Reference profile
- Designation
- API 650
- Title
- Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
- Issuing body
- API
- Current edition
- 2020 — verify against issuer
- Status
- Library record: published; official standard status [verify].
- Category
- Static Equipment
Overview
API 650 governs vertical, cylindrical, aboveground, welded storage tanks operating at approximately atmospheric pressure. It provides rules for shell course thickness (1-foot and variable-design-point methods), bottom and annular plates, fixed and floating roofs, wind girders, seismic and wind loads, nozzles, and hydrostatic testing. It is the default tank standard for refineries and tank farms.
Scope & Applicability
Covers
- Shell course design
- Bottom & annular plate
- Roof design
- Wind & seismic
- Nozzle & fitting
- Hydrostatic test
Does NOT cover (exclusions)
- Exclusions are not documented in this library record. Confirm the official publication, neighbouring codes, the adopted edition, and jurisdictional boundaries before application.
Key Requirements
Lifecycle requirements
- Tank design
- Shell course thickness
- Foundation loads
- Inspection & test plan
Technical Details
The primary standard for design, fabrication, erection, and testing of welded aboveground atmospheric storage tanks.
Components: Shell course, Bottom plate, Annular plate, Roof, Wind girder, Nozzle.
Engineering Notes
- Covers atmospheric tanks near ambient pressure; low-pressure tanks move to API 620, in-service inspection to API 653.
Related Standards
- API 620
Companion or referenced standard; verify its exact relationship in the adopted edition.
- API 653
Companion or referenced standard; verify its exact relationship in the adopted edition.
- API 2000
Companion or referenced standard; verify its exact relationship in the adopted edition.
- EN 14015
Companion or referenced standard; verify its exact relationship in the adopted edition.
Source, Edition & Status
- Publisher
- API
- Edition Year
- 2020
- Industries
- Refinery, Petrochemical, Oil & Gas
- Content Status
- published
- Last Reviewed
- 2026-07-01
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01
- Verified By
- Engineering Reviewer
- Official Link
- N/A
This paraphrased summary is a discovery aid. Do not reproduce or substitute it for the copyrighted official publication or jurisdictional requirements.