Storage tanks have been utilized in industry for many years to store process water, acids, caustics, adhesives, petroleum products and a variety of other chemicals. At many facilities these tanks are used for more than just bulk storage; they are actually incorporated into the process or production line. Regardless of their use, these tanks and associated system components (i.e. pumps, pipelines, filters, gauges, etc.) need to be maintained and kept in good working order for the process to operate efficiently.
Without proper maintenance and cleaning, your storage tank system could cost you production time and leave you with an inferior final product. It is critical that storage tank systems be well maintained and cleaned periodically. This can be accomplished by implementing a good preventative maintenance program that includes regular systems checks and cleaning as prescribed by the system manufacturer or as dictated by the production process.
Develop a Preventative Maintenance Program
Implementing preventative maintenance can provide cost savings by eliminating unnecessary downtime. Buildup of sludge, precipitates or other impurities is likely to occur whether your storage tanks are used as a supply source for virgin product, incorporated
A Summit crew chips away at built-up stain & varnish in an aboveground storage tank
into the manufacturing process or utilized for post process waste storage. Over time, the accumulation of undesirable solids and contaminants will decrease flow rates and increase the operating pressure of piping systems as well as diminish transfer pump efficiencies, and clog system filters and strainers.
Cleaning your storage tank system in-house can be time consuming and costly. In addition to managing potentially hazardous materials, confined spaces and fall hazards, all of which require specialized training, you are reallocating personnel from productive tasks to those that are potentially dangerous and inefficient. For many facilities it is more cost effective to outsource this work to specialized contractors.
Selecting a Contractor
When selecting a contractor, there are many factors to consider. Experience, knowledge, capability and safety are among the most important. It is important to partner with a contractor that displays a wide breadth of knowledge and experience specific to storage tank systems, products and regulations. Whether your system is regulated by state and federal environmental agencies or by industry standards, your contractor should possess the capacity to meet your needs.
There are several aspects to servicing storage tank systems. Many plant or facility managers find themselves requiring services such as product transfer, storage tank and pipeline cleaning, water blasting, waste disposal and many other services specifically tailored to their needs. However, many contractors can only handle a few of these services. It can be cost effective to find a specialized contractor that is experienced and equipped to handle a large variety of industrial services that meet the needs of your storage tank system. For instance, it is helpful to have a contractor that can transfer process water in Level D PPE one day and make a Level A entry into a hazardous environment the next. A contractor that specializes in storage tank systems can meet service needs ranging from installation, to inspection, maintenance and removal.
Safety is one of the most important factors to consider when hiring a contractor. You should investigate the contractor’s training program and safety records; both of which can be a strong indicator of job performance. The contractor you select should have training for the hazards associated with your storage tank system. Training such as OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER and confined space entry are a necessity. Make sure your contractor is trained to handle the job.
When selecting a contractor to meet the needs of your storage tank system, lowest cost may be an attractive feature; however, the cheapest contractor may not always be the best solution. Choosing by price alone may cost you in the end. Experience, knowledge, capability and safety are important aspects that should be considered when selecting a partner to meet the service needs of your storage tank system.
For information on Summit Contracting’s tank cleaning services, visit www.summitcontracting.net or call (812) 421-1744.
