Inspection Options for Water Storage Tanks
Regular inspections by certified contractors are essential for maintaining water storage tanks.
Due to the diversity in tank designs and variables, no single inspection method can cover all types of water tanks.
Recommended inspection methods vary based on factors like tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance practices employed to prevent corrosion.
- Visual Inspections
Visual inspections are the simplest and most frequent method for examining water storage tanks.
This process involves a thorough examination of both the exterior and interior of the tank.
Inspectors open the tank and visually assess its interior from the outside, documenting any corrosion or damage observed. Maintenance programs are then adjusted based on these visual findings.
While visual inspections are cost-effective, they may not provide a complete assessment of the tank’s internal condition.
- Washout or Dry Inspections
Washout or dry inspections represent a more thorough approach compared to basic visual inspections.
This method involves taking the tank offline, shutting it down, draining all water, and thoroughly cleaning the interior to remove any sediment or debris from the bottom.
After the interior has dried completely, a comprehensive inspection of the entire tank is conducted to identify any areas requiring attention.
When the tank is empty, it provides an ideal opportunity to perform necessary maintenance and repairs, including applying new protective coatings.
These inspections are typically recommended to be conducted every three years by a certified contractor.
3. ROV Inspections
Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) inspections offer a more detailed examination than visual inspections but not as thorough as draining and washing out the water storage tank.
This approach entails maneuvering a submersible camera throughout the tank to capture images for subsequent analysis of the tank’s condition.
If any issues are detected, the tank can be drained and repaired accordingly.
- Dive Inspections
Dive inspections represent the most thorough non-emptying technique available for water tank inspections.
In these inspections, divers enter the tank to conduct a close examination of its interior.
Divers also have the ability to remove sediment from the tank’s bottom, which is an added advantage.
However, divers cannot perform repairs or apply coatings, so eventually, the tank still needs to be emptied for those purposes.
Ensure Proper Inspection of Water Storage Tanks
The primary function of a water storage tank is to provide safe drinking water. Internal inspections are crucial for documenting and evaluating the tank’s condition, which supports effective long-term maintenance planning. Annual inspections are essential to maintain cleanliness, safety, structural integrity, and the quality of protective coatings. Establishing a regular inspection schedule helps determine when and what type of inspection is needed, enabling continuous monitoring of the tank’s state.
Water storage tanks can be inspected using four methods: visual examination, remote inspection, diver inspection, and draining and cleaning the tank.
It is advisable to perform thorough washout inspections on most tanks at least once every three years. In between these intervals, remote and diver inspections should be conducted as recommended by tank engineers, supplemented by more frequent visual inspections.
Regardless of the chosen method, periodic inspections, including complete draining and washouts, are crucial for proper maintenance of storage tanks and ongoing awareness of interior conditions.
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