_API_MPMS_19.3D_2001_2012.pdf

FOREWORDThis standard provides rules for testing the deck seams or deck joints of internal floatingroofs under laboratory conditions to provide evaporative deck-seam loss factors or deck-jointloss factors.It was prepared by Task Group II of the API Committee on Evaporative LossEstimation(CELE).A testing program was conducted in 1982 that used the pilot tank test method for measur-ing the deck-seam loss factors of mechanically-joined,contact and non-contact internalfloating roofs.The deck-seam loss factor that is published in API Publication 2519,Evapo-rative Loss From Internal Floating-Roof Tanks,and in API Manual of Petroleum Measure-ment Standards,Chapter 19.2,Evaporative Loss From Floating-Roof Tanks,is based onthese tests.This deck-seam loss factor and the test method that was used to develop it havebeen widely accepted by oil companies,manufacturers,industry groups,regulatory agen-cies,and general interest groups.API has not,however,tested or developed deck-seam lossfactors for proprietary designs of individual manufacturers.A second testing program was conducted in the period from 1994 through 1996 that usedthe weight loss test method for measuring deck-seam loss factors.These tests were directedat developing a test protocol that would eventually be published in the API Manual of Petro-leum Measurement Standards,Chapter 19.3,Part C,Weight Loss Test Method for the Mea-surement of Deck-Seam Loss Factors for Internal Floating-Roof Tanks.The first edition ofthis publication is still under development.A third testing program was conducted in 1999 that used the fugitive emission test methodfor measuring deck-seam loss factors.These tests were directed at developing the test proto-col that is described in this publication.By publishing this fugitive emission test method,the API is making this test method avail-able to interested parties who wish to test particular deck seams or deck joints under the aus-pices of the API.API certification of an evaporative loss factor developed through this program is subject tothe following three-step process:a.The testing shall be performed in laboratories licensed by the API.The requirements toqualify for licensure are presented in the API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards,Chapter 19.3,Part G,Certified Loss Factor Testing Laboratory Registration;b.Testing and determination of test results shall be performed as specified herein;andc.The evaluation of these test results and the certification of an evaporative loss factor forthe item tested shall be conducted in accordance with the API Manual of Petroleum Mea-surement Standards,Chapter 19.3,Part F,Evaporative Loss Factor for Storage TanksCertification Program.API publications may be used by anyone desiring to do so.Every effort has been made bythe Institute to assure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in them;however,theInstitute makes no representation,warranty,or guarantee in connection with this publicationand hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resultingfrom its use or for the violation of any federal,state,or municipal regulation with which thispublication may conflict.Suggested revisions are invited and should be submitted to the standardization manager,American Petroleum Institute,1220 L Street,N.W.,Washington,D.C.20005.