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Storage tank inspection

Minimise risk with regular storage tank inspection.

Skilled engineers and specialist welders test for leaks and structural concerns and repair faulty tanks.

Full follow-up documentation provided to record when and who carried out the work.

Testing and inspection compliant with EEMUA 159, API 653, OFTEC guidelines and NDT standards.

Members of Tank Storage Association, Associate Member of EEMUA, accredited to BSI 9001: 2015, and UKAS-accredited.

Storage tank owners are at a crossroads with many underground tanks now 20 to 30 years old. Our tank inspection services can help extend asset life and avoid costly replacement until the tank is ready for decommission.

Contact our experts

Get in touch today to discuss your requirements with our highly-trained team.

Simply send us your details or call 0800 592 827.

We help operators with tanks on their sites minimise the risk of asset failure, leakages, content contamination, and pollution by providing regular storage tank inspection and testing.

Before every audit, our industry-leading experts visit you on site to discuss your specific requirements and assess your underground, ground level, or above-ground systems.

Using the latest high-pressure or ultrasonic technology, our skilled engineers and specialist welders test for leaks and structural concerns, repair faulty tanks, and provide full follow-up documentation.

Our inspection and reporting services cover tanks used for fuel, water, chemical substances, and foodstuffs, and are compliant with EEMUA 159, API 653, OFTEC guidelines and NDT inspection standards.

You should carry out routine inspection and maintenance of containers and keep a record of when and who carried out the work.

Why storage tank inspections are a priority

Caring for your storage tanks from start to finish is vital if you want them to function correctly and prevent any environmental incidents.

Safety: Storage tanks are often used to store hazardous or flammable materials, which can pose a serious risk to human health and the environment if they leak or spill. Regular inspections can help identify potential problems before they become serious safety hazards.

Compliance: Many industries are subject to regulations that require regular inspections of storage tanks to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards. EEMUA 159 and API 653 both provide guidance on inspection periods. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal action.

Maintenance: Regular inspections can help identify maintenance issues that may need to be addressed, such as corrosion or wear and tear on tank components. Addressing these issues early can help prevent more serious problems down the line.

Cost savings: Catching problems early can also help reduce the cost of repairs or replacement. Regular inspections can help ensure that storage tanks are in good working order and extend their lifespan.

Main issues during storage tank inspections

When we attend sites to undertake an internal or external inspection, we discover many problems. Over time, we have been able to collate a list of common issues across many sites and our recommendations to prevent these from reoccurring.

Tank lean from the vertical

When tanks are installed. they should be positioned vertically straight. This prevents contents from weighing on one side of the tank and putting unnecessary pressure on a particular side of the tank.

In this instance, we would complete an external laser settlement survey. This in-depth examination would determine how far out of the vertical the tank is positioned, and then we can assess and recommend steps to remediate the situation.

Settlement of foundations

This is where foundations have been placed but then incorrectly levelled, or soil erosion has occurred, or there has been improper foundation design or poor preparation of the site, or simply not given sufficient time to settle before the tank weight is applied.

This causes the tank to be misaligned.

Local and generally thinned areas

Corrosion on storage tanks can be a significant problem, as it can compromise the structural integrity of the tank and lead to leaks, spills, and other safety hazards.

Corrosion occurs when metal reacts with its environment, such as when water or chemicals come into contact with the metal surface of the tank. When corrosion occurs in one specific area, the plate of the storage tank can become thinned.

Thinning normally occurs due to top surface pitting, or underflow due to water ingress, both leading to corrosion and membrane failure.

When we discover thinning of storage tanks, applying a protective coating to the surface of the tank that has become thin can help prevent further corrosion. Coatings such as epoxy or polyurethane can provide a barrier between the metal and the environment. This work should all be completed to the guidance established in API 653.

Regular inspections of the tank can help identify any signs of further thinning and corrosion early on, allowing for prompt repairs. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also help prevent corrosion.

Structural integrity concerns

Structural integrity is a critical concern when it comes to storage tanks, as failure or damage to tanks can lead to catastrophic consequences.

The main area where we discover structural deficiency or cracking is where the floor of the tank and the shell of the tank meet. This joining point is where the most pressure is applied and is usually the first point of failure for a storage tank.

Cracking can occur in storage tanks due to various factors, such as stress, fatigue, and temperature changes. Cracks can be difficult to detect, and if left untreated, they can grow and lead to tank failure. Water ingress can cause cracking if the storage tank is not protected, and this could also occur from water underneath the foundation if they have not been sealed correctly.

Repairs, modifications and welding procedures

Non-compliant repairs on storage tanks can have serious consequences, both for the safety of workers and for the environment.

When repairs are not carried out according to the necessary standards and regulations, there is an increased risk of leaks, spills, and other types of failures that can lead to accidents and environmental damage. Non-compliant repairs can lead to fines, penalties, and legal action, as well as increased insurance costs and reputational damage.

If repairs or welds have been undertaken and they haven’t followed the valued guidance set out in EEMUA 159 and API 653, then there is a potential for the repair to fail.

How we can help

We ensure that a full assessment of the storage tank is completed.

If the storage tank is suffering from any damage or cracking, then repairs or welding would be carried out. All repairs on storage tanks are carried out according to the necessary standards and regulations, and by qualified professionals with appropriate training and experience. This includes following all applicable safety protocols, ensuring proper materials and equipment are used, and completing necessary inspections and testing to confirm the repairs are effective and compliant.

In extreme cases where the damage is beyond repair, we would recommend a tank replacement.

Inspections on storage tanks are essential for ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency. It is important to conduct regular inspections to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems.

Legislation

CIRIA C736

Regulator issued CAR (Compliance Assessment Report) papers state that operators must provide evidence that their asset/facility meets CIRIA C736.

Duty holders should prepare an appropriate inspection and maintenance regime for their facilities. Where one does not exist, each containment facility should be classified. The classification should be reviewed at least once every five years, or where:

there are any modifications made to the primary or secondary containment,
the volume of material in the primary containment is increased,
the nature of the material in the primary containment is changed.

There are three principle types of inspection and maintenance:

Routine
Periodic
Detailed

Routine inspection

HSG 176 recommends:

All plant should be inspected for damage and deterioration. In addition to planned formal examinations, this inspection should be a combination of routine visual inspection by operations staff looking for obvious deterioration or damage.
Examination of tanks, pipework and fittings should be carried out by a competent person. This could be a specialist inspection engineer employed by an insurance company or other third-party inspection body. Alternatively, an employee with the appropriate qualifications, experience, and competence.
A scheme of examination should be agreed between the user and the competent person, to include the scope and frequency of thorough examination. The intervals between internal examinations should be determined using a risk assessment approach based on tank service, maintenance history, and known and potential damage mechanisms and their rates of attack. Intermediate external examinations should also be carried out on above-ground tanks.

GPP2: Above ground oil storage tanks recommends:

You should look for anything on or around your tank installation that could indicate a leak is likely to happen, or oil has been lost to the environment. You should:

make sure that the tank installation isn’t becoming overgrown with vegetation that would hide the condition of the tank.
check the tank base or supports for cracking or subsidence.
ensure the tank has a working contents gauge; if this has a valve make sure it’s closed. check all visible pipework, valves and filters for damage and signs of leaks, such as dampness or staining, especially around joints.
check vegetation around the tank for signs of die-back.
check secondary containment (tank bunds) for liquid or rubbish.
check that drip trays for remote fill pipes haven’t got any oil or water in them, check the waste oil information for how to dispose of any liquid.

Periodic inspection

OFTEC recommends:

In accordance with OFTEC Class II examination procedure, a registered inspector would ensure that the following areas are effectively reviewed:

The condition of tank surfaces and supports.
The area beneath/around tank and nearby fittings and pipe work.
An inspection of gauges and the bund.
An Inspection of filling and venting provisions.
Examination of signs of ground contamination and/or loss of product.
Tank installation compliance.
An inspection of Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) provisions where applicable.

SFG20 recommends:

12 monthly check and inspection and integrity test are required for compliance with Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regs 2001 and must form part of a site-specific environmental management system (EMS).

Detailed inspection

EEMUA 159 guidance includes assessments for above ground vertical tank integrity and safe operation, as well as maintenance of in and out of service storage tanks for bulk fluids. It is intended as a general inspection, maintenance, and repair guide applicable to above ground vertical cylindrical steel storage tanks built to standards such as BS2654, SPI 650 and EN 14015.

After each detailed internal and external inspection, the Tank Integrity Assessor will determine the date for the next inspection. This date should ensure that the corrosion rejection limits are not exceeded.

API 653 is the maintenance and inspection standard for tanks built to API 650 standards. It requires that as a minimum external NDT testing should be conducted every 5 years for an external inspection and every 10 years for an out of service inspection. Unless a certified inspector recommends a modified regime based on tank condition.
STI SP001 Standard for the Inspection of Above ground Storage tanks by the Steel Tank Institute includes the inspection and testing of above ground shop fabricated tanks.

Tank audits and inspections

As well as a weekly visual check, you should use a qualified technician to carry out a detailed annual inspection and service of your storage facilities, including:

checking the condition of tank surfaces and supports for pipework.
checking the condition and operation of pipework and fittings.
removing and disposing of any condensation water or sludge in your tank.

You should receive a report about your tank which details any faults that must be fixed before you can continue to use your storage tank.

Ensure that an appropriate ‘routine’ inspection schedule is documented, and records kept.
Establish a ‘periodic’ inspection – 12 monthly by registered / competent person.
Work with a qualified inspection organisation to develop a Written Scheme of Examination for ‘detailed’ inspection – typically external 5 yearly, internal 10 yearly intervals.
Ensure all ‘routine’, ‘periodic’ and ‘detailed’ inspection records are retained for submission to the competent authorities.

DSEAR inspections

DSEAR (which stands for the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) requires employers to assess the risks of fires and explosions that may be caused by dangerous substances in the workplace. DSEAR also covers the risk caused by gases under pressure and substances that are corrosive to metals.

Under DSEAR our experts can assist you in assessing and eliminating or reducing the risk from dangerous substances. We can help you to put control measures in place to eliminate risks from dangerous substances or reduce them as far as is reasonably practicable. Where it is not possible to eliminate the risk completely, we can help you to design measures to control risks and reduce the severity of any harmful event.

Arrangements must be made to deal with emergencies. These plans and procedures should cover safety drills and suitable communication and warning systems and should be in proportion to the risks.

Integrity testing

We offer EPA-certified precision tank and line testing technology through our exclusive agreement with Leighton O’Brien.

The most accurate integrity test on the market can detect ullage leaks equivalent to 0.09 litres per hour, making it four times more accurate than traditional leak detection thresholds. This allows customers to detect the smallest leaks.

The technology also benefits fuel retail and commercial customers by reducing forecourt downtime as the test is fully automated, optimising technician time onsite. The tank test time is one hour and seven minutes, three minutes for a dry line test and 17.5 minutes for a wet line test.

Modern fuel formulations are changing the rules for fuel retailers in terms of preserving the lifecycle of their storage tank asset. Major oil companies need to ensure the integrity of their fuel systems by testing with the best technology available and third-party review to ensure their tank systems are 100 per cent tight, preventing water ingress that can cause biological activity, accelerated corrosion and contaminated product unfit for sale.

OFTEC inspections

According to the Fuel Storage Regulations, oil storage facilities, should be inspected annually in accordance with current Pollution Prevention guidelines and OFTEC. Our OFTEC accredited auditing ensures oil storage facilities, including storage tanks, separators, bunds and pipework, meet current legislation by facilitating annual inspections and managing required maintenance to ensure continued compliance.

Remote tank inspections

Using our non-man entry, ATEX Zone 1 device for visual inspections and tank cleaning, AdlerView™ can be used to remotely inspect and clean fuel tanks both above and below ground, from a van positioned up to 50 metres away.

The device vastly reduces the costs associated with removing tank lids and improves health and safety of traditional man-entry tank inspections.

As well as being ATEX Zone 1 registered, the AdlerView™ has improved lighting, control and movement and is waterproof. A full report and video of the inside of the tank will be produced on behalf of the client to demonstrate the results of the inspection.

Using AdlerView™ means that clients can get faster, more accurate diagnosis of issues, with video evidence, meaning less downtime for their customers. The device also reduces the health and safety risks of man-entry tank inspections, as well as significantly reducing the associated costs.

Man-entry tank inspections

Our qualified confined space entry technicians will enter the tank to report on the condition from inside, where a remote inspection is not possible or practical.

Non-destructive testing (NDT)

Our market-leading non-destructive testing (NDT) and analysis to EEMUA 159 and API 570 and 653 standards is used for storage tank, pipeline and well inspection, in bulk storage, refinery, fuel/petrochemicals, chemical and utility sectors.

Quickly identifying degradation, corrosion, weakness, cracking and welding defects, before damage occurs, we give full recommendations for resolution.

We help organisations with any type, volume, and number of tanks on their sites to minimise the risk of damaging the environment, operational downtime, regulatory fines, and reputational damage in the event of a pollution incident by providing regular storage tank inspection so that they can remain compliant.

Primary containment is the most important means of preventing major pollution incidents, but tank storage owners are at a crossroads with many underground tanks now 20 to 30 years old. But with traditional hydrocarbon fuels being phased out in the next 20 years, you want to avoid the cost to replace. Our tank inspection services can help to extend asset life until such time as the tank is ready for decommission.

We employ man-entry and non-man-entry techniques to inspect all types of storage tanks in a variety of sectors, from retail forecourts, transport, major refineries, and military estates with underground, ground-level, or above-ground systems.

Tanks are subject to various regulations, standards, and good practice guidance, from COMAH, BS EN 14015:2004, EEMUA, API 650, and the Oil Storage Regulations, depending on the contents and tank material.

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