How Do Professionals Perform Underground Storage Tank Inspection?

tank-Inspection

Underground storage tanks are primarily used in industries to store fuel as they don’t need floor space and prevent contamination. However, they can get damaged, resulting in leaks. To mitigate these issues, you need to inspect these tanks after regular intervals. As they are underground, you cannot inspect them by yourself.

It would help if you call professionals for underground storage tank inspection. You may have been thinking about how professionals will do this job. Don’t worry! We will guide you. In this post, we will tell you how professionals perform underground storage tank inspections.

Preparations

Before they start inspecting the storage tanks, they need to prepare for it. These preparations involve different tasks, such as:

Going Through Documentation: First of all, professionals review the tank’s history and relevant documentation. It includes previous inspection reports, maintenance records, and any incident reports. Understanding the tank’s history helps them identify areas requiring special attention.

Reviewing Tank Designs: Then they review the tank’s design specifications and installation details to ensure that the inspection covers all critical aspects. They also clean the areas around underground storage tanks for quick and easy access.

Site Assessment: They perform an initial assessment of the site to identify any potential hazards or obstacles. Checking for the presence of overhead power lines, underground utilities, and other environmental factors that could impact the inspection process is included in this assessment. It’s required to ensure that all necessary safety precautions are taken and that the inspection can proceed without unexpected disruptions.

Inspection

After preparations, the team is ready for inspection. It involves a series of steps, including:

Entry

The inspection team had to enter the tank to inspect it closely. Underground storage tanks can have hazardous materials. Therefore, they are first prepared for the entrance. They rely on gas monitoring and purging techniques to ensure the tank is free of hazardous gases. Safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are strictly followed while entering. They also coordinate with emergency response teams to ensure rescue equipment is readily available.

Visual and Physical Inspection

After entering the tanks, inspectors conduct a detailed visual and physical examination. They look for signs of corrosion and other damage. They also notice any sediment or sludge buildup at the bottom of the tank. They collect samples of these build-ups for further analysis. To ensure a comprehensive assessment of the tank’s interior condition, professionals use specialised lights and mirrors.

Ultrasonic Inspection

One of the most effective methods used for internal inspection is ultrasonic testing. Professionals use ultrasonic thickness gauges to measure the tank walls’ thickness. It helps them detect thin and corroded areas that could lead to leaks or structural failure. Ultrasonic testing provides precise measurements, allowing them to detect even minor degradation that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Leak Detection

The inspection team pays special attention to any leaks as they can lead to oil waste and contamination. Helium leak detection is one of the most advanced techniques used for this purpose. It involves the introduction of Helium into the tank. After that, sensors are used to detect any escaping gas. This method is highly sensitive and can identify even the minor leaks. Helium is preferred because it is an inert gas and wouldn’t react with any component of the storage tank.

ultrasonic-inspection

Pressure Testing

It’s also a common method used for detecting leaks during storage tank inspection. In this step, the tank is filled with water or another inert substance, and pressure is applied. The inspection team monitors the pressure levels over time to detect any drops that could indicate a leak. Pressure testing is particularly effective in identifying leaks that aren’t detectable through visual inspection.

Regulatory Compliance

Underground storage tanks are used to store oil that is considered a hazardous material. Therefore, the inspection must be compliant with regulations and industrial standards. Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is mandatory to avoid penalties and legal actions. It’s also important to develop a good reputation.

When you call professionals for inspection, they ensure that all findings and recommendations align with regulatory standards. They will assist you in understanding these regulations. Compliance with regulations not only protects the environment but also helps you avoid fines.

Follow-Up Inspections

After inspection, professionals will provide detailed analysis and reports. Based on the results, follow-up inspections may be necessary. Your selected inspectors will schedule them to check the tank’s condition after any required repairs or maintenance. It’s also required to ensure that the tank remains in compliance with safety and environmental standards. Follow-up inspections also provide an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the repairs.

Conclusion

Professionals follow a streamlined process to inspect underground tanks. You will get these comprehensive services only when you opt for the right company. You can rely on Network Environmentally UK for underground storage tank inspection. It’s a reliable company, offering an extensive range of inspection services while ensuring compliance with all regulations and standards.