Home

Contact Us

Tank Assessment with Acoustic Emission

Tank Assessment with Acoustic Emission 
 
A unique system for non-intrusive corrosion detection

MB Inspection now offers Acoustic Emission (AE) testing of aboveground storage tanks. This complements their already broad range of specialised, non-intrusive inspection services.

 

AE tank assessment is a specialised procedure for assessing corrosion damage in tanks. Corrosion processes and scale fracture produce AE signals, detected by externally placed sensors. Recorded data are evaluated to exclude noise and provide a measure of corrosion damage to the floor.

The main benefit of this test is to survey a number of tanks to help determine inspection needs and priorities.

Test Procedures
Record and evaluate AE data from a tank under static, low noise conditions.

  • Fill to greater than 50% capacity, isolate the tank and allow at least 12-hours settling time.
  • Mount sensors on the tank (8-24 depending on tank size) and connect to an AE system.
  • Calibrate, check that monitoring conditions are OK, record AE data for at least one hour.
  • Pack up equipment, evaluate recorded data.

 

 
Effectiveness of Method
Using AE to assess the condition of tank bottoms has developed over the last 15-years or so. A study of the method, published in 1998, showed how AE test results compared to internal inspection findings for 148 tanks. These held a variety of products from crude oil to distillates and blended products.

The study showed that AE testing was able to tell the difference between a “good” tank and one with corrosion damage. As the chart shows, there is uncertainty in determining the amount of damage but there is a clear correlation between the AE grade and severity of damage. In particular, test reliability was highest for “good” tanks.

Benefits

  • Most tanks tested within one day, minimum disruption to operations. 
  • Cost savings by avoiding vessel entry. 
  • Provides information about floor condition to aid in scheduling internal inspections. 
  • Permanent record of test data, ability to monitor condition over time. 

For further information contact: [email protected]

 

 

Admin

Username

Password

Forgot your password?