WET News

DECEMBER 2017 WET NEWS 19 externally using highly developed ultrasonics, while the tank remains in service meaning the contents need not be drained out or the "in tank process" shut down Significant Cost Savings: In many instances the costs for inspection using this system can provide a saving in excess of 50% compared to the costs involved in taking the tank out of service and preparing it for confined space entry Life Expectancy Report: A full report on the condition of the tank, together with a remaining life expectancy value, is typically issued within two to three weeks of the data collection on site, or sooner if required. The development of UltraAna- lytix to monitor the degrada- tion of GRP laminates over time allows users to make long term predictions for the life of the tank Rigorously Tested: Tank Inspections believes UltraAn- alytix is the solution for safe, fast and reliable GRP testing for assured performance. The UltraAnalytix system has passed rigorous scientific testing, unlike any other method used to inspect GRP. The traditional and most widely used inspection tech- niques require entry into the tank to visually inspect the internal surface and, where there is a thermoplastic inner shell, carry out a spark test Tank Drain Down: To gain access for such inspections requires the tank to be drained down, thoroughly cleaned and certified as being fit to enter. This cleaning pro- cess includes the disposal of any hazardous contents and even loss of product. The costs for preparing a tank for any internal inspection which contains hazardous contents is extremely high Associated Costs: Costs can include the disposal of any hazardous liquids, any access arrangements if there THE CONCEPT • The UltraAnalytix system of inspection allows for a detailed assessment of a tank's GRP laminate properties • The system will identify any leakage into the laminate through a thermoplastic inner shell • Data is collected over at a number of sections around a tank, and around nozzles and manways • This data is analysed to produce a detailed report on the tank's condition and life expectancy NEED TO KNOW 1 Until recently inspections required entry to the tank which involved taking the tank out of commission 2 The UltraAnalytix system of inspection is based on work carried out by NASA 3 Currently there are 2,000-plus assets being monitored in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East 4 Customer tests show the UltraAnalytix system performs as well as traditional destructive tests for GRP integrity analysis is only top entry available, and cleaning the tank to ensure the atmosphere is suitable for entry. Extra costs incurred are associ- ated with downtime as the tank has to be taken out of service, along with the requirement for specialist "confined space entry" certification. More than 500 customers (blind and lab) tests show the UltraAnalytix system performs as well as traditional destruc- tive tests for GRP integrity analysis. Repeatable and reproducible quantitative information allow GRP assets to be managed with the same discipline / scientific approach as for metal assets. Currently there are 2,000-plus assets being monitored in North and South America, Europe and the Middle East for some of the largest food pro- cessing, mineral processing, chemical processing and stor- age, and oil and gas compa- nies in the world, UltraAna- lytix has proved to drastically reduce costs and extend the life of many GRP tanks, pipes & ducts. The UltraAnalytix maximises the lifespan of GRP assets, saving the end user money and minimising produc- tion impact. Accurate service-life fore- casting ensures maximum value / return on your GRP assets, keeping sound equip- ment in service and reducing capital expenditures without sacrificing safety. No down- time for GRP inspections also reduces operating costs. In the past companies have spent millions of pounds, euros, dollars replacing equip- ment many years too soon. An example of savings is where Cargill worldwide saved more than $33M in tank replacement costs since 2012. For every $1 spent, saved $10. n Lee Forbes is chairman at Forbes Group. THE VERDICT "In the past companies have spent millions of pounds, euros, dollars replacing equipment many years too soon. An example of savings is where Cargill worldwide saved more than $33M in tank replacement costs since 2012. For every $1 spent, saved $10" Lee Forbes t. 0800 8046 062 www.atiuk.com Modular, multi- parameter water quality monitors for networks RELIABILITY EFFICIENCY SOLUTIONS EXPERIENCE INNOVATION Compressed air, gas and vacuum solutions www.aerzen.co.uk +44(0) 208 502 8100 sales@aerzen.co.uk 1/2 page advert design.indd 6 22/12/2015 16:47 • Circular and rectangular customised plas c tanks • Thermoplas c vessels to: BS EN 12573 • HDPE RC100, PP, UPVC • Sizes up to 4m diameter by 20m high • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor installa on • Used from drinking and wastewater applica ons to handling of aggressive chemicals +44 (0)1732 700011 sales@csotechnik.com www.csotechnik.com CSO Technik are the UK & Republic of Ireland distributor for:

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