside the tank.

7.10 During draining if any distortion of the shape is observed then the quick
opening valve shall be opened to break the vacuum.
7.11 Stop the draining valve at the required vacuum (manometer reading) and
observe the roof surface for any distortion.
7.12 After inspection of the surface all roof nozzles shall be opened immediately to
break the vacuum created inside the tank.
7.13 After the above testing one more vacuum testing shall be carried out if it is
required as per tank data sheet with the water level at the bottom when the
tank is substantially empty as given below.
i)

After the initial vacuum testing with the water level at the design liquid
height, water shall be drained out with the roof nozzles in the open condition.

ii)

When the water level goes below more than half of the tank height stop
further draining.

iii)

Close all the roof nozzles and provide relief valves, quick opening valves and
manometer as explained in 7.2 to 7.7.

iv)

Check all arrangements.

v)

Start draining from the shell nozzle slowly until the required vacuum is
created inside the tank.

vi)

Stop further draining and inspect for any distortions on the shell or roof
surface.

vii)

After inspection of the surface all roof nozzles shall be opened immediately to
break the vacuum created inside the tank.

7.14 Final visual inspection shall be carried out for any distortions on the shell or
roof after opening all nozzles and the pressure is released.

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7.15 In the case of low pressure storage tanks as per API 620 appendix Q and R the
opening pressure or vacuum of the pressure relief and vacuum relief valves
shall be checked by pumping air above the water level and releasing the
pressure, then partially withdrawing water from the tank.
7.16 Precaution shall be taken to ensure the partial vacuum in the tank should
never exceed the design value.

8.0 Record
Record all test details in the vacuum test format EPCMD-2-QM-00-FMT-ME228.

9.0 Attachments
Typical testing arrangements shown as per the annexure-1.

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