The interior of a water tank is crucial as it directly impacts the safety and purity of the water stored for daily use. Neglecting proper cleaning and inspection can lead to the accumulation of organic and inorganic residues, affecting the taste, odor, and even posing health risks.
Annual inspections of water storage tanks are essential to observe the condition of the interior steel and coatings, minimizing downtime, optimizing water quality, and mitigating corrosion issues if detected.
However, selecting the appropriate type of interior inspection for your water tank, considering its unique requirements and usability, can be challenging. This article will discuss the four available options for water storage tank inspection to assist you in making an informed decision.
What is Corrosion?
Corrosion occurs when a metal undergoes a natural transformation into a more stable form, typically oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide, leading to material deterioration. Metals corrode upon interaction with various substances like oxygen, hydrogen, electrical currents, or contaminants such as dirt and bacteria. Excessive stress on metals can also induce corrosion by causing material fractures.
Steel and aluminum are frequently utilized in constructing metal water tanks. Corrosion of steel and aluminum in water tanks undermines the tank’s structural integrity and significantly affects daily water usage.
Role of Internal Inspections
The importance of conducting thorough tank inspections cannot be emphasized enough, as numerous materials commonly used in tanks are prone to corrosion, cracking, or rusting if neglected. Sediment accumulation along the tank bottom is a common occurrence over time. In addition to maintaining the tank itself, regular inspections of potable water tanks are essential for effective water management and corrosion prevention.
Neglecting internal inspections can potentially put utilities at risk, leading to significant public health hazards. Therefore, it is imperative to perform interior inspections to safeguard against water tank corrosion.
Types of Tank Inspections
Depending on factors such as tank design, materials, intended use, external and internal conditions, and the maintenance practices implemented to prevent corrosion, different inspection options may be recommended.
1. Visual Inspections
A visual inspection offers a straightforward assessment method for water storage tanks. This involves accessing the tank’s cover, opening it, and visually documenting observations. It’s advisable to take pictures of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
2. Remote Operated Vehicle Inspection
A remote-operated vehicle inspection involves deploying an unmanned submersible craft inside a filled water tank. The craft captures images and videos of the tank’s walls and bottom to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
3. Dive Inspection
During a dive inspection, a diver submerges into a water storage tank filled with water. The diver then takes pictures of the tank’s roof, walls, and bottom to document the structural material and evaluate the performance of coating systems.
4. Washout Inspection
During a washout inspection, a water storage tank is drained, and an individual or team enters the tank to conduct the review. Pictures are taken of the roof, walls, bottom, and other structures inside the tank to document the structural material and assess the performance of coating systems.
Subsequently, the crew can use power washing equipment to clean all interior surfaces of the tank, removing any sediment and organic materials.
Ready to get Your Water Storage Tanks Inspected?
Corrosion is an inevitable issue with metal water tanks, although the timing of its occurrence remains uncertain. However, alternative options such as GRP Panel Tanks and Stainless Steel Storage Tanks are offered at Panel Tanks Vegas by American Tanks.
Our expert team, spanning across the United States, specializes in water tank inspection and repair, delivering top-notch maintenance services, corrosion protection, and control measures for water tanks. We are committed to ensuring the longevity and reliability of your water tank.
Partner with us for all your water tank maintenance and repair requirements! Contact us today to discover more about our comprehensive range of services.
