NDE for a FRP tank?

[KernOily]

Guys do any of you know how one might go about doing NDE on an FRP tank. This is an atmospheric storage tank used to hold brine, made from glass fiber and resin. It is a factory-made wound tank, of 1500 bbl capacity (63,000 gal) - I think they call those mandrel-wound? Anyway.

My need is to detect flaws in the connection point where a new nozzle is added to the existing tank.

I posted this over in the COmposites forum too so please forgive me for cross-posting.

Thanks for any help or ideas!


Thanks!
Pete

 

[timmckee]

I believe IR (Infra Red) Thermography has been used for FRP pipe and tank inspections. I don't know about detection of cracking but I think it provides good results when there is delamination. If your tank product is at ambient temperature you might not see much.

 

[metengr]

If you have access to the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC), See Appendix 9 "Fiber-reinforced Thermosetting Plastic Pressure Equipment" and review ASME B&PV Code, Section X.

The NBIC Appendix 9 provides guidance for inspection, repair and alteration of FRP pressure containing items.