What Inspection Options Exist for Water Storage Tanks?
Regular tank inspections conducted by certified contractors constitute the most crucial aspect of water storage tank maintenance.
Due to the multitude of vessel designs and variables, no single water tank inspection process can encompass them all.
Recommended inspection options vary depending on factors such as tank design and materials, its purpose, external and internal conditions, and the type of maintenance employed to prevent corrosion and maintain each unit.
1. Visual Inspections
Visual inspections of water storage tanks are the most basic form of inspection and can be conducted regularly and easily.
This process involves thoroughly examining the exterior and interior of the tank.
Tanks are opened, and the interior is inspected and documented from the outside, noting any corrosion or damage. Tank maintenance programs are then adjusted based on these visual observations.
While visual inspections are the least costly, they are also the least conclusive since they do not provide a complete view of the tank’s interior.
2. Washout or Dry Inspections
Washout or dry inspections represent the opposite end of the spectrum compared to basic visual inspections.
These inspections involve taking the tank offline, shutting it down, draining all water, and then cleaning the interior to remove any sediment from the bottom.
Once the interior has dried, a comprehensive inspection of the entire tank is conducted, identifying any areas needing attention.
With the tank emptied, it’s an opportune moment to carry out any required maintenance and repairs, as well as apply new protective coatings.
These inspections should be conducted 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
Dive inspections are the most comprehensive among the techniques that do not necessitate emptying the vessel.
During these water tank inspections, divers enter the tank to closely examine its interior.
Divers also have the capability to clear sediment from the tank’s bottom, providing an additional benefit.
However, divers cannot conduct repairs or apply coatings, so ultimately, the tank still needs to be emptied for those tasks.
Get Water Storage Tanks Inspected the Right Way
The primary role of a water storage tank is to provide safe potable water. Interior inspections serve to document and assess the condition of the tank, aiding in effective long-term maintenance planning. Annual inspections are necessary to uphold sanitation, safety, structural integrity, and coating quality. Establishing a schedule enables you to determine the timing and type of inspection required, facilitating ongoing monitoring of the tank’s condition.
Water storage tanks can undergo inspection via four methods: visual examination, remote inspection, diver inspection, and draining and washing of the vessel.
It is recommended to conduct washout inspections on most tanks at least once every three years. Between these intervals, remote and diver inspections should be conducted based on recommendations from tank engineers, supplemented by more frequent visual inspections.
Regardless of the method chosen, periodic inspections, including complete draining and washouts, are essential for proper storage tank maintenance and continuous awareness of interior conditions.
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