Inflection Point Engineering Storage Tank Engineering Curriculum

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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