How to detect microbial contamination of fuel?

 in the fuel tank, and corrosion are some of the most common fuel tank problems. If such issues are not dealt with in time, it can lead to a significant catastrophe. Microbial contamination or diesel bug can post a threat to the integrity of the fuel.

In this post, we will look into some early signs of microbial contamination of fuel. Knowing the symptoms will help you keep a check on the fuel and take timely action in case of any spoilage.  

#1 Water in the Oil Tank.

Most tank inspection services companies look for water in the oil to determine microbial contamination of the diesel. While water contamination in fuel tanks is usual, if the amount of water in the oil increases, it can lead to further damage. The water level in the oil tank also allows the inspectors to determine how significant the contamination is and how to resolve the problem.

Water can seep into the oil tank directly through a hole in the outer layer of the storage container or indirectly through the air. At the start of the water contamination, the water inside the tank is in the form of invisible molecules. However, once the amount of water in the air inside the oil tank reaches a saturation point, it emulsifies and forms water droplets. Water in the fuel can turn it cloudy, which is a sign of water contamination. If the water in the tank is not handled in time, small puddles of water will start forming at the bottom of the tank. Eventually, bacteria and bugs will start appearing, which will further degrade the quality of the fuel.

#2 Corrosion in Fuel Tank.

Corrosion or rust can form outside or even inside the fuel tank if it’s not maintained correctly. Corroded fuel tanks often indicate microbial contamination. When the bugs or microbes grow in numbers inside the container, they start to eat away the tank, causing tank erosion.

Corrosion of the tank should not be overlooked as it poses a threat to the environment. Oil leakage from eroded tanks is common that often leads to contamination of water bodies and wildlife. Moreover, cleaning up oil spills is very costly. Thus, it’s essential to perform timely oil tank testing to identify tanks corrosion early.  Besides this, tank operators should ensure their tanks are periodically inspected by professionals who have undergone tank inspection training.

#3 Bug in the Fuel.

Microbial growth in fuel tanks is often referred to as diesel bug. Bug in fuel can form due to water in the oil tank. The bug will start to multiply quickly if the level of water in the oil tank is more. Since fuel sludge form on the underside of the tank, it’s hard to detect from above. Only qualified tank inspecting professionals can identify the location of the sludge.

It’s worth noting that not all contamination is harmful. The professionals determine whether the contamination of fuel is negligible, moderate, or heavy. Once the level of contamination is identified, it’s easier to take care of it.

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Categories: Storage Tanks Services

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Effective Measures to Prevent Corrosion Under Insulation

 Industries that rely on storage tanks and containers most often struggle with corrosion under insulation. Although corrosion under insulation or CUI is a common phenomenon, the maintenance expenditures incurred by the industries to remedy it are still high. So what is corrosion under insulation, and how can it be prevented? Corrosion under Insulation is a collective term used for corrosion that happens due to moisture on the external surface of the insulating jacket. Some of the most common CUI types are chloride corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and acid/alkaline corrosion. Several factors can promote the entry of moisture into the insulation and lead to corrosion. Besides this, corrosion can occur on any insulation surface and equipment that is used regularly or cyclically. Since undetected corrosion can lead to stress-corrosion crackling, tank facility operators should rely on water tank inspection services  providers familiar with various API tank assessment standards.

In this, we will discuss some storage insulation corrosion prevention techniques in detail.

The first and foremost thing to keep in mind is preventing liquid from entering into the insulation. Moisture buildup and decrease the efficiency of the insulation and eventually erode the pipe and equipment. Factors like vibration, human abuse, weather conditions can further damage the insulation.

When designing a corrosion prevention plan, here are the things you should make allowance for:

  • Proper selection of insulation
  • Design of the storage tanks and equipment
  • Anti-corrosion paints and coatings
  • Weather barriers
  • Tank inspection and maintenance practices

If the tank is susceptible to spill or kept in a high humidity area, special care must be taken when selecting the insulation. Weatherproofing or coating the insulation can go a long way in preventing corrosion and such measures make the insulation chemically nonreactive and nonabsorbent. You can consult tank inspection services for an informed decision.

How to prevent Galvanic Corrosion?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when there is water or moisture intrusion in insulation. Invasion of water can be prevented through cellular insulation. Plastic and rubber insulation jackets also prevent bimetallic corrosion. Plastic and rubber insulation have fire and weather-resisting properties. Such jackets can tolerate regular abuse and effective in preventing water from entering the insulation. Plastic jackets available for commercial use are also non-corrosive.

If you use metal insulation, you can, of course, coat them with non-corrosive paints. Paints are effective in preventing cathodic and anodic reactions, which further helps the water and moisture from corroding the insulation.

How to prevent Alkaline or Acidic Corrosion?

If you are using metal jackets, you should make sure they have moisture barriers. In case the jackets are prone to corrosion, the use of plastic jackets can help prevent damage. If the piping is made of stainless steel, one should be careful about the insulation, cement, and water.

Before underground insulating pipes, they should be coated with coal-tar epoxy and nonreactive paints. Besides this, a polyethylene jacket should be used to cover the pipes before installing them underground.

Field-made joints are susceptible to CUI. Regular inspection and assessment of joints and intersections can help you keep a check on corrosion and damage.…

Categories: Storage Tanks Services

The Latest Advancements in NDT inspections and Analysis

The pandemic has disrupted the entire world economy. Many industries are going through transformational changes due to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Businesses that are able to adapt to new situations can enhance their chances of survival. When it comes to the storage industry, the norms and standards keep evolving. Thus, API inspection companies should constantly strive to adopt new advancements and testing techniques. Doing so will not only help them improve their services and stay compliant, but it will also save them time and cost. By employing cutting-edge technologies, they can manage overheads and efficiently address safety issues.

Tank storage inspection companies widely use Non-destructive techniques. NDT inspections offer a wide range of advantages. They provide accurate and reliable results and don’t hinder the functioning of the machinery.

In this blog, we have highlighted some advancement in non-destructive testing.

Phased Array Ultra-Sonic Testing Techniques

One of the recent advancements in the NDT method is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing or PAUT. Many tank inspection companies have moved on PAUT from the usual ultrasonic testing methods. In ultrasonic testing, pipes are inspected to analyze weld joints, tanks, and pipe lays. Inspection of storage tanks with complex geometries is not possible with the simple ultrasonic method.

This is where the phased array ultrasonic testing comes in handy. Through PAUT, the inspector can analyze the complex assembly of pipes through various angles and positions without moving the device. Phased array ultrasonic testing technology has not only simplified the testing process it has made it more reliable. The technician can probe pipes of the entire storage system in comparatively less time.

Non-Destructive Examination 4.0

While NDT offers more advantages, it has its fair share of downfalls. One of the most significant shortcomings of non-destructive testing is it lacks effective communication. The new NDE 4.0 aims to rectify this shortcoming and enhance internal communication. Digital tools have further helped API inspection services providing companies to speed up the inspection process and decrease the time required to analyze the equipment. Now, the technicians can take pictures of the tanks and equipment and send them to managers for further evaluation. If there is an issue with the installment of the tanks, the manager can send their feedback and have it rectified. The same can be done to check whether a storage facility is compliant.

Data Formats for NDE 4.0

For a very long time, the information for NDT was stored in a proprietary format. The proprietary system leaves little room for open communication between various stakeholders. When it comes to ensuring the correct implementation of tanks and their components, documentation is essential.

Recently, experts have suggested a more feasible model for documenting storage tank requirements. Digital Imaging in Non-Destructive Evaluation or DICONDE has been proposed to support a unified portal for data exchange.

AI and Robotics

Advancements in artificial intelligence have opened new ways for effective tank inspection and evaluation. NDT inspection companies are making use of drones, robotics, and other artificial intelligence technology to reach unreachable regions of the tank for a complete and accurate result.…

Categories: API Tank Inspection Storage Tanks Services

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