ThinkTank™

think tankE2G’s Joel Andreani has led the way in applying FFS and RBI technologies to Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs), including developing an AST module for API RBI software that considers risk scenarios for tank shell and floor components.

We are also leaders in the development and use of Finite Element Analyses to evaluate AST settlement. Joel Andreani, our specialist in tankage, has co-authored several papers including "An Evaluation of Procedures for Determining the Fitness for Service of Settled Aboveground Storage Tanks," (Andreani, Osage, others) and "Non-Linear Finite Element Analysis of Edge Settlement in Riveted Aboveground Storage Tanks," (Andreani). These papers are cited as references for many of the 1998 revisions to Appendix B of API RP 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction.

The ThinkTank Program

  • Integrated FFS and RBI capabilities
  • Specialized tank settlement evaluations
  • Hydrotest exemption analyses
  • Evaluation of fire damage
  • API RBI for tanks
  • Remaining Life assessments
  • Rerating using procedures in API 653, API 579, and other industry standards
  • Aboveground Storage Tank FFS Tool Set
  • Specialized Assessments of Refrigerated & Liquefied Hydrocarbon Gas Tanks

E2G has performed numerous tank assessments that have saved millions in unnecessary repairs and business interruption. Some examples:

  • An evaluation of Stress Corrosion Cracking in ammonia storage tanks and spheres: By conducting in-depth RBI and FFS assessments, we developed inspection plans that emphasized non-intrusive inspection techniques and focused inspection where it was needed the most to manage risk.
  • API 579 Level 3 assessment of nearly through-wall localized pitting in a sludge tank: We determined the tank did not require immediate repairs, and developed criteria for pit size, pit depth and spacing at which repair should be considered.
  • Fitness-for-service assessment of a doorsheet repair to a gasoline tank: We performed Finite Element Analyses of the tank and developed inspection criteria based on API 579 flaw assessment procedures that allowed the tank to be exempted from hydrotest.
  • Fitness-For-Service assessment of severe tank bottom settlement resulting in snap-through buckling of the cone-up bottom: We performed Finite Element Analysis of the tank's post-buckling behavior and determined the permissible time to next inspection based on settlement rates. We also developed criteria for the evaluation of replacement of roof support members warped and buckled by the settlement.
  • Finite Element Analysis of a sagging external floating roof: We determined the roof's drainage system was inadequate for the rainfall intensity at the site and the pontoon-to-deck geometry. We re-designed the roof's drainage system and detailed pontoon-to-deck stiffening measures to avoid future pontoon-to-deck failure or roof instability.
  • Re-design of a tank with failed welds at an internal partition plate: We performed Finite Element Analyses of a frequently filled tank that had a full shell height internal partition used to segregate two products in the tank. We re-designed the partition to reduce the fatigue stress range to a permissible limit.

Download ThinkTank brochure (PDF)

Copyright 2009 | The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.