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Inspection items and cycles for chemical storage tanks

Time2024-12-13

Chemical storage tank manufacturerWhat are the inspection items?

       Storage tanks are classified as special equipment and need to be regularly inspected to avoid safety hazards. The inspection of storage tanks is divided into external and internal inspections. External inspection refers to inspecting various parts and components of the tank while it contains media; internal inspection is conducted after the media inside the tank is emptied, inspecting various parts and components of the tank. The specific inspection items include:

External inspection

       (1) Routine inspection: This can be done by oneself, mainly to check whether the operation of the storage tank is normal.

       (2) Visual inspection: Conducted by professional inspectors to visually inspect the external components of the storage tank.

       (3) Acoustic emission inspection: Using an acoustic emission device to detect active defects in the inner and outer bottom plates of the tank, which is a qualitative check.

       (4) Ultrasonic wall thickness measurement: Using a crawler (with UT thickness gauge) to crawl from the bottom of the tank to the top, measuring thickness at regular intervals. The number of crawling points is determined based on the size of the tank and inspection requirements. For stainless steel or insulated storage tanks, manual measurement is required.

       (5) Settlement observation: Using a total station to observe points around the storage tank to obtain settlement data.

Internal inspection

       (1) Visual inspection: Conducted by professional inspectors according to the inspection checklist for various components inside and outside the tank.

       (2) Corrosion condition detection of the bottom plate's backside: Using magnetic flux leakage scanning (MFL), combined with conventional ultrasonic testing or phased array testing technology (for obstructed and problematic areas) to inspect the interior of the storage tank.

       (3) Non-destructive testing of welds: Magnetic particle testing or penetrant testing for welds at the inner and outer corners of the tank wall and bottom plate, lap welds, repair welds, and connections of pipes to the tank wall.

       (4) Ultrasonic thickness measurement of external edge plates.

       (5) Dimensional measurement: Determining the roundness and verticality of the tank wall.

       (6) Vacuum box testing: Vacuum testing of the welds on the bottom plate.

       (7) Settlement observation: Using a total station to observe points around the tank and on the bottom plate to obtain settlement data.

       (8) Leak point inspection: Conducting tests on storage tanks that have already leaked.

What is the general inspection cycle for storage tanks?

       The inspection of storage tanks needs to be conducted regularly. The specific cycle should be determined and calculated based on the technical usage conditions of the storage tank. Generally, under normal circumstances, the inspection cycle is: external inspection at least once a year, internal inspection at least once every three years, and comprehensive inspection at least once every six years. If the storage tank has been in use for 15 years or more, internal and external inspections should be conducted once every two years. If the usage period reaches 20 years, at least one internal and external inspection should be conducted each year.

Keyword: Inspection items and cycles for chemical storage tanks

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