No matter how expensive a storage tank you have, it is not made to last forever. Leakage, corrosion, and cracks are some of the issues any storage tank can develop over time. Whether you use the storage tanks to store water, chemical, or gas, make sure they are properly inspected.
Water storage tanks are most susceptible to corrosion and leakage, and, thus, one must hire professionals for water tank inspection services. If leakage and corrosion in storage tanks are left unchecked for long, they can create trouble for your facility as well as the environment.
Water storage tanks are crucial for ensuring a steady and uninterrupted supply of fresh and clean water. Corrosion and water contamination can deteriorate water quality and possess health issues. To ensure the water tank lasts longer, it’s essential to conduct an on-site tank test once it gets installed on your facility.
Tank inspection services offering companies rely on various tank inspection methods, devices, and sensors to detect leakage and signs of corrosion. Non-destructive testing methods are some of the most popular ways used by technicians to determine any possible damage to the tank or its component.
While some NDT methods use high-frequency sound, some use water to trace any leakage or crack on the tank surface. Technicians use sensors and devices to pinpoint the crack’s location and determine how deep or wide it is. When choosing an inspection company for annual tank inspection, ensure they are adequately equipped with modern gadgets to conduct a comprehensive check.
Inspection technicians are proficient at conducting quality control inspections needed to check the tanks’ structural integrity. Technicians perform a thorough check to look for any damage the tank may have sustained while being transported to the facility.
Here are a few tips and steps if you are looking for a simple method to conduct a water storage tank test.
The soapy water tank test is one of the easiest and most common methods to look for any sign of cracks and leaks on the tank surface. The best part about the soapy water tank test is that one doesn’t need any expensive gadgets or equipment. With soapy water test, you can detect the tank’s flaws and its components like vent, gasket, fitting, and valves.
For the soapy water tank test, you will have to perform the following steps.
- Place the storage tank:
Whether you are testing a new tank or components, place on a flat surface, scan the entire tank and components thoroughly. Look for any dents, brittleness, or corrosion.
- Seal the tank:
Once you have completed the visual inspection of the exterior, it’s time to check the interior. To initiate an internal inspection, close every opening around the tank. Keep the inlet of the tank open.
- Add compressed air:
Through the inlet, fill the tank with compressed air. Keep the air pressure less than 5 PSI.
- Cover the tank in soapy water
Once the tank is filled with compressed air, use a sprayer to cover the storage tank in soapy water. You can make a soapy water solution by mixing one part detergent and 3 part water.
- Check the tank:
If you see bubbles in the tank, there might be a leak or crack in the tank. The soapy water test is useful in detecting even the smallest of crack.
- Repair:
Once you have spotted the location of the leak, take adequate measures to seal it.
