Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Tanks are containers that store liquid elements and are designed specially for industries. FRP tanks are used widely in a range of industries because these are corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and have high-strength-to-weight ratio. These tanks are amazing, however it requires regular maintenance and inspection as this ensures their safe operations and longevity. As a business owner, it is important to go through the guide that provides essential tips for inspecting the FRP tanks. So, let's delve into detail and focus on some points mentioned below:
Conduct Visual Inspections
If you want to identify the potential issue to solve the problem instantly, you can go for a visual inspection. This is a very smart and quick way to identify if there is any sign of degradation, wear, or damage around the tank. You can conduct a visual inspection of these FRP water tanks and during the inspection, you need to look after a few things like surface erosion, discoloration, cracks, and delaminations. During this time, you need to pay special attention to joints and seams. Give a special look to the areas that have cracks. In addition, if there is any discoloration, then keep an eye on it as this is an indication of UV degradation and chemical damage.
Composition and Structure of FRP Tanks
Before any inspection process, it is important to understand the material in detail. So, before diving into the inspection process, understand about the FRP chemical tanks in detail. Fiberglass reinforced plastic tanks are a combination of fiberglass reinforcements with polymer matrix which creates a versatile and durable material. Understanding the composition will help you identify all the potential failure points, which will make the inspection easy. Some important components that you need to keep in mind are its resin type, additives, and fiberglass layers. To check the tank's strength, you need to check the fiberglass layers as it inspects the number of layers and its orientation.
Check for Chemical Resistance
FRP tanks can store chemicals and its exposure can lead to accelerated wear. Before storing any kind of chemical in the tanks, it is important to check for signs of any kind of chemical attack, especially if the chemical is exposed to substances that are relatable to the tank's material. In this situation, you need to keep two important elements in mind. Refer to a compatibility chart to make sure that the substance that you are storing is compatible with the tank's material. Along with this, monitoring for leaks as a minor leak in FRP chemical tanks can create problems.
Schedule Regular Inspections
After the installation of FRP chemical storage tanks, it is important to schedule its inspection on a regular period of time. The routine inspection should be scheduled based on some reasons like the chemical exposure, tank's usage, and environmental conditions. This step will result in detection of the issue earlier and will reduce the risk of catastrophic failures. As a smart business owner, you should go for regular visual inspection as it will help you find out all the wears and tears. If there is any damage, then go for the expert inspection. Apart from this, you can also go for monthly and annual inspections which will also involve structural and material assessments.
Evaluate the Structural Integrity
As per experts, beyond surface inspection, assessing the structural integrity of the tank is important. This inspection is not a random inspection as it involves advanced technical evaluation methods like acoustic emission testing and ultrasonic testing. In ultrasonic testing, the thickness of the walls are measured to identify the weaknesses. However, in acoustic emission testing, the sound of monitors is emitted by the tank material under pressure to understand the actual condition of the FRP tanks.
Environmental Damage
Environment conditions and other factors like temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and moisture can impact the integrity of FRP tanks. So, it is important to assess potential vulnerabilities by understanding some factors and areas of concern. Look for signs of brittleness or fading as it can be caused by UV degradation. Check for moisture intrusion as it can create mold or mildew around the tank. In addition, always check for the temperature effects as it ensures that the tank is suitable for the temperature of the area.
Examine the Support Structure
To maintain stability, fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks often rely on external support systems like frames and bases. Therefore, it becomes important to support the structures for any signs of cracking, corrosion, or instability. Here, you need to start the inspection from the foundation condition as this will ensure that the base is stable and free from cracks. After this, you need to check the support frames, which will look for any kind of degradation or rust, especially in metal supports. In addition, it is important to check the leveling as it ensures that the tank is prevented from uneven stress.
Monitor for Operational Issues
To identify potential problems at an early stage, it is important to go for regular monitoring during the tank operations. This can be done by observing changes, liquid levels, and temperature. Go for pressure measurement as it will ensure that all the motors are functioning and readings are accurate and consistent. For better understanding, you can also check for temperature fluctuations as it will monitor abnormal spikes in temperature. Last but not the least, check the flow rates. This will help you identify sudden inflow and outflow which will indicate leaks and blockages.
Engage Qualified Professionals
There is no doubt that routine inspection of FRP chemical storage tanks can be conducted in-house, but there are certain elements in the tank that require specialized knowledge regarding the damage and equipment. Here, you can take the help of engaging qualified professionals for in-depth repairs and inspections, as this will ensure a higher level of safety and accuracy. However, you need to understand when to call the experts. You need to call the experts when you the damage is complex or you find a significant structural issue. If you are going for advanced testing like chemical analysis and ultrasonic testing, then you need the help of an expert. Lastly, always take the help of an expert when going to check a specific industry regulations.
While going for the inspection of FRP chemical storage tanks or normal FRP tanks, it is crucial to keep an eye on operational safety and maintenance. To make sure that your FRP storage tanks are in optimal condition, it is important to go through the services mentioned above. Remember that professional evaluation, regular inspections, and right documentation are the key components to safeguard your investment in storage tanks. The above mentioned tips and tricks will not only help you in extending the lifespan of your installed FRP tanks, but it will also enhance the overall efficiency and safety in your operations. Check for Arvind Corrotech if you want to invest in FRP chemical tanks, as it is an excellent supplier and manufacturer of FRP chemical tanks in Ahmedabad.