API St 653-2014 (2023) PDF

Full title and description

St API St 653-2014 (2023) — API Standard 653: Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction (5th Edition, API Std 653:2014) as published with Addendum 3 (2023). This document provides the API requirements and guidance for in‑service inspection, evaluation, repair, alteration, relocation and reconstruction of aboveground welded steel storage tanks built to API 650 (and predecessor API 12C).

Abstract

API Std 653 (2014 edition with Addendum 3, 2023) sets minimum requirements to help maintain the structural integrity of in‑service aboveground storage tanks. It covers inspection intervals and methods, fitness‑for‑service evaluation, acceptance criteria, techniques and procedures for repairs, alterations, relocation and reconstruction, and associated documentation and recordkeeping. The 2014 base edition is augmented by multiple addenda culminating in the 2023 addendum that updates specific clauses and clarifications.

General information

• Status: Superseded (the API Std 653:2014 + Addendum 3:2023 release has been subsequently updated by Addendum 4:2025).
• Publication date: Base 5th Edition: November 2014; Addendum 3 published November 1, 2023 (the combined 2014 + Addendum 3 release shown as 2023 in many catalogs).
• Publisher: American Petroleum Institute (API).
• ICS / categories: Petroleum and petrochemical industry standards; inspection, maintenance and mechanical integrity of storage tanks. (Commonly referenced under API storage tank standards and inspection practices.)
• Edition / version: 5th Edition (API Std 653:2014) with Addendum 3 (2023). Many distributors list the combined item as API Std 653:2014 + ADD 3:2023.
• Number of pages: Distributor listings for the 2014 + Addendum 3 compilation show approximately 180–200 pages (typical catalog entries list 189 pages). Exact pagination can vary by published compilation.

Scope

This standard applies to aboveground, field‑erected, welded steel storage tanks (typically those originally designed to API 650/API 12C) and addresses inspection, evaluation, repair, alteration, relocation and reconstruction after the tank has been placed in service. It limits its scope to the tank foundation, bottom, shell, structure, roof, attached appurtenances, and nozzles to the face of the first flange, first threaded joint, or first welding‑end connection. It does not replace original design standards but provides requirements for continued safe operation and fitness‑for‑service decisions.

Key topics and requirements

• Inspection planning and frequency (internal and external inspections, interval determination, special inspections after events).
• Non‑destructive examination (NDE) methods, sampling, and acceptance criteria for corrosion and damage.
• Fitness‑for‑service evaluation methodologies and criteria for continued service or need for repair/reconstruction.
• Repair, alteration and reconstruction procedures, including welding, post‑weld heat treatment where applicable, and quality control/testing requirements.
• Documentation, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements for inspections, repairs and alterations.
• Guidance on assessing brittle fracture risk, settlement, foundation issues and shell/roof stability.

Typical use and users

Used by tank owners/operators, inspection and maintenance engineers, mechanical integrity and RBI (risk‑based inspection) practitioners, licensed tank repair contractors, certifying inspection agencies, and regulators. It is also referenced by certification programs for aboveground storage tank inspectors and used as the basis for inspection procedures, work scopes and regulatory compliance programs.

Related standards

Closely related to API Std 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage), API RP 575, API RP 571, API RP 572, API RP 576 and other API inspection/recommended practice documents. API 653 is intended to be used in conjunction with design and construction standards (API 650 / API 620) and applicable welding and NDE standards such as ASME Section V and Section IX where referenced.

Keywords

API 653, tank inspection, aboveground storage tank, AST, repair, alteration, reconstruction, fitness‑for‑service, NDE, welding, API Std 653:2014, Addendum 3 (2023).

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: API Standard 653 (St API St 653-2014 (2023)) is the API technical standard that sets minimum requirements for the inspection, evaluation, repair, alteration, relocation and reconstruction of in‑service aboveground welded steel storage tanks; the reference here denotes the 5th edition (2014) as issued with Addendum 3 in 2023.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers inspection methods and frequencies, acceptance criteria for damage and corrosion, fitness‑for‑service assessment, approved repair and alteration methods, documentation and recordkeeping, and related quality assurance and NDE requirements for tank integrity management.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Tank owners and operators, inspection/maintenance engineers, certified tank inspectors, repair contractors, engineering consultants, and regulators use API 653 to plan and perform inspections and repairs and to demonstrate compliance with industry best practice.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2014 base edition with Addendum 3 (2023) is documented in many catalogs, but it has subsequently been updated by Addendum 4 (2025). Therefore the 2014+ADD3:2023 release is superseded by the later addendum (API Std 653:2014/Add4:2025). Users should confirm they are working to the most recent approved revision for regulatory or compliance purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — API 653 is part of the suite of API tank and inspection documents and is intended to be used alongside API 650 (tank design/construction), API RP 575 (inspection practices), API RP 572/576 (inspection & NDE guidance), and other API standards and recommended practices addressing storage tank mechanical integrity.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key terms include: API 653, aboveground storage tank (AST), inspection, repair, alteration, reconstruction, fitness‑for‑service, NDE, welding, API 650, addendum.