API 2000 is a standard published by the American Petroleum Institute (API) that provides guidelines for the venting of atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks. It is a key reference for the design and sizing of venting systems to protect tanks from excessive pressure or vacuum conditions.

Key Features:

• Scope: Applies to storage tanks, particularly those built in accordance with API 650 and API 620
• Protection types:
  • Pressure relief
  • Vacuum relief
• Applicable fluids: Liquids, vapors, and gases — especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Sizing criteria:
  • Filling and emptying rates
  • Thermal expansion
  • Evaporation and condensation effects
• Device types: Includes spring-loaded relief valves, weighted hatches, rupture disks, and vacuum breakers
  
  

Purpose and Benefits:

• Maintains the structural integrity of tanks by preventing deformation due to overpressure or vacuum
• Supports environmental compliance by controlling VOC emissions
• Enhances facility safety during events such as fire exposure, overfilling, or process upsets