TANK INSPECTIONS LTD OFFERS A WIDE INSPECTION SERVICE

Phil Black - PII Editor 08/02/2012

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Tank Inspections Ltd was created due to the demand from end users for reliable inspections of various plastics and composite tanks, vessels, scrubbers and other process equipment.

Representatives from a number of major tank manufacturers, insurers and inspectors worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to produce two “advice to user” guides for GRP and Thermoplastic tanks, PM75 and PM86. These are available as downloads for our website www.tankinspections.co.uk

These guides offer the tank user an insight into the relevant tank design standards, recommendation on the timing and extent of inspections, inspection techniques and guidance on repairs if necessary.

Tank Inspections Ltd was formed by employees of UK”s largest and oldest plastic tanks manufacturer. With many years of experience in the design, manufacture and inspection of new and inspecting old tanks, they have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge in this field.

By having scheduled inspection periods a full dossier can be built up for each individual tank by Tank Inspections Ltd which will allow any indication of slow degradation to be recorded.

We can arrange fixed inspection periods for us to contact you when an inspection is due. This will alleviate some of your responsibilities ensuring you have safe and secure tanks, vessels and other equipment. We will keep a copy of your records and maintain a full “tank” history dossier and database.

Many tank failures today can generally be attributed to one of the following reasons:

· Incorrect Initial specifications

· Incorrect design

· Poor workmanship

· Poor or incorrect installation

· Misuse

· Physical damage

· Unauthorised change of use

· Unknown trace contaminates in liquor

· Lack of maintenance

Better tank management from the outset should lead to longer tank life, increased site safety, reduced downtime and ultimately will save you money.

Tank Inspections Ltd offers a full inspection service for all types of thermoplastic, GRP and dual laminate composite tanks. All our Site Engineers are from a tank manufacturing background with extensive experience in the manufacture of thermoplastic, GRP and Dual Laminate tanks.

Inspectors are backed by experienced design personnel and material testing facilities. Our team have a wealth of experience and knowledge back by over 40 years in the plastics tank field.

GRP Dual laminate Tanks

Most “Dual Laminate” tanks (GRP with an inner thermoplastic shell) have carbon fibre conductive strips behind all welded joints which facilitate high voltage spark testing to check the weld integrity at any time during the lifetime of the tank.

Expert Visual Inspections
The wealth of experience and knowledge our Inspectors have allow them to offer a detailed report on the condition of your tanks.

Ultrasonic Inspections
As an option Tank Inspections Ltd can offer spot ultrasonic thickness checks to confirm design thicknesses are correct. If there is concern that delamination may be within the laminate, ultra sonic check can confirm the extent of the flaw.

Thermoplastic Tanks

Freestanding Thermoplastic Tanks are normally fabricated in Polypropylene or High Density Polyethylene.

Our inspectors follow the procedures set down in the Health and Safety Executive’s Guidance Note PM86 “Thermoplastic Tank Integrity Management”.

NDT methods for thermoplastics tanks are very limited; therefore it is important the inspector is a competent experienced person.

Gas Scrubber & other Chemical Plant

Tank Inspections Ltd have specialist engineers who can inspect other chemical plant such as gas scrubbing towers, process towers and sumps in thermoplastics; dual laminate composites including fluoroplastics and GRP

Tank Inspections Ltd also have available chemical engineers who can assist in checking the operation of scrubbing and stripping towers.

Material Testing Facilities

Tank Inspections Ltd have specialist material testing facilities for material testing of thermoplastics; dual laminate composites including fluoroplastics and GRP

Methods of testing to satisfy BS 4994 – 1987; EN 13121; EN12573

Testing includes:

· Weld strength of thermoplastic and fluoroplastics

· Bend test for thermoplastics and fluoroplastics

· Ultimate tensile strength of laminates

· Unit tensile modulus of laminates

· Inter laminar shear strength of laminates

· Lap shear strength of bond between thermoplastic or fluoroplastics inner shell and laminate

· Peel strength of bond between laminate layer

· Peel strength of bond between thermoplastic or fluoroplastics inner shell and laminate

· Barcol harness

· Short term creep test on laminate