Abstract: The acoustic emission inspection experiments of the oil tanks were conducted to offer a scientific overhaul plan for oil depot directors. Through discussing the application method and the data analysis of AE inspection, the corrosion degree of bottom plates and the energy distributions of AE signals were acquired. Thus a conclusion was drawn that both AE static test and loading test could reflect the differences of the AE activity in the bottom plate of the tanks, and hence determine the priority of repairing the tanks.