0
Share 
API – The American Petroleum Industry sets standards for the design, making, and construction of steel tanks used to store oil in the US. It also provides comprehensive guidelines for building safe and reliable steel storage tanks in various standard sizes and capacities. API 620 vs API 650: Which tank standard is right for your storage needs? Tanks like these are the most common on the market, but which one is best for you? Let’s understand this by knowing the API 650 and 620 difference.
The answer will vary depending on what you need from the product. API 620 and API standard 650 specifications, designs, and manufacturing widely rely on usage, materials, and industry. Therefore, you can choose the best model based on your needs and those of your client.
So, what exactly are these models? What similarities do they share? And what signifies their essential differences? Let’s find out more.
It is required to store API 620 on an elevated or flat bottom, depending on its configuration. A single vertical axis of revolution runs through the center of the tank. There must be a minimum of the 3/16-inch thickness of the material. API 620 also has the following characteristics:
This product is made of carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel, and nickel alloys (low temperature only).
ASME Section 10 stipulates the requirements for welding certification.
A third party is not involved in the inspection.
Inspection costs are the costs associated with nondestructive testing (NDE).
Cryogenic tanks, like LNG, have high internal pressure, so API 620 is best suited for them.
The container can be filled with gas or vapor at a higher pressure (15 pounds per square inch) than API 650 and a lower temperature (-325 degrees F to 250 degrees F).
Liquids of any kind can be stored in them.
The API 650 specifies tank designs, materials, construction, and testing requirements for above-ground, open and closed-top, cylindrical storage tanks for oil storage in various sizes and capacities, roughly equivalent to atmospheric pressure (not more than the roof plate weight).
Higher internal pressures are allowed if additional requirements are met. It only applies to tanks that cover the whole bottom evenly and tanks whose design temperatures are no greater than 200 degrees F. 3/16-inch material thickness is the minimum requirement. API 650 has the following characteristics:
Construction materials include carbon steel, austenitic duplex stainless steel, and aluminium.
Section 10 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) stipulates a Welding Certification.
A third party is not involved in the inspection.
NDE is the inspection cost.
Oil, gas, chemicals, water, and biofuel can all be stored in these tanks.
In addition to being able to store contents at a lower pressure (2 1/2 PSI), it can also store them at a higher temperature (-40 degrees F to 500 degrees F) than what is allowed by API 620.
There is no limit to the size of the tank.
Both standards of tanks serve as storage facilities.
Both tanks are constructed from the same materials, such as carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel, and nickel alloys (low temperature only).
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Section 10 stipulates the requirements for welding certification for both tanks.
Neither tank is subject to Third-Party inspection, but a non-destructive inspection is required.
Want to know more about the capabilities of API standard 650 and 620? You can learn more about it here.
Let’s know about the significant difference between API 620 vs API 650.
As for similarities, there are quite a few differences concerning various parameters between API standard 650 and 620. Therefore, let us check some essential parameters to highlight the critical differences between the two models.
API 650 – The configuration is specified for the ground-supported bottom and open or closed roof. To achieve this configuration, the entire tank bottom needs to be supported uniformly.
API 620 – It is flexible to any configuration that is single centered. To achieve this, tanks of this type must revolve around a single vertical axis.
API 650—Gas, oil, chemicals, water, and biofuels are all stored here. Most welded steel tanks utilized in an industry follow API 650. Such tanks are found in refineries, pipelines, terminals, and other industrial facilities.
API 620 – API 620 is used for tanks that require high internal pressure, such as LNG tanks and cryogenic tanks.
API 650 – Shop (Appendix J) or Field Erected
API 620 – Field Erected
API 650 Tanks – Compatible with any tank size
API 620 Tanks – Compatible only with tank sizes larger than 300 ft.
API 650 – -40 Deg. F to 500 Deg. F
API 620 – -325 Deg. F to 250 Deg. F
API 650 – 2.5 PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge) or 17.2 Kpa
API 620 – 15 PSIG
With this information in mind, we hope this article clarifies some of the critical differences between API 620 vs API 650 storage tanks. By considering the parameters mentioned above, you can decide which API model best suits your business needs for safe and reliable storage now that you know about API 650 and 620 difference. Do you need a custom quote for the design, fabrication, and welding of your storage tanks? Get in touch with Mechartes right away!
0
Share 
facebook