Storage Tank Inspection 1

[RFreund]

I was looking for some general information on procedures for inspecting above ground storage tanks (motor oil and transmission fluid), oil/water traps and pipes. They have already completed an environmental inspection. This inspection would be for cracks, broken pipes, crumbling mortar or other conditions.

Some background:
We were asked to inspect some storage tanks for an Car dealership/service center. I am not sure if we will take the assignment or possibly involve another firm however I would like some information either way.

Do you pressurize the pipes/tanks and check for pressure drop? How do you plug the lines? Or would this be unnecessary as the environmental report would show such leaks?
Check for cracks or signs of stress?
Would there be a manufacture that would have some good information to look at?
Also I'm not exactly sure what 'other conditions' one might expect.
The environmental report found trace levels of certain substances but only found a recordable amount of a substance (I will need to reread the report) at one trap location.

Thanks!

EIT

 

[JStephen]

There are inspector certification programs through the Steel Tank Institute (for smaller tanks) and API (for larger tanks). Make sure that some sort of certification is not required for the work.

I would assume that the #1 issue is corrosion.

 

[RFreund]

JStephen - Thanks

We may need to hire an inspector but I would be interested in what the inspections involve. I will look into your references. These would be smaller tanks (I believe) 500 gallons or less.

EIT

 

[Duwe6]

Hire either an STI or API-653 certified Inspector. Either is qualified and certified to be able to render an informed [expert?] engineering evaluation of these tanks, and estimate their remaining Useful Life. Will also recommend how far into the future the next Internal and External inspections.

 

[RFreund]

Duwe6 / JStephen - Thanks it sounds like that's the route we will go.

Just out of curiosity -

1.) What would you say an inspection/report costs for (3) above ground storage tanks?

2.) There are 3 water/oil traps would they inspect these as well?

3.) You mentioned corrosion is a concern. What else can be expected as part of the inspection? Is it mostly visual, is there any analyse or calculation run, mostly based on experience?

Thanks again.

EIT

 

[Duwe6]

3 small-to-medium tanks total, <60 ft in diameter should be $1200-$3K depending on conditions. Includes thickness readings and the corrosion calc's. Also includes vacuum-box testing of the floor seams and a certification [assuming it tests good] that the tank has not been leaking.

Tanks will have to be blanked and/or disconnected, cleaned, and ventilated to be ready for safe entry, and adequate inspection.

Water-oil traps, if external to the tank(s) are a separate issue and not covered by STI or API tank codes. Probably have to make separate arraingements with the Inspector.