Tank integrity assured while keeping cost to a minimum

When a customer came to Eurotank with an enquiry to refurbish their very tall fuel tank, the sales team set about suggesting a more cost effective alternative to recoating.

There was already visible rust on the outside of the bund so the customer was concerned about the integrity of the tank but recoating such a tall tank would have been very expensive.

Greg Wyatt, Eurotank’s Group Technical Sales Manager, suggested non destructive testing (NDT) and manned entry tank cleaning as a more cost effective approach to assess the condition of the tank.

The team uplifted the fuel, cleaned the inside using a 5,000psi hot water jet pressure washer and degreaser, cleaned the pump filters and lines, installed anti-syphon valve and ball valve on the fuel line and conducted thickness testing to the tank and bund. Heavy bacterial contamination was found at the bottom of the tank and 800 litres of sludge was removed.

The tank was found in good condition with no cracks or pitting. The tank had an average thickness of 5.8mm, which is normal for the age of the tank. Around 70cm of water was pumped out of the bund.

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