Abstract: A method and apparatuses to extend the time interval between out-of-service, in-tank inspections while insuring structural integrity using a risk-based, Bayesian statistical approach comprised of a passing leak detection test, determining that the tank is not leaking, estimating a thickness of the tank floor to estimate a corrosion rate, and conducting a risk assessment using the result of the leak detection test, the corrosion rate and thickness of the tank floor, and statistical data of tank failures.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively determining the time (TNI) between (1) the application of this method and (2) the time at which the next out-of-service API 653 internal inspection of a steel, field-erected, aboveground storage tank (AST) containing petroleum/water products should be performed. These methods combine four in-service measurements of the thickness, integrity, and corrosion rate of the tank bottom with an empirical corrosion rate cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) for the tank of interest to develop a Bayesian tank bottom survival probability distribution to determine TNI. During this entire TNI time period, the risk of tank bottom failure is less than at the time these methods were applied. If available, the results of a previous out-of-service API 653 internal inspection are also used. These methods can be applied at any time while the tank is in-service to update the internal inspection interval previously determined in an out-of-service internal inspection of the tank.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention will provide a means for a tank owner to determine the time until the next out-of-service API 653 internal inspection of an aboveground storage tank (AST) or an underground storage tank (UST) should be considered or performed based on in-service measurements of the tank filled with fuel or another liquid. The inspection interval is determined from a leak detection test with a pass and a probability distribution of the survival rate of the tank bottom that is representative of the tank being inspected. More accurate estimates are obtained by using measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank bottom at one or a few locations in the tank and the results of an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test and/or previous out-of-service inspection measurements of the tank floor bottom thickness of the floor at many locations. The method is based on the concept of equivalent risk.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses for testing the blowout preventer (BOP) piping system on a drilling rig for leaks. The method and apparatuses can be used in conjunction with a pressure or volumetric method to more accurately test the BOP for integrity and to shorten the total time of testing.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively determining the time (TNI) between (1) the application of this method and (2) the time at which the next out-of-service API 653 internal inspection of a steel, field-erected, aboveground storage tank (AST) containing petroleum/water products should be performed. These methods combine four in-service measurements of the thickness, integrity, and corrosion rate of the tank bottom with an empirical corrosion rate cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) for the tank of interest to develop a Bayesian tank bottom survival probability distribution to determine TNI. During this entire TNI time period, the risk of tank bottom failure is less than at the time these methods were applied. If available, the results of a previous out-of-service API 653 internal inspection are also used. These methods can be applied at any time while the tank is in-service to update the internal inspection interval previously determined in an out-of-service internal inspection of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses for testing the blowout preventer (BOP) piping system on a drilling rig for leaks. The method and apparatuses can be used in conjunction with a pressure or volumetric method to more accurately test the BOP for integrity and to shorten the total time of testing.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively determining the time (TNI) between (1) the application of this method and (2) the time at which the next out-of-service API 653 internal inspection of a steel, field-erected, aboveground storage tank (AST) containing petroleum/water products should be performed. These methods combine four in-service measurements of the thickness, integrity, and corrosion rate of the tank bottom with an empirical corrosion rate cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) for the tank of interest to develop a Bayesian tank bottom survival probability distribution to determine TNI. During this entire TNI time period, the risk of tank bottom failure is less than at the time these methods were applied. If available, the results of a previous out-of-service API 653 internal inspection are also used. These methods can be applied at any time while the tank is in-service to update the internal inspection interval previously determined in an out-of-service internal inspection of the tank.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses to make an in-service measurement of the thickness and corrosion rate of the floor an aboveground or bulk underground storage tank. The preferred method is to use an off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor that is placed on the end of a staff and inserted into an opening at the top of the tank to make one or more local measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank floor. When combined with the results of a previous out-of service internal inspection of the floor or an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test performed with a vertical and horizontal array of three or more AE sensors placed on a staff and inserted into the liquid or on the external wall of the tank and show almost no corrosion activity, these local measurements can be used to determine the thickness and corrosion rate for the entire tank floor.

Abstract: Methods for quantitatively determining the time (TNI) between (1) the application of this method and (2) the time at which an out-of-service internal inspection of a steel, field-erected, aboveground storage tank (AST) containing a petroleum product or water should be performed. These methods combine in-service measurements of the thickness, integrity, and corrosion rate of the tank bottom with an empirical corrosion rate cumulative frequency distribution (CFD) for the tank of interest to develop a Bayesian tank bottom survival probability distribution to determine TNI. During this entire TNI time period, the risk of tank bottom failure is less than at the time these methods were applied. If available, the results of a previous out-of-service API 653 internal inspection are also used.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses to extend the time interval between out-of-service, in-tank inspections while insuring structural integrity using a risk-based, Bayesian statistical approach comprised of a passing leak detection test and the using the results from (1) tank floor thickness measurements, (2) prior out-of-service tank floor inspection results, and/or (3) acoustic emission corrosion maps of the tank floor to estimate the minimum thickness and maximum corrosion rate of the tank during the extension period.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses to make an in-service measurement of the thickness and corrosion rate of the floor an aboveground or bulk underground storage tank. The preferred method is to use an off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor that is placed on the end of a staff and inserted into an opening at the top of the tank to make one or more local measurements of the thickness and corrosion rate of the tank floor. When combined with the results of a previous out-of service internal inspection of the floor or an acoustic emission (AE) corrosion activity test performed with a vertical and horizontal array of three or more AE sensors placed on a staff and inserted into the liquid or on the external wall of the tank and show almost no corrosion activity, these local measurements can be used to determine the thickness and corrosion rate for the entire tank floor.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses to extend the time interval between out-of-service, in-tank inspections while insuring structural integrity using a risk-based, Bayesian statistical approach comprised of a passing leak detection test and the using the results from (1) tank floor thickness measurements, (2) prior out-of-service tank floor inspection results, and/or (3) acoustic emission corrosion maps of the tank floor to estimate the minimum thickness and maximum corrosion rate of the tank during the extension period.