What Inspection Options Exist for Water Storage Tanks?
Regular tank inspections carried out by certified contractors represent the cornerstone of water storage tank maintenance.
Given the diversity of vessel designs and variables, there is no one-size-fits-all water tank inspection process.
Recommended inspection methods vary depending on factors like tank design, materials used, its intended purpose, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance approach employed to prevent corrosion and preserve each unit.
1. Visual Inspections
Visual inspections of water storage tanks represent the most fundamental type of inspection and can be carried out regularly and straightforwardly.
This procedure entails thoroughly examining both the exterior and interior of the tank.
Tanks are opened, and the interior is scrutinized and recorded from the outside, taking note of any corrosion or damage. Tank maintenance programs are subsequently adjusted based on these visual observations.
Although visual inspections are the least expensive, they are also the least definitive since they do not offer a comprehensive view of the tank’s interior.
2. Washout or Dry Inspections
Washout or dry inspections stand in stark contrast to basic visual inspections.
These inspections entail taking the tank offline, shutting it down, draining all water, and subsequently cleaning the interior to eliminate any sediment from the bottom.
Following the drying of the interior, a thorough inspection of the entire tank is undertaken to identify any areas requiring attention.
With the tank emptied, it presents an ideal opportunity to perform any necessary maintenance and repairs, as well as apply new protective coatings.
These inspections should be carried out every three years by a certified contractor.
3. ROV Inspections
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspections provide a more in-depth examination than visual inspections but are not as comprehensive as draining and washing out the water storage tank.
This method involves maneuvering a submersible camera throughout the tank to capture images for later analysis of the tank’s condition.
If any issues are identified, the tank can be drained and repaired as needed.
4. Dive Inspections
Dive inspections represent the most thorough among the techniques that do not require emptying the vessel.
During these water tank inspections, divers enter the tank to meticulously examine its interior.
Divers also possess the ability to clear sediment from the tank’s bottom, offering an additional advantage.
However, divers are unable to carry out repairs or apply coatings, so ultimately, the tank still needs to be emptied for those tasks.
Get Water Storage Tanks Inspected the Right Way
The primary function of a water storage tank is to supply safe potable water. Interior inspections serve to record and evaluate the tank’s condition, assisting in effective long-term maintenance planning. Annual inspections are crucial for maintaining sanitation, safety, structural integrity, and coating quality. Establishing a schedule allows you to determine the timing and type of inspection needed, facilitating ongoing monitoring of the tank’s condition.
Water storage tanks can be inspected using four methods: visual examination, remote inspection, diver inspection, and draining and washing of the vessel.
It is advisable to conduct washout inspections on most tanks at least once every three years. Between these intervals, remote and diver inspections should be performed based on recommendations from tank engineers, supplemented by more frequent visual inspections.
Regardless of the chosen method, periodic inspections, including complete draining and washouts, are vital for proper storage tank maintenance and continual awareness of interior conditions.
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