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Fiberglass Reinforced Plastics Tank Inspection

fiberglass tank inspection

TechKnowServe’s certified inspectors perform installation, in-service, and repair inspections of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tanks and piping.

 

 TechKnowServe’s FRP testing methods and protocols comply with the 5-year retesting requirements of NJ DEP 7:1E-2.16 and NY DEC DER-16.


    

Acoustic Emission Testing

ASTM E1067 & RTP-1 Appendix M-8

AE Testing will identify resin cracking, debonding, fiber pullout, fiber breakage, delamination, and bond failure during a fill cycle.  Based on the tank size, AE testing typically takes 1/2 – 1 day to complete.  The location of defective conditions is identified for the follow-up NDT inspections listed further down this page.  AE reports include written analysis, data presentation, and results regarding acceptance criteria.

 

Certified Internal and External Visual Inspection

ASTM D2563 & ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 11

Visual testing includes hardness testing, informal stress cracking tests, circumferential measurement tests, and others. It effectively identifies flaws in the tank structure and deficiencies in maintenance and operational practices. TechKnowServe’s visual testing inspection reports are complete with full-color pictures and descriptions of defective conditions. TechKnowServe will also recommend follow-up repairs for repairable defects.


   

Remote Internal Visual Inspection

ASTM D2563 & ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 11

Remote cameras eliminate the need to send highly trained confined space personnel into hazardous environments while subjecting the tank to the most effective visual inspection method.

Thermographic Imaging

Thermographic Imaging enables the inspector to visualize areas on the tank that transfer temperature in a manner inconsistent with the surrounding areas on the tank.  These temperature gradient areas can indicate shell flaws.

 

Strain Gage Testing

RTP-1                                             

Strain gage testing will determine whether the tank's maximum working hoop strain is in compliance with industry standards. The gages are installed directly on the tank's surface and record the localized strain values. Strain gauge testing can be easily coupled with acoustic emission testing, which results in greater data collection. Depending on the tank size and number of gages used, it takes approximately half a day to set up.

  • Rapid screening of long lengths of pipe

  • 100% of the pipe wall is inspected

  • Detection of corrosion in insulated and buried pipelines

How it Works

  • The sensor is installed on the pipeline's outer diameter (OD).

  • Long-range ultrasound is focused upstream and then downstream.

  • Ultrasound is reflected back from pipeline corrosion.

  • Corrosion is located with respect to the sensor location using the speed of sound in the pipeline tested.

  • Corrosion severity is estimated in terms of cross-sectional area loss.

  • Automatic report generation with reflector characterization and location.

Inspection Applications

  • Transmission/distribution lines

  • Refinery lines

  • Offshore risers

  • Tank farm lines

  • Headers

  • Storage sphere support legs

  • Refrigeration lines

  • Corrosion under insulation (CUI)

  • Underground pipelines

  • Pipelines under road crossings

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