Section 5 API-652 Practice Questions

Issue Date Revision Date Page03/98 01/99

Subject API RP 652Lining Aboveground Tanks 1

Section 4 - Corrosion Mechanisms

1. Several common mechanisms of internal storage tank bottom corrosion are listed in API-652. Which of the following is not a common corrosion mechanism?

a) Galvanic cell corrosionb) Concentration cell corrosionc) Chloride stress corrosiond) Corrosion caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria

Reference: API-652, Paragraph 4.1

2. Product cleanup tanks, chemical storage tanks, and wastewater treatment tanks may be susceptible to which type of corrosion?

a) Galvanic cell corrosionb) Chemical corrosionc) Erosion-corrosiond) Concentration cell corrosion


3. Concentration cell corrosion will most likely result in which of the following conditions?a) Pitting and possibly significant localized metal lossb) Pitting and possibly uniform metal loss over a large areac) Pitting and possibly the loss of external cathodic protectiond) Pitting and possibly grooving of the outer perimeter of the tank bottom


4. Pitting caused by concentration cell corrosion of a bare steel tank bottom may be as high as

a) 20 mils per yearb) 40 mils per yearc) 60 mils per yeard) 80 mils per year


5. What is another name for the thin layer of oxide found on the surface of hot-rolled carbon steel, typically used for the construction of petroleum storage tanks?

a) Patinab) Iron oxidec) Mill scaled) Rust


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6. With regard to galvanic cell corrosion, what adverse affect could the large differences in the microstructure of steel bottom plates caused by welding have?

a) They can provide a built in area of localized crackingb) They can provide a built in stress concentrationc) They can provide a built in break in the external cathodic protectiond) They can provide a built in galvanic couple


7. Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SBR) corrosion is universally recognized. The physical presence of bacterial deposits can promote aggressive _________ mechanism.

a) Uniform metal loss over a wide area similar to erosion-corrosionb) Pitting by corrosion similar to concentration cell corrosionc) Pitting by corrosion similar to Chemical corrosiond) Pitting by corrosion similar to galvanic cell corrosion


8. SBR colonies derive energy from the reduction of sulfates to sulfide which _______.a) Promotes the appearance of a non-corrosive coatingb) Promotes the natural corrosion inhibitors of the steel platesc) Is corrosive to steeld) Is non-corrosive to steel


9. Iron sulfide corrosion is _____ to the base steel and may promote pitting by a galvanic corrosion mechanism.

a) An anodeb) Ionicc) Cationicd) Cathodic


10. Erosion-corrosion may occur in wastewater treating or mixing tanks where ___ is presenta) Sulfate-reducing bacteria and anaerobic conditionb) Soil or small abrasive aggregatec) Sulfuric acid or ballast waterd) An anode or cathode


11. Erosion-corrosion causes ______.a) Scattered pitting in a random patternb) High localized metal loss in a random patternc) Scattered pitting in a well defined patternd) High localized metal loss in a well defined pattern








Answers to API-652 Section 4, Corrosion Mechanisms

Question Number Answer1 C2 B3 A4 D5 C6 D7 B8 C9 D10 B11 D

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Section 5 - Determination of the Need for Tank Bottom Lining

1. Aboveground storage tank bottoms are usually fabricated from ____ inch thick carbon steel plate.

a) 1b) 3/4c) 1/2d) 1/4


2. Annular floor plates of storage tanks are frequently ____ to ___ inch thick.a) 1/4 to 1/2b) 1/2 to 3/4c) 3/4 to 1d) to 1-1/4


3, The need for an internal tank bottom lining in an aboveground storage tank is generally based upon several considerations. Which of the following would not be a consideration in determining the need for tank bottom lining?

a) Tank designb) Environmental considerationsc) Method of external cathodic protection employedd) Federal, state, and local regulations


4. Internal tank bottom lining may be necessary if the minimum thickness is less than:a) 0.010 inchb) 0.100 inchc) 1.000 inchd) 0.1875 inch


5. Of the following what would not be considered important to consider when determining the need for tank bottom lining?

a) Where is the corrosionb) What type of corrosion is occurringc) How high is the design fill leveld) What is the corrosion rate





6. Flexing of the steel tank bottom may cause ______.a) An internal bottom lining to fail by crackingb) An internal bottom lining to fail by tearingc) An internal bottom lining to fail by blisteringd) An internal bottom lining to fail by separating from the bottom plate

Reference: API-652, Paragraph 5.4.1

7. In old tanks, which of the following may complicate the problem of poor coverage?a) The diameter of the tankb) The thickness of the tank bottomc) Uneven settlement of the tank bottomd) Chemical contaminants


8. A properly applied internal bottom lining provides leak prevention by _______.a) Creating a cathodic protection barrier on the internal surfaceb) Enhancing the effectiveness of the external cathodic protection systemc) Limiting internal corrosion of the steel tank bottomd) Limiting internal corrosion of the support columns and landing pads


9. In setting priorities for the application of linings to the bottom of aboveground storage tanks, which of the following does not need to be considered?

a) The potential for groundwater contaminationb) Type of external cathodic protection systemc) Presence of secondary containment and leak detection systemsd) Location of facility


10. A properly applied tank bottom lining may provide ___ years of service life in a particular product.

a) 20 to 30b) 10 to 20c) 5 to 10d) 1 to 5


11. A lining that has provided adequate protection in one product may not provide the same level of protection for another product.

a) Trueb) False





Answers to API-652 Section 5, Determination of the Need for Tank Bottom Lining

Question Number Answer1 D2 A3 C4 B5 C6 A7 D8 C9 B10 B11 A








Section 6 - Tank Bottom Lining Selection

1. Thin film linings are typically what thickness?a) 20 mils or lessb) 30 mils or lessc) 40 mils or lessd) 50 mils or less


2. Thick film linings are typically what thickness?a) Greater than 20 milsb) Greater than 30 milsc) Greater than 40 milsd) Greater than 50 mils


3. Why must all linings be resistant to water?a) Water must be present at the tank bottom to act as a shield between the stored

product and the liningb) Water must be present at the tank bottom to prevent contamination of the soil

should a leak occur. The water will be detect before any product leakagec) Water must be present at the tank bottom for electrochemical corrosion to occurd) Water must be present at the tank bottom for electromotive corrosion to occur


4. Which of the following type of lining would be used for a tank bottom containing water, distillates, crude, and gasoline at 195ºF

a) Thin-film Coal tar epoxyb) Thick film isophthalic polyesterc) Thick film epoxyd) Thin film epoxy with an amine curative

Reference: API-652, Paragraph 6.2 and Table 1

5. What are two advantages of thin-film linings?a) Lower cost and can be used to cover very irregular surfacesb) Lower cost and ease of applicationc) Lower cost and surface preparation is not criticald) Requires no special training and lower cost





6. Which of the following type of lining wold be used for a tank bottom containing water, crude oil, distillates, and gasoline at 150ºF

a) Thin film coal tarb) Thick film vinyl esterc) Thin film epoxy with a polyamide curatived) Thick film isophthalic polyester

Reference: API-652, Paragraph 6.3 and Table 2

7 Thick-film linings are commonly reinforced with which of the following?a) Sand and small diameter gravelb) Copper wire, stainless steel wire, and low alloy steel mesh fabricc) Chopped PVC piping, copped ABS piping, and Resin beads d) Glass flake, chopped glass fibers, and organic fibers


8. One advantage of thick-film lining is _________.a) It can provide a good surface to attach internal corrosion monitoring devicesb) It can provide sufficient strength to bridge over large perforations in the tank

bottomc) It can provide sufficient strength to bridge over small perforation in the tank

bottomd) It can provide sufficient strength to prevent leakage should the tank bottom

completely corrode away


9. Special consideration must be given to what area of the tank bottom with regard to thick-film lining?

a) The center because this is the area that will be subjected to the most stressb) The critical zonec) Any butt weld joints in the tank bottom d) The coving at the transition from the tank bottom to the shell


10. What are two disadvantages of thick-film linings?a) They are more expensive than thin-film linings and require more time to applyb) They are available in only one color and require more time to applyc) They are more expensive and require a curative d) They are more expensive and require high temperature airflow for curing





11. Storage tank bottom linings generally cover the entire tank bottom and extend ________ up the shell of the tank.

a) 12 to 18 inchesb) 18 to 24 inchesc) 24 to 30 inchesd) 30 to 36 inches


12. For thin-film lining systems, application of ______ coats is often required to achieve the desired film thickness

a) 7 to 8b) 5 to 6c) 1 to 4d) 2 to 3


13. For thick-film lining systems, ______ coats may be required to obtain the thickness of the desired lining.

a) 5 to 8b) 2 to 3c) 1 to 4d) 3 to 7


14. When only internal corrosion is taking place, regardless of the age of the tank, ______ thick linings may be used.

a) 80 to 120 milb) 55 to 80 milc) 35 to 55 mild) 10 to 35 mil


15. What type and thickness of lining can be used for older tank bottoms that have corroded both internally and externally?

a) Glass reinforced - 80 to 120 milb) Glass reinforced - 55 to 80 milc) Glass reinforced - 35 to 55 mild) Glass reinforced - 10 to 35 mil





16. Besides the corrosion history and the potential for corrosion, what two exceptional circumstances must be taken into account during the selection o a tank bottom lining?

a) Specific gravity of the product and elevated temperatureb) Product purity and fill/empty cyclesc) Elevated temperatures and product purityd) Elevated temperatures and product viscosity


Answers to API-652 Section 6, Tank Bottom Lining Selection

Question Number Answer1 A2 A3 C4 D5 B6 D7 D8 C9 D10 A11 B12 D13 C14 C15 A16 C








Section 7 - Surface Preparation

1. What is meant by "anchor pattern" as it pertains to surface preparation for tank bottom lining?

a) The grid pattern of mechanical fixtures that hold the lining in placeb) The grid pattern of adhesive use to hold the lining to the tank bottomc) The surface profile or roughnessd) The grid pattern of the bottom plate to plate welds


2. Abrasive blast cleaning to a ______ finish is often specified as the minimum degree of surface cleanliness.

a) White metalb) Near white metalc) Smooth metald) Rough


3. To facilitate inspection and to ensure good adhesion of the lining, surface preparation should extend _______ beyond the area to be lined.

a) Several inchesb) Several feetc) Not less than 6 inchesd) Not less than 12 inches


4. What is the preferred technique for the repair of perforations of the tank bottom?a) Thread the perforation and install a suitable pipe plugb) Install an entirely new tank bottom over the old bottomc) Fill the perforation with amber acrylicd) Welding of steel patches


5. Abrasive blasting should not be performed if the temperature of the steel surface is less than _____ above the dew point or if the humidity is greater than ______ percent.

a) 10ºF - 80b) 5ºF - 80c) 15ºF - 80d) 25ºF - 80





6. The anchor pattern typically required for linings is ____ and generally increases with the thickness of the lining.

a) 3.5 to 6 milsb) 2.5 to 5 milsc) 1.5 to 4 milsd) 0.5 to 3 mils


7. What is the problem with having small mounts of contaminants such as dirt, clay, water-soluble salts, or oil in the abrasive used for storage tank bottom cleaning?

a) This contamination in small amounts will not affect the quality and service life of the lining

b) This contamination in small amounts will cause ripples in the lining surfacec) This contamination in small amounts will cause the abrasive material to stick

together and clog the cleaning equipmentd) This contamination in small amounts will reduce the useful life of the lining


Answers to API-652 Section 7, Surface Preparation

Question Number Answer1 C2 B3 A4 D5 B6 C7 D








Section 8 - Lining Application

1. For thick-film linings, the manufacturer may specify that the prime coat be applied at a film thickness less than that of the anchor pattern. Why is it important to follow these requirements?

a) Failure to follow these requirements could result in the nullification of the lining warranty

b) Failure to follow these requirements could result in the lining cracking at the first filling of the tank

c) Failure to follow these requirements could result in disbonding or delamination of the lining

d) Failure to follow these requirements could result in pitting of the lining surface


2. What should be done if there are differences between the owner's specifications and the lining manufacturer's recommendations?

a) These differences should be resolved prior to beginning the jobb) These differences should be resolved at each step to see which is more

advantageousc) Disregard the manufacturer's recommendationsd) Disregard the owner's specifications


3. As a general rule, the temperature of the steel surface should be ____ and the humidity should be _______ during the application and curing of the lining.

a) 25ºF above the dew point - below 80%b) 5ºF above the dew point - below 80%c) 5ºF below the dew point - above 80%d) 5ºF above the dew point - above 80%


4. What is a common cause of failure of thick-film lining systems?a) Abrasive blasting to a white metal finishb) Abrasive blasting to a near white metal finishc) Primer coating at a thickness less than the anchor patternd) Excess primer thickness


5. What two factors are the major causes of premature lining failure?a) Forced curing and improper applicationb) Improper application and inadequate curingc) Abrasive blasting to white metal finish and inadequate curingd) Abrasive blasting to white metal finish and improper application





Answers to API-652 Section 8, Lining Application

Question Number Answer1 C2 A3 B4 D5 B








Section 9 - Inspection

1. To ensure the lining meets the specification, it should be inspected during ___ and ___.a) Application and at the next scheduled internal inspection; not to exceed 20 yearsb) Application and at the next scheduled internal inspection; not to exceed 10 yearsc) Application and at the next scheduled internal inspection; not to exceed 5 yearsd) Application and upon completion of the work


2. All lining inspectors should demonstrate a thorough knowledge of lining and coating practices or be _____ certified.

a) National Boardb) API-510c) NACEd) API-653


3. How is holiday testing of thick film linings accomplished?a) Holiday testing of thick film linings shall be carried out with a low-voltage

detector in accordance with NACE RP-01-88b) Holiday testing of thick film linings shall be carried out with a high-voltage

detector in accordance with NACE RP-01-88c) Holiday testing of thick film linings shall be carried out with a low-wattage

detector in accordance with NACE RP-01-88d) Holiday testing of thick film linings shall be carried out with an infrared detector

in accordance with NACE RP-01-88


Answers to API-652 Section 9, Inspection

Question Number Answer1 D2 C3 B








Section 10 - Repair of Tank Bottom Linings

1. A service life of ______ years should be expected from a properly selected and applied lining system.

a) 10 to 20b) 15 to 30c) 20 to 30d) 25 to 30


2. When should repairs to the tank be accomplished when it is necessary to make repairs to the lining?

a) All repairs to the tank should be completed immediately after lining repairs to permit proper curing

b) All repairs to the tank should be completed only after the lining repair has had time to cure

c) All repairs to the tank should be completed prior to any repair of the liningd) All repairs to the tank should be started before the repair of the lining and finished

as soon as the work on the lining is complete.


3. Before deciding how to repair a lining, the cause and extent must be established. In addition, what three possible failure modes must be considered as possible causes of lining failure?

a) Environmental, mechanical, cathodic protectionb) Mechanical, improper installation, environmentalc) Improper installation, wrong inspection technique, environmentald) Mechanical, environmental, placement of galvanic anodes


4. Of the following, which is not one of the three basic types of lining repair?a) Top-coating of an existing liningb) Complete reliningc) Spot repairsd) Installing metallic plugs in lining breaks


5. Who should be consulted to access the compatibility of new coats with existing lining in the top-coating repair method?

a) The API-653 Inspectorb) The owner or operatorc) The lining manufacturerd) NACE RP-01-84





Answers to API-652 Section 10, Repair of Tank Bottom Linings

Question Number Answer1 A2 C3 B4 D5 C








Section 11 - Safety

1. In addition to proper safe work procedures and training of employees, what else is required prior to the application of internal tank linings?

a) Provision of the necessary supervision and/or inspection before and after the job is done

b) Provision of the necessary supervision and/or inspection prior to the start of the lining application

c) Provision of the necessary supervision and/or inspection throughout the progress of the job

d) Provision of the necessary supervision and/or inspection provided by the employee with the most experience


2. All necessary precautions to protect _____ shall be taken prior to entry of and while working in a storage tank.

a) The thick film tank bottom liningb) Personnelc) Any cathodic protection systemd) The environment


3. Working in a petroleum storage tank presents certain hazards. Which of the following would not be a hazard associated with this activity?

a) Drowningb) Respiratoryc) Fired) Explosion


4. In order to properly protect themselves, employees should consult ______.a) Their immediate supervisorb) The owner/operator's specificationsc) Previous inspection reportsd) Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)


General note to participants: The purpose of an MSDS is to tell the worker:a) A material's physical properties which make is hazardous to handleb) The type of personal protective equipment neededc) The first aid treatment is exposed to a hazardd) The planning needed for safely handling normal operation, as well as emergencies

such as spills and firese) The appropriate response to accidents

The applicable MSDS should be consulted prior to conducting any work




Answers to API-652 Section 11, Safety

Question Number Answer1 C2 B3 A4 D









Section 5 API-652 Practice Questions

Documents

corrosion similar

corrosion mechanisms

erosioncorrosion b pitting

chemical corrosion d

galvanic corrosion mechanism

erosioncorrosion causes

common corrosion mechanism

iron sulfide corrosion