Dear Sir: API 653, Inspection, Repair, Alteration and Reconstruction, provides guidance and standards on the repair of aboveground tank bottoms in the "critical" zone. Hope this helps! David Hendrix The Hendrix Group Inc.

>Thanks. But I request some experience on that. If somebody >actually performed this kind of repair i.e. partial or >complete replacement of bottom or making slit in the shell >and provide new bottom plates. I have the similar problem with yours. :-( . We have a planning to apply API 653 recommendation. The repair of corroded portion depend on the level of corrotion. Some of inspection shall be conducted prior to select the kind of repair i.e. partial or complete replacement for surface corrosion (impact to minimum calculated thickness) or practically we just build up welding for any pitting. Qualified QC and competent tank engineer shall involved. So I suggest you to identify the type and level of corrosion to get the volume of repair work. Next step, API 653 clearly provide us the procedure of repair work, that Mr. Hendrix advised you previously. Hope it is not too late to help you. I wish. edf