API Tank Engineering

At 3P Tech Serv, we deliver specialist API tank engineering services — providing manufacturers, fabricators, and plant operators with accurate, code-compliant tank design and calculation packages built on deep experience with atmospheric and low-pressure storage equipment across oil and gas, petrochemical, and utility industries.

From API 650 tank design services and API 620 tank calculation services to tank roof design calculations and tank foundation load calculations, our engineering team provides well-documented, fabrication-ready deliverables that give you full confidence in your storage tank design — from initial sizing through to final issue for construction.
API 650 Tank Design Services

Our API 650 tank design services cover the complete mechanical design scope for welded steel atmospheric storage tanks in accordance with API Standard 650. We perform shell course thickness calculations using both the one-foot method and variable design point method, annular plate and bottom plate sizing, nozzle reinforcement calculations, and wind and seismic stability checks — producing a fully documented design package suitable for fabrication, client review, and third-party verification. Our API 650 services are applicable to tanks across a wide range of diameters, capacities, and stored product types.

API 620 Tank Calculation Services

Our API 620 tank calculation services address the design of large, welded, low-pressure storage tanks operating at internal pressures up to 15 psig — covering applications such as LNG storage, liquefied gas tanks, and other low-pressure process storage vessels. We perform full API 620 mechanical design calculations covering shell design, roof design, nozzle reinforcement, wind and seismic loading, and joint efficiency requirements — providing a complete, code-compliant calculation package that supports fabrication and regulatory submission.

Vertical Storage Tank Engineering

Our vertical storage tank engineering services cover the full mechanical engineering scope for cylindrical, vertical-axis atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks across a broad range of sizes and service conditions. From initial capacity and geometry definition through to detailed shell, roof, and bottom plate design, our engineers apply API 650 and API 620 requirements as appropriate — ensuring that every aspect of the tank design is optimised for the stored product, operating conditions, and site environment. Our vertical storage tank engineering work is fully coordinated with foundation, nozzle, and accessories design to deliver a complete, consistent package.

Tank Roof Design Calculation

Tank roof design is a critical element of any storage tank engineering package, and our tank roof design calculation services address the full range of roof types used in API tank design — including cone roof, dome roof, and internal floating roof configurations. We perform roof plate thickness calculations, rafter and structural ring design, roof-to-shell junction checks, and vent and drain nozzle sizing — ensuring the roof design is structurally adequate, code-compliant, and consistent with the operating and maintenance requirements of the stored product. For floating roof tanks, we additionally assess pontoon buoyancy, seal arrangements, and drainage system requirements.

Tank Foundation Load Calculation

Our tank foundation load calculation services determine the loading imposed on the tank foundation by the storage tank under all relevant load conditions — including operating, hydrotest, wind, seismic, and empty conditions. We calculate base shear, overturning moment, and bearing pressure distributions in accordance with API requirements and applicable civil and structural codes, providing the foundation design team with the accurate, well-documented load data they need to size the ring beam, pad, or pile foundation correctly. Getting tank foundation loads right at the outset prevents costly foundation redesign and schedule delays during detailed engineering.

Atmospheric Tank Engineering Services

Our atmospheric tank engineering services cover the broader scope of design, analysis, and documentation for atmospheric storage tanks beyond standard API calculations — including tank appurtenances design, manway and nozzle schedule preparation, tank accessories specifications, corrosion allowance assessment, and material selection support. We also provide tank inspection support calculations, fitness-for-service assessments for existing tanks, and re-rating calculations for tanks being considered for a change of service — making our atmospheric tank engineering services a comprehensive resource for the full lifecycle of your storage tank assets.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

API 650 covers the design of welded steel atmospheric storage tanks operating at or near atmospheric pressure, and is the most widely used standard for oil, water, and chemical storage tanks. API 620 applies to large, low-pressure tanks operating at internal pressures up to 15 psig — typically used for liquefied gas and cryogenic storage applications. Our API 650 tank design services and API 620 tank calculation services are each tailored to the specific requirements of the applicable standard, ensuring the right design approach is applied for your operating conditions.
A typical API 650 tank design package from our team includes shell course thickness calculations, annular and bottom plate sizing, roof design calculations, nozzle reinforcement checks, wind and seismic stability analysis, and a complete nozzle and appurtenances schedule. Our vertical storage tank engineering packages are structured to give fabricators everything they need to proceed directly to construction — with all calculations clearly cross-referenced to the applicable API 650 clauses for straightforward third-party review.
The roof is a structurally significant element of any storage tank, and an inadequately designed roof can lead to structural failure, product loss, or safety incidents — particularly under wind uplift, rain loading, or internal pressure fluctuations. Our tank roof design calculation services cover cone roof, dome roof, and internal floating roof configurations, addressing all relevant load cases and code requirements. We also assess roof-to-shell junction adequacy and vent sizing as part of our broader atmospheric tank engineering services.
Our tank foundation load calculation services follow API requirements and applicable structural codes to determine the full range of loads imposed on the tank foundation — including operating weight, hydrotest weight, wind overturning, seismic base shear, and empty uplift conditions. We present the results in a clear, well-documented format that gives your civil and structural engineers the precise load data they need to design the foundation correctly — whether that is a ringwall, concrete pad, or pile-supported foundation. Accurate foundation loads from the outset prevent costly rework later in the project.
Yes. Our atmospheric tank engineering services include fitness-for-service assessments and re-rating calculations for existing tanks being considered for a change of stored product, an increase in operating level, or a revised design pressure. We review the original design documentation, assess the tank against current API requirements for the proposed new service conditions, and produce a documented engineering assessment that supports the re-rating decision and any associated inspection or regulatory requirements.
Yes. Our tank foundation load calculation services are specifically structured to provide civil and structural engineers with accurate, well-presented load data that integrates cleanly into their foundation design process. More broadly, our vertical storage tank engineering work is developed with civil interface requirements in mind — ensuring that nozzle elevations, anchor bolt layouts, and foundation bearing areas are clearly documented and consistent across the mechanical and civil design packages from the outset.
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