Quality Assurance

API 12D

This specification covers material, design, fabrication, and testing requirements for shop-fabricated vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, closed top, welded steel storage tanks with internal pressures approximately atmospheric at various sizes and capacities ranging from 90 to 750 barrels. Tanks covered by this specification have been designed using established engineering calculations to determine minimum metal thickness and bolting specifications for each size tank filled with water.

The API 12F specification is designed to provide the oil production industry with tanks of adequate safety and reasonable economy for use in the storage of crude petroleum and other liquids commonly handled and stored by the production segment of the industry. This specification is for the convenience of purchasers and manufacturers in ordering and fabricating tanks. This specification permits inspectors representing the purchaser access at all times during the fabrication of the product. The specification stipulates that the manufacturer affords the inspector, without charge, access to all facilities to ensure that the material is being manufactured in accordance with this specification.

API 12P

This specification covers material, design, fabrication, and testing requirements for fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks. Only shop-fabricated, vertical, cylindrical tanks are covered. Tanks covered by this specification are intended for above ground and atmospheric pressure service at various sizes and capacities ranging from 90 to 1500 barrels. Unsupported cone bottom tanks are outside the scope of this specification.

The API 12P Standard designs are based on a maximum working pressure equal to the hydrostatic head of the stored fluid plus 6 in. of water column (0.217 psig) and 2 in. of water column vacuum. Design criteria are dependent on method of construction. Filament winding, chop-spray and combinations of these methods (commonly referred to as chop-hoop) are covered. Tanks constructed using hand lay-up (contact molding) are to be designed to the same standard as chop-spray construction.

ASME

Since 1916, ASME has certified companies in the pressure equipment industry to certify that their products, services and quality system comply with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel (BPV) Code establishes rules governing the design, fabrication, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels, and nuclear power plant components during construction.

The ASME certification mark, which is regarded as the hallmark of acceptance and certification, is used to indicate that the stamped item(s) conform to the latest edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Codes.

Utilization of the ASME certification mark is a means of complying with the laws and regulations in all 50 states in the U.S., and all of the provinces of Canada. In addition, it has been estimated that over 100 countries accept the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as a means of meeting their government safety regulations.

The quality systems of more than 5800 companies in more than 70 countries are currently certified by ASME. Whether or not an ASME Code Symbol Stamp is legally required, it provides users with a high degree of confidence that the stamped items conform to established safety standards.