Types of Tank Inspections

The importance of tank inspections can’t be overstated. Tank leaks can cause catastrophic environmental contamination and workplace injuries. Beyond that, tank leaks can also lead to aesthetic complaints, costly repairs, or tank failure. Ultimately, regular tank inspections are essential to identifying and addressing potentially catastrophic tank issues. But what are the different types of tank inspections?

Types of Tank Inspections

Steel Tank Institute Inspections

The Steel Tank Institute (STI) mandates inspection standards for aboveground storage tanks. The protocol is known as the SP-001 Standard, and it encompasses shop-fabricated tanks, field erected tanks, and portable containers. SP-001-applicable tanks include tanks that store stable, flammable, and combustible liquids, typically with atmospheric pressure and at 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The STI SP-001 Standard does not mandate tank entry for any tank under 30,000 gallons. Instead, an alternative is usually given with the use of leak-test inspections.

American Petroleum Institute 653 Code Tank Inspections

Field erected tanks, API 650 and 12D tanks undergo inspection per the American Petroleum Institute (API 653) standards. Tanks 30,000 gallons and above may fit the criteria for API 653 for in-service inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction. We provide the following in accordance with API standards:

• Inspections completed by API-certified inspectors
• Reporting that includes corrosion rates, life expectancy of the tank, tank deficiencies, and repair recommendations
• Inspections with up-to-date technology that allows enables access to previously restricted areas. This includes magnetic tank crawlers, ultrasonic thickness gauges for steel and stainless steel plate thickness measurement, and floor scanning with Magnetic Flux Emissions (MFE) testing for bottom side corrosion of steel tank floors.

National Fire Protection Association and American Water Works Association

Select tanks must also undergo inspection in line with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. Per the NFPA website, NFPA is a global nonprofit organization working to eliminate “death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards.” The AWWA exists to improve water quality and supply, which is directly connected to proper storage tank management. Compliance with both agencies is essential for environmental and employee safety.

Other Tank Inspection Services

Unique tanks require a tailored approach to inspection. Unlike other tank inspection operations, EWI has the manpower and the resources to go beyond standard tank inspection, offering services including confined space rescue and tank cleaning services. EWI is also able to keep project costs low while keeping work schedules under control. How? Because we offer an all-inclusive approach that draining, cleaning, assessment, and reintroduction to service. In addition to STI, API, NFPA, and AWWA inspections, we provide the following types of tank services:

• Confined space rescue
• Tank cleaning and maintenance
• Pressure vessel inspections per the American Petroleum Institute
• Piping inspections per the American Petroleum Institute
• Mechanical integrity inspections for process safety management per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Our Tank Inspection Services

We offer comprehensive tank services including complete tank, vessel, and piping inspections. From inspection to maintenance, our inspectors are fully equipped with the technology necessary for tank inspection services, including an ultrasonic magnetic tank crawler and a new drone fleet. To ensure compliance, we also take care of any required maintenance or necessary repairs on an ongoing basis. Our comprehensive tank inspections include the following:

• Aerial inspections using drones/UAVs
• Roof inspection including dome and seals
• Shell inspection
• Tank floor inspection
• Aperture inspection
• Coating and liner assessment
• Evaluation of settlement
• Strapping and calibration
• Nozzle inspection

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Failing to undergo regular tank inspection can have severe consequences ranging from injury to hefty fines from the EPA. Fortunately, EWI offers full inspection services complete with decades of knowledge. Our team will ensure that your tanks are fully compliant with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Additionally, the EWI team is STI-certified with a complete understanding of the regulatory intervals inspections schedule. That means we can keep track of your upcoming inspections so you can focus on boosting your bottom line and growing your business.

Are you in need of tank inspection services? Give Environmental Works a call. We have in-house experts ready to help, complete with decades of experience. We will walk you through the specifics of your unique planning and compliance needs; additionally, we can explore the ways you can be prepared as environmental regulations continue to evolve. When you’re ready, you can contact EWI online or call 877-827-9500 for more information.