Storage tanks and containers are crucial for industries and facilities required to store chemicals and other materials. Since storage tanks are used to keep various things, and any undetected flaw or leakage can result in a catastrophe, one should be aware of API 653 tank inspection services.
Storage tanks are not made to last forever, and thus, facility owners should get the storage tanks thoroughly inspected annually. Regular tank inspections ensure the tanks are in proper condition and not damaged. Through routine tank inspection, one can find out possible flaws and wear and tear in the tanks and its accessories, leading to any major accidents in advance and preventing them in time. Moreover, repairing a damaged storage tank costs more than regular inspections.
Whether you have a new storage tank or a pre-installed tank, it’s recommended to conduct a routine tank test.
While it’s advised to hire professional inspectors for tank inspection, one can start with self-inspection.
Before conducting any tank inspection, empty its content. Look for any signs of leakage, crack, wear and tear, or corrosion on the tank surface. Besides checking the tank surface, one must look for corrosion signs around the tank’s fittings and other parts. Once you have inspected the exterior of the tank, check its interior. Carefully scan the interior for signs of brittleness on the dome of the tank. Vents, scrubber pipes, hoses, gaskets, and fittings are some of the essential things you should inspect. If you come across any corrosion sign, leakage, crack, or brittleness, call API inspection technicians for professional help.
Annual Tank Inspection from Professional Tank Inspectors
When it comes to storage tank testing, the task should be left to qualified professionals to conduct the inspection. The inspection technicians go through various examinations and API 653 training courses to qualify. Thus, they are highly efficient at handling all kinds of storage tank issues. A professional storage tank inspection may involve the following test;
Comprehensive Visual Inspection
Most tank inspection companies perform non-destructive tests to determine the health of the storage tanks. Visual inspection is one of the most common types of NDT. In visual inspection, the exterior and interior of the tank are thoroughly evaluated.
A storage tank can get damaged due to outside elements as well as other stressors. Cracks and brittleness are common in old and over-used storage tanks. If cracks or signs of wear and tear are found on the tank’s surface, the technician cuts a piece from the tank surface to determine the crack’s depth.
Ultrasonic testing is another method to check the thickness of the tank wall. The technician can detect any possible signs of corrosion through ultrasonic tank testing. Many tank inspection companies use remote video recording devices to capture the interior of the tank. Photos and videos can reveal any possible crack or corrosion inside the tank.
There are times when the tanks are in perfect condition but still cause a problem. Thus, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation which involves testing vents, fittings, and other such components.
If the attachments or fittings are compromised or damaged, it must be replaced. Besides evaluating fitting and vents, technicians also check whether seismic clips, brackets, and even ladders are corrosion-free or not.
