The Importance Of Storage Tank Surveys

11th May 2023 Peter Merrett

Storage tank surveys are an essential part of the maintenance and inspection process for all tanks that store hazardous materials. These comprehensive surveys help to ensure the safe and effective operation of a storage tank and provide critical information on its integrity (condition).

At Merrett Survey, we specialise in providing in-depth surveys of storage tanks of all shapes, sizes and materials, excelling in providing in-depth deformation analysis, tank ovality surveys and highly accurate strapping tables, as well as geometric evaluations including 3D models and reverse engineering drawings. This is a key operation for the storage tank industry, as they must be surveyed regularly to international standards in order to ensure that the tanks are fully functioning safely.

This article will delve into the specific uses for storage tanks, how storage tank surveys are conducted and why these surveys are of the utmost importance for preventing environmental disasters and improving overall safety.

What Are Storage Tanks Used For?

Storage tanks are often used to store hazardous materials for a variety of purposes, such as:

Crude oil
Refined petroleum products
LPG (liquefied petroleum gas)
LNG (liquified natural gas)
Chemicals and chemical waste
Wet or dry bulk products
Other dangerous substances

As storage tanks hold a range of hazardous materials, the risks associated with these materials can be significant if not properly managed. This is why storage tank surveys are imperative for ensuring that potential hazards are managed effectively. By obtaining detailed information about a storage tank’s condition, operators can better assess how it is performing in relation to industry standards and make adjustments if needed. Understanding this information is key for safeguarding against potential liabilities associated with non-compliance with industry regulations.

Storage Tank Deformation

This image shows a damaged storage tank, and after our survey we can determine the magnitude of any dents or protrusions by colour coding the data for easy interpretation.

How Are Storage Tank Surveys Conducted?

Merrett Survey conducts ‘dimensional’ surveys of storage tanks. This can include the survey of both the internal and external surfaces, and is generally conducted using the latest laser scanning technologies. By measuring and recording millions of points, coordinated in 3D, the tank can be modelled and analysed to look for deformation, subsidence, tilt, out of roundness and other physical / dimensional aspects of the tank that may affect its integrity.

The scan data and 3D modelling of the tank includes not only the tank wall, but also the tank floor and roof structure.

This helps to determine whether a tank is fit for purpose and if any maintenance or repairs are required. Any abnormalities detected are documented in a detailed report, which can then be used by engineers to make decisions about how best to maintain the tank in future operations. A storage tank survey provides an opportunity to identify issues with a tank before they may turn into major problems.

C10 laser scanner and bob using it

Why Storage Tank Surveys Are Fundamental

Storage tank surveys are an important part of ensuring that the bulk storage tanks used by a facility are functioning properly and safely. They help ensure that the tank is fully serviceable. Consequently, this limits the potential problems that could be faced, including:

Damage

Storage tank surveying is recommended to be part of a tank inspection regime which is an important part of ensuring the integrity of a storage tank and its ability to safely hold its contents. These inspections provide detailed information on the condition of a storage tank, including data measurement and deformations. This detailed knowledge allows for the necessary maintenance and repair to be conducted before any serious damage or safety issues occur.

It is vital that storage tanks are inspected regularly at risk of failure due to corrosion, stress, impact, fires or other damage that could potentially have been avoided with frequent inspections.

Leakage/Storage Tank Failure

Another reason why surveys must be regularly conducted on storage tanks is to prevent leaks that may take place, either minor or catastrophic. It is obvious that a leaking tank can cause a lot of damage to not only the environment, but also the public and the areas surrounding the tank. By having regular tank inspections, it ensures that tank leaks are kept to a minimum and the safety of the surrounding areas is maintained.

Floating Roof Installation

Older tanks are often upgraded to have a roof that prevents the escape of fumes. These can be internal floating roofs ( IFRs ) which float on the fluid within the tank and rise up and down with the fluid. It is vital that the seal around the floating roof stays in contact with the tank wall.

By laser scanning the tank’s interior we can measure the ‘ovality’ to a high degree of accuracy. Using a computer model of the proposed new floating roof and ‘moving’ it through a 3D computer model of the actual tank we can look for clashes where the metal frame of the roof may collide with the wall, or for gaps that are too large for the seal to straddle.

This exercise will save some very large costs of the roof, if it was to be installed in a deformed tank.

IFR Tank wall

Our Exceptional Storage Tank Survey Services

At Merrett Survey, we know how important it is for your storage tank to be surveyed comprehensively and accurately. Our knowledgeable team are experts in analysing, measuring and providing advanced reporting on storage tanks. We provide comprehensive surveying services to help facilities manage their storage tanks in compliance with applicable regulations. We are specialists in providing first-rate service for your storage tank needs, and are proud to offer the following services:

By utilising storage tank surveys at Merrett Survey, we can ensure that bulk storage tanks remain safe, efficient and compliant with all relevant regulations. We can provide regular update surveys, as it is vital that storage tanks are regularly checked and maintained, in order to detect any potential problems that may arise. Our advanced storage tank surveys provide opportunities to identify issues with a tank before they may turn into major problems. The surveys also provide valuable information about the overall condition of the tank, which helps our clients make informed decisions about any repairs needed or upgrades.In conclusion, storage tank surveys are critical for maintaining the distribution and safety of a variety of hazardous materials that can result in dangerous instances if not managed carefully. We provide a comprehensive suite of tank inspection services that can provide all the necessary information needed to help maintain, or even extend, the life of your storage tanks. Ultimately, with our frequent surveying services storage tanks can continue to serve their purpose safely and effectively for many years to come.

Call our expert team on 01392 362161 or email info@merrettsurvey.com and we will be happy to discuss your requirements in further detail.