Leaks from underground storage tanks (USTs) can contaminate the soil and groundwater around the tank. This contamination can pose a health risk to those who live or work on the site and be very costly to clean up.
Subsurface Investigation
A comprehensive approach to subsurface investigations is critical before any construction activity begins. Identifying any existing underground utilities can reduce risks of project delays, worker injuries, equipment damage, outages, and costly replacement costs.
The subsurface investigation process includes a variety of exploration and sampling methods and laboratory tests used to characterize soil characterization, permeability, resistivity, compaction, and consolidation. These techniques are essential for designing foundations and retaining walls, soil-rock-groundwater interaction, and slope stability analysis.
Using a drill rig to collect small-diameter soil and rock cores for standard penetration test (SPT) values can be correlated to soil strength. It can recommend foundation design, earthworks, retaining walls, and slopes.
Geophysical methods such as ground penetrating radar, geotechnical imaging, and seismic refraction are also used to provide additional insights into the subsurface conditions of a site. Engineers can use these tools to make more informed engineering design decisions for a project’s safe and economic development.
Leak Detection Test
Leak detection is a process used to identify leaks in equipment, products, and systems. It helps manufacturing engineers, production managers, and maintenance personnel ensure ideal asset conditions.
A leaking tank can lead to damage and loss of revenue, as well as the potential for contamination of water or soil. So, all underground oil tanks must be regularly inspected and tested to avoid these problems.
Simple pressure oil tank testing Westchester County NY, or more complex electronic and corrosion tests that determine the likelihood of a leak or failure are also possible.
The first step to a successful leak testing program is a thorough visual inspection and site history taking. These will often discover a history of leaks, spills, or other hazards that could be avoided with the proper testing and repair measures.
Pressure Test
Pressure testing (hydrostatic testing) is essential to check piping systems’ safety, reliability, and leak tightness, particularly those in the energy industry. It ensures that the welds and flanges are fitted correctly, that the mechanical properties of pipes haven’t been downgraded by post-weld heat treatment, and that the system can sustain its rated pressure.
The test medium can be water or a liquid containing a non-flammable and non-toxic gas, such as nitrogen. The test fluid is pressurized to 110% of the pipeline’s rated capacity to check for leaks and held in place for hours.
The test may be performed in a pressure cell or a remote location and must be conducted under an approved test plan and documented in a test record. Precautions must be taken to avoid the release of energy from the compressed gas that will be used. Workers should only enter a piping system under test once the entire piping system has been evacuated of all air.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection (VI) is the oldest and most basic equipment inspection method. It relies on the human eye to examine the surface of a product or asset and check for cracks, dents, scratches, misalignments, corrosion, and other flaws.
Manufacturers, facilities, and other organizations use this technique to inspect products and equipment for quality control. It helps filter out faulty products that jeopardize safety, performance, and the organization’s reputation.
Visual inspection sometimes uses tools such as illuminators, mirrors, borescopes, and other accessories. These tools can enhance a person’s ability to examine equipment visually and help them spot defects more quickly.
Visual testing is a part of maintenance activities and is a common practice. It identifies deterioration cues and ensures all assets are maintained according to their maintenance schedules. Technicians also add defects caught during visual inspections to their preventive maintenance plans to address them later.
