Storage tanks are critical assets across industrial operations, but keeping them safe, reliable, and compliant requires more than a periodic inspection. Tank integrity depends on consistent documentation, proactive maintenance, technical expertise, and timely follow-through once findings are identified.
Recent high-profile tank failures and tightening regulatory scrutiny have brought renewed attention to inspection readiness and compliance. For tank owners, the next step is not only understanding that risk exists, but taking practical action to evaluate asset suitability, address gaps, and strengthen long-term integrity programs.
Acuren helps customers do exactly that. Through API 653 inspection support, nondestructive examination (NDE), advanced inspection technology, engineering evaluations, repair planning, quality assurance, and final reporting, Acuren provides a complete asset integrity approach for tank owners who need reliable data and clear next steps.
Understanding the Condition of Critical Tank Assets
A strong tank integrity program starts with understanding the current condition of each asset. Acuren supports tank owners with comprehensive evaluations that help identify where tanks stand today, what concerns may need attention, and how inspection requirements align with operational needs.
This includes API 653 inspections and other industry-standard practices for both in-service and out-of-service tanks. Acuren’s core tank evaluation capabilities include:
- Certified Inspections: API 653 5-year external and internal inspections, post-repair inspections, and Certified Welding Inspections (CWI).
- Testing & Calibration: Tank calibration and strapping, vacuum box leak testing, and settlement surveys.
- Traditional NDE Methods: Magnetic particle testing (MT), liquid penetrant testing (PT), radiographic testing (RT), and ultrasonic testing (UT).
For many owners, the challenge is not just completing the inspection. It is maintaining consistent inspection records, understanding next inspection intervals, and ensuring tank readiness and maintenance do not fall behind.
Using Advanced Technology to Detect Issues Earlier
Advanced inspection technology gives tank owners better visibility into asset suitability and supports more informed decisions. Acuren uses tools such as Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) tank bottom inspections, LiDAR laser scanning, tank shell deformation analysis, and remote visual inspection systems to help identify corrosion, deformation, settlement, and structural concerns.
LiDAR scanning is especially valuable when paired with engineering evaluations. Scan data can support:
- Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments
- Rerating or capacity evaluations
- Buckling, stability, and settlement evaluations
- Nozzle and shell penetration analysis
- Shell distortion and out-of-roundness analysis
The goal is to give owners more than raw inspection data. Better data allows teams to understand severity, prioritize maintenance, plan repairs, and make code-informed decisions with greater confidence.
Improving Safety and Efficiency During Inspections
Some tank inspections involve difficult access, elevated areas, confined spaces, or other safety considerations. Drone, robotic, and rope access-supported inspection methods can help improve safety and efficiency while reducing operational disruption.
Acuren’s advanced specialized capabilities include:
- Robotics & Drones: Confined space robotic inspections and aerial ultrasonic testing (UT).
- Advanced Imaging: Visual and infrared (IR) inspections, fugitive emissions detection, and 3D site modeling.
- Digital Asset Mapping: Creating a digital twin of the asset to track degradation over time.
These methods help reduce or eliminate the need for dangerous human entry in confined spaces and collect highly accurate data from areas that are otherwise challenging to access. For tank owners, this means improved safety, better access, more efficient data collection, and drastically reduced downtime.
Turning Inspection Findings Into Actionable Plans
The value of an inspection does not end when the report is delivered. In many cases, the most important work begins after findings are documented.
Acuren helps customers interpret inspection results, understand what the findings mean, and determine what actions should come next. By converting NDE data and LiDAR scan results into actionable engineering evaluations, Acuren helps customers define severity, risk, and required corrective actions.
Our integrated engineering and integrity support includes:
- Fitness-for-Service (FFS) evaluations and stress analysis
- Hydrostatic test exemptions and finite element analysis (FEA)
- Detailed repair planning and field engineering
- Construction management and compliance support
This connected approach ensures that field inspection, quality assurance, and engineering review all feed into a structured final report customers can immediately use to make informed decisions.
Supporting Long-Term Tank Integrity Programs
Tank compliance should be treated as an ongoing program, not a one-time event. Acuren supports customers with tank integrity program development, inspection planning, documentation, prioritization, and long-term maintenance strategies.
This support is especially important for owners managing multiple tanks or sites. Acuren can help customers review inspection history, identify compliance gaps, establish more consistent inspection intervals, and prioritize corrective actions across a broader asset base.
One common issue is that tank owners complete an inspection but do not always prioritize corrective actions or long-term maintenance planning once recommendations are provided. Historical documentation can also be underestimated, even though organized records are critical for compliance, planning, and decision-making.
An Expert View on Tank Readiness and Quality Reporting
Mike Jones, Service Line Manager for US Tank Services at Acuren, works closely with customers to support API 653 compliance, tank inspection readiness, and follow-through after inspection findings are identified. From his perspective, successful tank integrity programs depend on preparation before the inspection and clear decision-making after it.
“Tank readiness is one of the most critical components of a successful API 653 inspection. Proper cleaning, ventilation, access, and scheduling can significantly reduce downtime while improving inspection quality and safety.”
Once field data is collected, owners also need reporting that clearly documents the condition of the asset and supports next steps.
“Quality reporting transforms field data into actionable decisions. A well-developed final report provides clients with clear documentation, verified inspection results, and practical recommendations that support compliance, asset integrity, and long-term operational reliability.”
Helping Owners Stay Ahead of Risk
Tank owners do not need to wait for a failure, audit, or urgent repair need to evaluate their programs. From API 653 inspections and advanced NDE to LiDAR scanning, drone and robotic inspections, engineering evaluations, repair planning, final reporting, and quality assurance support during repair or new construction, Acuren provides the experience and technical depth tank owners need to stay inspection-ready and compliant.
Ready to strengthen your tank integrity program?
If your organization is preparing for an upcoming tank inspection, reviewing inspection findings, addressing compliance gaps, or building a long-term tank integrity program, Acuren can help. Contact our tank inspection and integrity experts today.
