These results are summarised from experience of tests on more than 1200 tanks. More than 2000 tank floor tests have been carried out world-wide by Physical Acoustics companies. The test consists of attaching sensors to the outside of the tank and monitoring for emission resulting from active corrosion of the floor. Noise sources are eliminated by sophisticated pattern recognition methods, and experienced operators.

 

Physical Acoustics engineers go through a rigorous training and certification programme and have to pass written and practical exams as well as meeting minimum experience requirements. All work is conducted under an ISO 9002 documented procedure, a site report is given following the test, and results and records are reviewed by a PAC level III prior to final report issue.

 

There are many refineries where TANKPAC™ has been used on virtually all the tanks, and the results are the key factor determining when they need to be removed from service for maintenance. The procedure is a corporate recommended practice for many companies.

 

Although refineries and chemical plants are the major users, the sensitivity of the method for locating active corrosion can be seen by its ability to locate corroding zinc anodes in an oilfield production tank.

 

Other services for tanks include TALRUT for identifying and mapping corrosion of the tank annular ring, LSI for corrosion mapping of the wall and welds, and T-Rex-T, RBI software especially developed for tanks by Tischuk International.

 

Please contact us for papers, references, method statement and presentation.

 

 

* (see the papers presented at the European Conference for Non-Destructive Testing by TANKPAC™ users at www.ndt.net/article/ecndt98/chemical/095/095.htm and the Petroleum Institute of France recommended practice).