API St 653-2014 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

API STD 653 — Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction. Fifth edition (published November 2014) with subsequent addenda (including Addendum 1: 2018 and Addendum 2: 2020) and later errata/addenda incorporated by API; the document provides requirements and guidance for in-service inspection, repair, alteration, relocation, and reconstruction of welded or riveted aboveground steel storage tanks built to API 650 (and its predecessor API 12C).

Abstract

Describes minimum requirements to maintain the integrity and fitness-for-service of steel aboveground storage tanks after they are placed in service. Topics include inspection practices (internal and external), fitness‑for‑service evaluation (including brittle fracture considerations), repair and alteration methods, reconstruction and relocation procedures, required examinations and testing, welding and NDE requirements, and recordkeeping/marking.

General information

• Status: Current (fifth edition, base publication 2014, maintained with addenda and errata; active in API’s publications catalogue and updated by addenda through 2023–2025 cycles).
• Publication date: Fifth edition published November 1, 2014 (with Addendum 1: April 2018 and Addendum 2: May 2020 incorporated by API).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Covers categories related to storage tanks, inspection and safety (ICS entries commonly associated with API 650/653 listings — generalities, services/management, natural sciences, health-care technology, environment/safety; vendor metadata lists multiple ICS headings used for this set).
• Edition / version: 5th Edition (2014) — often sold/quoted as "API STD 653, 5th ed. (2014) + Addenda (2018, 2020,. .)" when addenda are included.
• Number of pages: Varies by publisher/format (vendor listings show typical pagination in the range ~170–192 pages depending on packaging and included addenda/errata). Example vendor counts: 174, 177, 189, and 192 pages in different formats. Use the API webstore/product listing for the definitive page count of the specific file you purchase.

Scope

Applies to welded or riveted, aboveground, non‑refrigerated, atmospheric steel storage tanks built to API 650 or API 12C. The standard addresses inspection, evaluation for continued service, repair, alteration, dismantling/reconstruction, relocation, welding and non‑destructive examination (NDE), marking and recordkeeping for tanks in service. The scope typically limits coverage to the tank foundation, bottom, shell, structure, roof, attached appurtenances and nozzles to the face of the first flange/first threaded joint/first welding‑end connection.

Key topics and requirements

• Inspection program requirements (internal and external inspection intervals, inspection planning and checklists).
• Fitness‑for‑service evaluation and brittle fracture assessment for tanks and tank components.
• Repair and alteration procedures, including allowable repair methods and limits.
• Welding qualifications, welding procedure guidance, and welder/repair personnel requirements.
• Non‑destructive examination (NDE) and testing requirements (radiography, ultrasonic, magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, etc.).
• Reconstruction, relocation, and dismantling guidance and related design considerations.
• Authorized inspector qualifications and certification references (Annex D) and required recordkeeping/marking of repaired/reconstructed tanks.
• Annexes that summarize NDE requirements, checklists, and special material considerations (stainless and duplex steels, mixed materials, similar‑service assessments).

Typical use and users

Used by tank owners/operators, mechanical and inspection engineers, API‑653 certified inspectors, repair and maintenance contractors, safety and regulatory authorities, and technical consultants involved in aboveground storage tank integrity, maintenance and compliance programs. It is also a primary reference for the API 653 inspector certification body of knowledge and exam preparation.

Related standards

Closely related to API 650 (Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage) and earlier API 12C; also cross‑references API welding and inspection standards, relevant ASME codes for welding qualifications (ASME Section IX), and other API inspection/repair documents and recommended practices used for tank and refinery equipment integrity.

Keywords

aboveground storage tank, AST, tank inspection, tank repair, tank alteration, tank reconstruction, API 653, API 650, fitness‑for‑service, NDE, welding, authorized inspector, tank reconstruction, brittle fracture.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API STD 653 is the API standard that sets minimum requirements for inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of in‑service aboveground steel storage tanks. It is the primary code used for in‑service tank mechanical integrity and repair guidance.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection planning and procedures, fitness‑for‑service assessment (including brittle fracture considerations), repair and alteration methods, welding and NDE requirements, reconstruction and relocation procedures, and recordkeeping/marking for tanks constructed to API 650/API 12C.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tank owners and operators, inspection engineers, repair contractors, API‑653 certified inspectors, regulatory authorities and consultants involved in the safety, maintenance and regulatory compliance of aboveground storage tanks. It also forms part of the API 653 certification body of knowledge.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The base 5th edition was published in 2014. API maintains the publication with addenda and errata (for example, addenda in 2018 and 2020 and later updates); vendor/standards catalogues list the standard as current when sold with the incorporated addenda. Check the API publications webstore or the API publications effectivity sheet for the definitive current status and the exact addenda/errata set you need.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — API 653 is the in‑service/inspection/repair companion to API 650 (new tank design/construction) and references other API codes and recommended practices (welding, nondestructive testing, inspection programs) that together form the body of tank design, construction, and maintenance guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aboveground storage tank, inspection, repair, alteration, reconstruction, API 653, API 650, NDE, welding, authorized inspector, fitness‑for‑service.