Used Process Tanks for Sale

They're the vessels and tanks used in oilfield, gas processing and plant work: vertical and horizontal tanks, two- and three-phase separators, filter separators, pulsation dampeners and gas sweeteners. Some are pressure vessels and others are low-pressure or atmospheric tanks, and that decides which code applies.

Sources: API Spec 12J scope · ASME VIII-1 overview · API 650 overview

Pressure vessels above about 15 psi are built to ASME Section VIII Division 1 and carry a certification stamp. Welded storage tanks at atmospheric or very low pressure are built to API 650, which isn't meant for compressed or liquefied gases. Never put an atmospheric tank into pressure service.

Sources: ASME VIII-1 overview · API 650 overview

An oil-and-gas separator uses vessel volume and internals to split gas from oil and water; API 12J covers those for production lines. A filter separator adds replaceable filter or coalescing elements to catch solids and fine mist, then a vane or mesh mist extractor strips remaining droplets. API 12J doesn't cover filter separators.

Sources: API Spec 12J scope · Kimray — filter separators · Forum Energy Technologies

A reciprocating compressor moves gas in pulses that can resonate in the piping and damage equipment. A pulsation dampener (or bottle) is a vessel at the cylinder suction or discharge that smooths those swings. Its sizing is tied to the specific compressor, and API 618 sets the pulsation limits.

Source: ScienceDirect — pulsation dampers

Start with the nameplate: legible, showing the maker, serial number, design pressure and temperature, and the code stamp. Look for internal and external corrosion and any weld repairs. Ask for wall thickness readings, which API 510 inspections compare with the minimum required thickness to work out a corrosion rate and remaining life.

Sources: ASME VIII-1 overview · Inspenet — API 510 practices

It should have the Manufacturer's Data Report (for example Form U-1). If it's registered with the National Board, the nameplate shows an "NB" mark and number. Also ask for past inspection reports, thickness surveys and repair records, since inspection programs rely on that history.

Sources: Trane — getting a U-1 report · National Board NB-264 · National Board — data report registration

Often, yes. If the nameplate shows an NB mark and number, the National Board keeps that data report on file permanently, and anyone can order a copy with the manufacturer's name and NB number. A U-stamp alone doesn't mean it was registered, so a vessel without the NB mark may have no copy on file.

Sources: National Board — order data reports · National Board NB-264 · National Board — data report registration

It depends on the vessel and its manufacturer, so contact the manufacturer first. Under the NBIC, a rerate counts as an alteration, needing engineering review, an R-certificate holder, an inspector and Form R-2. The local jurisdiction, most of which adopt the NBIC, has the final say.

Sources: AuthorizedInspector.com — NBIC FAQ · National Board NB-415