INTRODUCTION

The field of bulk storage-tank inspections comprises both in- and out-of-service inspections of vertical and horizontal storage tanks, both above and below ground. A combination of techniques are used to provide a comprehensive condition report on the overall tank floor, shell, roof and structure, including engineering calculations in accordance with API 653 & 650 and other relevant specifications. Equipment and techniques used in the inspection of bulk storage tanks include: Floor scanning (MFL and SLOFEC™) – detection and measurement of corrosion; Shell crawlers – ultrasonic assessment of shell plates; Laser surveys (3D and conventional); LRPA (long-range ultrasonic phased array) – critical annular-to-shell-joint inspections with tanks remaining in service; and Conventional NDT – ultrasonic, magnetic particle, vacuum box testing, etc.

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THE Applus+ SOLUTION
Applus+ delivers comprehensive tank-inspection and calibration services to operators of bulk storage tanks in accordance with API 653 and other relevant specifications. We have been a tank-inspection specialist in the Asia-Pacific region, for example, since 1991, completing in excess of 3,500 inspections without any safety incidents or lost-time injuries.
 
Applus+ has a core team of specialist tank-inspection personnel with a combined experience of over 150 years in the field of storage-tank testing and inspection. These personnel assist tank owners in optimising their inspection intervals based on detailed inspection data and the application of remaining-life and RBI principles and are supported up by a dedicated team of tank engineers who can provide specialist advice relating to all aspects of tank inspection, repair, modification and maintenance. The engineering team also provides accredited tank-calibration services as well as specific engineering solutions and assessments.
 
Applus+ has developed proprietary software to calculate and assess all engineering and design parameters (including wind loading, roof frangibility, tank design pressure, etc.). We can also provide detailed design calculations for tank-modification works including nozzle replacement or installation and installation of wind girders; tank stress assessments for excessive settlement using finite element analysis; and data assessment (MDR review and matching, etc.) for return-to-service activities, as required by API standards.
 
In addition to tank calibration, Applus+ also has the capacity and resources to conduct tank-out-of-roundness and detailed profile surveys using advanced laser 3D mapping tools. The Applus+ tank-inspection team is continually researching supplementary and alternative techniques, often in conjunction with our Applications Centre.
TARGET CUSTOMERS
Both the API 653 inspection code and industry standards state that all bulk storage tanks should be inspected at minimum intervals of 5 years for in-service (onstream) inspection and 10 years for out-of-service (offstream) inspection.
KEY CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Benefits of conducting regular bulk storage-tank inspections include:
  • Maintaining statutory compliance
  • Ensuring product containment
  • Maintaining asset integrity
  • Reducing maintenance costs
  • Extending life-cycle
  • Increasing the safety of operations
  • Complying with industry best practice
  • Lengthening the intervals between inspections
  • Saving both time and money by combining inspection and calibration into a single activity
N116-Tank-Inspection_208.pdf
 
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