Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
We’re proud to be a leading provider of complete life cycle risk management solutions. From ensuring asset safety and legal compliance with our thorough engineering inspections to driving operational efficiency with our specialist non-destructive testing services, (and much more in between), we’re proud of the long-lasting partnerships we have formed with our customers over the last 160 years, based on the value of our solutions.
Storage Tank Inspections: A Winter Necessity
Storage tanks, especially those located outdoors, are exposed to many different environmental conditions in winter, such as freezing temperatures, snow accumulation, and frost heave.
These challenges can compromise the structural integrity of both the storage tanks and their foundations. Snow and ice loads can cause structural damage, such as cracking, splitting, and leaks, which not only impacting the environment and public safety, but can also leave the tank unstable if the ground shifts due to cold weather.
Why should you prioritise storage tank inspections this winter?
- Prevent structural damage: Cold weather can cause liquids inside the tank to freeze, which increases the risk of cracking in the tank body and pipes. Heavy snow or ice build-up can strain the tank’s roof, potentially leading to collapse.
- Ensure operational efficiency: Winter weather can freeze valves, pipes, and vents, which can disrupt operations. A pre-winter inspection can help identify these vulnerabilities, so that proactive action can be taken.
- Reduce costs: Winter-related damage can lead to costly emergency call outs and repairs, and operational downtime. Pre-winter inspections can catch issues early, saving money and expensive fixes.
Considerations for Effective Tank Inspections
Before organising pre-winter and post-winter inspections, consider several crucial factors to ensure thorough and effective assessments.
- The age of the storage tank needs to be considered when planning an inspection for winter. Older storage tanks can be more susceptible to corrosion and wear, so they may need more frequent inspections and maintenance ahead of winter.
- It is also crucial to consider the severity of cold climates. In extremely cold areas, or if the winter weather is expected to be severe, it may be necessary to install insulation or heating measures to protect storage tanks and their contents.
- Cold temperatures can affect liquids in different ways. Certain liquids such as water or chemicals with low freezing points are at higher risk of freezing, so they may need special precautions. Fuels such as diesel and oil can become cloudy and turn into a gel-like substance or form wax crystals, which can cause flow problems in pipes and fittings.
- Depending on the materials that are being stored within the tanks, there may be specific safety and environmental regulations that outline regular, mandatory inspections and documentation.
Pre-Winter Inspections: Preparing for the Cold
A pre-winter inspection is the first step to protect your storage tanks against potential damages caused by winter. Identifying and addressing these vulnerabilities ahead of time can reduce the risk of leaks, cracks, or even tank failure.
Key areas that inspectors focus on during pre-winter inspections include:
- External Tank Inspection: Identifies signs of visible damage, corrosion or wear and tear on the tank surface.
- Roof and Foundation: Clearing any debris from the roof to avoid snow and ice build-up and checking for drainage issues around the foundation to avoid frost heave.
- Pipes and Fittings: Checks for signs of damage or corrosion, and if they need any insulation or protective heating to remain functional during winter.
A thorough inspection before the onset of winter usually includes Visual Inspection and Ultrasonic Testing to help identify cracks, corrosion, or leaks that could worsen in freezing temperatures. Tank Cleaning is also recommended to remove any dirt, grime or debris that could contaminate the tank during winter.
Post-Winter Inspections: Assessing the Impact
After winter, a post-winter inspection assesses the effects of snow, ice and freezing temperatures on the tank and its foundation. This is essential to identify any winter-related damage, that if left unchecked, can turn into significant problems later.
Key areas that inspectors focus on during post-winter inspections include:
- Structural Inspection: Checking the tank body and foundation to make sure it is stable and assess if any damage has occurred after winter.
- Roof and Foundation Integrity: Checking for damage and ensuring the roof remains intact and has not deformed from any heavy snow or ice loads.
- Pipework and Fittings: Identifying any signs of expansion-related cracks or leaks.
A detailed inspection after winter means that inspectors will assess the tank, foundation, and fittings to see if there are any changes or damage that has occurred since the pre-winter inspection. Inspectors use a variety of techniques, including Visual Inspection, Ultrasonic Testing, and Eddy Current Testing.
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