Expert Nondestructive Leak Testing Services

Nondestructive leak testing uses ultrasonic testing (UT) equipment to scan tank walls and bottoms without damaging the structure or requiring tank drainage. A handheld UT probe sends ultrasonic sound waves through the tank wall and measures the time it takes for the echo to return, precisely calculating wall thickness down to thousandths of an inch. This reveals invisible corrosion, pinholes, permeations, and areas of dangerous wall thinning that could lead to leaks or catastrophic failure. The technology works on steel, fiberglass, and certain composite tanks, providing critical integrity data while your tank remains in service.

Testing costs vary based on tank size, material, accessibility, and the extent of scanning required. A basic spot-check inspection for a small above-ground storage tank might run a few hundred dollars, while comprehensive wall-thickness mapping of a large petroleum UST or multi-compartment chemical tank could cost several thousand. AmTech provides detailed written proposals after assessing your specific tank configuration, service history, and regulatory requirements. We tailor our testing scope to your budget and compliance needs, and many facilities find that early leak detection prevents far more costly emergency repairs, environmental remediation, or tank replacement down the line.

In most cases, no. Ultrasonic permeation detection can be performed on in-service tanks without draining, making it ideal for facilities that cannot afford extended downtime or the cost of product transfer and disposal. For above-ground tanks, technicians access exterior walls and the tank bottom (if accessible). For underground tanks, testing is typically performed during scheduled maintenance windows when product levels are low, or through specialized access points. However, certain interior inspections or repairs identified by testing may require partial or full drainage—AmTech will clearly communicate requirements during project planning.

AmTech's ultrasonic testing services cover steel tanks (both above-ground atmospheric storage tanks and underground storage tanks), fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks, and certain composite and laminate tank constructions. We test tanks storing petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, crude oil, jet fuel), industrial chemicals, potable water, fire suppression water, wastewater, and other liquid substances. Testing methodologies are adapted to the tank material, wall construction (single-wall or double-wall), coating or lining presence, and operational environment. Contact our engineering team to confirm compatibility with your specific tank type and service conditions.

Testing frequency depends on regulatory requirements, tank age, stored substance, and operating environment. EPA regulations for underground petroleum storage tanks mandate periodic tightness testing and corrosion monitoring, often annually or every few years depending on leak detection systems installed. API Standard 653 recommends regular thickness testing for above-ground tanks based on corrosion rates and inspection history—typically every 5 to 15 years, or more frequently for aggressive service conditions. Municipal water tanks, chemical storage tanks, and tanks in high-corrosion environments benefit from more frequent testing. AmTech's engineers can develop a risk-based inspection schedule tailored to your facility's specific compliance obligations and asset management goals.

AmTech provides a comprehensive written report documenting all findings, including exact locations and severity of any defects, wall thickness measurements, and photographic evidence. If leaks, perforations, or dangerous wall thinning are identified, our field engineers will recommend appropriate corrective actions—ranging from localized steel patch repairs for minor corrosion, to complete tank re-lining with our proprietary DuraChem or HydraStone systems for widespread deterioration, to tank replacement if structural integrity is compromised beyond economical repair. Because AmTech offers both testing and full-service tank repair and lining, we can immediately mobilize crews to address critical issues, minimizing your facility downtime and regulatory exposure.

Yes, in many cases. Underground storage tanks (USTs) storing petroleum or hazardous substances are subject to EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 280) and state environmental agency rules that mandate regular leak detection, tightness testing, and integrity monitoring. Many states require periodic ultrasonic thickness testing to verify tank wall integrity and corrosion protection system effectiveness. Above-ground storage tanks in petroleum service must comply with API Standard 653, which requires periodic internal inspections and shell thickness surveys. Municipal water tanks, chemical storage tanks at industrial facilities, and tanks at regulated industries (refineries, chemical plants, power plants) are subject to additional federal, state, and local inspection requirements. AmTech's NLPA-certified inspectors and field engineers are thoroughly familiar with these regulations and can ensure your testing program satisfies all applicable compliance mandates.

Absolutely. AmTech maintains experienced field crews across all 50 states, Canada, and the Caribbean, enabling rapid deployment for emergency leak investigations. If your facility experiences unexplained product loss, suspected tank integrity failure, environmental contamination, or regulatory shutdown orders, our engineers can mobilize quickly with ultrasonic testing equipment to pinpoint the source and extent of the problem. Emergency services include after-hours and weekend response, expedited reporting to satisfy regulatory agency deadlines, and immediate coordination of temporary leak mitigation or permanent repair solutions. Contact our team at 888-839-0373 or reach Greg Comeau directly at 603-315-8839 for emergency assistance.