Tanks or Storage Tanks that are designed following the rules and guidelines of API 650 codes are API 650 Tanks. API 650 is the governing code for Welded tanks for Oil storage normally operating in the atmospheric pressure range. The code API 650 provides guidelines for the design, fabrication, material, erection, and inspection of welded vertical and cylindrical storage tanks. Such Tanks must be above ground with a closed or open top.
Fig. 1: API 650 Tank
What is API 620 Tank?
API 620 covers the design and construction of field-assembled large storage tanks operating in the low-pressure zone. Normally, API 620 tanks have more design pressure as compared to API 650 tanks.
Fig. 2: Typical API 620 Tank
In this article, we will study the major differences between these two types of tanks i.e. API 650 vs. API 620
Similarities between API 650 and API 620 Tanks
Both tanks are used for storage purposes.
Both API 620 & API 650 Tanks can be constructed from carbon steel, austenitic stainless steel, and nickel alloys (low temperature only).
Differences between API 650 and API 620 Tanks: API 650 vs. API 620
The major differences between API 650 and API 620 tanks are produced below in a tabular format.
Parameter
API 650 Tanks
API 620 Tanks
Description
API 650 provides guidelines for Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
API 620 provides guidelines Design and Construction of Large, Low-Pressure Storage Tanks
Configuration
The configuration of API 650 tanks is Ground-Supported Bottom, Open or Closed Roof
API 620 tanks can be of any configuration that has a single centered, vertical axis of revolution
Configuration
For API 650 tanks, the entire tank bottom has to be uniformly supported.
API 620 tanks must have a single vertical axis of revolution.
Shop/Field Erected
Tanks designed by API 650 can be Shop Fabricated (Appendix J) or Field Erected.
API 620 tanks are Field Erected
Tank Sizes
Any
Tank size larger than 300 ft.
Temperature Range
The usual temperature range for API-650 tanks is -40 Deg. F to 500 Deg. F
The usual temperature range for API 620 tanks is -325 Deg. F to 250 Deg. F
Maximum Pressure
The maximum pressure for API 650 tanks is 2.5 psig (pounds per square inch gauge) or 17.2 Kpa
The maximum pressure for API 620 tanks is 15 psig
Materials
Common materials for API 650 tanks are Carbon Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, Duplex Stainless Steel, Aluminum
API 620 tanks are usually made of Carbon Steel, Austenitic Stainless Steel, and Nickel Alloys (Low Temp only)
Uses/Industries
API 650 tanks are used for Oil, Gas, Chemical, Water, and Biofuel storage. A maximum of the most common welded steel tanks used in industry are designed following API 650. Tanks are typically found in Refinery tank farms, Terminals, Pipelines, and other process facilities use these tanks.
Tanks like LNG tanks or Cryogenic tanks which require high internal pressure are designed as per API 620.
I am a Mechanical Engineer turned into a Piping Engineer. Currently, I work in a reputed MNC as a Senior Piping Stress Engineer. I am very much passionate about blogging and always tried to do unique things. This website is my first venture into the world of blogging with the aim of connecting with other piping engineers around the world.
8 thoughts on “Difference between API 650 and API 620 Tanks: API 650 vs API 620”
Good article, one observation though. In the difference table point 1 ‘Description’ mentions API 620 is for Low pressure storage tanks and in point 9 ‘Uses’ it says LNG and Cryo tanks which require high internal pressure.
Please clarify. Shouldn’t it be Low temperature in the description part ?
Thanks.
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Useful information
Good article, one observation though. In the difference table point 1 ‘Description’ mentions API 620 is for Low pressure storage tanks and in point 9 ‘Uses’ it says LNG and Cryo tanks which require high internal pressure.
Please clarify. Shouldn’t it be Low temperature in the description part ?
Thanks.
could you give method how to modeled and run the result for API 650 nozzle in Caesar II.
ASME Sec 9 not ASME Sec 10 for welding qualifications.
Please can I share this writing? It’s well-written advice worth sharing! My friends will want to read this too.
no, YOU Arent allowed
Useful information, only missing vacuum pressure limitations.
Dear Kumar
How we can protect the internal wall for tanks and what about using inhibitors & how such inhibitors pumped to tanks