Contents
Overview
Other IR Applications
Sample IR Images:
- Measurement of Storage Tank Sludge and Bottoms
- Disposal Water Tank
- Determining Paraffin Levels
- Tank Levels
- Water Tank Sludge Build-up
- Interfaces in Horizontal Vessel
- Tank Fire Simulation
- Tank Sludge Build-up Overall View
Overview
Infrared thermography can be used for various storage tank applications. These include determining tank levels, finding the layers of different liquids and gases, and determining the amount of build-up.
Although these applications can be quite straightforward, there are a lot of factors which can cause errors or make the results inconclusive. It is important to understand the effects of enviromental conditions, curved surfaces of tanks, differing thermal conductivities, and both forced and natural convection in tanks.
1. Storage Tank Sludge and Bottoms
This image shows measurement of paraffin or sludge levels in a crude storage tank. Paraffin levels appear as a heat differential banding in the tank. The levels are quite high in this image, imaged and confirmed at almost 4 meters. There are also some bottoms (likely water, sand, rust, etc.) apparent in the lower portion of the tank.
Maverick Inspection Ltd. and Global Industrial Services Inc. work together to provide international crude storage tank services including calculating volumes of paraffin and providing cleaning services. More on-line tank cleaning information is available here.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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2. Disposal Water Tank
The different temperatures of the thermal mass in the tank and the water entering it are evident in this image. In drinking water systems, this phenomenon can reduce the water quality due to mixing and aging problems in distribution system storage facilities. For more information on drinking water studies you can contact Charlotte Smith & Associates, Inc.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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3. Paraffin Levels
There is usually not just a simple layer of paraffin or other material in the bottom of tanks. Often there are also deposits on the walls of the vessels. These two heights can be confusing, and a good thermal contrast is required to differentiate between them and measure the sludge levels.
Maverick Inspection Ltd. and Global Industrial Services Inc. work together to provide international crude storage tank services including calculating volumes of paraffin and providing cleaning services. More on-line tank cleaning information is available here.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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4. Tank Levels
If the conditions are right, tank levels can be very apparent and simple to measure with a thermal imaging system.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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5. Water Tank Sludge Build-up
This storage tank required periodic cleaning to remove sludge levels from the bottom. Using infrared imaging technology, the cleaning schedule was easy to determine.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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6. Interfaces in Horizontal Vessel
The interfaces between the different layers of product and the gases flashing off are apparent in this image.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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7. Tank Fire Simulation
Infrared cameras are excellent tools for monitoring the heat zone moving down a tank during an crude tank fire. Due to the importance of avoiding being caught in a boilovers during tank firefighting, Maverick has built a small simulation tank for training site personnel how to avoid making serious mistakes when using thermal imaging tools.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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8. Tank Sludge Build-up Overall
Maverick Inspection Ltd. and Global Industrial Services Inc. work together to provide international crude storage tank services including calculating volumes of paraffin and providing cleaning services. Specialized technology is used to measure, calculate, and then remove paraffin if required. More on-line tank cleaning information is available here.
You may left-click on the picture for an expanded view.
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