API RP 2210-2000 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

API RP 2210-2000 (R2020) — Flame Arresters for Vents of Tanks Storing Petroleum Products. This Recommended Practice covers selection and application of flame arresters fitted to vents on above‑ground steel petroleum storage tanks that operate essentially at atmospheric pressure (as defined in API Std 650).

Abstract

Provides guidance on the use, installation considerations, limitations, and basic performance expectations for tank‑vent flame arresters. The document clarifies what types of flame arresters are in scope (tank vent devices) and identifies related or excluded applications (for example, in‑line flame arresters and marine vapor control systems), and notes that tank‑vent arresters are not intended to protect against detonations.

General information

• Status: Current — third edition (2000) reaffirmed in 2020.
• Publication date: First published June 2000; reaffirmed March 2020.
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: 75.180 — Equipment for petroleum and natural gas industries (storage/handling equipment).
• Edition / version: 3rd Edition — API RP 2210:2000 (R2020).
• Number of pages: 14 pages.

Scope

Addresses flame arresters installed on vents of above‑ground, welded steel petroleum storage tanks operating at near‑atmospheric pressure (API Std 650 tanks). Excludes in‑line flame arresters used in piping systems (covered by API RP 2028), flame arresters for marine vapor control systems (subject to Title 33 CFR Part 154), and other specialized arrester applications. The RP also explains that tank vent arresters are not designed to provide protection against detonation events.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection criteria for vent flame arresters (sizing, compatibility with stored product and vapor characteristics).
• Performance expectations and limitations — intended protection for deflagration/flashback conditions, not detonations.
• Installation considerations for aboveground tank vents (orientation, access for maintenance, weather and corrosion protection).
• Inspection, maintenance and testing recommendations to ensure continuing performance and to avoid blockage or degradation.
• Interfaces with regulatory or other standards (e.g., API Std 650 for tanks, API RP 2028 for in‑line arresters, and applicable federal marine regulations where relevant).

Typical use and users

Used by storage‑tank designers, mechanical and process engineers, tank farm operators, safety and loss‑prevention personnel, procurement/specification writers, and inspection/maintenance teams responsible for venting systems and overpressure protection on aboveground petroleum tanks.

Related standards

Commonly referenced alongside API Std 650 (Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage), API RP 2028 (Flame Arresters in Piping Systems), API RP 12N (operation/maintenance guidance for some flame arrester types), and applicable government regulations such as 33 CFR Part 154 for marine vapor control systems. It also sits within API’s body of tank and venting guidance (for example, API Std 2000 and other tank RPs).

Keywords

API RP 2210, flame arrester, flame arrestor, tank vent, venting, aboveground storage tank, petroleum storage, deflagration protection, vent protection, API 2210, tank safety.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API RP 2210 is an American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice that provides guidance for selection and application of flame arresters installed on vents of aboveground petroleum storage tanks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers tank‑vent flame arresters for aboveground steel tanks operating essentially at atmospheric pressure, including selection considerations, installation recommendations, limitations of use, and maintenance/inspection advice. It excludes in‑line arresters and certain marine applications, and it states that tank‑vent arresters are not intended to protect against detonation.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Engineers (mechanical/process), tank designers, facility owners/operators, safety and maintenance personnel, and procurement/specification authors working with petroleum storage tanks and tank‑vent systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 3rd edition published in 2000 and was reaffirmed in 2020 (listed as R2020), so it is currently in force. API’s standards plan also indicates work toward a further revision (a 4th edition) is in development, so users should watch API announcements for any upcoming replacement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — RP 2210 is part of API’s body of recommended practices and standards addressing storage tanks, venting, and fire/explosion protection (it is related to API Std 650, API Std 2000, API RP 2028, and other tank and fire‑protection publications).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Flame arrester, vent flame arrestor, tank vent, aboveground storage tank, petroleum storage, API RP 2210, vent protection, deflagration, arrester maintenance.