API 653

Introduction

The API 653 Inspection Report Builder is a comprehensive tool designed for creating, managing, and reviewing API 653 inspection reports for Aboveground Storage Tanks (ASTs). It streamlines the inspection process by integrating data entry, calculations, and report generation into one seamless platform. This article serves as a step-by-step guide to navigating and utilizing the report builder efficiently, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Aboveground Storage Tanks play a critical role in storing oil, chemicals, and other industrial fluids. Over time, these tanks are subject to various forms of wear, including corrosion, thinning, and structural damage, which can lead to potential safety hazards and environmental impacts. Regular inspection and evaluation, guided by API 653 standards, are essential to maintain the integrity of these tanks and extend their operational life.

The API 653 Inspection Report Builder offers a structured approach to recording inspection data, analyzing corrosion rates, calculating remaining life, and providing actionable recommendations. This tool simplifies the reporting process while ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry regulations.

Accessing the Tool

To access the API 653 Inspection Report Builder, follow these steps:

Setting Up Reports

1. Navigate to the API 653 Module:
   • From the main interface, choose the [API 653 Insp.] option. Then, click on the [Report Builder] button at the bottom of the page.
2. Creating a New Report:
   • Select [New Report +] to create a new inspection report.
   • Input a unique “Report No.” in the designated field. This number serves as the unique identifier for the report.
3. Selecting an Existing Report:
   • To edit or continue an existing report, use the dropdown menu labeled “Select Report.” Choose the desired report from the list of previously saved inspections.

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Data Entry and Customization

1. Choosing the Unit System:
   • In the upper-right corner of the screen, select the desired unit system: either US or Metric. This setting will apply to all numerical data entered into the report.
2. Data Entry for New Reports:
   • Enter all required data into the available fields, such as tank dimensions, original plate thickness, and service environment details.
   • Ensure that numerical data (e.g., Design Pressure) is entered as a raw value without signifiers (e.g., 5000, not 5000 psi).
3. Numerical Data Requirements
   • Much of the numerical data entered on the report builder front page will be used in subform calculations. Therefore:
     • Enter all numerical data without signifiers (e.g., “25” instead of “25’” or “25 ft”).
     • The Original Plate Thickness in the lower-left corner will display values to the thousandths place for a professional appearance in the final report (e.g., [0.500]).
4. Age and Previous Inspection Input
   • The Age/Prev Insp. field requires a numerical value (e.g., 9, 20, 34) and not a date. This value is used to calculate corrosion rates and must correspond with the Original Plate Thickness.
5. Field Customization Options:
   • For dropdown menus, such as Inspector or Service, use the [ * ] button to add custom entries that are not available by default.
     • These custom entries will allos the user to build the data base with data for future usage.
     • Require approval from the development team to ensure accuracy and compliance with national standards (e.g., material stress values, product data values, etc.).
6. Access to Resources
   • A link to the PDF Codes/Standards, File Cabinet Libraries, and Engineering Data is available in the upper-left corner for quick access to these resources.

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Advanced Features and Final Steps

1. Adding User Signatures
   • Click on the [Signature] button at the bottom of the form to add a user signature to the report.
     • Note: Changing the signature is not global. Each report requires the signature to be uploaded individually.
2. Material Selection
   • The material selection accesses a material list compliant with API-650 standards.
3. Deleting Records
   • A record may be deleted by clicking the delete icon in the upper-right corner and confirming the action.
4. Printing Options
   • Preview and Print:
     • To preview and print the front-page section of the report (first four pages in PDF or Word format), click the Limited Print icon (printer icon with no designation) in the upper-right corner.
       • Note: Always save your progress before previewing.
   • Full Report Print:
     • To print the full report, click the printer icon with the “F” designation. Choose either the PDF or Word file type. The full report includes all appendices and any attached files.
5. Access to Additional Calculations
   • To access extraneous AST calculations outside of the report, navigate to the Engineering Data tab and select the desired calculation.
6. Cover Text Customization
   • The cover text initially updates automatically based on front-page inputs.
   • After the first save, users can manually edit the cover text. Avoid saving the base page until all cells are populated. Alternatively, users may delete the default text and enter custom text after saving.
7. Saving Progress
   • Always click the Save icon before navigating away from any page to ensure data changes are not lost.
8. Spell Checking
   • To perform a spell check, hover the cursor over any redlined text, right-click, and select from the suggested corrections.
9. Pipe/Nozzle Practical Thickness Table
   • As users scroll down the base page, the “Pipe/Nozzle Practical tmins” table will appear.
   • These values default to program-generated practical thickness values but can be overwritten by users. These values will be referenced throughout the program for evaluating nozzle remaining life.
10. Additional Static Data Input
    • Farther down the base page, users will find empty data cells for entering additional static data.
    • These entries will appear on data page 4 of the report and may be customized to suit the user’s needs.
11. Progressing to Appendices
    • Once all front-page data cells are populated, users can proceed to the appendices for evaluations, write-ups, recommendations, and other report-building functions.
    • Always progress from left to right (Appendix A to H) when entering data in subforms, as the program cascades information progressively.
12. Copy Report Feature
    • To duplicate a report, click the [Copy Report] button. Enter a new name for the duplicated report.
      • Note: Only front-page data and write-ups are copied. Appendices must be created separately.
13. Adding Company Logos
    • Click the [Logo] button at the top of the form to upload the company logo for the report.
      • Note: Changing the logo is not global. Each report requires the logo to be uploaded individually. To streamline this process, save logos and signatures in a dedicated folder (e.g., “AA Toolbox Support”) under My Documents for quick access.

Always hit the save icon before moving from any page in the program to ensure data/changes are not lost

Report Configuration / Appendix

Report Component Corrosion Monitoring location (CML) Record

Report Nozzle Corrosion Monitoring location (CML) Record

Report Shell Calculations

Report Floor MRT Calculations

Report Shell Settlement Survey Calculations

Report AST Checklists

Report Shell AutoCAD Inspection Drawings

Report Roof/Floor AutoCAD Inspection Drawings

Report Inspection Photograph

All other Appendices

Report Write-up and Recommendations

To access the Write-up and Recommendations page, start from the front page of the tool. Navigate to [API 653 AST], click on the [Report Builder] button at the bottom of the page, and select the desired report from the dropdown menu. Finally, click on the [Report Write-up] button to proceed.

This section provides detailed functionality for documenting findings and recommendations for the inspected components. It includes tools and windows to ensure thorough and accurate reporting.

Key Features

• Quick Access to Codes
  • The [Codes] button offers fast navigation to referencing codes, enabling users to align their recommendations with API standards.
• Next Inspection Date Calculation
  • The [Calculate Next Inspection Dates (API max)] button calculates inspection intervals based on the maximum allowed by code. This interval may be adjusted if corrosion rates suggest a shorter timeline.
• Default Write-up Text
  • The page includes default write-up and recommendation text. Users can edit this text to reflect specific findings or delete it entirely to input custom recommendations.
  • To correct spelling errors, place the cursor over red-highlighted text, right-click, and select from suggested corrections.
• Inspection Interval and Governing Component
  • Cells across the top of the page allow for determining next inspection dates and identifying the governing component (typically the component with the least remaining life).
  • The “Years to Next Insp.” field requires a numerical value without signifiers (e.g., 2, 4, 5), typically defaulting to 5 years.
• UT Results Summary and Recommendations
  • This section should address all calculation results and highlight any issues identified during component evaluations.

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Executive Summary (ES)

• Editing Default Text
  • The Executive Summary (ES) text includes default content, which should be reviewed and edited to reflect associated information. Users may delete the default text and enter new details as needed.
  • Common discrepancies addressed in the Executive Summary include:
    • Items with significant cost implications.
    • Issues that limit tank operating parameters.
• Copying from the Body of the Report
  • Items detailed in the body of the report can be summarized in the ES with minor edits for clarity.
• Display Location
  • The Executive Summary does not appear in the Report Write-up preview but is visible on the main page preview.

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Additional Notes

• Save Progress
  • Always click the Save icon before navigating away from the page to prevent data loss.
• Deleting Records
  • Records may be deleted by clicking the Delete icon in the upper-right corner and confirming the action.
• Printing Options
  • To print, click the Printer icon in the upper-right corner. Save the report before printing to ensure all changes are included.

References

FAQ

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