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
