Structural Reliability and International Compliance for Industrial Storage

Overview of the API 650 Standard

The API 650 standard, issued by the American Petroleum Institute, is one of the most widely recognized global references for the design, construction, and inspection of welded tanks intended for the atmospheric storage of liquids.
It is adopted across various industrial sectors — from oil & gas to chemicals and food production — whenever a robust, durable structure capable of meeting international safety requirements is needed.

API 650 applies to welded vertical cylindrical tanks, primarily built on-site, with domed, conical, or floating roofs.
The standard defines design criteria for sizing the shell, bottom, and roof, taking into account static and environmental loads such as hydrostatic pressure, wind, seismic activity, and thermal variations, along with technical specifications for welding, materials, drainage, and protective devices.

Unlike European standards, API 650 offers a simplified yet high-performance approach, based on consolidated safety coefficients, ideal for the rapid and repetitive design of large-capacity tanks.
The document also includes optional specifications for more demanding conditions (e.g., corrosive products, vapor tightness, high seismic activity).

Adopting the API 650 standard allows the construction of tanks certifiable according to internationally recognized criteria, facilitating export and use in complex industrial environments.
The entire construction process — from design to final verification — is documented through structured technical files, quality controls, and functional testing, in compliance with engineering best practices.

Building according to API 650 means adopting a versatile, scalable, and reliable solution, fully aligned with the operational needs of modern industry and global standards for mechanical performance and safety.

En 13445 2

Industrial Storage According to International Standards (API 650)

The API 650 standard ensures the structural reliability of welded tanks for industrial use, adopting globally recognized criteria for the safe containment of fluids in large volumes, even under severe environmental conditions.

Leak Prevention System
All the cited standards provide for specific measures to prevent accidental leaks, including the use of multiple walls, safety devices, automatic monitoring systems, and inspection plans.

Monitoring and Testing System
Mandatory functional and structural verifications are required, including leak tests, pressure tests, and final inspections, to ensure the tank’s suitability before commissioning.

Periodic Inspections and Maintenance
The regulations require that tanks undergo regular inspections by qualified technicians or notified bodies, with frequency depending on the type of service and risk category.

Technical Documentation and Traceability
Each tank must be accompanied by complete documentation certifying the materials used, welding processes, performed inspections, and maintenance plans, ensuring full traceability and regulatory compliance.

Proven Expertise – API 650

Steeltech manufactures tanks according to the API 650 standard, the international benchmark for the construction of large welded tanks designed for the storage of petroleum, chemical products, and industrial liquids.
Thanks to its accumulated expertise, the company can handle large-scale projects, even in harsh environmental conditions, offering tailor-made solutions aligned with the needs of multinational corporations and global industrial operators.
Steeltech’s mastery of the API 650 standard makes it a strategic partner for companies requiring structural reliability, comprehensive technical documentation, and international technical compliance.

Why Choose Steeltech for Your Certified Tanks

In every project, Steeltech applies deep regulatory knowledge and a certified work methodology, supported by a qualified technical staff, licensed welders, non-destructive testing, and complete technical documentation.

Steeltech tanks are designed to ensure:

  • Long-term structural reliability

  • Compliance with Italian, European, and international regulations

  • Adaptability to various industrial sectors (chemical, food, pharmaceutical, environmental, energy, water treatment)

Complete management of the order, from design to final testing.