Tank inspections are crucial for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of aboveground storage tanks, preventing accidental leaks and reducing the need for costly decontamination efforts. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the expected lifespan of the tanks and the associated repair costs. Ongoing advancements in non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies are improving the detection of defects and the accuracy of defect sizing.
Non-destructive inspection services involve testing and examination procedures that do not cause damage to the material or structure being evaluated. These methods are used to assess the integrity, strength, impermeability, or other properties of materials, components, or structures that are typically difficult to access.
What is Non-Destructive Testing (NDT testing)?
Regular inspections are vital for companies storing liquids in any kind of tank. While routine checks of the liquid itself are important, a thorough examination by a qualified technician is essential.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is the only way to get a truly accurate picture of a tank’s condition. This method uses specialized techniques to find any damage or abnormalities in the tank itself, not the liquid.
Two common NDT methods that don’t harm the tank are magnetic-flux leakage (MFL) and ultrasonic testing (UT). After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report that meets insurance or regulatory requirements.
NDT Testing Should be Carried out Every 12-18 Months
There is a diverse array of non-destructive testing (NDT) tests available to cater to various requirements, including:
- Ultrasonic inspection
- Tank thickness testing
- Tank weld testing
- Tank base testing
- UAV inspections
- Hardness testing
What are the benefits of NDT testing?
- Detects degradation areas before they lead to failure, thereby extending the tank’s lifespan
- Reduces downtime, maximizing tank productivity
- Provides trend data on degradation, enabling predictive maintenance
- Provides assurance that your fuel tank is structurally sound
What are the Advantages of Using NDT?
The primary advantage of non-destructive testing (NDT) is its non-invasive nature, which preserves the integrity of the tested components and allows for potential repairs rather than necessitating replacements when issues are identified.
NDT methods are generally safe for operators, posing minimal risk of harm. However, certain techniques, such as radiographic testing, require strict safety protocols. By ensuring the structural integrity of machinery and other systems, NDT helps prevent injuries and fatalities.
Additionally, NDT offers high accuracy in inspections due to its repeatability and the ability to combine multiple tests for cross-validation.
Another benefit of NDT is its cost-effectiveness compared to destructive testing. It prevents premature replacements and avoids the costs associated with replacing intact components.
Moreover, NDT provides operators with peace of mind by confirming equipment functionality, preventing future accidents, and recommending measures to extend equipment lifespan.
NDT is also essential for weld testing and validation, ensuring that welding processes meet specified standards, such as temperature control, cooling rates, and material compatibility, thus minimizing welding defects.
Non-destructive testing (NDT) is widely used across various industries to evaluate the properties of materials, components, structures, or systems without causing any damage. It includes methods such as visual inspection, radiography, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle testing, and penetrant testing, each offering unique benefits depending on the specific application.
In general, non-destructive testing (NDT) serves as a versatile and valuable approach for detecting issues or flaws in materials or structures without causing any damage.
When was the most recent assessment of your tank’s integrity conducted?
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 assist 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
