RTP-1, A Standard for FRP Storage Tanks, The Intent and the Realities

Presented By: Jeffrey D. Eisenman, P.E. Maverick Applied Science, Inc.

jeisenman@mas-mss.com PH: (941) 721-1800

General Outline

Introduction Background Perceptions regarding RTP-1 What is RTP-1? What does it do for me?

General Outline contd

Qualifications Design in accordance with RTP-1 IAW RTP-1, but No Stamp! How do we get what we want?

Introduction

Governed by ASME, Board of Pressure Technology Codes & Standards The Bible for FRP Tanks! RTP-1 is a national and international standard. The most comprehensive standard for FRP storage tanks. Specified around the world.
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Background

First Published by ASME in 1989 Updated every 2 year, 2011 Currently 11 Certified for RTP-1 Maintained by an ASME Committee of industry related members Design Conditions from Full Vacuum to +15 PSI

ASME RTP-1
Perception: Provides Good Quality, but Its Expensive!?
Reality: Not Much More! ~0-10%

ASME RTP-1
Perception: Its only a design guideline, similar to ASTM D3299
Reality: Its much more than that!

What is ASME RTP-1?

A Safety Document! A Quality Control Document A Design Guideline A Fabrication Guideline

What does it cover?

Communications
Users Basic Requirements Specification (UBRS) Reporting, (Design, Inspection)

Materials
Qualification of Raw Materials Definition of Standard Laminates Design Basis Laminate Testing

More of what it covers?

Design
Subpart 3A Design by Rules Subpart 3B Design by Stress Analysis Special guidelines above 16 ft Dia.

Fabrication
Definition of Primary Components Specific requirements for Joints and Reinforcements, i.e. repads, and knuckles Specific requirements for Flanges and Nozzle Installation
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More of what it covers?

Inspection and Testing

Fabricators QC and QA Program Documentation and Recordkeeping Inspection Requirements Description of Nonconformances and Remedy Testing Requirements Acceptance Criteria
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More of what it covers?

Shop Qualifications
Material Tracking Fabrication Methods Demonstration Laminates Proof Testing of Laminates Quality Control Program Certified Laminates and Bonders
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More of what it covers?

Shop Certification
Surveyed and Certified by an ASME Team Quality Control Manual Review and on file with ASME Shop must Construct and Successfully Test a Demonstration Vessel Announced and Unannounced Audits Recertified every 3 years
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RTP-1 is a Comprehensive Quality Control Program for FRP Storage Tanks

Checks and Balances

Proof Testing for Design Basis Laminates Design and Fabrication Validation Quality Control Program with independent certification Certified personnel
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Reality: I want it designed in accordance with RTP-1.

What does that mean? What are the expectations?

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Reality: I want it designed in accordance with RTP-1.

What does that mean? What are the expectations?

I expect full compliance with RTP-1 Part 3, Design.

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I want it designed in accordance with RTP-1.

What are the realities? Questions!

Does the manufacturer have a good understanding of RTP-1? Will a Professional Engineer perform the calculations? How will the assumptions for the material properties be verified?
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I want it designed in accordance with RTP-1.

What are the realities?

No worries about anything else?

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Reality: I want it in accordance with RTP-1, but a stamp is not required.

What does that mean? What are the expectations?

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I want it in accordance with RTP-1, but a stamp is not required.

What does that mean? What are the expectations?

I expect full compliance with RTP-1 and RTP-1 quality, but can be built by a manufacturer that is not certified by ASME.
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Reality: I want it in accordance with RTP-1, but a stamp is not required.

What does that mean?

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I want it in accordance with RTP1, but a stamp is not required.

What are the realities?

Proven Material Properties? Qualified Fabrication Methods? Quality Control? Certified Laminators?

What am I getting????
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I want it in accordance with RTP1, but a stamp is not required.

What am I getting????

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I think we can see there is significant value in an ASME RTP-1 Certified Tank.

Safety is always a concern. Reliable production is imperative. Makes sense from a risk management standpoint.

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If I dont ask for an ASME RTP-1 Certified Tank, what can I do to meet expectations?

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If I dont ask for an ASME RTP-1 Certified Tank, what can I do to meet expectations?
The Owner or Owners Engineer has to take responsibility and a more active role in the procurement and quality assurance process.

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Additional Responsibilities of the Owner or Owners Engineer

First:

Need a Comprehensive and Descriptive Specification Prequalify Capable Vendors, maybe a shop visit and audit.

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Additional Responsibilities of the Owner or Owners Engineer

Design Concerns:

Design review of Calculations for Good FRP Engineering Practices Review of Fabrication Drawings for Compliance with RTP-1 and calcs Require and confirm Material Testing to validate design assumptions
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Additional Responsibilities of the Owner or Owners Engineer

Fabrication and Quality Control: The Owners Specification needs to provide for some checks and balances Fabrication Kick-off Meeting In-process inspections Review of fabrication and QC Documentation
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Additional Responsibilities of the Owner or Owners Engineer

Testing and Acceptance: Examine all cut-outs for laminate thicknesses and good quality Witness the Hydrostatic Testing Require submittal of all QC Documentation with Delivery
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ASME RTP-1 Tanks?

Certified Stamp: Its a decision based on priorities and needs, but it should be an informed one. Dont Assume!

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Thank You
Jeff Eisenman, P.E. Maverick Applied Science, Inc.
jeisenman@mas-mss.com PH: (941) 721-1800

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