Douglas W. Mann, president of Vista Precision Solutions Inc., has proposed a paradigm shift in the aboveground storage tank inspection industry. In a recent interview, the expert emphasized the need to abandon traditional methods and adopt new technologies based on data collection and direct measurements to more accurately determine inspection intervals.
Fewer interruptions, greater operational efficiency
According to Mann, one of the main limitations of the conventional approach is the practice of taking tanks out of service at fixed intervals—such as every ten years—without considering their actual condition. This methodology, he points out, can generate unnecessary costs and significant operational losses. In contrast, Vista Precision Solutions ‘ approach allows for extending the periods between inspections, keeping tanks in operation when there is no proven risk.
The executive also emphasized the importance of precision instruments in this process. All equipment used by the company is calibrated and third-party validated, guaranteeing extremely accurate measurements, even down to ten-thousandths of an inch. This accuracy is key to assessing structural integrity without resorting to invasive methods.
Invisible problems in tank inspection
Another critical aspect mentioned by Mann is the detection of problems that often go unnoticed in the industry, such as leaks in buried pressurized pipelines . Thanks to advanced techniques, his company can identify these faults without the need for excavation, optimizing time and reducing operational impacts.
Finally, Mann emphasized that one of the most common mistakes in the sector is ignoring the actual operational performance of assets, which can lead to inefficient decisions. His proposal focuses on smarter management, based on data and continuous analysis, that maximizes equipment lifespan and minimizes costs.
Source and photo: Inspenet