AUSTIN, Texas -- In response to the growing need for a solution to the problem of identifying what is going on inside underground storage tanks (USTs), Tanknology Inc. is introducing TankCam, a remote video system that gives operators a clear and thorough look inside their USTs.
"We have a large number of customers with tank sites that have been in operation for years. As the tanks advance in age, it's not uncommon for issues to develop inside. Corrosion can occur, as well as occasional structural issues like blistering or de-lamination and it's very difficult to know what you're dealing with," said Allen Porter, president and CEO of Tanknology. "Our new TankCam system allows them to get a good, clear picture of what's happening inside their tanks so that they can make informed decisions about their next steps."
Through the course of the development of the TankCam system, more than 1,000 tanks have been successfully inspected, the company said. Patents on the system are currently pending.
In addition to an examination of potential structural issues, TankCam is also an ideal solution for situations such as:
- Locating unused riser openings: Eliminating the need to excavate the entire tank top; risers can be located from within the tank, reducing excavation time, costs and forecourt repair.
- Verifying overfill protection: It can be done in under five minutes, said the company, ensuring compliance without having to unnecessarily dig or extract overfill valves.
- Pinpointing the cause of a failed tightness test: Seeing the exact source of a problem that is causing a failed tank test can focus repair efforts, saving substantial cost.
- Fuel quality checks: TankCam can determine the presence of sludge or debris and can be utilized in conjunction with any of Tanknology's tank and fuel cleaning programs for the most thorough cleaning available.
Operators of USTs are often posed with the challenge of having to identify problems that might exist inside their tanks. Whether it's identifying potential structural issues, locating an unused riser, verifying that their overfill protection is intact or determining the cleanliness of their tanks, the solution has always been to excavate and inspect the tank from within.
"In many cases, the issues we're exposing and clarifying with the TankCam simply were not found in the past without expensive site excavation," Porter said. "Now, operators can get a very cost-effective, detailed picture of what's happening underground so that they can choose the best course of action."
The TankCam system is a new addition to remote camera inspection options that Tanknology offers. Its PetroScope system, which provides a higher resolution, more thorough analysis of a tank interior, has been available for many years.
"The TankCam is used like a medical x-ray--it gives you a good snapshot of the essentials and tells you whether you have issues requiring more detailed exploration," said Porter. "PetroScope, like an MRI, would you provide you that finer level of detail and a thorough professional report on all findings."
Based in Austin, Texas, Tanknology provides environmental compliance testing and related services at more than 50,000 petroleum fueling and storage facilities per year, for more than 3,000 customers. Internationally, Tanknology licensees span more than 30 countries.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.