What Inspection Options Exist for Water Storage Tanks?
Regular inspections performed by certified contractors are pivotal in maintaining water storage tanks.
Due to the diversity in vessel designs and variables, no single inspection process can universally cover all water tanks.
Recommended inspection methods vary based on factors like tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance strategy adopted to prevent corrosion and preserve each unit.
- Visual Inspections
Visual inspections represent the most fundamental type of tank inspection, feasible to conduct regularly and efficiently.
This procedure involves a thorough examination of both the tank’s exterior and interior.
By opening the tanks and visually assessing the interior from the outside, inspectors document any signs of corrosion or damage. Maintenance programs are then adjusted according to these visual findings.
While visual inspections are the least expensive option, they are also the least comprehensive, as they do not provide a full view of the tank’s interior condition.
2. Washout or Dry Inspections
Dry or washout inspections stand in contrast to basic visual inspections.
These procedures necessitate taking the tank offline, shutting it down, draining all contents, and then cleaning the interior thoroughly to eliminate sediment accumulation at the bottom.
After the interior has dried completely, a thorough examination of the entire tank ensues to pinpoint any areas requiring attention.
With the tank emptied, it presents an ideal opportunity to perform necessary maintenance, repairs, and apply fresh protective coatings as needed.
These inspections should be undertaken every three years by a certified contractor.
3. ROV Inspections
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspections offer a more detailed examination than visual inspections but not as thorough as draining and washing out the water storage tank.
This approach entails maneuvering a submersible camera throughout the tank to capture images for subsequent analysis of the tank’s condition.
If any issues are detected, the tank can be drained and repaired accordingly.
4. Dive Inspections
Underwater dive inspections represent the most thorough of non-emptying techniques for assessing water tanks.
These inspections involve divers entering the tank to meticulously inspect its interior.
Divers also have the capability to remove sediment from the tank’s bottom, offering an added advantage.
However, divers cannot perform repairs or apply coatings, necessitating tank emptying for those tasks ultimately.
Get Water Storage Tanks Inspected the Right Way
The primary function of a water storage tank is to ensure the provision of safe potable water. Internal inspections play a crucial role in documenting and evaluating the tank’s condition, which aids in effective long-term maintenance planning. Conducting annual inspections is vital to uphold sanitation, safety standards, structural integrity, and the quality of protective coatings. Establishing a regular inspection schedule allows for timely assessment and appropriate maintenance measures, ensuring ongoing monitoring of the tank’s overall condition.
There are four main methods for inspecting water storage tanks: visual examination, remote inspection, diver inspection, and draining and cleaning of the tank.
It is recommended to perform comprehensive washout inspections on most tanks at least once every three years. Between these intervals, remote and diver inspections should be conducted based on advice from tank specialists, accompanied by more frequent visual inspections.
Regardless of the chosen method, periodic inspections, including complete draining and cleaning, are essential for effective maintenance of storage tanks and continuous monitoring of internal conditions.
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