Transition Tank Management Programs From Reactive to Proactive

Storage tank owners can reap large financial benefits by shifting from a reactive tank repair strategy to a proactive inspection and maintenance program. In reaction to well publicized tank failures in the 80’s and the development of API 653 guidelines in 1991, many tank owners started to proactively inspect their tanks and perform significant tank repairs. However, after a lengthy period of focus on inspections and repairs in the 90’s, many tank owners have become complacent with respect to tank maintenance.

Many companies have been under tremendous financial pressure over the past few years, encouraging storage tank managers to defer preventive maintenance projects. In certain cases, tank maintenance activities have been substantially trimmed or eliminated in an effort to deliver short term cost reductions. However, deferring inspection and repair activities has increased the risk of tank failure as well as the potential financial implications from remediation requirements.