Clean water created by filtering systems is held and stored in water storage tanks until it is needed. Depending on the application’s needs, they come in a variety of designs, sizes, and performance capabilities. They play a significant role in many processes in the industrial, commercial, and municipal sectors, making selecting, installing, and maintaining the proper one crucial.
The following article gives an overview of water storage tank maintenance, including why it’s necessary, how to examine them, and what to look for.
Why is it necessary to maintain a water storage tank?
A water storage tank is a vital asset for facilities that invest in one, and it, like other critical equipment, requires regular maintenance. Maintaining it properly provides a number of advantages, including:
- Service life is extended. Inspection and maintenance of tanks on a regular basis allows industry professionals to spot existing damage and potential sources of damage before they become major problems. As a result, the detrimental influence on the tank’s integrity is reduced.
- Better performance from the equipment. As issues are identified and resolved, the system will be able to produce better results.
- Water of higher quality. Fixing problems in the water storage tank and its related system reduces the danger of contamination and other negative impacts on the water quality in potable water tanks.
- Repair and replacement expenditures are reduced. The damage to equipment is mitigated by catching issues—such as corrosion or coating delamination—before they become major problems, resulting in less costly repairs and replacements.
Water Storage Tank Inspection Techniques
Inspecting the equipment’s condition is the initial stage in any maintenance procedure. Inspections of water storage tanks can be categorised as wet or dry.
As hinted by the name, dry inspections require the tank to be drained of water before they can be completed by a licensed specialist.
Wet inspections are undertaken without emptying the tank. A disinfected diver or a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) enters the structure, depending on the tank, to identify potential issues. If major issues are discovered, such as peeling paint or thinner steel, the tank will need to be removed from service for repairs.
Regardless of the method, inspections usually begin at the bottom of the tank and work their way up to the legs, rods, struts, and ladder. The thickness of the steel, the thickness of the paint, and the adhesion levels of the coating are some of the tank conditions to look for.
Maintenance Requirements for Water Storage Tanks
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recommends that tanks be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure their structural and sanitary integrity. While inspection frequency varies depending on a variety of factors such as location, operating conditions, and type of equipment used, the organization, along with other industrial companies and agencies, offers the following guidelines:
Every one, three, or five years, inspections should be carried out (depending on the tank application). Every system component, including the paint, is assessed during these operations. Because paint shields steel tank components from corrosion, any flaws in the painted surface can jeopardize the steel’s integrity and the water’s quality.
If the system experiences any of the following, cleaning activities should be performed:
- Repairs or upgrades the water tank
- Sedimentation or biological development (e.g., coliform bacteria)
- Changes in water quality that are noticeable
Storage tanks are classified as a “confined space” by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). As a result, only qualified individuals wearing the appropriate protective gear and extraction equipment should enter the structures during inspection and maintenance operations.