Introduction

This 12-day training program is designed by Global Horizon Training Center to provide a deep understanding of the API 653 standard, which governs the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). The program will help professionals develop advanced competencies for compliance with API 653, enhance their inspection planning and execution skills, and prepare for the API 653 certification exam. Through theoretical sessions and practical case studies, participants will gain the expertise needed to ensure tank integrity, environmental safety, and operational efficiency.

Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Interpret and apply API 653 standard requirements for tank inspection and maintenance.

• Understand tank design, construction, and relevant material properties.

• Identify corrosion mechanisms, inspection techniques, and repair strategies.

• Analyze relevant API codes including API 650, API 571, API 577, and ASME Section IX.

• Perform calculations related to minimum thickness, remaining life, and re-rating.

• Prepare for and successfully pass the API 653 certification examination.

Target Audience

• Mechanical and inspection engineers

• Tank inspectors and field engineers

• Maintenance and reliability engineers

• Quality assurance/control personnel

• Individuals preparing for the API 653 certification exam

Training Outline

Day 1: Introduction to API 653 and Code Overview

• Purpose and scope of API 653

• Definitions and terms

• API 653 vs API 650 vs API 620

• Overview of related codes and standards

Day 2: Design and Construction Review

• Tank design basics (roof, shell, bottom, nozzles)

• Welding joints and tank components

• Design considerations affecting inspection

Day 3: Inspection Planning and Techniques

• Types of inspections (in-service, out-of-service)

• External and internal inspection requirements

• Visual inspection and NDE methods (UT, MT, PT, RT)

• Inspection intervals and risk-based inspection (RBI)

Day 4: Evaluation of Corrosion and Damage Mechanisms

• Types of corrosion (pitting, general, MIC)

• Coating and lining inspections

• Corrosion rate calculation

• Remaining life evaluation

Day 5: Thickness Calculations and Evaluation

• Shell, roof, and bottom thickness requirements

• Minimum acceptable thickness and MAWP

• Joint efficiency and corrosion allowances

• Tank re-rating concepts

Day 6: Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction Requirements

• API 653 requirements for repairs and alterations

• Welding procedures and qualifications (ASME IX)

• Patching, bottom replacement, and shell repairs

• Recordkeeping and documentation

Day 7: Welding, WPS, PQR, and Welder Qualification

• Review of ASME Section IX

• Welding process fundamentals

• Welder qualifications and essential variables

• Welding defects and inspection criteria

Day 8: Brittle Fracture, Hydrotesting, and Leak Testing

• Causes and prevention of brittle fracture

• Hydrostatic testing procedures

• Pneumatic and vacuum box testing

• Safety precautions during testing

Day 9: API 571 – Damage Mechanisms

• Overview of API 571 structure

• Damage mechanisms relevant to tanks

• Identification and mitigation strategies

• Integration with API 653 assessments

Day 10: API 577 – Welding Inspection and Metallurgy

• Welding defects and discontinuities

• Visual weld inspection techniques

• Base metal and filler metal properties

• Impact of metallurgy on repair quality

Day 11: Inspector Responsibilities and Ethics

• Responsibilities of authorized inspectors

• Code of conduct and ethics

• Recordkeeping and reporting practices

• Pre- and post-inspection documentation

Day 12: Certification Preparation

• Exam-taking strategies and tips

• Review of formula sheet and key equations

• Practice questions

• Final Q&A and feedback session