Certified Tank & Piping Inspections — NDT Services

API 653 is the American Petroleum Institute standard governing the inspection, repair, alteration, and reconstruction of above-ground atmospheric storage tanks. It establishes minimum requirements for maintaining tank integrity throughout the tank's service life. An API 653-compliant inspection includes ultrasonic thickness testing, visual assessment of structural components, evaluation of foundation and shell condition, and documentation of corrosion rates. AmTech's inspections follow API 653 protocols and are performed by engineer-trained field crews with NLPA Special Inspector certification, ensuring that all assessments meet industry standards and regulatory requirements for continued operation or decommissioning decisions.

Inspection frequency depends on the tank's stored substance, operating conditions, and regulatory requirements. API 653 typically requires external inspections every 5 years and internal inspections every 10 years for petroleum storage tanks, though highly corrosive substances or aggressive service environments may necessitate more frequent assessments. Underground storage tanks storing petroleum products must comply with EPA and state environmental regulations requiring periodic integrity testing. Wastewater and chemical tanks often require annual or biennial inspections depending on local codes. AmTech's field engineers review your specific tank service conditions and regulatory obligations to establish an appropriate inspection schedule that balances compliance requirements with operational needs.

Ultrasonic thickness testing (UT) is a non-destructive testing method that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the remaining wall thickness of tank shells, bottoms, and piping. A transducer sends ultrasonic pulses through the metal; the time required for the pulse to echo back indicates the material thickness. UT detects corrosion, erosion, and metal loss before visible failure occurs—often identifying problem areas years before they become critical. This early detection enables proactive repair planning, prevents catastrophic failures, and extends tank service life. AmTech's UT inspections create detailed thickness maps showing corrosion patterns across the entire tank structure, providing the data needed for informed repair-versus-replacement decisions and regulatory compliance documentation.

For external inspections and certain non-invasive testing methods, yes—AmTech can perform external visual assessments, shell thickness testing from the outside, and foundation inspections while the tank remains in service. However, comprehensive interior inspections, floor thickness testing, and detailed visual assessment of internal surfaces require the tank to be emptied, cleaned, and properly ventilated to allow safe confined space entry. AmTech works with facility managers to schedule inspections during planned maintenance windows, minimizing operational disruption. Our rapid mobilization capability and efficient inspection protocols reduce downtime. For tanks that cannot be taken offline, we can perform partial assessments and schedule phased inspections to gather critical data while maintaining operations.

AmTech inspects all tank types and construction materials including steel above-ground storage tanks (ASTs), underground storage tanks (USTs), concrete water storage tanks, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks, dual-laminate chemical tanks, and hybrid construction tanks. We inspect tanks storing petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, crude oil, jet fuel), chemicals (acids, caustics, solvents), water (potable, fire suppression, process water), wastewater, and specialty products. Our inspection capabilities cover vertical cylindrical tanks, horizontal tanks, rectangular concrete tanks, elevated water towers, and process vessels. Inspection methods are tailored to the substrate material, stored substance, and regulatory requirements governing each specific tank type and application.

AmTech provides comprehensive engineering reports including detailed thickness maps showing measured wall thickness at all grid points, high-resolution photographs documenting all observed defects and conditions, corrosion rate calculations and remaining service life estimates, API 653 compliance assessments where applicable, repair scope recommendations with prioritization, and regulatory compliance documentation suitable for EPA, state agencies, and insurance submissions. Reports are delivered in both printed and digital formats. For facilities managing multiple tanks, we provide fleet-wide summary reports tracking the condition of all assets. All documentation is archived and available for future reference, regulatory audits, or capital planning purposes.

Inspection costs vary based on tank size, construction type, accessibility, stored substance, required cleaning and preparation, scope of testing (external only vs. full internal inspection), and travel distance to the facility. A basic external visual inspection and UT thickness survey of a small above-ground tank may cost a few thousand dollars, while a comprehensive API 653 internal inspection of a large petroleum storage tank requiring cleaning, confined space entry, and detailed floor assessment can range into the tens of thousands. AmTech provides detailed written quotations after reviewing your specific tank details and inspection objectives. We work with facility budgets to prioritize critical inspection elements and can structure phased inspection programs for facilities managing multiple tanks.

Yes. AmTech provides emergency inspection services for facilities experiencing suspected leaks, sudden product loss, visual evidence of structural damage, regulatory stop-work orders, or insurance-required failure investigations. Our nationwide network of engineer-trained field crews enables rapid mobilization—often within 24 to 48 hours depending on location. Emergency inspections focus on immediately assessing structural integrity, identifying the failure cause, determining if the tank can be temporarily returned to service, and developing an expedited repair plan. We provide preliminary findings verbally on-site to support urgent decision-making, followed by comprehensive written reports. Emergency inspection services are available across all 50 states, Canada, and the Caribbean through AmTech's direct-employed field teams.