Integrity Tank Testing
WHAT IS IT?
Integrity Testing is a process to verify the integrity of a bulk container for storing oil products. If you must complete a SPCC Plan under EPA requirements, then having an integrity testing program is required for all oil product storage containers, except drums and containers that are using oil such as hydraulic pumps and oil filled electrical equipment.
WHO NEED’s IT?
First the state fire marshal’s may require the tank (greater than 600 gallons) to be inspected if does not have a manufacturers or standard plate like Underwriters Laboratory (UL) this would be part of the State Fire Code with NFPA standard 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Second: If you have 1,320 gallons of oil products then you must follow Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) requirements. One requirement is integrity testing program for bulk storage containers. In 2012, 95 percent of the organization’s inspected by the EPA received fines for not having an integrity testing program including not conducting the inspections.
WHEN DO YOU NEED IT?
If a bulk container does not have a standard plate (such as UL) and there is no design specification’s available a baseline evaluation from a Steel Tank (STI) Inspector or API tank inspector is required.
If it has a UL Plate then each tank standard (STI or API) has requirements of testing depending on the tank, its configuration, and location. The professional engineer signing the SPCC Plan sets the integrity testing program and time frame of inspection. We recommend that after 10 years of service (if known), it should be inspected. Many things can happen and the earlier you catch problems means the best chance of lessening the expense of the repairs. Many fuel tanks with years of service have a loss of integrity of the steel, particularly with diesel fuels.
HOW IS INTEGRITY TESTING DONE?
The EPA states that in addition to a visual inspector by a certified tank Inspector, it must have another form of nondestructive testing. With the new technologies, ultrasound devices are now one of the most common methods when the tank is not in direct contact with soil. Tanks in direct contact with soil must have the bottom inspected.
WHY – USE MTCS
MTCS has completed a few Steel Tank Inspector classes. We have two certified inspectors. The EPA announced it would start citing organizations in November 2011. Since we started doing inspections, we now have completed many steel tank inspections for many clients.
With our tank inspection the client usually receives an electronic email within the same day as the inspection, which is done right from a tablet that our inspectors utilize which is completely thorough. This report is a perfect document for audits, reviews, compliance, safety and for facility/personnel improvements.
MTCS can complete steel tank inspections for shop built steel tanks that are not in contact with soil as well. Call (316-644-6102) and provide specific information about your tanks and we can provide an estimate. Usually the inspection rate is $400.00 per tank but depending on your tanks locations and configuration there could be additional charges. More than 5 tanks may have a reduction of fees.
