API 575 Practice questions

1. After all required permits are obtained for an internal inspection of a tank,

what are the first checks an inspector makes prior to entering ?

2. API RP 575 covers:

3. The application of__________ procedures to set inspection intervals may

results in longer or shorter inspection intervals.

4. AST foundations should be checked for:

5. An AST was built. and put in service 1990.The minimum thickness of the

bottom course was 0.35 inch. The bottom course was constructed using a

0.5 inch thick plates. The tank was not inspected again until 2006. The

thickness of the bottom course was measured and found to be 0.42 inch.

Determine the corrosion rate and the calculated remaining life of the tank.

6. An AST was built in 2001 with an original thickness of 1.125" in it' s bottom

course. It was recently UT'd in 2010 and the same course's thickness was

1.11". It's calculated t min is 0.999". What is it's remaining life(round to two

decimal places ) ?

1
 API 575 Practice questions
7. An AST was place into service in 2000. It's bottom course original thickness

was 1.00". It was recently UT'd 2010 and the bottom course thickness was

found to be 0.92". What is the corrosion rate?

8. An AST went into service in 2000. The bottom course was constructed using

a 0.9375 inch thick plates The minimum required thickness of the tank 's

bottom course was calculated to be 0.875" . The tank was recently

inspected in 2011 and the actual thickness of the bottom course was

measured to be 0.89 " . Determine calculated remaining life of the tank.

9. An atmospheric storage tank in a humid environment is located adjacent to

a series of heaters that burn high sulfur fuel gas. The prevailing winds cause

the heater gases to contact the tank often. What type of problem would

you suspect?

10.Atmospheric storage tanks are generally inspected to determine the:

11.A Carefully controlled air test is used to test a tank for leaks . What

maximum air pressure may be used?

2
 API 575 Practice questions
12.The chart in figure 32 in API RP 575 shows the hypothetical corrosion rate

for the top course of an AST. When should the tank top course reach its

limiting thickness?

13.Coatings may affect UT readings. What should be done?

14.The condition of anchor bolts can usually be determined by visual

inspection. Name three other methods of assessing the condition of anchor

bolts

15.Deformations on a tank shell may be measured by:

16.A device that protects atmospheric storage tanks by maintaining the

pressure difference between the tank vapor space and the outside

atmosphere to just a few ounces per square inch is called :

17.Dry pyrophoric material presents a problem because:

18.During an external inspection of a tank, the inspector notices that the soil is

at or just above the grade line of the tank on the south side . What should

he do?

19.During the inspection of a tank, a section of the bottom is removed .Several

globs of clay are found in the pad. Which of the following would you

suspect ?
3
 API 575 Practice questions

20.The exterior surface of the tank bottom is known as the :

21.An external floating roof AST has. 2 product inlet valves, 2 product outlet

valves, 1 roof drain line valve, 2 steam coil valves , and 2 gage valves. How

many of theses valves should be inspected during an out -of-service tank

inspection?

22.An external floating roof tank's drain line is tested for tightness. A two

stage hydro-pneumatic test is applied. What pressure is used on the first

and the second stage?

23.External ladders and stairways of AST's should be examined carefully for

corroded or broken parts. The condition of the ladder or stairway parts may

be checked by visual inspection and by:

24.Fitness-for-Service evaluation (FFS) deals primarily with the evaluation of

_______that can affect the remaining service life of an AST.

25.Fixed cone - roof tank roofs ( diameter greater than 60 feet) are usually

supported by:

4
 API 575 Practice questions
26.Fixed cone-roof tanks may typically be up to _______ in diameter and

_________in height.

27.Flame arresters should be opened and the screens or grids should be

visually inspected for cleanliness and corrosion at what interval?

28.The generic meaning for atmospheric pressure is up to but not exceeding

_______ ibf/in2 gage pressure.

29.Grounding connections on tanks should be visually checked for corrosion at

the point where they enter the earth and at the mechanical connection to

the tank. If any doubt exists about the condition of the ground, its

resistance can be checked. The total resistance from the tank to the earth

should not exceed approximately_____________.

30.A horizontal AST is inspected externally . The tank is supported on three

saddle type supports. Where would you suspect significant corrosion to

occur ?

31.Hot strong caustic can cause accelerated and general corrosion. Such

corrosion thrives when the temperature rises above:

32.how long should the AST records be maintained?

5
 API 575 Practice questions
33.If a fixed cone roof of a tank is suspected of being extremely thin, what

precaution should an inspector take to facilitate his inspection( beside using

safety belts with attachments )?

34.If a pan type (single deck)floating roof has a plugged water draw off, what

could be the most likely consequence ?

35.If caustic is stored in a tank , the tank should be checked for evidence of

damage from:

36.If evidence of cracking is found on the weld of a wind girder to the tank

shell, the inspector should throughly clean the area and check it with:

37.If you find cinders presents in the pad of a tank, which of the following

would you suspect?

38.In obtaining shell measurements, special attention should be given to the

upper______ of uncoated shells of floating roof tanks. A higher rate of

corrosion may occur in this area because of exposure to corrosion from

both sides .

39.In sour refinery fluid service name three locations in which AST internal

corrosion will most likely be found in a tank.

6
 API 575 Practice questions
40.An inspector finds a low area in a platform floor plate that holds water,

what is the quickest solution to this problem?

41.An inspector is checking the tank shell on the outside of a tank.He notices

soil collected around the bottom of the shell. What should he do?

42.Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the area covered by

stored liquid , the corrosion is most commonly caused by:

43.Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the vapor zone is

usually caused by:

44.Internal inspections should be scheduled, when possible, when the tank is

out of service due to:

45.A low pressure storage tank operates between:

46.A method for checking for weld leaks in the bottom and in the shell is:

47.The minimum illumination for visual inspection is _________ foot candles

foot candles for general viewing.

48.The minimum illumination for visual inspection of small anomalies is _____

foot candles .

49.The most common type of atmospheric storage tank is the fixed :

7
 API 575 Practice questions
50.Name the three types records required for AST' s.

51.Name three ways to check for wooden supports for small tanks or wooden

walkways etc.

52.The occurrence of internal corrosion of a storage tank depends on the

________of the tank and the _______of the construction.

53.An older style of a floating roof has only a single deck without pontoons. It

has no reserve buoyancy and is susceptible to sinking in service. This type

of floating roof is known as a:

54.Paint blisters (film coating blisters ) most often occur:

55.Penetrating oil is sprayed on the outside shell to bottom weld .How long

should you wait before checking for leak?

56.The pressure on the surface of a confined liquid caused by the vapors of

that liquid is known as:

57.The prime cause of deterioration of steel storage tanks is:

58.The purpose of a geodesic dome is to:

59.The purpose of similar service methodology for estimation of tank

corrosion rates is:

8
 API 575 Practice questions
60.Reducing the incidence of leaking petroleum storage tanks is a priority goal

for the :

61.A riveted or bolted tank should have a number of random selected rivets or

bolts checked for tightness. How is this done?

62.Settlement of a tank due to compaction or movement of soil under the tank

foundation can cause:

63.A storage tank is used to store a product that must be kept warm (150+

degrees F). The product has a high concentration of caustic and stress

corrosion cracking is suspected because of caustic embrittlement .Where

would you look for cracks ?

64.A tank that is supported above grade on a ringwall has its bottom exposed

to elements .As an inspector, what would you do to prevent possible

bottom corrosion?

65.A tank with an annular- pontoon floating roof that has a geodesic dome is

considered to be :

66.Tunneling beneath a tank for external bottom inspection should be avoided

because:

9
 API 575 Practice questions
67.What API document provides requirements for inspection frequency?

68.What are common problems found with pressure- vacuum vents and

breather valves?

69.What condition poses an immediate hazard for a petroleum storage tank?

70.What is the best way to find roof leaks on an out-of-service tanks?

71.What is the maximum air pressure that is recommended for pressuring the

external bottom of a tank for a bubble test

72.What must be physically done before making welding repairs to a riveted

tank?

73.What occasionally plugs tank flame arrestors( and pressure vacuum

valves)?

74.What size coupon is recommended for removal from a tank bottom to

check for underside corrosion ?

75.What size coupons (according to API RP 575) should be cut from an out-of-

service tank to check for roof and rafter corrosion?

10
 API 575 Practice questions
76.What type of failure is characterized by sudden loss of tank contents and

extensive damage to equipment in the vicinity of the tank( little or no loss

of metal thickness throughout the tank)?

77.What type of inspection provides another means of establishing suitability

for continued service?

78. What would be the expected problem encountered with a water draw off

on a floating roof tank if an internal elbow or the internal pipe develops a

leak?

79.When checking an insulated tank, careful inspection should be made

around all nozzles and around the saddles of horizontal tanks. A few

samples may also be removed for checking. These samples should be taken

from:

80.When describing the amount of product the tank can hold, it is referred to

as:

81.When making an internal inspection of an AST, what is the first step after all

permits and entering conditions have been made ?

11
 API 575 Practice questions
82.When making a visual test, the surface being checked must be readily

accessible to place the eye within ______ inches of the surface at an angle

of not less than ______ degrees.

83.When penetrating oil is sprayed on the outside shell to bottom weld for a

test, what is this test called?

84.When statistical methods are used for assessing the portable condition of a

tank bottom, what controls the number of UT measurements taken?

85.When visually inspecting tank bottoms for top-sided corrosion a strong light

is necessary. What minimum wattage halogen light does API RP 575

recommend?

86.Where is one of the most likely points and one of the potentially most

critical points for a crack to occur in a large storage tank?

87.Where is the area of highest stress in an AST ?

88.While internally inspecting the shell of an atmospheric storage tank the

inspector shines his flashlight approximately parallel with the shell surface .

He notices shadows which he at first thinks are pits. When he checks closer,

he finds that they are small blisters. What type of attack would cause the

blisters?
12
 API 575 Practice questions
89.Who may use API RP 575?

90.Who should be informed when personnel are working on the inside of a

tank ?

91.Why is two pass welding recommended for seal welding leaking rivets ?

92.Why should inspectors exercise great care when inspecting the roof of an

insulated tank?

93.Why should you not hammer test the roof of a tank during an in- service

inspection ?

13
 API 575 Practice questions
WITH ANSWERS

1. After all required permits are obtained for an internal inspection of a tank,

what are the first checks an inspector makes prior to entering ?

ANS: Make a visual inspection of overhead parts and roof before entering.

2. API RP 575 covers:

ANS: maintenance and inspection of atmosphere and low-pressure storage

tanks.

3. The application of__________ procedures to set inspection intervals may

results in longer or shorter inspection intervals.

ANS: risk based inspection

4. AST foundations should be checked for:

ANS: settlement with a surveyor's level.

5. An AST was built. and put in service 1990.The minimum thickness of the

bottom course was 0.35 inch. The bottom course was constructed using a

0.5 inch thick plates. The tank was not inspected again until 2006. The

14
 API 575 Practice questions
thickness of the bottom course was measured and found to be 0.42 inch.

Determine the corrosion rate and the calculated remaining life of the tank.

ANS: 0.005"/yr and 14 years .

6. An AST was built in 2001 with an original thickness of 1.125" in it' s bottom

course. It was recently UT'd in 2010 and the same course's thickness was

1.11". It's calculated t min is 0.999". What is it's remaining life(round to two

decimal places ) ??

ANS: 66.46 yrs

7. An AST was place into service in 2000. It's bottom course original thickness

was 1.00". It was recently UT'd 2010 and the bottom course thickness was

found to be 0.92". What is the corrosion rate?

ANS: 0.00727"/yr

8. An AST went into service in 2000. The bottom course was constructed using

a 0.9375 inch thick plates The minimum required thickness of the tank 's

bottom course was calculated to be 0.875" . The tank was recently

inspected in 2011 and the actual thickness of the bottom course was

measured to be 0.89 " . Determine calculated remaining life of the tank.

ANS: 3.47 yrs

15
 API 575 Practice questions
9. An atmospheric storage tank in a humid environment is located adjacent to

a series of heaters that burn high sulfur fuel gas. The prevailing winds cause

the heater gases to contact the tank often. What type of problem would

you suspect?

ANS: Atmospheric corrosion-damage to coating .

10.Atmospheric storage tanks are generally inspected to determine the:

ANS: physical condition and rate of deterioration

11. A Carefully controlled air test is used to test a tank for leaks . What

maximum air pressure may be used?

ANS: 2inches of water.

12.The chart in figure 32 in API RP 575 shows the hypothetical corrosion rate

for the top course of an AST. When should the tank top course reach its

limiting thickness?

ANS: approximately August of 1976

13.Coatings may affect UT readings. What should be done?

ANS: The examiner should compensate for them .

16
 API 575 Practice questions
14.The condition of anchor bolts can usually be determined by visual

inspection. Name three other methods of assessing the condition of anchor

bolts

ANS: hammer test, remove nuts, and UT

15.Deformations on a tank shell may be measured by:

ANS: Place a straight edge lengthwise against the vertical shell and measure

the depth or height

16.A device that protects atmospheric storage tanks by maintaining the

pressure difference between the tank vapor space and the outside

atmosphere to just a few ounces per square inch is called :

ANS: a pressure vacuum vent.

17.Dry pyrophoric material presents a problem because:

ANS: the material self-ignites when exposed to air

18.During an external inspection of a tank, the inspector notices that the soil is

at or just above the grade line of the tank on the south side. What should

he do?

ANS: Require removal of soil & check the tank shell in the area for

corrosion.
17
 API 575 Practice questions
19.During the inspection of a tank, a section of the bottom is removed .Several

globs of clay are found in the pad. Which of the following would you

suspect?

ANS: pitting corrosion could exist at each point of contract (electrolytic

corrosion)

20. The exterior surface of the tank bottom is known as the :

ANS: bottom- side.

21.An external floating roof AST has. 2 product inlet valves, 2 product outlet

valves, 1 roof drain line valve, 2 steam coil valves , and 2 gage valves. How

many of theses valves should be inspected during an out -of-service tank

inspection?

ANS: nine

22.An external floating roof tank's drain line is tested for tightness. A two

stage hydro-pneumatic test is applied. What pressure is used on the first

and the second stage?

ANS: 30 lbf/in2 and 5 lbf/in2

18
 API 575 Practice questions
23.External ladders and stairways of AST's should be examined carefully for

corroded or broken parts. The condition of the ladder or stairway parts may

be checked by visual inspection and by:

ANS: sounding.

24. Fitness-for-Service evaluation (FFS) deals primarily with the evaluation of

_______that can affect the remaining service life of an AST.

ANS: defects and flaws

25.Fixed cone - roof tank roofs ( diameter greater than 60 feet) are usually

supported by:

ANS: internal structural members

26.Fixed cone-roof tanks may typically be up to _______ in diameter and

_________in height.

ANS: 300 feet,64 feet

27.Flame arresters should be opened and the screens or grids should be

visually inspected for cleanliness and corrosion at what interval?

ANS: The interval for inspection should be appropriate for each case.

28.The generic meaning for atmospheric pressure is up to but not exceeding

_______ ibf/in2 gage pressure.

19
 API 575 Practice questions
ANS: 2.5

29. Grounding connections on tanks should be visually checked for corrosion

at the point where they enter the earth and at the mechanical connection

to the tank. If any doubt exists about the condition of the ground, its

resistance can be checked. The total resistance from the tank to the earth

should not exceed approximately_____________.

ANS: 25 ohms

30.A horizontal AST is inspected externally . The tank is supported on three

saddle type supports. Where would you suspect significant corrosion to

occur ?

ANS: In the saddle to tank interface

31.Hot strong caustic can cause accelerated and general corrosion. Such

corrosion thrives when the temperature rises above:

ANS: 150F

32. how long should the AST records be maintained?

ANS: throughout the service life of each tank

20
 API 575 Practice questions
33.If a fixed cone roof of a tank is suspected of being extremely thin, what

precaution should an inspector take to facilitate his inspection( beside using

safety belts with attachments )?

ANS: Use planks ( or plywood sheeting ) to span at least two roof rafters .

34.If a pan type (single deck)floating roof has a plugged water draw off, what

could be the most likely consequence ?

ANS: The roof could sink during or after a rain.

35.If caustic is stored in a tank , the tank should be checked for evidence of

damage from:

ANS: possible cracks caused by caustic embrittlement

36. If evidence of cracking is found on the weld of a wind girder to the tank

shell, the inspector should throughly clean the area and check it with:

ANS: MT or PT

37. If you find cinders presents in the pad of a tank, which of the following

would you suspect?

ANS: it is a possible source of corrosion if sulfur compounds and moisture

are present.

21
 API 575 Practice questions
38. In obtaining shell measurements, special attention should be given to the

upper______ of uncoated shells of floating roof tanks. A higher rate of

corrosion may occur in this area because of exposure to corrosion from

both sides .

ANS: 2 feet

39.In sour refinery fluid service name three locations in which AST internal

corrosion will most likely be found in a tank.

ANS: Vapor space, the liquid - level line, and bottom.

40. An inspector finds a low area in a platform floor plate that holds water,

what is the quickest solution to this problem?

ANS: Drill a small drain hole in the area.

41. An inspector is checking the tank shell on the outside of a tank.He notices

soil collected around the bottom of the shell. What should he do?

ANS: Remove soil from the area and check for external corrosion.

Remove soil from the area and check for external corrosion.

42.Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the area covered by

stored liquid , the corrosion is most commonly caused by:

ANS: acid salts, hydrogen sulfide , or other sulfur compounds.

22
 API 575 Practice questions
43.Internal corrosion of an atmospheric storage tank in the vapor zone is

usually caused by:

ANS: hydrogen sulfide vapor, water vapor , or oxygen , or a combination of

all three.

44.Internal inspections should be scheduled, when possible, when the tank is

out of service due to:

ANS: operational reasons

45.A low pressure storage tank operates between:

ANS: 2.5 and 15 ibf/15 2

46.A method for checking for weld leaks in the bottom and in the shell is:

ANS: use of a vacuum box.

47.The minimum illumination for visual inspection is _________ foot candles

foot candles for general viewing.

ANS: 15

48.The minimum illumination for visual inspection of small anomalies is _____

foot candles .

ANS: 50

49.The most common type of atmospheric storage tank is the fixed :

23
 API 575 Practice questions
ANS: cone-roof tank.

50.Name the three types records required for AST' s.

ANS: Design and construction, repair/alteration, and inspection records.

51.Name three ways to check for wooden supports for small tanks or wooden

walkways etc.

ANS: hammer, scraper, and ice pick

52.The occurrence of internal corrosion of a storage tank depends on the

________of the tank and the _______of the construction.

ANS: contents , materials

53.An older style of a floating roof has only a single deck without pontoons. It

has no reserve buoyancy and is susceptible to sinking in service. This type

of floating roof is known as a:

ANS: pan type.

54. Paint blisters (film coating blisters ) most often occur:

ANS: on the roof and on side of the tank receiving the most sunlight.

55. Penetrating oil is sprayed on the outside shell to bottom weld .How long

should you wait before checking for leak?

ANS: At least 4 hours but 12 hours is preferred

24
 API 575 Practice questions
56.The pressure on the surface of a confined liquid caused by the vapors of

that liquid is known as:

ANS: vapor pressure

57.The prime cause of deterioration of steel storage tanks is:

ANS: corrosion

58. The purpose of a geodesic dome is to:

ANS: reduce product vapor loss or to eliminate the need to drain rainwater

from the roof .

59.The purpose of similar service methodology for estimation of tank

corrosion rates is:

ANS: establish how long a tank in similar service can operate without

leaking due to corrosion

60.Reducing the incidence of leaking petroleum storage tanks is a priority goal

for the :

ANS: petroleum industry

61.A riveted or bolted tank should have a number of random selected rivets or

bolts checked for tightness. How is this done?

25
 API 575 Practice questions
ANS: lightly tap rivet / bolt laterally & hold a finger against the opposite

side in contact with the plate.

62.Settlement of a tank due to compaction or movement of soil under the tank

foundation can cause:

ANS: mechanical deterioration

63.A storage tank is used to store a product that must be kept warm (150+

degrees F). The product has a high concentration of caustic and stress

corrosion cracking is suspected because of caustic embrittlement .Where

would you look for cracks ?

ANS: Check around connections for the internal heating units or coils.

64.A tank that is supported above grade on a ring wall has its bottom exposed

to elements .As an inspector, what would you do to prevent possible

bottom corrosion?

ANS: The ringwall to tank area should be sealed to prevent moisture

accumulation & corrosion .

65.A tank with an annular- pontoon floating roof that has a geodesic dome is

considered to be :

ANS: an internal floating roof tank.

26
 API 575 Practice questions
66.Tunneling beneath a tank for external bottom inspection should be avoided

because:

ANS: use of UT, MFL, & robotic inspection provides better information w/o

disturbing the foundation

67.What API document provides requirements for inspection frequency?

ANS: API Std 653

68.What are common problems found with pressure- vacuum vents and

breather valves?

ANS: plugging of the discharge side screen and buildup of solids on the

pallets

69.What condition poses an immediate hazard for a petroleum storage tank?

ANS: holes in either the liquid or vapor space

70.What is the best way to find roof leaks on out-of-service tanks?

ANS: Use a low pressure air test .

71.What is the maximum air pressure that is recommended for pressuring the

external bottom of a tank for a bubble test

ANS: 3inches of water

27
 API 575 Practice questions
72.What must be physically done before making welding repairs to a riveted

tank?

ANS: The weldability of the steel must be confirmed by physical testing.

73.What occasionally plugs tank flame arrestors( and pressure vacuum

valves)?

ANS: Bees and mud daubers.

74.What size coupon is recommended for removal from a tank bottom to

check for underside corrosion ?

ANS: Minimum of 12 inches each way.

75.What size coupons (according to API RP 575) should be cut from an out-of-

service tank to check for roof and rafter corrosion?

ANS: 1 foot X 1 foot

76.What type of failure is characterized by sudden loss of tank contents and

extensive damage to equipment in the vicinity of the tank( little or no loss

of metal thickness throughout the tank)?

ANS: Brittle Fracture

77.What type of inspection provides another means of establishing suitability

for continued service ?

28
 API 575 Practice questions
ANS: Risk based inspection

78. What would be the expected problem encountered with a water draw off

on a floating roof tank if an internal elbow or the internal pipe develops a

leak ?

ANS: The leak will allow product to escape or possibly water to leak into the

product.

79.When checking an insulated tank, careful inspection should be made

around all nozzles and around the saddles of horizontal tanks. A few

samples may also be removed for checking. These samples should be taken

from:

ANS: the shaded side of the tank.

80.When describing the amount of product the tank can hold, it is referred to

as:

ANS: shell capacity

81.When making an internal inspection of an AST, what is the first step after all

permits and entering conditions have been made ?

ANS: A preliminary, general visual inspection.

29
 API 575 Practice questions
82.When making a visual test, the surface being checked must be readily

accessible to place the eye within ______ inches of the surface at an angle

of not less than ______ degrees.

ANS: 24, 30

83.When penetrating oil is sprayed on the outside shell to bottom weld for a

test, what is this test called?

ANS: Wicking examination.

84.When statistical methods are used for assessing the portable condition of a

tank bottom, what controls the number of UT measurements taken?

ANS: The size of the tank and the degree of underside corrosion found .

85.When visually inspecting tank bottoms for top-sided corrosion a strong light

is necessary. What minimum wattage halogen light does API RP 575

recommend?

ANS: 100-watt

86.Where is one of the most likely points and one of the potentially most

critical points for a crack to occur in a large storage tank?

ANS: The lower shell to sketch plate or annular plate weld.

30
 API 575 Practice questions

87.Where is the area of highest stress in an AST ?

ANS: shell-to-bottom joint .

88.While internally inspecting the shell of an atmospheric storage tank the

inspector shines his flashlight approximately parallel with the shell surface .

He notices shadows which he at first thinks are pits. When he checks closer,

he finds that they are small blisters. What type of attack would cause the

blisters?

ANS: Hydrogen blistering

89.Who may use API RP 575?

ANS: Anyone desiring to use API RP 575 may do so.

90.Who should be informed when personnel are working on the inside of a

tank ?

ANS: Personnel working in the vicinity of the tank.

91.Why is two pass welding recommended for seal welding leaking rivets ?

ANS: The first pass may be poor due to hydrocarbon contamination.

31
 API 575 Practice questions
92.Why should inspectors exercise great care when inspecting the roof of an

insulated tank?

ANS: The roof plates may not be strong enough to support the inspector.

93.Why should you not hammer test the roof of a tank during an in- service

inspection ?

ANS: Scale may dislodge from the roof and contaminate the product in the

tank.

32