Though we may not always appreciate them, above ground storage tanks (AST) provide an invaluable service for many industries in the United States and, indeed, throughout the world. AST units store many materials that we hold dear. Oil, gas, fertilizer, food, water, chemicals, waste — these are just a few of the materials that ASTs store. Without a proper way to store these materials, they could never be used or transported for many of the things we take for granted. AST owners know just how important they are, not just for themselves but for American industry.
AST units require a considerable amount of maintenance work. Liquid fertilizer tanks, among others, are regulated by various codes and standards. For large, welded steel tanks, API 650 and 530 are the two most prominent codes AST owners need to follow. API 650 alone has undergone 12 editions! What are some of the requirements found in these codes? One rule, for example, requires AST units with a capacity larger than 1,100 gallons to have corrosion protection materials on the floor of the tank. Another rule requires AST unites to have a secondary containment area around the tank that can hold the contents of the primary tank in case of spillage or other damage. Furthermore, the secondary containment units must have a 10% capacity that is exposed to participation. These are just some of the many requirements that AST units must comply with.
What do you think about AST units? Feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom for more information.
