Storage Tank Failure Analysis
Identifying and understanding frequent issues in storage tank systems for effective maintenance and prevention
Tank Leakage
- Tank leakage is a relatively common fault, often caused by poor welding quality, damaged anti-corrosion coatings, or prolonged use.
- Incomplete penetration or slag inclusions at welds can lead to leakage under long-term exposure to the medium.
- As the coating ages and peels off, the carbon steel tank is easily corroded, gradually forming leak points.
- Leaks not only cause medium loss but can also pose safety hazards, requiring timely location and repair.
Accessory Damage
- Accessory components of the storage tank are prone to damage, including valves, level gauges, and pressure gauges.
- Long-term valve operation can cause seal wear and valve core jamming, leading to malfunction or leakage.
- Level gauges may experience inaccurate data feedback or jamming due to impurities in the medium.
- Pressure gauges, if not regularly calibrated or subjected to pressure shocks, may show numerical deviations or even be damaged, affecting the monitoring of tank operation.
Tank Deformation
- Tank deformation is often caused by foundation settlement, uneven load, or external impacts.
- If the foundation construction is substandard, long-term load-bearing can easily lead to settlement, causing uneven stress and deformation of the tank.
- Excessive or uneven media injection speed can cause excessive local pressure and deformation.
- External impacts or extreme weather conditions during open-air storage can also cause dents, bulges, and other deformation problems, affecting the structural stability of the storage tank.
Corrosion Protection Failure
- Corrosion protection failure is one of the common failures of Carbon Steel Storage Tanks, closely related to coating quality and the operating environment.
- If there are bubbles or missed areas during the application of the anti-corrosion coating, peeling and flaking are likely to occur during use.
- In humid, salt spray, or corrosive media environments, the metal surface of the tank is prone to rust, gradually damaging the anti-corrosion layer and accelerating tank corrosion.
- Corrosion protection failure shortens the service life of the storage tank and may also trigger a chain reaction of failures such as leakage.
Preventive Maintenance Recommendations
Regular inspection programs, proper coating maintenance, accessory calibration, foundation monitoring, and environmental controls can significantly reduce failure occurrences. Implement a scheduled maintenance plan addressing each potential failure point to extend tank service life and maintain operational safety.