Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
SUPPLEMENT TO: API Standard 650 - 9th Edition
In the spring of 1994, API released the 9th edition of API Standard 650 for construction of new
aboveground storage tanks. This edition includes approximately 80 changes to figures, tables,
text, and notes, as well as appendices. Some of the changes are simply editorial or corrections to
figures, while others will have an impact on final costs or are technically substantive. Some of
the changes affect only a specific segment of people involved with storage tanks, such as
fabricators. Because there is no indication of any kind of changes that were made between
editions, determining what these changes are is a laborious and tedious effort requiring a
carefully done, side-by-side analysis and a significant amount of time.
It is the purpose of this supplement to provide you with a quick index of these changes.
NOTE:
1. The experts' consensus, both engineering and legal, is that the 9th edition should be
specified and required in the construction of any new tankage. Therefore, order this
document if you plan on building or inspecting new API 650 tanks.
2. Enclosed is a Summary of Significant Changes Affecting Tank Owner/Operators and a
Detailed List of 8th/9th Edition Changes. The detailed list includes a key to simplify
the task of determining if the changes apply to you.
3. It is doubtful that all of the technical changes have been considered, understood, and
integrated into the policies, procedures, and computer-operated systems for all but the
largest tank building companies with sufficient engineering manpower. The 9th edition
changes should be used when negotiating tank contracts to assure that the contractor's
process of updating the affected standards and programs has occurred, and the
associated cost estimations have been taken into account.
June 1994 Page 1
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Although there are a great number of changes between the 8th and 9th editions of API Standard
650, there are only a few changes that represent significant deviations on past practices,
incorporate new technology or legal requirements, or have significant ability to affect the cost of
new tankage. These are:
• The aluminum dome roof is now a standard component in new tankage and is fully specified
by new Appendix G. The dome is useful for reducing water infiltration into tanks, reducing
emissions, in vapor recovery systems and other applications.
• Although leak detection for aboveground tanks is not required, if it is specified, it must meet
the requirements of new Appendix I. This appendix requires that the leak detection system
must be of the visual perimeter type. The leak must be directed to the perimeter of the tank
where it can be visually observed. Double- bottom tanks used by Chevron are consistent
with the requirements of this Appendix.
• The 8th edition of API 650 allowed for an exemption of hydrostatic testing if it was
considered impractical to obtain test water. If hydrostatic testing is required, it cannot be
exempted on this basis in the 9th edition.
• Although seismic requirements appear to have changed, the changes are not substantive.
They have been modified to be consistent with the Uniform Building Code. The
determination of seismic zone coefficients has been expanded to areas outside the United
States.
• 6 mm plate may now be specified by the purchaser. Be aware that 6 mm plate is 0.236-
inch versus the standard 0.250-inch plate. Use of this plate would trigger API 653 internal
inspections at an average rate of about 10% earlier than normal, increasing long-term tank
cleaning and inspection costs.
• There is a new cost-saving option. This option is to seal weld the bottom side of horizontal
joints in wind girders, stairways, and ladders.
• The Standard explicitly states in paragraph 3.2.4 that an API 650 tank is adequate for at
least 1 inch water column vacuum. Since most PV vent valves at design in-breathing rates
cause the tank to exceed this value, the design vacuum should either be increased or the PV
vent designed so that this level is not exceeded.
Page 2 June 1994
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
DETAILED LIST OF CHANGES
Although the changes are organized and keyed to the paragraph numbers and figures listed in the
9th edition, a key enables quick selection of areas of interest by topic. The key is as follows:
F - primarily of interest to tank fabricators and estimators
I - primarily of interest to Chevron inspectors
E - primarily of interest to engineers responsible to Chevron for specifying and
ordering tankage
C - affects cost of work
X - primarily an editorial type change with no significant impact on previous
practice
Two or more keys may appear on a single item. The most important key appears first.
PRELIMINARY SECTIONS
The following changes are primarily indicated for reducing the liabilities that API may be subject
to and have no real impact on conducting our business.
Foreword - Liabilities and responsibility for losses or damages resulting from the use of the
standard are disclaimed.
Important Information Concerning use of Asbestos or Alternative Materials - Safety and
health risks associated with asbestos products, as well as guidance, is given.
Information Required for Ordering Tanks - The title of this section has been changed. Shall
rather than should governs the information required to be listed. "Earthquake provisions" has
been moved from the list of options which a purchaser may exercise to the list of requirements
the purchaser shall specify in the inquiry.
"Continuous welding of external attachments including windgirders" has been added to the list of
options which a purchaser may exercise.
June 1994 Page 3
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
Related API Publications - This information has been moved to section 1.3.
Section I - Scope
Key API 650 9th Edition Reference "A"
X 1.1.5 Appendices C and H are described separately. See also 1.1.10.
X 1.1.9 This describes new Appendix G for aluminum dome roofs.
X 1.1.11 This describes new Appendix I for leak detection and subgrade
protection details.
X 1.1.16 This clarifies that materials used under the provisions of Appendix N
must be new or unused.
Section 2 - Materials
F, I Figure 2-1 This Figure has been revised to relax the material requirements for pipe
and flanges and to clarify use of the curves for Groups II, III, IIIA, and V
materials for thicknesses less than 1/2". Notes 1, 2, and 5 have been
added.
F Table 2-1 This Table has been clarified by removing "plus Vanadium" after
"Nitrogen".
X Table 2-2 Footnotes b and c to this Table have been revised to clarify use of the
Table.
X Table 2-3 Footnote 5 has been clarified as to the use of controlled-rolled plate.
F 2.2.3 The address for obtaining CSA Standards has been deleted.
X 2.2.4 The address for obtaining ISO Standards has been deleted.
X 2.2.5 The definition of a National Standard has been clarified by deleting the
reference to "quasi-official sanction of the government".
F [Link] CSA steels have been removed from the list of materials for which the
maximum permissible alloy contents of Table 2-1 apply.
Page 4 June 1994
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
X [Link] Removed reference to impact testing of each heat-treated plate.
F [Link] Word "shell" deleted before "manhole" to read "plates used for manhole
and nozzle necks ... shall be in accordance with Figure 2-1." (See also
[Link], which is unchanged and clarifies that materials for roof nozzles
and manholes do not require special toughness.) Last sentence clarified
to require that impact testing applies to plate "as heat-treated".
F, I [Link] Clarified that when heat-treated material is used, notch toughness shall
be demonstrated on each plate as heat-treated when [Link]
requirements are specified.
F, I [Link] This is a new section which permits (with the approval of the purchaser)
the substitution of Groups IV through VI materials for Groups I through
DIA materials, providing the material is recertified to the appropriate
ASTM Standard for the Group I through IIIA material.
F, I [Link] A new material Group IIA has been defined to combine the pipe and
forging materials previously classified as Group I and Group III
materials. This change relaxes the material requirements by permitting
more readily available pipe and forging materials to be used at lower
design temperatures.
F [Link] Subsections a, b, and c are new and define the thickness to be used in
applying Figure 2-1 for pipe and forgings. This section also now
references new Figure 2-3.
F [Link] The last sentence is clarified that impact test (if required) temperature is
to be no higher than the design metal temperature, whether or not the
design metal temperature is less than 0°F.
F 2.6.1 Flange material reference specifications have been updated.
X 2.6.2 Flange material reference specifications have been updated.
F, I Figure 2-3 This is a new Figure depicting the governing thicknesses for impact test
determination of shell nozzle and manhole materials, and is referenced in
[Link].
June 1994 Page 5
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
Section 3 Design
E, C [Link].b This section has been changed to require continuous bottom side welding
of the windgirder to shell only if specified by the purchaser, but
recommends that the purchaser consider seal welding if corrosion due to
entrapped moisture is a potential problem.
E 3.2.4 This is a new section which indicates that tanks designed in accordance
with the minimum requirements of the Standard can be considered to be
adequate for a 1" H20 partial vacuum pressure.
F, I 3.4.1 Now requires specific purchaser approval to use less than 72-inch wide
sketch plates. The minimum 72" width was previously only a
preference.
F [Link] Note 3 now permits the substitution of 6 mm plate for 1/4" plate, with
the approval of the purchaser.
E ([Link] -8th Edition)
This section, which recognized that "hydrostatic test may be
impracticable in some instances," has been deleted. This deletion
supports API's position that impracticality is not an excuse for waiving
hydrostatic test.
F Table 3-2 Canadian material G40.21M-35OWT has been added to this table of
permissible plate materials.
E, I [Link] This is a new section which permits, with the purchaser's approval, that
circular shell openings and/or reinforcing plates may be located in
horizontal or vertical butt welded shell joints, subject to certain weld
spacing and radiographic examination conditions.
E, I Figure 3-6 This is a new figure which, when used in conjunction with 3.7.3, clarifies
weld spacing requirements.
E [Link] API has deleted the caution that "the use of external piping attached to
the cleanout door Range or cover plate is not recommended.
Page 6 June 1994
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
E, I 3.8.4 This section now makes mandatory that "the roof structure around the
manhole shall be reinforced" if work is expected to be carried on through
the roof manhole while the tank is in use.
X Figure 3-9 This figure has been corrected to show the minimum 15" distance
between the top of the reinforcing plate and the nearest horizontal shell
weld.
X Figure 3-10 This figure has been corrected to show the width of the ringwall notch as
(W + 12") in details c and d.
X Figure 3-11 Shell plate in flush connection and reinforcing plate thicknesses have
been corrected to td from ta. Five-inch minimum dimension has been
corrected to be between the inside of the shell plate and the inside edge
of the bottom reinforcing plate.
F, E Figure 3-16 Detail d has been added to this Figure.
X Figure 3-17 Note has been corrected to show 4.5" OD of pipe used for scaffold cable
support.
F, E 3.9.7 The definition of "t" has been clarified as the "as-ordered thickness,
unless otherwise specified." It, therefore, includes any specified
corrosion allowance.
F, E [Link] The definitions of "tuniform" and "tactual" have been clarified as the "as-
ordered thickness, unless otherwise specified." They, therefore, include
any specified corrosion allowance.
Section 4 - Fabrication - No significant revisions
Section 5 - Erection
F, E [Link] Gas tungsten-arc and oxyfuel have been added to the list of acceptable
welding processes. Oxyfuel process cannot be used without the approval
of the purchaser, and shall not be used when impact testing of the
material is required.
I, F 5.5.4 Peaking and banding tolerances have been combined under "local
deviations." Also, in item c, a flat spot tolerance has been added,
June 1994 Page 7
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
which is essentially the flatness and waviness tolerance from ASTM A6
or A20.
I, F [Link].c This is a new section which specifies tolerances for concrete slab
foundations.
Section 6 - Methods of Inspecting Joints
I [Link] This section has been clarified with respect to the number of radiographs
required when multiple welders are involved and those welders produce
unequal lengths of welded joints.
I [Link] This section has been revised to state the conditions under which Level I
personnel are permitted to perform radiographic inspection.
I 6.3.3 This section has been revised to state the conditions under which Level I
personnel are permitted to perform ultrasonic inspection.
I 6.4.3 The manufacturer must certify that each liquid penetrant examiner
meets the prescribed requirements.
Section 7 - Welding Procedure and Welder Qualification
X [Link] The wording has been clarified with respect to the location of the weld
metal in impact test specimens.
X 7.4 The wording has been clarified with respect to alterative methods of
identification of welded joints permitted by the Standard.
Section 8 - Marking - No significant revisions
Appendix A - Optional Design Basis for Small Tanks
I A.7.3 This is a new section which waives the radiography requirements of
[Link] for shell manholes and nozzles.
Appendix B - Recommendations for Design and Construction of Foundations for
Aboveground Storage Tanks
Page 8 June 1994
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
(Note: This Appendix has been extensively reorganized and revised. Following are major
items of importance.)
E B.2.1 Now requires that estimated foundation settlement be within the
acceptable tolerances for shell and bottom.
F B.2.2 New section which specifies ranges of factors of safety to be used for
various foundation design loading conditions.
E B.2.3.g and h
New sections which add liquefaction in high seismic areas and soil layers
that can cause lateral ground stability problems to the list of conditions
that require special engineering consideration.
E B.2.4.g and h
New sections which add alterative means of improving soil properties,
including vibrocompaction, controlled hydrostatic testing and others, to
the list of methods recognized.
X B.2.5 Now requires that "placement of the fill material shall be in accordance
with the project specifications prepared by a qualified geotechnical
engineer."
E B.3.1 Adds recommendation for final elevation of foundation above grade
when large settlements are expected.
E B.3.2 Completely rewritten, including new precautions to take when cathodic
protection of the bottom is a consideration. Also references API RP 651
for more information on cathodic protection.
E B.3.3 Clarifies that "unless otherwise specified by the owner," tanks will be
provided with cone-up bottoms.
E B.3.4 New section which addresses cone-down alternative bottoms and the
responsibility to notify the tank manufacturer.
E B.4.1.1.d Adds a performance requirement (i.e., no excessive perimeter
settlement) when earth foundations without a ringwall are used.
June 1994 Page 9
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
E B.4.2.1 Now lists a disadvantage of concrete ringwalls in addition to the
advantages.
E B.4.2.3.a to g New sections which are a list of considerations that shall be made when
designing a concrete ringwall.
E B.4.3.1 A list of four advantages and one disadvantage of crushed stone or
gravel ringwalls has been added to this section.
E B.4.4 New section(s) which prescribes requirements for concrete slab
foundations.
E B.5 New section which references Appendix I for leak detection
considerations.
Appendix C - External Floating Roofs - No significant revisions
Appendix D - Technical Inquiries - No significant revisions
Appendix E - Seismic Design of Storage Tanks
E E.3.1 Definition of Z has been expanded. Definition of I has been revised and
expanded.
E Figure E-1 Figure has been revised to be consistent with UBC criteria.
E Table E-1 New table which designates zone factors for selected areas outside the
United States.
E E.3.3.2 C2 coefficient has been redefined to be consistent with UBC criteria.
E E.3.3.3 Site amplification factors have been redefined as site coefficients and
revised to be consistent with UBC criteria.
Appendix F - Design of Tanks for Small Internal Pressures
E F.4.2 The equation for the maximum design pressure, Pmax, has been modified
by including a term for the wind overturning moment.
Appendix G - Structurally Supported Aluminum Dome Roofs
Page 10 June 1994
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
E (This is a new Appendix -- originally issued as an addendum to API 650
in May 1992 - which prescribes minimum requirements for aluminum
geodesic type dome roofs when such roofs are specified by the purchaser.)
Appendix H - Internal Floating Roofs - No significant revisions
Appendix I - Undertank Leak Detection and Subgrade Protection
E (This is a new Appendix -- originally issued as an addendum to API 650
in May 1992 -- which, in 1.2, prescribes minimum performance
requirements for all leak detection systems as well as several acceptable
construction details for the detection of leaks through the bottoms of
tanks. This appendix allows a great deal of flexibility in the selection of
specific construction details, providing the minimum performance
requirements are satisfied - when leak detection systems are specified by
the purchaser.)
Appendix J - Shop Assembled Storage Tanks - No significant revisions
Appendix K - Sample Application of the Variable-Design-Point Method to Determine
Shell-Plate Thickness - No significant revisions
Appendix L - API Standard 650 Storage Tank Data Sheets
E Item 11 "Roof Loads" has been changed to "Roof Design Information," and now
requires the following additional information from the purchaser:
Insulation Load
Maximum Design Roof Temperature
Gases in the Vapor Space
Appendix M - Requirements for Tanks Operating at Elevated Temperatures - No significant
revisions.
Appendix N - Use of New Materials That Are Not Identified
X (Note: The only significant change to this Appendix is the title. New
title clarifies that material that is "on-hand" must be new - and,
therefore, unused.)
June 1994 Page 11
Tank Manual SUPPLEMENT TO:
API STANDARD 650 - 9TH EDITION
Appendix O - Recommendations for Underbottom Connections
E O.2.5 Bottom connections used in floating-roof tanks shall (i.e., without
exception) be provided with a baffle to prevent impingement of the inlet
product stream directly against the roof.
E O.3.1.4 Seismic loading shall (i.e., without exception) be analyzed for additional
considerations in the design of concrete vaults and ringwalls. The
method (of analysis) shall be a matter of agreement between the
manufacturer and the purchaser.
E O.3.1.5 Concrete walls, floors, and ceilings shall (i.e., without exception) be
designed to meet the minimum requirements of ACI 318 and local soil
conditions.
Appendix P - Allowable External Loads on Tank Shell Openings
E P.I The scope of this Appendix has been clarified to apply to shell openings
"in the lower half of the bottom shell course."
E P.5.2 The terms in the equation for Theta have been rearranged for the sake of
consistency in sign convention.
Page 12 June 1994
