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TEAM
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Tank
and Tank Farm Inspection, Documentation and Repair Program Various
regulatory agencies, along with industry standards, require routine inspection
of all tank farm assets. Specifically,
in the state of Florida, Florida Department of Environmental Protection's FDEP
62-761 requires monthly, a variety of inspections, including API 653 inspections
for all field erected AST's, inspections of containment systems, valves, piping,
flanges, overfill protection systems, etc.
An individual that is familiar with these systems, their proper operation
and maintenance procedures should inspect these systems. While any operator can
perform these inspections, do they know what to look for and how to perform
minor repairs? The required inspections are listed at the end of this article. From
experience, we all know that with regular proper inspection and minor repairs,
these systems can operate cost effectively for many years.
We also know that systems that are neglected, minor repairs not performed
and improper inspection by untrained personnel can lead to costly down time and
major premature failure of the system. The tank farm owner and / or operator should design their monthly inspection and repair program to address the small issues before they become large problems. A trained tank farm inspector should perform the inspections and provide inspection documentation. Fortunately, this inspector can be either a company employee or a third party inspector. As long as they are trained and know what they are to inspect, the requirements are met. Additionally, to save effort, the inspector should also be capable of performing many of the minor repairs necessary to keep your assets working safely and properly. They should: Ø Clean P/V vents Ø Clean flame arrestors Ø Replace light bulbs Ø Tighten leaking flanges Ø Re-pack weeping valves Ø Remove minor dirt from tank chime In accordance with the regulations, the monthly inspections should include the following items. Inspection of: Ø Tank shell, from the ground, for leaks and distortions Ø For signs of tank settlement Ø Tank for Corrosion Ø Condition of tank foundation Ø Condition of exterior coating, both shell and roof Ø Condition of tank insulation (if required) Ø Tank appurtenances (valves, manways, taps, etc.) Ø Automatic tank gauging system Ø Proper operation of high and high-high alarms system Ø Integral small diameter piping in contact with soil – external leak detection monitoring using detection wells and ground water monitoring Ø Integral small diameter piping not in contact with soil – visual inspection Ø Bulk product piping in contact with soil – external leak detection monitoring using detection wells and ground water monitoring Ø Bulk product piping not in contact with soil – visual inspection Ø Condition of all above ground valves, and flanges in the tank farm system. Ø Storage tanks with impressed current cathodic protection system – tested by a Corrosion Professional or Cathodic Protection Tester Ø Spill containment devices Ø Proper operation of P/V venting system Ø Proper operation of flame arrestors In addition to the list of inspection items, the inspection technician must prepare a written report of the inspection and maintenance results. Remember, when dealing with regulatory issues, "If it is not documented, it was not done!" With the use of digital cameras, it is also a good idea to take some high definition digital photographs of inspection results. The photographs can be taken from consistent perspective each month to clearly document how the facility changes over time. Remember the old saying, "a picture is worth a thousand words". In addition to the monthly inspections, there are also annual, 3-year and 5-year inspections that are required. These inspections are usually more extensive in nature and require a specialized and certified inspector. These include pressure testing, integrity testing and hydrostatic testing. |
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