The Importance of Periodic Inspection of Above Ground Storage Tanks

May 31, 2022

Many industries today utilise different types of gases in conducting their operations. These gases include liquified petroleum gas (LPG), carbon dioxide (CO2), and ammonia.

LPG is a fuel gas that can be used in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles. It can also be utilised as the fuel for backup generators, furnaces, and forklift trucks. CO2, alternatively, is an acidic colourless gas that can be utilised for refrigeration, cooling, manufacturing casting moulds, welding, and chemical processing. Ammonia, ultimately, is a colourless gas that can be utilised in producing fertiliser, refrigerant gas, textiles, pesticides, plastics, and other chemicals.

One common thing about these gases is they can all pose some safety risks when stored improperly. Improper handling and storage of these gases can cause leakage, which can then be followed by ignition. They can also generate harmful health effects on nearby people.

Functions of Above Ground Storage Tanks

Although LPG, CO2, and ammonia are useful to many industries, they must still be handled and stored properly to prevent issues from developing. One great way of handling these gas compounds is to store them inside above ground storage tanks.

Above ground storage tanks are designed to store hazardous products, toxic materials, and petroleum commodities before or during use. They are also maximised to store these elements before they are distributed in commerce. These storage tanks are often manufactured in compliance with a set of standards by authorities, ensuring that they can store these materials without any problems. 

When producing above ground storage tanks, manufacturers must consider the materials that will be utilised. The materials must be compatible with the products that will be stored. They must also handle the pressure and temperature of the loads. The tanks must then be tested for integrity. 

Inspecting Above Ground Storage Tanks

When utilising above ground storage tanks for your operations, you must make sure that they are inspected periodically. Inspections, after all, can make sure that they can still handle and store hazardous gas products and other materials. Failure to inspect the tanks may only lead to tragic accidents.

Various things can be conducted when inspecting the conditions of your above ground storage tanks. For one, you must check the presence of corrosion protection on your tanks. If they are still in good operating condition, it only means that your tanks can still work optimally. You must also inspect the pipes, pumps, and valves for any signs of corrosion, damage, and failure. Their spill and overfill protection controls must likewise be assessed to confirm whether they are still in good condition or not.

Other components of above ground storage tanks that you may want to check during a period inspection are vent, vapour recovery equipment, electrical equipment, release detection and monitoring equipment, fire control and emergency equipment, and static controls. 

Tank Inspection at Fusion-Weld Engineering

If you need help in inspecting your above ground storage tanks, you can contact us at Fusion-Weld Engineering. We can service all industries that use pressure equipment within their plant, from very small air receiver vessels to large and complex static storage vessels, process vessels and columns used in the gas storage industry, power industry, petrochemical/pharmaceutical plants, and oil and gas refineries.

Contact Details

Fusion - Weld Engineering Pty Ltd
ABN 98 068 987619

1865 Frankston Flinders Road,
Hastings, VIC 3915

Ph: (03) 5909 8218

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