Tank inspections are critical to safety, water treatment, chemicals, and the oil and gas industry’s tank efficiency. However, inspections of the tanks are problematic because of their confined spaces, harmful environments, and complex design.
Thankfully, this is where a tank inspection camera becomes an indispensable tool. The devices apply technology and allow inspectors to trace faults without human entry, reducing risks and saving time.
For instance, studies show that oil tank corrosion, algae, and sludge build-up are responsible for 62% of equipment failures. With the use of proper testing devices, such failures could be identified earlier.
With a tank inspection camera, industries can take corrective action ahead of time, maintain safety regulations, and decrease costly downtime.
In this article, you will learn six general issues a tank inspection camera can uncover and their importance in guaranteeing working efficacy and safety.
1. Corrosion and Rust
One of the biggest problems with storage tanks is corrosion, which can weaken the tank’s overall structure with time. Corrosion happens when there’s exposure for a prolonged period to moisture, chemicals, or other chemicals.
Therefore, a tank inspection camera can be handy when searching for signs of corrosion, even in small spaces. An example of this can be seen with the imaging capacity of the camera, where its high-definition imaging can identify rust spots, pits, or thinning of walls.
By identifying such problems in their early stages, corrective action can be undertaken, such as giving protective coats, replacing sections, and other similar interventions, without letting the problem take significant forms. This adds years of tank usage and avoids leakages or catastrophic failures, which may result in environment-related dangers.
2. Cracks and Damage of Structures
Cracks and structural damage also occur, causing safety hazards for a storage tank. The defects can be created from outside impacts, temperature fluctuations, or material wear and tear. Hence, inspectors use a tank examination camera to examine the inside walls of the tank for hairline cracks, and distortions.
Indeed, the imaging and zoom abilities of the camera guarantee even tiny cracks are not omitted. Detection of structure damage at the earliest possible point of occurrence ensures ample time for its correction, averting possible breaches and spills.
Also, addressing these issues promptly can save companies significant costs associated with emergency repairs and regulatory fines.
3. Sediment and Sludge Buildup
Over time, sediment, sludge, or other deposition may be deposited on the ground of the storage tanks. The buildup not only reduces the storage capacity of the tank but also contaminates the contents. Hence, an illumination and HD imaging tank examination camera can be beneficial for inspectors in estimating the amount of deposited sediment.
With its provision of an unobstructed view inside the tank, the camera can be beneficial for deciding whether the tank has to be washed and dislodged. Utilizing this tool regularly can help sustain the tank’s performance and the quality of its contents.
4. Leaks and Seams Defects
Leaks are a serious concern for any storage tank, for they can lead to a loss of product, contamination of the environment, and safety hazards. The primary source of leakages is seam defects, such as faulty welds and gaps. That said, a seam and joint can be inspected for wear, misalignment, and damage with the use of a tank inspection camera.
Surprisingly, the camera can reach into small spaces and provide real-time video, allowing inspectors to trace the exact leak location. If these leakages and weak points are addressed in their earliest forms, expensive repair can be prevented, and the tank can be made leak-free.
5. Coating and Lining Wearaway
Many storage tanks are lined and covered with layers of protecting coats of material against anti-corrosions and chemicals. However, the coats can wear down with time due to exposure and wear and tear with chemicals.
Luckily, a tank examination camera can help identify the lining and the tank’s coat’s status by photographing its exterior. The inspectors can discover where coat peeling, cracking, and corroding have occurred, and therefore, they need to re-apply. The tank’s safety against corrosion and its longevity relies on the quality of its coat’s preservation.
6. Foreign Object Debris (FOD)
Foreign object debris, such as pieces of machinery, tools, or other waste from when the tank has been in maintenance, can be a significant source of problems for the smooth functioning of the tank. The foreign objects can get into flow lines, destroy equipment, or even contaminate it.
Ideally, a tank inspection camera can scan the inside of the tank for foreign objects inadvertently remaining inside. As a result, inspectors can facilitate the smooth functioning of the tank and disruption of working processes by identifying and evacuating such objects.
Conclusion
A tank inspection camera is a valuable tool for identifying a range of problems related to the performance and safety of storage tanks. From cracks and corrosion to sedimentation and leakages, this tool can be utilized to identify such issues and take action in advance.
Hence, with frequent use of such cameras for the maintenance of the tanks, industries can increase their working efficacy, reduce their expenditure on maintenance, and ensure safety regulations. With greater demand for excellent safety and greater effectiveness in inspection methods, tank inspection cameras will be on the increase and are becoming a vital tool for maintenance in the industrial age.
