Using the acoustic emission method for testing aboveground vertical storage tank bottoms
A. Olszewska
Abstract
This paper presents use of the acoustic emission (AE) method for diagnostic testing of aboveground vertical storage tank bottoms. This method allows evaluation and location of active corrosion damage of bottom material and micro-leaks in the tested object. To prepare a tank for AE testing, it is not necessary to drain the storage medium, which provides a high state of security with significant diagnosis and operational cost savings. The methodology and AE test results carried out on three storage tanks of crude oil are presented. Data recorded during the measurements have been analyzed. The conclusions drawn from this analysis give the location of detected AE sources and an evaluation of the integrity of the tank bottoms. Assessment of detected acoustic sources allowed for classification of tank bottom surface conditions and estimation of the recommended operational time until the next required test.