Industrial storage tanks and silos are the unsung heroes of many facilities, serving as the backbone of operations. These containers are critical for the storage of everything from fuels and chemicals to waste materials. Ensuring durability and optimal performance of these assets is vital. In this article, we’ll explore how you can extend the lifespan of your tanks and silos through customized maintenance plans and cutting-edge technology.
Understanding Tank and Silo Lifespan
The lifespan of storage tanks and silos is influenced by various factors, including their type (above-ground or underground), material quality, installation quality, design, environmental exposure, maintenance practices, and the substances they store. Steel tanks, for example, are susceptible to corrosion from the inside, making it challenging to detect signs of aging from the outside.
- According to the American Petroleum Institute (API), above-ground storage tanks typically have a 20-30-year lifespan, but with proper maintenance, they can last up to 40 years.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that underground storage tanks usually last 15-20 years, particularly in wet climates.
Read: Streamlining Silo Maintenance For Optimal Efficiency
Protective Coating
One main factor in extending the lifespan of storage tanks and silos is the application of protective coatings. Most liquids, including water, can corrode the materials of these containers. Basic coating approaches like rubber or paint have limited effectiveness and break down quickly. Recent advances in polyurethane, polyurea, and epoxy coatings offer superior protection and can be customized to provide resistance to specific environmental conditions.
- The NACE International Institute reported that corrosion costs the global economy over $2.5 trillion annually, emphasizing the importance of effective protective coatings.
Routine Inspections
Investing in advanced tank and coating technology is crucial, but regular inspections are equally important. Even with top-notch coatings and designs, minor issues can develop over time. Detecting corrosion, leaks, or other problems early is essential to prevent them from escalating and affecting the tank’s lifespan. Compliance with inspection standards is also critical to avoid legal and regulatory complications.
- The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates monthly inspections of tank components for safety and environmental compliance. Failure to comply with these standards can result in fines.
- A study by the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) showed that early detection through inspections can save companies up to 35% in maintenance costs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Properly scheduled inspections are the first step to an effective cleaning and maintenance plan. Proactive maintenance prevents minor problems from becoming major issues, ultimately extending the life of your tanks and silos. Cleaning is essential to ensure the containers remain in optimal condition. Digital Inspection tools such as Field Eagle can significantly improve efficiency and help maintain the tanks.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that inadequate maintenance can lead to tank failures, spills, and environmental contamination.
- A study by Ecorobotics revealed that robotic tank cleaning can complete cleaning in less than half the time of traditional human crews, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Protect Your Storage Tanks with Field Eagle
Field Eagle is a comprehensive solution designed to manage the maintenance and inspection of storage tanks and silos. By customizing maintenance plans, you can significantly extend the service life of your assets. Field Eagle offers a range of features that aid in building customized maintenance plans, including real-time reporting and analytics to track the condition of your tanks.
Customized maintenance plans are the key to prolonging the lifespan of your tanks and silos. With the proper maintenance strategies and cutting-edge technology like Field Eagle, you can ensure your facilities run at peak efficiency for an extended period. Don’t wait until issues arise – invest in proactive maintenance to protect your assets. Sign up for a free demo today to explore how Field Eagle can help you with inspection and maintenance.
