The Impact of Technology on Water Tank Inspection

Traditionally inspecting tanks for clean drinking water has been a complex process. These tanks are crucial for various industries, from offshore oil rigs to onshore facilities. Maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of this water is essential for industrial processes and our daily lives, like showering, cooking, and of course, drinking. However, keeping these tanks up to code can be a challenge.

The standard method involves draining the entire tank, putting workers at risk by entering confined spaces for manual inspections. Following the inspection, tanks require cleaning or repairs, further extending downtime. This traditional approach can lead to tank shutdowns lasting several days, causing disruptions and potentially impacting operations. The good news is, new technologies like Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are revolutionizing how we approach, plan, and conduct these inspections.

The Risks of Neglecting the Water Tank Inspections

Water tanks left unchecked for too long can become breeding grounds for a variety of contaminants. These can range from microscopic organisms like bacteria to chemical pollutants, even oil-based substances. They can also accumulate a worrying amount of debris and sediment. All these contaminants pose a significant threat, not just to human health but also to the tank’s structural integrity.

One particularly concerning risk is the growth of Legionella bacteria. This bacteria causes Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder flu-like illness. The problem is worsened by corrosion inside the tank. Corroded tanks release more iron, a key nutrient for Legionella, which allows the bacteria to thrive and contaminate the water supply at a higher rate.

Revolutionizing Tank Inspections with Remotely Operated Vehicles

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) offer significant improvements over traditional water tank inspection methods.

NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks has identified several key advantages of using ROVs compared to conventional techniques:

  • Using an ROV eliminates the risks associated with confined space entry, which is essential in traditional inspection methods. This process typically involves extensive permits, planning, and paperwork.
  • ROV inspections negate the need to drain and refill water tanks.
  • Employing an ROV streamlines the process, eliminating the lengthy recommissioning phase, which usually requires super chlorinating the tank after human entry. With proper deployment of an ROV, this step becomes unnecessary.
  • If remedial work is required following an ROV inspection, the recorded footage can be kept for future reference.
  • ROV footage provides detailed, close-up views that are crucial for assessing the internal condition of the tank.
  • Some ROVs are equipped with advanced features, such as arms for collecting samples from within the tank and tools for measuring wall thickness.

Regardless of the chosen inspection method, prioritizing best practices is paramount. This ensures the longevity and safety of your tanks and personnel. Our team can guide you through the benefits of professional tank inspections and the effective utilization of ROV technology.

Many confined spaces, historically neglected due to size, accessibility, or dangerous conditions, are no longer off-limits. Our robust robots excel in such environments, withstanding extreme heat, harsh chemicals, and other hazards that would endanger human divers. This advanced technology allows us to conduct thorough inspections and assessments that would otherwise be impossible.

A comprehensive evaluation of your tank’s contents paves the way for more accurate proposals and superior cleaning services. Having the right information upfront translates to a safer, faster, and often more cost-effective cleaning process for our clients.

We offer tried and tested services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, HOUSTON, TEXAS. 

We also offer tried and tested services in Longbeach, and cities, towns, suburbs, localities, and places close to Long Beach such as Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, CALIFORNIA.

Our friendly and experienced customer service team is here to help you!

Call NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167

Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la

1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA

3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA

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