Critical Inspection Areas of an Industrial Metal Water Tank

14 December 2021
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog

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Water reservoirs are an integral piece of equipment for industrial facilities that use significant amounts of water for their operations. Water tanks are excellent reservoirs, particularly those made from metal. Notably, metallic water tanks can hold more water than any other type, making them ideal industrial operations. Moreover, industrial plants can easily move metal water tanks from one location to another. That said, metal water tanks require periodic inspections to establish their condition and ensure optimal performance. This article guides industrial managers in inspecting metallic water tanks.

Anti-Corrosion Coating Thickness

Industrial facilities often paint the interior of their metal water tanks with anti-corrosion coatings to keep the water clean. However, the use of such coatings is strictly regulated to ensure that industrial facilities use the proper film. That said, sustained exposure to water gradually leads to deterioration of the coating, and it begins to thin. Therefore, if you do not regularly inspect a metal tank, you might expose the water to rust. In this regard, you must schedule a periodic inspection of a metal tank's protective coating. A technician measures the thickness of a tank's interior coating to establish the deterioration level and whether a fresh coat of anti-corrosion coating is warranted. Early detection of a thinning coat prevents water contamination and legal action.

Seal Welds

Quality metal water tanks are seal welded to prevent rust bleeds down the line. When combined with anti-corrosion coating, seal welding provides a robust protection system that keeps rust from metal water tanks. However, it is vital to periodically inspect a tank's seal welds to ensure they are still intact. Failure to inspect every weld in and around a tank increases the chances of missing holes and cracks, accelerating corrosion. Besides lowering water quality, corroded seal welds weaken water tank walls. Ultimately, you lose a lot of water from leakages, regardless of tank size.

Inspect the Base

A professionally installed metal water tank should not have a gap between the bottom and the base. If you notice a gap, the chances are high that water will seep through and settle below the tank's bottom. Unfortunately, the accumulated water slowly eats away the coating underneath a tank. Thus, ensure that you periodically inspect a tank's bottom and base to ensure stability. Call an expert immediately to conduct repairs and prevent further damages if you notice any issues. Base inspection is also crucial because metal water tanks are heavy and can damage a concrete base if not adequately maintained.

For more information, contact contractors who work with metal water tanks.