What types of storage tanks does APEC Inspection inspect?

We inspect in-service and out-of-service bulk storage tanks, including vertical and horizontal configurations, above and below ground.

What standards does APEC follow for tank inspections?

In-service inspections follow API 653 and new tanks are assessed against their construction code, usually API 650 or the earlier API 12C. In Australia, tanks are also built to AS 1692 and operated under AS 1940 for flammable and combustible liquids.

How often does a storage tank need to be inspected?

Under API 653 the external inspection runs on a cycle of no more than five years, or on a risk-based interval. The internal inspection interval is set by the measured floor corrosion rate, so a tank in clean service goes longer between internals than one handling aggressive product.

What is the difference between an external and an internal tank inspection?

An external inspection checks the shell, roof, appurtenances, foundation and coatings with the tank still in service. An internal inspection takes the tank out of service and empty so the floor, the critical zone and the lower shell can be assessed, mainly to confirm the bottom is sound.

How do you check a tank floor without cutting it open?

The floor is scanned with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) to map top and underside corrosion, ultrasonic readings confirm remaining thickness, and vacuum box testing checks the floor welds for leaks. None of these damage the plate.

What Australian standards apply to storage tanks?

AS 1692 covers the construction of steel tanks for flammable and combustible liquids, and AS 1940 covers their storage and handling. These sit alongside the API 650 and API 653 codes used for design and in-service assessment.

Is APEC Inspection NATA accredited for tank inspection?

Yes. APEC is a NATA-accredited inspection body and the NDT is carried out by AINDT-certified technicians, with API 653 inspection performed by a certified tank inspector, so the report is accepted by clients, regulators and insurers.

Vertical bulk storage tanks - tank inspection services, non destructive testing. Inspected by APEC Inspection

STORAGE TANK INSPECTION SERVICES

Ensure the safety and compliance of your storage tanks with our expert inspection services tailored to industry standards.

About Contact Us

Storage Tank Inspection

APEC Inspection - Australia's Experts in Storage Tank Inspection Services

At APEC Inspection, we provide expert storage tank inspection services for both in-service and out-of-service bulk storage tanks. Our comprehensive inspections cover vertical and horizontal tanks, whether they are above ground or below ground.

Comprehensive Inspection Approach

Our inspection methodology combines advanced techniques to thoroughly assess the condition of tank components, including:

Tank Floors
Tank Shells
Tank Roofs
Structural Integrity

Compliance and Quality Standards

We ensure compliance with industry standards by providing detailed inspection reports that include engineering calculations according to API 653 and API 650 specifications, as well as other relevant guidelines.

Integrating API 653 standards with 3D laser scanning for tank inspections enhances the process significantly. Here are some key benefits:

Compliance with Standards: 3D laser scanning ensures that inspections meet API 653 standards for verticality, roundness, flatness, and subsidence measurements.
Detailed Reporting: The technology provides comprehensive reports aligned with API 653 guidelines, including data on tank shell verticality, roundness, tank bottom flatness, and subsidence.
Enhanced Accuracy: The precision of 3D laser scanning allows for accurate detection of out-of-tolerance areas, ensuring that any deformations or defects are identified and addressed promptly.
Efficiency: The process is much faster than traditional methods, allowing for quicker inspections and reduced downtime.
Safety: Reduces the need for manual inspections, minimizing the risk to personnel by limiting their time inside the tank.

3D laser scanning for tank Inspections

Advanced Inspection Techniques

Our team utilizes a wide range of cutting-edge equipment and techniques to guarantee accurate and reliable results, such as:

Ultrasonic Floor Scan Inspection
Magnetic Particle Weld Inspection
Settlement Surveys
Dimensional Checks
Vacuum Box Testing
Holiday Spark Testing
Drone Inspections
Shell Crawler Inspections

Each of these methods contributes to a detailed and accurate report that helps us maintain the highest standards for our storage tank inspections.

Contact Us

For any inquiries or further information regarding our storage tank inspection services, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here to assist you in ensuring the safety and compliance of your storage facilities.

Call to ask any question

(02) 4062 0305

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Storage Tank Inspection Services - APEC Inspection

When Your Tank Needs Inspecting

API 653 sets two inspection cycles for a tank in service. The external inspection happens at least every five years, or on a risk-based interval, and can be done with the tank running. The internal inspection is the bigger job: the tank comes out of service, is emptied and cleaned, and an inspector assesses the floor, the critical zone and the lower shell. How long you can leave between internals depends on the corrosion rate measured at the last inspection, so a tank holding clean product runs longer than one in aggressive service. We help owners set those intervals from real data rather than a fixed calendar.

Inspecting the Tank Floor

Most tanks fail from the bottom up. Water and sediment settle on the floor, and underside corrosion eats the plate from below where you cannot see it. That is why the floor gets the most attention during an internal inspection. We scan it with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) to find top and underside metal loss, take ultrasonic readings to confirm remaining thickness, and vacuum box the floor welds to prove they are leak-tight. The shell is checked for thinning and out-of-roundness, and settlement is measured around the base. Read together, these tell you whether the tank is fit to keep running and for how long.

API 653, API 650 and the Australian Standards

New tanks are built and tested to a construction code, almost always API 650 or the earlier API 12C. Once a tank is in service, API 653 governs its inspection, repair and reconstruction, and any repair has to take it back to the original construction code. In Australia those API codes work alongside AS 1692, which covers the construction of steel tanks for flammable and combustible liquids, and AS 1940, which covers how those liquids are stored and handled on site. Our reports reference the codes that apply to your tank and back the findings with engineering calculations, so they hold up with auditors and insurers.

Why Choose APEC Inspection for Storage Tank Inspection

APEC is a NATA-accredited inspection body. Our storage tank work is carried out by AINDT-certified technicians, with API 653 inspections signed off by a certified tank inspector. We assess vertical and horizontal tanks, above and below ground, and bring the NDT, ultrasonic testing, drone inspection and reporting together in one job. We mobilise from Newcastle and the Hunter across the country. To book an inspection or talk through an upcoming shutdown, request a quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of storage tanks does APEC Inspection inspect? +: We inspect in-service and out-of-service bulk storage tanks, including vertical and horizontal configurations, above and below ground.
What standards does APEC follow for tank inspections? +: In-service inspections follow API 653 and new tanks are assessed against their construction code, usually API 650 or the earlier API 12C. In Australia, tanks are also built to AS 1692 and operated under AS 1940 for flammable and combustible liquids.
How often does a storage tank need to be inspected? +: Under API 653 the external inspection runs on a cycle of no more than five years, or on a risk-based interval. The internal inspection interval is set by the measured floor corrosion rate, so a tank in clean service goes longer between internals than one handling aggressive product.
What is the difference between an external and an internal tank inspection? +: An external inspection checks the shell, roof, appurtenances, foundation and coatings with the tank still in service. An internal inspection takes the tank out of service and empty so the floor, the critical zone and the lower shell can be assessed, mainly to confirm the bottom is sound.
How do you check a tank floor without cutting it open? +: The floor is scanned with magnetic flux leakage (MFL) to map top and underside corrosion, ultrasonic readings confirm remaining thickness, and vacuum box testing checks the floor welds for leaks. None of these damage the plate.
What Australian standards apply to storage tanks? +: AS 1692 covers the construction of steel tanks for flammable and combustible liquids, and AS 1940 covers their storage and handling. These sit alongside the API 650 and API 653 codes used for design and in-service assessment.
Is APEC Inspection NATA accredited for tank inspection? +: Yes. APEC is a NATA-accredited inspection body and the NDT is carried out by AINDT-certified technicians, with API 653 inspection performed by a certified tank inspector, so the report is accepted by clients, regulators and insurers.