There are currently no standards for in-service inspection of plastic tanks used for storing chemicals. Novel ultrasound technology will drastically improve inspection and maintenance, enhancing safety for society and the environment.
Although thermoplastic tanks are designed for a service life of around 15 to 25 years, many tanks remain in use beyond this time due to economic pressures. Further, they often store chemicals for which they were not designed. Most fail by cracking, but expertise is lacking regarding the visual inspection of tanks. Combined with the danger and time required to empty the tanks and enter them for evaluation of structural integrity, non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methodologies are drastically needed.
Further details: Non-destructive plastic weld inspection