Storage Tank Engineering Curriculum
Module from the Storage Tank Engineering Curriculum curriculum.
Module 4 - Bottom Design · Learning Objectives · 1. Specify annular plate (sketch plates) at shell-to-bottom (1/4 in min or per Table 5-2) · 2. Apply 3-plate lap welded bottom with 1/4 in typical thickness · 3. Design slope: cone-up (1:120) or cone-down (1:60) for drainage · 4. Apply cathodic protection per IPE-EP-10-3-6 for external CP · 5. Monitor bottom corrosion via MFL floor scan during API 653 internal · Tank Bottom Corrosion Mechanisms
| Mechanism | Location | Cause | Mitigation | Detection | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underside corrosion | Bottom-to-soil | Groundwater, MIC | Cathodic protection | MFL, VT from above | Often severe |
| Topside corrosion | Bottom inside | Water bottom layer | Dewater sump | UT, MFL | Draw-off, heel |
| Shell-to-bottom weld | Annular region | Bending stress, settlement | CA + inspection | VT + PT | Per API 653 |
| Pitting internal | Bottom inside | Stagnant water | Mixer, clean out | VT, MFL pit sizing | Crude BS&W |
| SOHIC / SSC | Welds in sour service | Wet H2S | PWHT, upgrade material | WFMT, SWUT | NACE SP0472 |
Source: Storage_Tank_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Bottom
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