Storage Tank Integrity Assessment Services

A tank integrity test is a comprehensive assessment to verify that a storage tank can safely contain its product without leaks, structural failures, or regulatory violations. The test typically includes ultrasonic thickness testing to measure wall thinning and detect permeations, visual inspection of interior and exterior surfaces for corrosion and coating failures, structural evaluation of welds, nozzles, and support components, and verification against standards like API 653. AmTech's tank integrity assessments use calibrated non-destructive testing equipment operated by NLPA Special Inspectors to document actual tank conditions and provide engineering-backed fitness-for-service determinations.

The four primary types of tank inspections are: External Visual Inspection (examining the tank exterior, foundation, coatings, and support structures without entering the tank), Internal Inspection (accessing the tank interior to directly assess the shell, bottom, roof, and lining condition—requires tank emptying), Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (non-destructive measurement of wall thickness and detection of hidden corrosion or permeations), and In-Service Inspection (assessment performed while the tank remains operational, using external UT scanning and robotic methods). AmTech provides all four inspection types, with the appropriate method selected based on tank type, stored product, access limitations, and regulatory requirements.

Inspection frequency depends on tank type, stored product, and regulatory jurisdiction. API 653 requires above-ground petroleum storage tanks to have external inspections every 5 years and internal inspections every 10-20 years based on corrosion rates. Underground storage tanks regulated by EPA typically require annual leak detection testing and periodic integrity assessments every 3-5 years. Chemical storage tanks may require annual inspections due to aggressive service conditions. Water and wastewater tanks often follow 5-10 year inspection cycles unless accelerated corrosion is documented. AmTech's field engineers analyze your specific operating conditions and regulatory obligations to recommend an inspection schedule that balances compliance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Ultrasonic permeation detection identifies minute pinholes, micro-cracks, wall thinning, and areas of corrosion breakthrough that are completely invisible during visual inspection. The technology uses high-frequency sound waves to measure exact wall thickness at thousands of points across the tank structure. AmTech's NLPA Special Inspector operates calibrated UT equipment to create detailed corrosion maps showing where metal loss has occurred, predict remaining service life, and pinpoint locations requiring immediate repair. This non-destructive method is essential for double-wall tank integrity verification, regulatory compliance documentation, and preventing catastrophic failures before they occur.

If a tank fails inspection, AmTech provides a prioritized remediation plan based on the severity of findings. Minor issues like coating deterioration or small corrosion areas can often be repaired with localized steel patches, welding, and re-lining without replacing the entire tank. Moderate failures may require bottom plate replacement, nozzle rebuilds, or installation of a new interior lining system like DuraChem® or HydraStone® to restore integrity. Severe structural compromise or extensive wall thinning may necessitate tank replacement. AmTech's field engineers provide detailed cost estimates for repair versus replacement scenarios, helping you make informed decisions that minimize downtime and capital expenditure while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational safety.

Yes, AmTech performs in-service inspections using external ultrasonic thickness testing that doesn't require tank emptying or operational shutdown. Our technicians scan the tank exterior with calibrated UT equipment to measure wall thickness, detect corrosion patterns, and identify permeations while the tank remains full and operational. This approach minimizes facility downtime and is particularly valuable for critical-service tanks that cannot be easily taken offline. However, comprehensive internal inspections that assess coating condition, bottom plates, and interior welds do require the tank to be emptied, cleaned, and properly ventilated. AmTech's field engineers will recommend the appropriate inspection protocol based on your tank's service history, age, stored product, and compliance requirements.

AmTech delivers a comprehensive inspection report that includes ultrasonic thickness measurement data grids showing wall thickness at all test points, detailed corrosion maps highlighting areas of metal loss, annotated photographs documenting all observed defects, structural assessment findings for welds, nozzles, and support components, coating and lining condition evaluations, API 653 compliance status and any regulatory deficiencies, remaining service life calculations, and prioritized repair recommendations with cost estimates and timeline projections. All documentation is suitable for submission to regulatory agencies, insurance carriers, corporate compliance audits, and internal asset management systems. Our NLPA Special Inspector signs off on all reports to provide certified verification of findings.

Yes, AmTech provides emergency inspection services when facilities experience unexpected tank failures, active leaks, sudden corrosion breakthrough, regulatory shutdown orders, or suspected structural compromise. Our engineer-led field crews can mobilize rapidly across all 50 US states, Canada, and the Caribbean to assess damage, determine root cause, evaluate immediate safety risks, and develop expedited repair strategies. Emergency inspections include visual assessment, ultrasonic testing of affected areas, temporary containment recommendations, and fast-tracked engineering reports to support regulatory notifications and insurance claims. AmTech's decades of field experience with catastrophic tank failures enables us to quickly diagnose problems and implement solutions that restore operations while maintaining safety and environmental compliance.