Technical Papers

In-Service Above Ground Storage Tanks Inspection Robotics Technology Update

A unique technique for inspecting the floors of aboveground storage tank’s (AST) emerged in the late 90’s based on in-service robotic technology.    With improved electronic manufacturing through the past five years the technology has come a long way with improved inspection and tank cleaning capabilities, greater operational efficiency and a much broader user base.  The number of tanks inspected using in-service robotics has now exceeded the 1000 mark.  Industry now has an alternative to determining the minimum floor thickness of tanks in order to determine the next optimum time for an out-of-service inspection.  And this can be accomplished without taking the tank out of service.  Compliant with API Std 653 (Ref 1) guidelines for determining tank floor corrosion rates and when combined with an API 653 tank external survey, TechCorr, a Houston-base full service inspection firm, is applying this method providing the tank owner with a comprehensive picture of the AST’s condition without taking it out of service while staying in tank inspection compliance. Although there is a population of tanks that require out-of-service inspections because of the tank’s condition, age and inspection history, there is a growing population of tanks that will benefit from the introduction of this technology especially considering the current AST demand for storage capacity and difficulty in removing a tank from service for full inspection to stay within compliance.