Owners and operators of liquid storage tanks are responsible for arranging routine professional inspection services. All water and chemical storage tanks in commercial and industrial settings must undergo comprehensive examinations in accordance with industry standards, guaranteeing the maintenance of safety and integrity throughout their operational lives.
Hydrostatic Testing: a Comprehensive Overview
Upon the completion of a newly constructed storage tank, one of the final mechanical assessments recommended is a hydrostatic test. This testing method is utilized to assess the integrity and identify leaks in pressure vessels such as pipelines, plumbing systems, gas cylinders, boilers, and fuel tanks.
The process involves filling the vessel or pipe system with a liquid, typically water, which may be colored to aid in visual leak detection, and pressurizing the vessel to the designated test pressure.
The integrity of the pressure is evaluated by closing the supply valve and monitoring for any pressure loss. The presence of a coloring agent in the water assists in visually pinpointing the location of any leaks. Additionally, the structural strength of the container is assessed by measuring any permanent deformation.
The hydrostatic test procedure is conducted to detect leaks in shell weld joints and to observe the stabilization of the liquid level at various heights. Throughout the test, all instrumentation must be removed to prevent damage to the instruments.
Ensuring the Safety and Integrity of Water Tanks
The construction of new tanks and substantial modifications to existing storage tanks involve various testing requirements aimed at ensuring the integrity of the equipment. Hydrostatic testing, as its name implies, involves assessing a tank by filling it with water.
The primary and most evident purpose of filling the tank with water is to detect any leaks. The tank is filled with water at a recommended rate and then inspected after a 24-hour period to ensure there are no cracks, pinholes, or other abnormalities in the welds.
Another objective of the test is to evaluate the mechanical strength of the tank. Weak points become apparent when the tank is filled with water, which poses significantly less risk to workers and the environment compared to when the tank contains hazardous chemicals.
The most crucial aspect observed during a hydrostatic test is the strength of the tank’s supporting foundation. The foundation plays a significant role in tank damage.
Furthermore, the hydrostatic test serves as an assessment of stability, enabling the client and builder to evaluate and confirm that the settlement of the tank base falls within an acceptable range. This is accomplished using a test medium such as water, which typically has a higher specific gravity than the cargo the tank is designed to contain.
Determining the Need for Tank Testing: Essential Guidelines
Hydro-testing for paintball tanks is crucial, with requirements varying depending on the manufacturer. Typically, high-pressure air tanks used in paintball must undergo hydro-testing every three to five years.
The tank’s manufacturing date is usually indicated on the label, and it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure timely re-hydro-testing once the tank’s validity period expires. During hydro-testing, the tank is pressurized to a level significantly higher than its rated capacity.
If the tank successfully passes the pressure test without any issues, its validity is extended for another three to five years. However, if the tank fails the test, replacement becomes necessary.
CO2 and SCBA cylinders typically require hydro-testing every five years, though newer models may have longer intervals, often every ten years. The cost for CO2 tank hydro-testing is typically around $20.
In Conclusion
Understanding the importance of hydro-testing your water tank is just as vital as maintaining it. Despite not always being top of mind, regular use of your tank can result in typical wear and tear, potentially leading to leaks or ruptures as pressure builds up over time.
For premium water tanks in the US, turn to Tanks Liners by American Tanks! With over 20 years of expertise in water tank quality testing, we produce products that adhere to the strictest quality control standards.
In addition to our exceptional water tank quality testing services, we provide a range of industrial water tank maintenance solutions, including concrete water tank inspection, general water tank maintenance, and more. At Tanks Liners by American Tanks, we are committed to inspecting and hydro-testing your water tanks to prevent future failures.
Get in touch with us today to receive a quotation for the services you need.
Call Tanks Liners by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americantankliners.com
