Apiexam

Hi. I am pleased to announce that I achieved a passing score on the API653 – Certification of inspectors – Aboveground Storage Tanks. My score was 118 over 152 questions, above the 108 needed in order to pass.

This is the evidence

They contact you using a file in pdf format

This should be enough for you reader to know that you can pass your exam in the first try as I did, against all the predictions from my course instructor. He kept talking about the fact that the API 653 Certification program is the most difficult of all of the API programs, and how people has fallen short in 3 or 4 opportunities.

What I did in order to pass the exam? Well, I read the books well ahead, chose and wrote down the most questions and answers I could, and made the most out of the instruction imparted in the course. Regarding the Q&A´s, I revisited them regularly using an spaced repetition software called supermemo. I still have the files, some of which you can read now in my blog.

But more importantly, I really took advantage of the preparation course that was imparted to me in Cartagena. There, they teach you which subjects are definitely going to show up in the exam. You have to flag and highlight the important pages, as this is allowed.

My best score was in welding. I had previous experience, I must confess.

Regarding the info you need for the exam, now they are asking you to bring the original copy of the documents mentioned in the body of knowledge. They won´t accept copies, and they review your material.

That said, I will keep posting information for you to study and pass this important accomplishment. And you should know I am taking more certification exams soon. Thanks a lot.

Hi Again. I am being very clumsy with this posts. However, I know someday you coul use this information for your own good.

Q: Which ASME Sec V article number is Liquid Penetrant examination?

A: 6 (ASME SEC V)

Q: Which ASME Sec V article number is Radiographic examination?

A: 2 (ASME SEC V)

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Good morning. I am back after the preparation course. I compiled several questions I will be posting in the next days.

Q: According to ASME Sec 5, how many copies of each NDE procedure should be available to the Nondestructive examination personnel for their reference and user?.
A: 1

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Hi. I am preparing a great post on introduction to tank design according to API 650. Meanwhile, here are more Questions and answers.

Q: According to API RP575, a tank should be visually inspected on a __________ basis.
A: Monthly

Q: What is the minimum size of a patch above a bottom plate?.
A: 12 inches

Q: What is the minimum size of a patch or of a replacement in the shell?
A: 12 inches

Q: How wide is the critical area of a tank?
A: 3 inches

Q: The rate of corrosion is the _____ _____ ____  divided by the total time frame in which it happened
A: Total metal loss

Q: What is the minimum distance between a patch weld and an existing weld of the shell?
A: 6in

Q: What is the minimum distance between a patch weld and the bottom-shell weld?
A: 6 inches

Q: What is the maximum thickness of a patch used to reinforce corroded areas on the shell?
A: 1/2pulgada

Q: It is required a certified inspector to calculate the thickness of a new tank? Y/N
A: No

Q: How often it is necessary to carry an external visual inspection of a tank by an authorized inspector?
A: Every 5 years

Q: It is necessary to stop the operation of a tank during a five-year inspection?
A: No

Q: Risk-based assessment (RBI) may be used to establish external inspection intervals?
A: No

Q: Does API653 require the withdrawal of the insulation covering the flanges for inspection?
A: No

Q: It is ultrasonic thickness inspection mandatory in quinquennial inspections for evaluating shell thickness?
A: No, it is only allowed

Q: The risk-based assessment (RBI) may be used to increase the frequency of internal inspections?
A: YES

Q: In theory, what is the maximum time should elapse between internal inspections of the tank bottom?
A: 10 years

Q: If a patch is placed on the joint of 3 sheets of the bottom, what is the minimum distance between the patch weld and that joint?
A: 12 inches

Q: It is necessary to do an hydrostatic test when there has been a replacement of a bottom sheet in a tank?
A: No

by @apiexam

In this post we summarize what every certified API 653 inspector-to-be should know in order to take the API 653 examination.

What is API?

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only US national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. It has more than 500 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, that come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.

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by @monirri

Q: What is the minimum thickness of a fillet weld on a tank?
A: 5mm

Q: The lap joints are permitted only at ..
A: Bottom and roof

Continue Reading…

by @monirri

Hi, fellas.

In order to study for my API 653 certification, I started first reading the API 650 Standard. As you probably know, the API 650 standard is almost three times the size of the API 653. (458 vs 166 pages). You could think that I should start posting about API653 because that´s the certification I will be taking. However, in the real world things are the opposite. The truth is, you probably came here looking for API 650.

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by @monirri

As I wrote in my last post, this site is all about passing the API certification programs, specially that  for Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST). Hopefully, I am passing the API653 exam this September, so this resource will be helpful for me and for you alike.

First of all, we need to know some background of API standards for Aboveground Storage Tanks. In some time later we will be introduced to Questions and Answers for each standards, and study methods to help you get ahead and pass the exams. Let´s then start Continue Reading…

Welcome to APIexam.com, an online resource created to help me track my progress in the preparation for the API 653 certification next september. I am a mechanical engineer with experience in AST repair and alteration, and Liquid penetrant testing in tanks and pipes. Hope this resource will be helpful for you. Thanks