API 620 Vs API 650

The only way to answer this properly is to look at the Scope of API 620, API 650 and API
653, Basically though API 650 and API 620 are equally tough to comply with. The
Standards are meant for different tanks with different operating pressures and temps.
API 653 includes the inspection requirements.
1. Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-pressure Storage Tanks
API STANDARD 620, ELEVENTH EDITION, ADDENDUM 2, AUGUST 2010
Section 1Scope
1.1 General
The API Downstream Segment has prepared this standard to cover large, fieldassembled storage tanks of the type described in 1.2 that contain petroleum
intermediates (gases or vapors) and finished products, as well as other liquid products
commonly handled and stored by the various branches of the industry.
The rules presented in this standard cannot cover all details of design and construction
because of the variety of tank sizes and shapes that may be constructed. Where
complete rules for a specific design are not given, the intent is for the Manufacturer
subject to the approval of the Purchasers authorized representative to provide design
and construction details that are as safe as those which would otherwise be provided by
this standard.
The Manufacturer of a low-pressure storage tank that will bear the API 620 nameplate
shall ensure that the tank is constructed in accordance with the requirements of this
standard.
The rules presented in this standard are further intended to ensure that the application
of the nameplate shall be subject to the approval of a qualified inspector who has made
the checks and inspections that are prescribed for the design, materials, fabrication,
and testing of the completed tank.
1.2 Coverage
1.2.1 This standard covers the design and construction of large, welded, low-pressure
carbon steel above ground storage tanks (including flat-bottom tanks) that have a single
vertical axis of revolution. This standard does not cover design procedures for tanks that
have walls shaped in such a way that the walls cannot be generated in their entirety by
the rotation of a suitable contour around a single vertical axis of revolution.
1.2.2 The tanks described in this standard are designed for metal temperatures not
greater than 250F and with pressures in their gas or vapor spaces not more than 15
lbf/in.2 gauge.
1.2.3 The basic rules in this standard provide for installation in areas where the lowest

recorded 1-day mean atmospheric temperature is 50F. Appendix S covers stainless

steel low-pressure storage tanks in ambient temperature service in all areas, without
limit on low temperatures. Appendix R covers low-pressure storage tanks for
refrigerated products at temperatures from +40F to 60F. Appendix Q covers lowpressure storage tanks for liquefied gases at temperatures not lower than 325F.
1.2.4 The rules in this standard are applicable to tanks that are intended to (a) hold or
store liquids with gases or vapors above their surface or (b) hold or store gases or
vapors alone. These rules do not apply to lift-type gas holders.
1.2.5 Although the rules in this standard do not cover horizontal tanks, they are not
intended to preclude the application of appropriate portions to the design and
construction of horizontal tanks designed in accordance with good engineering practice.
The details for horizontal tanks not covered by these rules shall be equally as safe as
the design and construction details provided for the tank shapes that are expressly
covered in this standard.
2. Welded Tanks for Oil Storage API STANDARD 650, ELEVENTH EDITION, ADDENDUM 2:
NOVEMBER 2009, EFFECTIVE DATE: MAY 1, 2010
SECTION 1SCOPE
1.1 GENERAL
1.1.1 This Standard establishes minimum requirements for material, design, fabrication,
erection, and testing for vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, closed- and open-top, welded
storage tanks in various sizes and capacities for internal pressures approximating
atmospheric pressure (internal pressures not exceeding the weight of the roof plates),
but a higher internal pressure is permitted when additional requirements are met (see
1.1.12). This Standard applies only to tanks whose entire bottom is uniformly
supported and to tanks in non-refrigerated service that have a maximum design
temperature of 93C (200F) or less (see 1.1.19).
1.1.2 This Standard is designed to provide industry with tanks of adequate safety and
reasonable economy for use in the storage of petroleum, petroleum products, and other
liquid products. This Standard does not present or establish a fixed series of allowable
tank sizes; instead, it is intended to permit the Purchaser to select whatever size tank
may best meet his needs. This Standard is intended to
help Purchasers and Manufacturers in ordering, fabricating, and erecting tanks; it is not
intended to prohibit Purchasers and Manufacturers from purchasing or fabricating tanks
that meet specifications other than those contained in this Standard.
Note: A bullet () at the beginning of a paragraph indicates that there is an expressed
decision or action required of the Purchaser. The Purchasers responsibility is not limited
to these decisions or actions alone. When such decisions and actions are taken, they are
to be specified in documents such as requisitions, change orders, data sheets, and

drawings.
1.1.3 This Standard has requirements given in two alternate systems of units. The
Manufacturer shall comply with either:
1. all of the requirements given in this Standard in SI units, or
2. all of the requirements given in this Standard in US Customary units.
The selection of which set of requirements (SI or US Customary) to apply shall be a
matter of mutual agreement between the Manufacturer and Purchaser and indicated on
the Data Sheet, Page 1.
1.1.4 All tanks and appurtenances shall comply with the Data Sheet and all
attachments.
1.1.5 Field-erected tanks shall be furnished completely erected, tested, and ready for
service connections, unless specified otherwise.
Shop-fabricated tanks shall be furnished tested and ready for installation.
1.1.6 The appendices of this Standard provide a number of design options requiring
decisions by the Purchaser, standard requirements, recommendations, and information
that supplements the basic standard. Except for Appendix L, an appendix becomes a
requirement only when the Purchaser specifies an option covered by that appendix or
specifies the entire appendix. See Table 1-1 for the status of each appendix.

Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction API STANDARD 653, FOURTH
EDITION, ADDENDUM 1, AUGUST 2010
Scope
1.1 Introduction
1.1.1 This standard covers steel storage tanks built to API 650 and its predecessor API
12C. It provides minimum requirements for maintaining the integrity of such tanks after
they have been placed in service and addresses inspection, repair, alteration,
relocation, and reconstruction.
1.1.2 The scope is limited to the tank foundation, bottom, shell, structure, roof, attached
appurtenances, and nozzles to the face of the first flange, first threaded joint, or first
welding-end connection. Many of the design, welding, examination, and material
requirements of API 650 can be applied in the maintenance inspection, rating, repair,
and alteration of in-service tanks. In the case of apparent conflicts between the
requirements of this standard and API 650 or its predecessor API 12C, this standard shall
govern for tanks that have been placed in service.
1.1.3 This standard employs the principles of API 650; however, storage tank

owner/operators, based on
consideration of specific construction and operating details, may apply this standard to
any steel tank constructed in accordance with a tank specification.
1.1.4 This standard is intended for use by organizations that maintain or have access to
engineering and inspection personnel technically trained and experienced in tank
design, fabrication, repair, construction, and inspection.
1.1.5 This standard does not contain rules or guidelines to cover all the varied
conditions which may occur in an existing tank. When design and construction details
are not given, and are not available in the as-built standard, details that will provide a
level of integrity equal to the level provided by the current edition of API 650 must be
used.
1.1.6 This standard recognizes fitness-for-service assessment concepts for evaluating inservice degradation of pressure containing components. API 579-1/ASME FFS-1, FitnessFor-Service, provides detailed assessment
procedures or acceptance criteria for specific types of degradation referenced in this
standard. When this standard does not provide specific evaluation procedures or
acceptance criteria for a specific type of degradation or when this standard explicitly
allows the use of fitness-for-service criteria, API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 may be used to
evaluate the various types of degradation or test requirements addressed in this
standard.
1.2 Compliance with This Standard
The owner/operator has ultimate responsibility for complying with the provisions of this
standard. The application of this standard is restricted to organizations that employ or
have access to an authorized inspection agency as defined in 3.3. Should a party other
than the owner/operator be assigned certain tasks, such as relocating and
reconstructing a tank, the limits of responsibility for each party shall be defined by the
owner/operator prior to commencing work.
1.3 Jurisdiction
If any provision of this standard presents a direct or implied conflict with any statutory
regulation, the regulation shall govern. However, if the requirements of this standard
are more stringent than the requirements of the regulation, then the requirements of
this standard shall govern.
1.4 Safe Working Practices
An assessment shall be made of the potential hazards to which personnel may be
exposed when conducting
internal tank inspections, making repairs, or dismantling tanks. Procedures shall be
developed according to the guidelines given in API 2015, API 2016, and API 2217A that
will include safeguard for personnel health and safety, prevention of accidental fires and

explosions, and the prevention of property damage. Conformance to permit procedures

is an essential safe work practice for protection of personnel and property.Where
welding and hot work are involved, API 2009 states Except in areas specifically
designated as safe for hot work, a hot work permit shall be obtained before starting any
work that can involve a source of ignition.
Special procedures may need to be developed for certain activities described in this
standard that are not fully covered by the referenced API publications; e.g. safety
precautions for personnel accessing floating roof tanks that are in service, or gas freeing
the bottom side of a tank. Appendix B of API 2009 provides brief information on inerting
tanks. Use of inerting as a safety precaution should address personnel hazards
introduced when using inert gas in the workplace and implementation should be done in
consultation with specialists that are familiar with such processes. Finally, procedures
must comply with any federal or state safety regulations pertaining to confined
spaces or any other relevant provisions.