Plastic Tank Inspection Requirements, Common Failure Modes, and NDT Methods for HDXLPE and Polyethylene Chemical Storage Tanks | Thomas R. Hay, PhD., P.E. Modern data centers are the foundation of today's connected world, supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, financial transactions, communications, and countless digital services. These mission-critical facilities operate around the clock and depend on highly reliable cooling, water treatment, and chemical manag

Cylinder neck thread inspection is critical for ensuring the safe operation of high-pressure tubes used in transport. This article explains how CGA C-23 criteria are applied to evaluate thread wear, local thin areas, and load-carrying capacity, helping inspectors determine whether cylinders remain fit for service under regulatory requirements.

3D laser scanning is transforming tank inspections by delivering precise, high-density data for both underground FRP tanks and aboveground steel tanks. This article explains how scanning supports compliance with UL 1316 and API standards, detects deformation, and improves safety, accuracy, and long-term asset monitoring.

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Total Focusing Method (TFM) provide advanced imaging for evaluating boiler tube welds and detecting flow area corrosion. This article explains how these techniques improve defect detection, characterization, and inspection accuracy, helping ensure reliable boiler operation and early identification of critical degradation.

Structural steel bolted connections are critical to the strength and stability of steel structures, and their performance depends on proper installation and verified tightness. This article explains quality control and special inspection requirements under AISC, RCSC, and IBC standards, outlines common workmanship failures, and details inspection tools and reporting practices that ensure high-strength bolts achieve the required pretension and long-term structural reliability.

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tanks offer strong corrosion resistance and long service life for chemical storage, but their performance depends heavily on proper installation and inspection. This article explains key technical requirements for handling, foundations, anchorage, piping isolation, and field testing, while outlining how PADEP AMNX regulations and certified inspections protect environmental safety and long-term tank integrity.

A robust pressure vessel mechanical integrity (MI) program is essential for ensuring safe and reliable operation across industrial facilities. This article explores how advanced non-destructive testing methods—Eddy Current Testing (ECT), Internal Rotary Inspection System (IRIS), Remote Field Eddy Current Testing (RFET), and Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL)—can be integrated into MI programs to detect corrosion, erosion, and wall loss in heat exchangers and pressure equipment effec

This article explores failure mechanisms in carbon steel and stainless steel pressure vessels operating under high temperature, pressure, and insulation. It covers CUI, HTHA, Cl-SCC, creep, and fatigue, and outlines inspection and mitigation strategies per API 510, 571, 579, and 941. Acoustic emission testing and risk-based approaches are highlighted for proactive integrity management.

This article explores failure mechanisms in carbon steel and stainless steel pressure vessels operating under high temperature, pressure, and insulation. It covers CUI, HTHA, Cl-SCC, creep, and fatigue, and outlines inspection and mitigation strategies per API 510, 571, 579, and 941. Acoustic emission testing and risk-based approaches are highlighted for proactive integrity management.

This article explores failure mechanisms in carbon steel and stainless steel pressure vessels operating under high temperature, pressure, and insulation. It covers CUI, HTHA, Cl-SCC, creep, and fatigue, and outlines inspection and mitigation strategies per API 510, 571, 579, and 941. Acoustic emission testing and risk-based approaches are highlighted for proactive integrity management.

Destructive Testing of Fiberglass Storage Tanks: Ensuring Strength, Durability, and Compliance

Ensuring the safety and integrity of critical components in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction is paramount. One of the most reliable methods to detect surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials is magnetic particle testing. This non-destructive testing technique helps identify flaws that could lead to catastrophic failures if left undetected. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of magnetic particle testing techniques, th

The Importance of Wire Rope Sockets Wire ropes serve as critical lifelines in countless engineering structures—from towering suspension bridges to powerful cranes and expansive cable-stayed constructions. At the heart of their reliability are wire rope sockets, essential mechanical connectors that anchor and transfer immense loads safely and securely. Often overshadowed by the wire rope itself, the sockets are equally important from a load-bearing, fracture-critical, and fitn

Suspension Bridge cables are exposed to a spectrum of load and environmental conditions that create susceptibility to a variety of deterioration mechanisms including corrosion, fatigue, wear and abrasion [1]. Bridge cable damage occurs in the corrosion protection system, cable exterior and interior, and anchoring system. The primary damage mechanism driving suspension cable mechanical defects includes corrosion and complex cyclic loading. The damage mechanisms may be visib

A Pipeline Mechanical Integrity (MI) program is a critical component of a Process Safety Management (PSM) system under OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard — specifically addressed in 29 CFR 1910.119(j) [1]. A well-structured MI program is designed to continuously monitor and assess the condition of pipelines and associated equipment. By regularly inspecting, testing, and maintaining components such as valves, pressure vessels, and piping, the program helps to iden

Steel wire rope used in industrial and recreational applications are manipulated through sheaves and drums. The wire rope bearing surface hardens and beyond a certain point, fatigue cracks will initiate. Under optimal conditions, the wire rope bearing surface will wear at a rate faster than the crack initiation rate. Similarly, steel railroad surfaces develop rolling contact fatigue cracks over time and if the crack propagation rate exceeds rail surface wear rate, small fa

Introduction Steel pressure vessel fabricated to United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) and American Society for Mechanical Engineer Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (ASME BPVC) required periodic recertification based on local, state, and federal regulations. This article focuses on the nuances involved in rebuilding and recertifying tube trailers for continued safe use. Figure 1: Tube trailers transporting U.S. DOT steel cylinders Overview of Tube Trailer Re

Weld inspection and repair is a multi-step process that includes non-destructive testing, inspection data interpretation against the relevant code, weld metal excavation, follow-up non-destructive testing, weld repair per relevant construction code and final non-destructive testing. This article walks the reader through a steel weld that failed an inspection, was subsequently repaired, re-inspected and cleared for use. Figure 1: Nondestructive testing and repair of structura

Introduction Excellent quality non-destructive testing (NDT) data is required to ensure the structural integrity of bridges, piping systems, pressure vessels and other pressure and load bearing structures. The data quality must be assured before leaving the inspection site to assure sound engineering conclusions are made on the future performance of the asset. The cost to repeat non-destructive testing extends beyond the actual inspection costs and may include traffic contr

Non-destructive testing (NDT) training is essential for developing a skilled workforce, whether for new employees with little to no NDT experience or for enhancing the skills of existing NDT personnel. Virtual, remote, or online NDT training provides an economical option for both employers and students to gain foundational knowledge, while also confirming the necessary aptitude through general, specific, and practical exams. This article explores the feasibility of completing