ROSEN’s Richard Foecke (Industrial Engineer and Manager) sat down with Tank Storage Magazine’s Cyann Fielding to discuss ROSEN’s upcoming webinar. Hosted by Tank Storage Magazine on 27 October at 15:00 (CET), the discussion will centre on: ‘Optimising inspection coverage, while reducing the risk of missing a critical flaw.’
ROSEN’s talk will feature the company’s new technology; a solution to discovering blind spots when inspecting the bottom of tanks. Many terminal operators will know it’s easy to miss some areas, so ROSEN’ scanners are an ideal solution. The webinar will look at the current state of the market compared to what this device can deliver and how it could add value to your operations.
Tank bottom inspection constraints
Foecke says: ‘Customers always prefer inspections to happen while the tank is in service, avoiding the asset being placed offline. Unfortunately, inspection methods and tools are not quite that far ahead. Instead, a solution must be based on minimising the inspection time, while keeping a good length of time between each inspection cycle.’
For ROSEN, it is important that the data gathered on corrosion rates and damage can be used reliably to inform the next steps after an inspection. ‘With 10-20 years of experience, we have designed a device that can cope with this,’ says Foecke.
Reducing risks
Floor scanners used by terminal operators and inspectors currently only cover a certain portion of the tank bottom. Whilst this is typically in the range of 85% to 95%, there is still a remaining 5% to 15% which cannot be covered. ‘Every surface which is inspected reduces the risk of overlooking a critical defect,’ Foecke comments.
‘Whilst our scanner also has physical limitations that prevent 100% coverage, we can further increase the inspected area and, therefore, decrease the risk of overlooking something which could cause issues later. There is always still room for improvement, but we wish to create something that decreases risk as much as possible,’ he adds.
How are you increasing the inspection effectiveness?
ROSEN is looking at multiple options for tank bottom inspection, and each has a different performance specification based on the currency that comes in with each technology or methodology. In addition, Foecke explains that the accuracy of the corrosion rate calculation can differ. ROSEN’s device offers real-time data integration, so customers do not have to merge data at the end. Foecke says: ‘This process is already quite efficient and effective. We can detect defects, their size, or their length with depth information. We will know whether it’s topside or on the bottom. The technology is very sophisticated but takes a lot of time. Therefore, we think we have acquired quite an effective solution.’
Optimising tank bottom inspection
In the end, tank bottom inspections are all about money – according to Foecke. ‘Money can quickly be spent in half a year with any kind of inspection method. Finding a defect means the process can take even longer, costing more money and resources,’ he says. ‘Additionally, when the tank is out of service, it costs money for the customer. If a tank can go back into service earlier, money will generate earlier. So, optimising the inspection is crucial from all perspectives. Money can also limit the quality aspect, though customers will do as much as they need.’
So, there are multiple factors to consider concerning tank bottom inspections. Whilst there are various methods on the market, it is about weighing out the benefits of each and comparing costs.
What sets ROSEN apart?
Foecke explains: ‘ROSEN’s technology has automatic detection capabilities – there are very few systems out there with such capabilities. There are of course many scanners on the market made for tank bottom inspection. But ours can find defects and follow up with different solutions. Other scanners may only cover the top, the bottom side, or the surface of the tank. Our technology does all this in one scanner.’
Plus, ROSEN’s technology is more sensitive than others on the market, with the ability to detect defects from 3mm in diameter.
What are you looking forward to about this webinar?
Foecke comes from the technology side of ROSEN, so he is excited to have a technical discussion with people from around the sector.
‘There are always limitations to what you can do in inspections, so it is always important to have discussions to learn and manage expectations properly’ says Foecke. ‘The webinar will be an important discussion for us as we don’t think many customers consider inspection effectiveness. They may use a standard supplier, and not have adjusted over the decades out of habit. Optimisation and considering costs without losing focus on quality are important. Awareness is essential, and therefore we think this webinar can increase awareness further and give a platform to talk about this topic and elaborate on it. This is the best opportunity to learn about tank bottom inspection because not all of Tank Storage Magazine’s target audience will understand or have heard about it.’
The future of tank inspections
ROSEN aims to remove the need to have a human in a confined space, where there are multiple risks. Digitalising tank inspections can help remove this risk by tanking people out of dangerous situations. ROSEN can use data from the scanner to assess a tank and organise a repair plan. This leads to the implementation of a digital twin, for example.
In terms of the impact of future fuels, Foecke comments: ‘We need to focus on integrating any refining and storage assets and understand their limitations. For example, what happens when there is a leak.’
Foecke stresses the growing importance of energy every day. ‘It is about thinking about the severe consequences on the environment, on people, and so on. It is important to know what to be aware of in inspection processes and why inspections can help prevent risks.’
‘There is still much to do, but as tank inspection moves towards digitalisation and more focus, it is heading in the right direction’, he adds.
Richard Foecke will be joined by Cesar Espinoza on the 27 October at 15:00 (CET). Register your interest here: https://app.livestorm.co/easyfairs/rosen-group-tank-talk
