§ 245.553. Out-of-service inspections.
(a) Inspections must follow the guidelines of a Nationally recognized association such as API 653, API 570 or ASME and applicable engineering criteria (see § § 245.524(b), 245.534(c), 245.542(d)(2) and 245.543(d).)
(b) The out-of-service inspection shall evaluate the following:
(1) Containment areas.
(2) Foundation and supports.
(3) Tank shell.
(4) Tank roof.
(5) Tank bottom.
(6) Appurtenances.
(7) Ancillary equipment including piping.
(8) Leak detection method.
(9) Cathodic protection system, if installed.
(10) Internal linings and coatings, if installed.
(11) Aboveground storage tank system integrity and suitability for service.
(c) The aboveground storage tank bottom evaluation of metallic floors must be based on ultrasonic testing and visual examination and include at least one other method of nondestructive examination such as magnetic flux tests or vacuum tests of bottom lap welds (see API 653 and ASTM metallography—nondestructive testing Vol. 03.03). The ultrasonic evaluation must be statistically representative of the whole floor, excluding the release prevention barrier or secondary containment on double bottom tanks.
(d) Inspection information shall be submitted to the Department on a form provided by the Department and include the results of subsection (b) and the following:
(1) A determination of the corrosion rate for tank shell, bottom plates and piping.
(2) A calculation of the tank life and piping life based on the corrosion rate.
(3) The schedule for next out-of-service inspection, based on the API 653 calculated service life method or 1/2 of the corrosion rate life, with a maximum of 20 years between inspections. Other site-specific conditions, for example, maintenance practices, previous repairs, internal linings, the nature of the substance stored or soil conditions that may affect corrosion rate life and should be considered when projecting tank service life and the next inspection interval.
(4) The recommendations for maintaining aboveground storage tank system integrity and meeting performance standards.
(e) Inspection intervals for out-of-service inspections are as follows:
(1) Aboveground storage tanks shall be initially inspected based on measured corrosion rates. When the corrosion rate is unknown, such as with new tank bottoms, the tank’s actual bottom thickness shall be determined by inspection within 10 years of installation to determine the corrosion rate.
(2) Aboveground storage tanks shall have an out-of-service inspection at their API 653 calculated service life or 1/2 of the corrosion rate life, with a maximum of 20 years from the last out-of-service inspection.
(3) If agreed upon by the Department, an out-of-service inspection interval may be delayed under § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)) for a tank that is temporarily removed from service. Prior to placing product in the tank, the delayed inspection shall be conducted, deficiencies noted during inspection shall be addressed and remedied, and an amended registration form shall be completed and submitted to the Department.
(f) Deficiencies noted during the inspection shall be remedied before the aboveground storage tank system is returned to service. Modifications or repairs performed on the aboveground storage tank system shall be made in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications or an engineer’s design criteria (see § § 245.522(a) and (b), 245.524(b)(2) and 245.532(b) and (c) (relating to new aboveground storage tank installations and reconstructions; aboveground tank modifications; and cathodic protection systems).) The Department may require submission of and review documentation relating to these remedies. Required tank handling activities shall be reported to the Department by the certified installer. Tank handling activities involving major modifications shall also be inspected by a certified aboveground storage tank inspector and reported to the Department.
(g) Aboveground storage tanks which can be completely inspected from the exterior are excluded from out-of-service inspections, except for tanks that are internally lined.
(h) The completed inspection report for out-of-service inspections shall be kept with the facility records under § 245.516 (relating to recordkeeping requirements).
Source The provisions of this § 245.553 amended November 9, 2007, effective November 10, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 5979; amended December 21, 2018, effective December 22, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 7875. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (331112) to (331114).
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 245.113 (relating to certified inspector experience and qualifications); 25 Pa. Code § 245.526 (relating to piping for aboveground storage tanks); and 25 Pa. Code § 245.562 (relating to temporary removal from service (out-of-service)).
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