SETTLEMENT EVALUATIONEdge Settlement [Refer API 653 Annex B.2.3, Figure B.5] Bottom Settlement Near the Tank Shell [Refer API 653, Annex B.2.4, Figures B-6, B-7, B-9 B-10, B-11, B-12, B- 13] Localized Bottom Settlement Remote from the Tank Shell [Refer API 653, Annex B.2.5, Figure B.8) 7. NUMBER OF SETTLEMENT POINTS Number of survey points calculations for determining tank settlement. [Refer API 653 12.5.2, Annex B, Figure B.1 & Figure B.2] Bew, when bottom welds are (±20o) parallel to the shell, B.2.3.4 Methods for evaluation of measured edge settlement (B) Bew is more conservative than Be so at first evaluate measured settlement (B) against Bew for all settled areas If all areas meet this criterion, the settlement is acceptable and no further evaluation is necessary If necessary, different settled areas can be evaluated separately against Bew and Be. l to do this assessment first (B-2.3.4). When Bew or Be are ≥75% of their limit (and larger than 2 in) the welds in the region should be inspected visually and with MT or PT to check for cracking (API 653 Figure B.11 and B.12). Any bottom plate exhibiting a strain (permanent plastic deformation) of more the 2–3% should be replaced (B.4.2). The settlement graphs were originally developed for ¼” thick tank bottoms but can also be applied with reasonable accuracy for thicknesses between 5/16” and 3/8” In general, settlement occurs fairly slowly over the first few years of service (B.3.4.5) Watch out for the edge settlement clause B.3.4.6 (a to d). There are possible exam questions in here. Edge settlement, B is called either Be or Bew Be = allowable settlement in an area with no bottom welds, or only butt-welds in the bottom, or lap welds in the bottom that are essentially perpendicular (±20°) to the shell Bew = allowable edge settlement in an area where there is a bottom lap weld in the settled area that is essentially parallel (±20°) to the shell. If the edge settlement is in an area where the tank bottom plate welds run near-perpendicular (±20o) to the shell. . the extent of edge settlement is called Be. Figure B. B is called either Bew or Be Bew = allowable edge settlement in an area where there is a bottom lap weld in the settled area that is essentially parallel (±20°) to the shell. or lap welds in the bottom that are essentially perpendicular (±20°) to the shell Methods for evaluation of measured edge settlement (B) Bew is more conservative than Be so at first evaluate measured settlement (B) against Bew for all settled areas If all areas meet this criterion. Any bottom plate exhibiting a strain (permanent plastic deformation) of more the 2–3% should be replaced (B.Note the following key points B.3. different settled areas can be evaluated separately against Bew and Be. the settlement is acceptable and no further evaluation is necessary If necessary.2). settlement occurs fairly slowly over the first few years of service (B.11 and B.12 (for Be) When Bew or Be are ≥75% of their limit (and larger than 2 in) the welds in the region should be inspected visually and with MT or PT to check for cracking (API 653 Figure B. or only butt-welds in the bottom.12).11 (for Bew) and B.2. Allowable Bew or Be is assessed using Figure B.3 Edge Settlement: occurs when the tank shell settles sharply around the periphery.6 Edge settlement. resulting in deformation of the bottom plate near the shell-to-bottom corner junction.4. The settlement graphs were originally developed for ¼ inch thick tank bottoms but can also be applied with reasonable accuracy for thicknesses between 5/16 inch and 3/8 inch In general.5) . Be = allowable settlement in an area with no bottom welds.4.