Plant & Refinery Tank Inspections

The inspection interval varies based on the condition of the tank as well as the type of tank you have. For example, the external visual inspection for above ground storage tanks shall be inspected at a minimum every 5 years according to API-653 Section 6. Cleaning and repairs should be addressed based on the findings of the tank inspection. Additional periodic inspections are mandatory but may be performed by a representative or employee of the owner/user. All deficiencies should be reviewed by the certified API 653 or STI SP001 inspector to ensure the equipment is fit for service.

Drone's are used as a tool to reduce exposure to employees of hazardous environments or working conditions. It's a very cost effective means of avoiding costly scaffolding and other craft support. A visual inspection is exactly what it sounds like: a careful, thorough review with the naked eye of every single part of an asset. In many instances, a drone inspection will be a visual inspection, with the drone’s camera acting as the inspector’s eyes. Using a drone, visual data is collected and then reviewed in detail later by the inspector (some review is done on the spot, too, but the thorough inspection after data is collected represents the bulk of the visual inspection work).

RBI categorizes or risk ranks your equipment from low to high based on the relation between the probability and consequence of failure. The results of an RBI study are detailed damage mechanism analysis, inspection planning, and overall mechanical integrity program optimization. An effective RBI study will focus your facilities budgetary dollars on the high-risk assets first, often extending inspection intervals of lower-risk assets.