Linings of Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Bottoms

API RP 652: Essential Guidance for Aboveground Petroleum Storage Tank Bottoms Linings

Protecting critical infrastructure from the insidious effects of corrosion is paramount in the petroleum industry. Aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are particularly vulnerable, with their bottoms facing constant contact with stored products and potential environmental aggressors. API Recommended Practice 652 (RP 652) stands as an authoritative, industry-leading standard, offering comprehensive guidance on the selection, application, and maintenance of linings for these vital components. Adherence to this proven practice is essential for ensuring tank integrity, extending service life, and preventing costly failures.

What is API RP 652?

API RP 652 provides detailed recommendations for the application of protective linings to the bottoms of aboveground petroleum storage tanks. Developed by the American Petroleum Institute, this essential document addresses the critical need to prevent corrosion and maintain the structural integrity of tank floors. Its primary purpose is to guide engineers and operators in selecting appropriate lining systems and ensuring their proper installation to safeguard against product loss and environmental contamination.

Scope & Purpose

This recommended practice governs the selection, surface preparation, application, and inspection of various types of protective linings for the internal surfaces of aboveground petroleum storage tank bottoms. It encompasses both new constructions and the rehabilitation of existing tanks. While it provides detailed guidance on lining systems, it does not specify tank design criteria or the performance of the stored product itself, focusing instead on the protective coating aspect.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary audience: Corrosion Engineers, Maintenance Engineers, Tank Inspectors, Project Engineers, and Operations Managers involved in the design, construction, and upkeep of petroleum storage facilities.
• • Industries affected: Oil and Gas, Petrochemical, Chemical Storage, and other sectors handling bulk liquid petroleum products.
• • Compliance nature: While designated as a Recommended Practice, adherence is widely considered a best practice and often a contractual requirement or regulatory expectation, making it effectively mandatory for ensuring due diligence and operational safety.
• • Enforcement: Compliance is typically overseen by facility owners, operators, regulatory bodies, and third-party inspection agencies.

Key Requirements Overview

API RP 652 outlines several core requirements to ensure effective tank bottom protection:

• • The standard requires a thorough assessment of tank conditions and service requirements to determine the necessity and type of lining.
• • Professionals must ensure meticulous surface preparation, including cleaning and profiling, to guarantee optimal adhesion of the lining system.
• • Key provisions include detailed guidance on selecting appropriate lining materials based on chemical compatibility, operating temperatures, and environmental conditions.
• • The document emphasizes proper application techniques and quality control measures throughout the lining process.
• • It also provides recommendations for the inspection and maintenance of applied linings to ensure their long-term effectiveness.

Related Standards & References

API RP 652 works in conjunction with other critical API standards. API 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage) provides the fundamental design and construction requirements for ASTs, while API 653 (Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction) offers guidance on assessing tank integrity, including the condition of linings. Together, these standards form a robust framework for the safe and reliable operation of aboveground petroleum storage tanks.