Testing the sealing performance of storage fuel tanks is a critical step to ensure operational safety, prevent fuel leakage and avoid environmental contamination. A rigorous testing process combines multiple methods tailored to tank design, material and usage conditions, all conducted under controlled environments to guarantee reliable results.
Visual Inspection
Visual inspection serves as the initial and foundational step for sealing checks. Inspectors carefully examine the entire surface of the tank, focusing on weld joints, seams, flanges and connection points where leaks are most likely to occur.
- Examination of weld joints, seams, flanges and connection points
- Detection of signs of corrosion, cracks, deformation or discoloration
- Simple and cost-effective preliminary assessment method
- Provides guidance for subsequent detailed testing procedures
- Identifies potential sealing issues before specialized testing
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is a widely used method to verify the integrity of tank seals. The process involves introducing a specific type of gas into the sealed tank and maintaining a stable internal pressure.
- Introduce gas into sealed tank to maintain stable internal pressure
- Monitor pressure level continuously to check for pressure drops
- Apply specialized detection solutions to suspected areas
- Bubble formation indicates exact leak location
- Highly effective for identifying both small and large leaks
Vacuum Testing
Vacuum testing is suitable for tanks that are not designed to withstand high internal pressure. The tank is sealed completely, and a vacuum is created inside.
- Ideal for tanks not designed for high internal pressure
- Create vacuum inside completely sealed tank
- Monitor vacuum level consistency over time
- Decrease in vacuum indicates air ingress through faulty seals
- Gentle method suitable for delicate tank materials
Leak Detection Fluid Application
Applying leak detection fluid is a practical supplementary method. The fluid, which has high surface tension and visibility, is coated evenly on the tank's external joints and seals.
- Use fluid with high surface tension and visibility
- Coat evenly on tank's external joints and seals
- Fluid drawn into gaps forms visible traces at leak sites
- Particularly useful for pinpointing small leaks
- Provides comprehensive sealing verification with other methods
When implemented systematically, these complementary testing methods provide comprehensive verification of storage fuel tank sealing integrity, ensuring safety, preventing environmental contamination, and maintaining operational reliability across diverse industrial applications.