The condition of a water tank’s interior is crucial, as it directly impacts the safety and purity of the stored water for daily use. Failure to properly clean and inspect it can result in the buildup of organic and inorganic residues, affecting taste, odor, and potentially posing health risks.
Regular inspections of water storage tanks are vital to assess the condition of the interior steel and coatings. This helps minimize downtime, optimize water quality, and address corrosion issues promptly if identified.
However, choosing the right type of interior inspection for your water tank, considering its unique requirements and functionality, can be challenging. This article will explore the four available options for inspecting water storage tanks to assist you in making an informed choice.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion occurs when a metal naturally transforms into a more stable form, usually oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide, resulting in material deterioration. Metals corrode when exposed to substances like oxygen, hydrogen, electrical currents, or contaminants such as dirt and bacteria. Additionally, excessive stress on metals can induce corrosion by causing material fractures.
Steel and aluminum are commonly used in the construction of metal water tanks. Corrosion of steel and aluminum within water tanks compromises the tank’s structural integrity and greatly impacts daily water usage.
Role of Internal Inspections
The significance of conducting comprehensive tank inspections cannot be overstated, as many materials frequently employed in tanks are susceptible to corrosion, cracking, or rusting if overlooked. Over time, sediment accumulation along the tank bottom is a frequent phenomenon. Besides maintaining the tank itself, regular inspections of potable water tanks are vital for efficient water management and corrosion prevention.
Failure to conduct internal inspections could potentially endanger utilities, resulting in considerable public health risks. Hence, performing interior inspections is imperative to protect against water tank corrosion.
Types of Tank Inspections
Various inspection options may be recommended depending on factors such as tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance practices employed to prevent corrosion.
1. Visual Inspections
Conducting a visual inspection provides a simple assessment method for water storage tanks. This process includes accessing the tank’s cover, opening it, and visually recording observations. It’s recommended to capture images of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the effectiveness of coating systems.
2. Remote Operated Vehicle Inspection
A remote-operated vehicle inspection entails deploying an unmanned submersible craft inside a filled water tank. The craft captures images and videos of the tank’s walls and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the effectiveness of coating systems.
3. Dive Inspection
In a dive inspection, a diver descends into a water storage tank filled with water. The diver then photographs the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and assess the effectiveness of coating systems.
4. Washout Inspection
In a washout inspection, a water storage tank is emptied, and individuals or a team enter the tank to carry out the assessment. Photos are captured of the roof, walls, bottom, and other internal structures to document the structural material and evaluate the effectiveness of coating systems.
Following this, the team can utilize power washing equipment to thoroughly clean all interior surfaces of the tank, eliminating any sediment and organic materials.
Ready to get Your Water Storage Tanks Inspected?
Corrosion is an unavoidable concern for metal water tanks, although the exact timing of its onset is unpredictable. However, Panel Tanks by American Tanks provides alternative options such as GRP Panel Tanks and Stainless Steel Storage Tanks.
Our skilled team, operating throughout the United States, specializes in water tank inspection and repair. We offer high-quality maintenance services, corrosion protection, and control measures for water tanks. We are dedicated to ensuring the durability and dependability of your water tank.
Choose us for all your water tank maintenance and repair needs! Get in touch with us today to learn more about our extensive range of services.
