# API 653 Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction

> API 653, Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, is the API standard for aboveground atmospheric storage tanks built to API 650 or similar, defining routine, external and internal inspections, their intervals, minimum thicknesses and repair requirements.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/api-653/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: standards

## Key facts

- Routine in-service checks by the owner monthly; external inspection by an authorised inspector at least every 5 years
- Internal inspection interval set by bottom corrosion rate, up to a code maximum that can be extended with RBI
- Floor inspection commonly uses magnetic flux leakage, UT and vacuum box leak testing of welds
- Shell settlement surveys and cathodic protection checks are part of the program

Also known as: API 653 inspector, storage tank inspection code.

## Tank work for inspection companies

Internal inspections happen when the tank is out of service, usually inside a shutdown window with tight access and many trades. Floor scanning, shell thickness, weld leak testing and settlement surveys produce several reports for one asset.

## API 653 work in AMPS

The AMPS shutdown case study uses a tank farm as its example: tanks as sub-assets with QR codes, jobs grouped per shutdown, work packs kept current on each job page, and personnel and equipment documents tracked with expiry flags.

## Related pages

- [How to manage a shutdown with AMPS](https://amps.global/case-studies/03-shutdown-management/)
- [Leak testing (LT)](https://amps.global/glossary/leak-testing/)
- [Shutdown and turnaround](https://amps.global/glossary/shutdown-and-turnaround/)
- [Inspection interval](https://amps.global/glossary/inspection-interval/)

## Sources

- [API - American Petroleum Institute standards](https://www.api.org/products-and-services/standards)