In-service non-destructive testing (NDT) of welds and heat-affected zones (HAZ) in atmospheric ammonia storage tanks. The inspection detects stress corrosion cracking (SCC), without decommissioning the tank.
Inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT)
In-service ammonia storage tank inspection
Inspect ammonia storage tank weld integrity during operation.
For operators responsible for ammonia storage safety, traditional internal inspections create major cost, safety and availability challenges. Decommissioning, cleaning and opening tanks leads to prolonged downtime, exposure risks and oxygen ingress that can initiate stress corrosion cracking (SCC).
In-service ultrasonic inspection of tank welds
In-service automated ultrasonic inspection verifies weld integrity and detects SCC while the tank remains in operation. High-resolution ultrasonic data is collected under actual operating conditions, providing reliable documentation of structural condition, reducing inspection risk and supporting compliance without decommissioning the tank. The service is part of our expertise area Inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT).
Challenges
When ammonia storage tank integrity relies on shutdown inspections, safety risk increases.
Shutdown-based inspections disrupt production
Internal inspections require decommissioning, cleaning and cooling, often resulting in weeks of downtime and significant operational cost.
Oxygen exposure increases SCC risk
Opening ammonia storage tanks introduces oxygen to welds and heat-affected zones, creating conditions that can initiate or accelerate stress corrosion cracking.
Confined-space work compromises safety
Manual weld inspection inside tanks exposes personnel to hazardous environments and increases safety risks during inspection activities.
Manual methods limit data quality and traceability
Conventional inspection techniques provide less consistent coverage and weaker documentation, reducing confidence in defect detection and long-term integrity.
Benefits
Secure ammonia storage tank integrity during continuous operation
Continuous operation, no production loss
In-service ultrasonic inspection confirms the weld integrity while the tank remains in use, thereby avoiding costly shutdowns and interruptions to the ammonia supply.
Verified integrity, reduced corrosion risk
Controlled nitrogen habitats and remote-operated tools prevent oxygen exposure, eliminating the risk of stress corrosion cracking during inspection.
Reliable detection, traceable documentation
High-resolution ultrasonic data provides dependable detection of stress corrosion cracking, supported by digital reports for integrity management and regulatory compliance.
Proven solution, trusted by industry
Applied at ammonia facilities worldwide 2011, the method combines technical reliability with extensive operational experience.
