TUV INDIA – EXPERTISE FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Storage tanks inspection

To ensure safe and reliable operation

TYPES OF STORAGE TANKS:

 ATOMOSPHERIC STORAGE TANKS

 FLOATING ROOF TANKS

 Pan floating roof

 Pontoon floating roof

 Double deck floating roof

FIXED CUM FLOATING ROOF

OPEN ROOF TANKS WITHOUT ROOF

Need for inspection

 To establish of long term inspection program and its implementation for its soundness to keep the tank in
service.
 To determine the rate of corrosion to forecast the repair/replacement.
 To initiate procurement action of materials to meet the repair/replacement if required.
 The above benefit can only be obtained when proper inspection Records of the tanks are maintained.
Frequency of inspection

 Nature of the fluid stored

 Corrosion rates and corrosion allowance

 Condition at previous inspection.

 Result of visual checks

 Protective coatings

 Location of tanks such as isolated land, high risk areas and corrosive atmosphere.

 Statutory calibration requirements

Example of inspection frequency
Tools required for inspection

 Ultrasonic Thickness meter

 Inspection Hammer
 Radiography Equipment.
 Dye penetrant kit.
 Safety Torch
 Vacuum Box
 Crayon
 Magnifying Glass
 Paint thickness gauge
 Pit depth Gauge
 Digital camera
 Inspection procedure of storage tanks
External Inspection-Shell and Roof
 Thickness measurement and remaining life calculation
 Shell and roof plates inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Shell and roof plates circumferential and longitudinal welding joints inspection for corrosion and cracking
 Nozzles, man ways, flange welding joints inspection for corrosion and cracking
 External part of annular plates inspection, specifically welding joint with shell plates
 Side vents inspection
 Gasket seating surface inspection of nozzles and man ways flange joints
 Top angle, wind girder and stair way inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Roof sump inspection (floating roof only)
 Pontoon and pontoon structure welding joints inspection for corrosion and cracking (floating roof only)
 Weather shield rubber and pontoon doors rubber inspection (floating roof only)
 Pontoon air leak testing (internal floating roof only)
 Painting or insulation inspection
External Inspection-Foundation

 Concrete foundation inspection for corrosion and cracking

 Earthing system inspection

 Asphalt inspection (around shell)

 Cathodic protection system inspection

Internal inspection
 Fixed roof
 Floating roof
 Tank shell
 Tank bottom
 Water draw off
 Linings or protective coatings
 Roof drains
 Heating coils
Internal Inspection-Shell Plate
 Shell plate inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Shell plate circumferential and longitudinal welding joints inspection for
corrosion and cracking
 Internal coating inspection (if any)

Internal Inspection- Bottom Plate

 Thickness measurement and remaining life calculation on bottom plates and
annular plates
 Bottom plates and annular plates inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Bottom plates and annular plates welding joints inspection for corrosion and
cracking specifically the annular plate joints with first shell course plate
 Sump inspection
 Internal coating inspection (if any)
 Inspection of sample plate, which must be cut to find any external corrosion
 Vacuum testing inspection and supervision
Internal Inspection-Fix Roof
 Roof plate inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Roof structure members inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Roof plates and structure members welding joints inspection for corrosion
and cracking
 Internal coating inspection (if any)
Internal Inspection-Floating Roof
 Roof plate inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Roof structure members inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Roof plates and structure members welding joints inspection for corrosion
and cracking
 Roof sealing system inspection i.e. rubber seal, seal plate, etc.
 Roof leg supports inspection
 Pontoon gasoil leak testing
 Internal coating inspection (if any)
 Roof drain system inspection
Internal Inspection-Internal Equipment
 Gage pole inspection for corrosion and deformation
 Support and structure members inspection for corrosion
and deformation
 Inspection of columns for corrosion and deformation
 Fixed coil inspection and test for corrosion
Tank bottom plate thickness loss check by LFET
UT check
External paint damage & atmospheric corrosion
 Hydro test of storage tank

 The tank shall be hydrostatically tested by filling water irrespective of any hot jobs carried out in the tank
after internal inspection
 Tank shall be filled with water up to the top curb angle gradually and slowly
 After 50% of water filling, the tank shall be checked for any leakage or any abnormalities.
 All vents at the top of the roof shall be kept open.
 After water filling up to required level, the tank shall be kept under observations for 48 hours.
 During hydrostatic testing there shall not be any leak from shell courses and bottom plate.
 After hydrostatic test the date of the test shall be mentioned in the history card.
INSPECTION REPORTS

 Reason of inspection and last inspection carried out.

 Visual inspection, observations of foundation, bottom, shell, Roof and floating roof deck, pontoon boxes etc.

 NDT carried out and their findings.

 Recommendations for necessary repair / replacement

 Hydro test by filling water or pneumatic testing.

 Type of external and internal painting requirement.

 Revision of breather valve/ Replacement of oil of seal and cleaning of flame arrestor, wire mesh etc.
DOCUMENTATION

 History Card

 Data card/Data Record card

 Inspection checklist