API 653 – Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector Certification Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• In using tank lining materials, employees should consult which of the following for protection?
• In preparing a pipe nozzle for hot tapping into an in-service tank, how should it be prepared?
• In what situation is additional inspection needed after alterations?
• When reconstructing a tank, how many junctions of existing welds to new welds should be radiographed?
• Why is it important to maintain accurate records of tank inspections?
• A properly selected, applied, and maintained internal bottom lining primarily prevents leaks by:
• Where might paint blisters typically be found on a tank?
• When must corrective action be taken if pitting is found on a tank shell?
• What is the minimum dimension requirement for a replacement shell plate?
• The completed welding procedure specification shall describe all but which of the following?
• How is a welder re-tested after their test coupon fails by radiography?
• At what temperature are patch plates prohibited in the critical zone for carbon steel tanks?
• What is the minimum spacing between nozzles when an NPS 3-1/2 nozzle is installed in an in-service tank with known parameters?
• In a corroded area, "t2", the least thickness exclusive of pits shall be greater than or equal to:
• Changes to a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) require re-qualification when which of the following is made?
• Why should inspectors avoid walking on insulated roofs?
• When should the Shell-To-Bottom weld be completed in a reconstructed tank?
• Which of the following is essential for assessing the integrity of an AST?
• Alterations to storage tanks complying with API 650 must be authorized by whom?
• When is the risk of tank failure due to brittle fracture considered minimal?
• What is the recommended action if a tank shows signs of external corrosion during an inspection?
• The addition or replacement of shell penetrations shall follow which standard?
• What two methods may be used in quantifying the remaining thickness of tank bottoms?
• Which of the following has historically not been a cause of bottom failures in tanks?
• Who must authorize all repairs before proceeding with the work?
• How many radiographs does API 653 require for vertical joints of new shell plates to existing shell plates?
• What is one of the primary purposes of internal inspections of tanks?
• How often should close visual inspections of an aboveground storage tank be performed from the ground?
• Who must approve all repair and alteration work at designated hold points?
• Which methods are preferred for detecting Chloride Stress Corrosion Cracking?
• Is it permissible to use materials not listed in API 650 for tank fabrication?
• In ultrasonic thickness testing, how does the temperature of the steel being examined affect the reading?
• What is a potential risk of using outdated inspection techniques?
• What is a critical aspect of ensuring the safety of tank inspections?
• What is a common effect of not using a cathodic protection system for tanks?
• What is the minimum radius required on a shell insert patch?
• For a reconstructed tank, what percentage of all junctions of new welds over existing seams requires radiographic examination?
• Each welder and welding operator shall be assigned what for traceability?
• Material identified by any of the following does not require further identification, except for which?
• What is the consequence of failing to meet inspection requirements as outlined in API 653?
• What is the role of a "Storage tank engineer" in relation to compliance?
• What measurement is crucial for assessing the integrity of an aboveground storage tank?
• What is the consequence of inadequate inspection frequency in tank maintenance?
• Which area is considered part of the critical zone?
• What is the maximum surface temperature permitted for Magnetic Particle examination using dry particles?
• Which type of inspection allows for evaluation without compromising the integrity of materials?
• A repair is completed on a nozzle that was originally postweld heat treated (PWHT). Who is required to conduct a metallurgical review prior to applying one of the alternative methods permitted in API 653?
• If an AST is fabricated of material of unknown toughness and meets the thickness and temperature exemption curve of API 653, who is required to authorize the alternative weld method in lieu of PWHT?
• What requirement must be met to add reinforcing plates to existing un-reinforced nozzles according to API 653?
• For a reconstructed tank, the shell thickness readings used for determining the allowable liquid height must have been taken within how many days prior?
• What consideration is necessary regarding the floating roof level after a new tank bottom has been installed?
• What is the maximum size of fillet weld permitted between the lowest course shell plate and the bottom plate according to API 650?
• Which of the following welds does not require welder's identification?
• Which of the following new welds does not need to be examined by magnetic particle or liquid penetrate methods?
• Ultimate responsibility for compliance with API Standard 653 lies with which party?
• What is the minimum corner radius required for repair plates used in lapped patch repairs?
• Which statement outlines the extent of radiographic examination according to ASME section V?
• What is the outcome of welder qualification tests conducted by one manufacturer?
• When installing a hot top connection to an existing un-reinforced penetration, what type of examination is required?
• If the service of a tank is changed to a more severe condition, what must be considered?
• What is the standard temperature range for the liquid to penetrate and the part being processed?
• Lapped patch shell repairs are not permitted on shell courses exceeding what thickness?
• Which of the following is not a consideration that must be addressed in determining inspection intervals for aboveground storage tanks?
• If a new bottom is installed in an AST through existing tombstone reinforcing plates, how should the splice weld be examined?
• Which type of corrosion results in relatively uniform metal loss?
• What type of record is NOT required to be maintained by the owner/operator of a storage tank?
• What may distortion of anchor bolts and excessive cracking of concrete structures indicate?
• Replacement and new penetrations in reconstructed tanks shall meet which requirements?
• Under what condition can tack welds remain in place on vertical joints in tank shells?
• A tank that is 20 years old and has a bottom thickness of 0.170" with an original thickness of 0.250". What is the interval for the next internal inspection?
• When evaluating cracks in the shell to bottom weld, what must be done?
• What is the minimum expected service life in years for a properly selected and applied lining system?
• What is the minimum number of settlement point measurements that should be taken, regardless of tank size?
• What is the corrosion rate of an AST if the original thickness was 0.875" and the current thickness is 0.631" after 14 years?
• What is the primary reason for post-weld heat treatment (PWHT)?
• What may occur if water or electrolyte intrudes into the interstitial space between a new steel bottom and an existing bottom?
• According to API 650, what is required regarding mill test reports?
• Why does the use of oiled sand beneath tank bottoms not eliminate the need for cathodic protection?
• What does a defect typically signify in tank inspection?
• What is the recommended inspection frequency for tanks by an authorized inspector?
• How should buckled parts of floating roof perimeter seals be handled?
• Who is responsible for stating the design metal temperature, design specific gravity, corrosion allowance, and design wind velocity?
• Which factor is crucial in determining corrosion rates for inspections?
• What type of material cushion should be used when installing a new bottom plate over an existing one?
• What is the maximum allowed thickness for corroded roof plates on a fixed-roof tank averaged over 100 in²?
• Openings in tank shell larger than required for an NPS flanged or threaded nozzle must be reinforced with what size?
• What is the limitation of the preheating method alternative to PWHT?
• Which statement correctly describes the effect of oxygen concentration on a corrosion cell?
• What is a common consequence of failing to properly maintain aboveground storage tanks?
• Packaged galvanic anodes should be back-filled with which material?
• What type of examination is required to comply with API 653 for repairing butt-weld flaws?
• When using a lapped patch repair plate to reinforce a shell, which statement is correct?
• API Publication 2201 on hot tapping and in-service welding covers:
• What is the most critical aspect to verify during the inspection of welds made in compliance with the WPS?
• Which of the following is a structural feature of an API 653 compliant tank?
• When should a new nameplate be added to a tank?
• What is the calculated critical length L, given that the tank diameter is 175ft and the least thickness in the area of corrosion is 0.761"?
• If the material specification for the steel from an existing tank is unknown or obsolete, what must be done according to API 653?
• When is it most critical to perform visual inspections on an AST?
• The welding position "4G" is a(n):
• How often must RBI assessments be repeated?
• Who must conduct a fitness-for-service evaluation to exempt repair from hydrostatic testing?
• Which method of corrosion monitoring does provide real-time data to determine corrosion rates in storage tanks?
• What should be done if an indication of leakage through a crack is discovered on an in-service tank?
• No known tank failures attributed to brittle fracture have occurred at shell metal temperatures of what degree Fahrenheit and above?
• Under what condition is it not permitted to remove an existing reinforcing plate for a tank bottom modification?
• Where should inspection of the overhead parts and supports be conducted from?
• The maximum interval for the second internal inspection is:
• What action should be taken if corrosion rates exceed acceptable limits?
• What could be a suspected cause for considerable damage to the protective coating and accelerated corrosion rates?
• According to ASME Section IX, when may an IQI be placed on the film side of the part?
• What is the maximum interval for external ultrasonic thickness measurements when the corrosion rate is not known?
• Corroded roof plates on a fixed-roof tank must not be less than which thickness?
• Which welding process is most widely used for repairing process equipment?
• What is the requirement for corners when replacing a shell plate, unless the entire plate is replaced?
• What should be done if critical welding parameters are not achieved on the WPS?
• Who becomes the owner of the radiographs after an aboveground storage tank is completed?
• Which factor is NOT considered a reason for tank settlement?
• What is the maximum allowable out-of-plumbness for a reconstructed tank?
• The purpose of reviewing the welder performance qualification (WPQ) is to:
• In case of an emergency, what is vital for tank operators to have in terms of safety procedures?
• What must be done with the bottom plate if extensive repairs are required within the "Critical Zone"?
• What is the consequence of failing to meet the requirements outlined in API 653?
• Which of the following is a common cause of tank failure?
• Which of the following is an advantage of thick film reinforced tank bottom lining?
• Which of the following would not be considered a major repair according to API 653?
• Thick-film linings are commonly reinforced with which of the following?
• Which test may require removal of coatings for accurate results?
• Under API 653, what does a "repair organization" typically consist of?
• What is the minimum thickness of the bottom plate projection beyond the shell at the toe of the weld according to API 653?
• The recommended type of internal floating roof is the:
• Soil corrosion appears as external thinning due to which factor?
• API 653 defines a "repair organization" as which of the following?
• A discontinuity in materials is defined as:
• A multiple position qualification with the axis of the pipe 45° to the horizontal describes which welder qualification position?
• What membrane stress, according to industry experience, is required to cause failure due to brittle fracture?
• What defines a "Storage tank engineer" according to API 653?
• If the installation date of a component is unknown, which standard is considered the "as-built" standard?
• What is the minimum radius required on a shell patch?
• Which of the following is not recognized as a settlement component?
• What is the definition of NDE in terms of inspection methods?
• Which dimensions would be acceptable for lap-welded patch plate repair according to API 653?
• API 653 encompasses which of the following activities?
• How can a welder maintain qualification in a particular welding process?
• What is the minimum thickness allowed for a lap patch shell repair plate?
• What is the minimum pressure test that must be conducted on a nozzle before mounting the hot tap machine?
• What method of inspection must be considered when establishing inspection frequencies?
• Before existing plates are used to reconstruct a tank, they must be checked for which condition?
• What is another term used for "Stray currents"?
• What is optional on the PQR regarding non-essential variables used during welding?
• What type of test is utilized to determine a material's notch toughness?
• If an atmospheric tank is air tested, the pressure should not exceed:
• What type of tank inspection is primarily concerned with verifying the condition of internal surfaces?
• To control internal corrosion in tanks used for petroleum service, what is typically applied to the internal surfaces?
• When can tack welds used in the assembly of vertical joints in tank shells remain in place during dismantling and reconstruction?
• In a SMAW electrode, what does the "1" refer to?
• What should be verified prior to fitting weld joints in tank construction?
• What term refers to the deterioration of metals exposed to soils?
• What is the maximum spacing for external measurements for tank settlement around the circumference?
• What inspection method can detect subsurface defects in welded joints?
• If distortion is found around a nozzle connection during inspection, what is the recommended next step?
• What is the maximum internal pressure permitted on a tank built with 3/16" thick roof plates?
• The addition of carbon to a metal generally has what effect on weldability?
• What is defined as "the property of a ferrous alloy that determines the depth and distribution of hardness induced by quenching"?
• What is a significant disadvantage of using large particles in soil cushion material?
• When may welding be performed during reconstruction under adverse weather conditions?
• Which safety regulations should be reviewed at a minimum?
• Under what condition may magnetic particle examination be performed on a coated part?
• According to API 653, what is the minimum diagnostic length required for each radiograph?
• What shape of reinforcing plate is permitted to maintain weld spacing according to API 653?
• Which document outlines the variances allowed in welding procedures?
• Liquid penetrate examination is capable of detecting all but which of the following?
• Who designates the inspection hold points and minimum documentation to be submitted upon job completion for repairs and alterations?
• Which method may be used in addition to actual measurements of corrosion rates?
• What must be documented before the operation of a reconstructed tank?
• Which of the following welding processes may NOT be qualified using radiography?
• The grain structure of weld metal is most similar to that found in:
• How can the life of an impressed current anode be increased?
• If a tank's shell has a remaining life of 12 years, what is the interval for the external inspection?
• Why is it critical to inspect for crack-like flaws in the lower shell-to-sketch-plate weld?
• According to API 650, what should be done with the telltale holes in reinforcing plates after the initial re-pad pressure test?
• What type of corrosion is primarily caused by differential aeration in soils?
• When is it mandatory to perform a visual inspection during the reconstruction of a tank?
• How and to what extent are new welds for tank bottom plates required to be examined?
• Lapped patch shell repairs are not permitted on shell courses exceeding what thickness?
• Alternating Current Field Measurements (ACFM) examination is ideal for inspecting:
• What is the primary goal of an Aboveground Storage Tank inspection?
• How many settlement survey points are required for an AST that is 180 feet in diameter?
• Which type of corrosion is characterized by localized metal loss?
• Which type of settlement causes the greatest stress on the shell-to-bottom weld?
• How should new shell plate welds greater than 1" thick be examined during repairs?
• When should measurements be taken to verify tolerances of reconstructed tanks?
• If extensive repairs are needed in the "Critical Zone," what must be done with the bottom plate?
• What area of the tank bottom requires special consideration for thick-film lining?
• What is a requirement for conducting repairs according to specified procedures?
• If existing plates are to be used to reconstruct the tank, they shall be checked for what?
• According to API RP 575, which ultrasonic method helps discriminate between inclusions in the metal and laminations?
• What is a potential cause of increased susceptibility to delayed cracking in carbon-added metals?
• What are the two systems of cathodic protection?
• Which component is critical to evaluate during internal inspections to prevent leaks?
• Which of the following tests are required when qualifying a weld procedure?
• What is the primary purpose of a tank inspection under API 653?
• What is the recommended sequence for conducting a preliminary visual inspection?
• When must an evaluation, to determine the suitability for continued use, be conducted?
• Prior to hot tapping, how many thickness readings are required at the proposed nozzle location?