API 650 recommends regular inspections based on usage and environmental conditions. Storage tanks in Nordic countries are subject to more damage mechanisms than those in milder climates. Due to ambient temperature and operational conditions, these countries often use insulation to stabilize the tank temperature and protect the equipment from external conditions. Unfortunately, it is common for water to infiltrate the insulation and remain there for an extended period, promoting corrosion formation on the external walls of the tank. Due to gravity, water and moisture tend to accumulate at the bottom of the tank, which is one of the structurally most solicited areas.
Once corrosion is discovered, the inspector must measure material loss and ensure it is above the minimum allowable thickness criteria for the tank. To do this, a non-destructive technique must be used.
Creaform, a leading provider of 3D damage assessment solutions, has launched a digital solution based on high-precision 3D scanning. This solution revolutionizes the way people conduct their API 650 assessments for this type of damage. With the new HandySCAN 3D|MAX scanner, it is now easy to scan very large dimensions in a fraction of the time. The scanner digitizes the entire surface with a precision of 75 microns, ensuring that the maximum thickness loss has been captured without a doubt. Once the surface is digitized, it is analyzed in specialized software for mechanical damage assessment, such as corrosion or dents, without the need for CAD. The dimensions of all damaged areas are then exportable and documented automatically. Finally, it is possible to compare two damaged areas very precisely and observe any changes compared to the previous inspection. Offering the required accuracy, noise level, and data quality to characterize, follow, and compare damage evolution over time, this solution enables asset owners to confidently enter the digital age.
