Storage Tank Assessment Services

Ensure the Safety of Your Storage Tanks

In 1985, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created the Office of Underground Storage Tanks, to execute a Congressional mandate to develop and implement a regulatory program for Underground Storage Tank (UST) systems and Above Ground Storage Tank (AST) systems.

To help companies comply with this mandate, TÜV Rheinland provides storage tank assessments performed by qualified, experienced personnel in a timely and cost-effective manner. In addition to experts qualified in testing, sampling, and analysis, we also provide costly inspection equipment, saving you significant overhead costs.

Benefits at a Glance

With storage tank assessment services from TÜV Rheinland, you can:

  • Ensure compliance with established EPA and Safety standards
  • Establish prevention and management measures
  • Minimize the risk of company liability with documented inspection reports
  • Benefit from our quick turn around time, years of experience and expertise
  • Comply with local government and industry requirements

Our Storage Tank Assessment Services

Performed by qualified professionals, TÜV Rheinland’s storage tank assessment services cover:

  • In-service inspections
  • Out-of-service inspections – the Code of Federal Regulations CFR 1910 recommends that an out-of-service inspection be performed every 10 years on above-ground storage tanks with documented inspections and known corrosion rates, these inspections can be extended to 20 years.
  • Spill prevention control and counter-measure (SPCC) plans
  • Soil and groundwater investigations
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Tank management plans
  • Non-destructive inspection and testing and Mechanical integrity plans

Our Certifications

TÜV Rheinland inspectors are API 653, API 570 and API 510 certified, and they are also certified in ASNT-recommended practice SNT-TC-1A for NDT methods

Our Approach

TÜV Rheinland’s storage tank assessment services approach is as follows:

  • Initial site assessment
  • Investigation
  • Prevention plans
  • Monitoring and management programs

An in-service inspection is usually performed on the exterior of the tank. If the tank is insulated, certain spots will need to be removed. Ultrasonic thickness measurements then need to be taken, to look for thickness variations that require repair. If the tank is not insulated, a tank crawler (an instrument that takes UT readings at a predetermined interval) can be deployed, as well as a complete visual examination. These exterior inspections can be performed every 5 years.

The out-of-service inspection requires an inspection of the interior of the tank to include, but not limited to, the tank floor, shell coarses, chime weld, roof, nozzles, and containment burm. All welds are inspected either ultrasonically, using a vacuum box, dye penetrant, or magnetic-particle inspection, dependent on type of weld. The tank first needs to be cleaned and free of debris. Then the tank floor is Magnetic Flux Exclusion (MFE) floor scanned, to look for bottom-side corrosion. The welds on the floor plate welds and chime welds are vacuum box inspected to check thicknesses. The shell coarses are visually examined, to look for pitting, and ultrasonically inspected. All supports, nozzles or entry points, including the roof, are also visually inspected.

Related Services from TÜV Rheinland

If you’re interested in TÜV Rheinland’s storage tank assessment services, you may also be interested in these services:

Environmental services:

  • Air qualityBuilding sciences
  • Brownfields
  • Environmental assessment
  • RCRA/CERCLA issues
  • Remedial design
  • Solid waste management
  • Storm water management

Non-destructive testing (NDT) services:

  • Magnetic particle exam
  • Liquid penetrant exam
  • Radiographic examination
  • Ultrasonic examination
  • Visual inspections
  • Bolting inspections
  • Coating inspections
  • Welding consultation

Products covered

Our services cover both above ground and underground storage tanks.