Author Archives: Samuel Peppin - Managing Director at Bioscan Ltd

Silos and tanks are essential equipment used for storing and processing bulk quantities of products within many different industries. It’s crucial to perform regular crack testing inspections and proper maintenance to ensure their integrity remains intact.

Regular inspections can also prevent downtime and minimise the risk of product contamination and recalls. Without periodic inspections, minor issues may go unnoticed, but they can develop into major problems that down the line cause potential product loss and cross contamination.

In this blog, we’ll provide insights into the risks associated with inadequate inspections, helping you understand the need for crack testing inspection services and also guide you in choosing the right service provider.

A] Risks associated with inadequate inspections

Without regular inspections of tanks and silos, you can face several risks such as;

• Structural damage: Inadequate inspection frequencies may lead to serious structural weaknesses, cracks, and corrosion, causing failure and collapse.
• Contamination: Without regular inspections, the products in the tanks and silos can become contaminated, leading to spoilage, decreased quality, and potential health hazards for consumers.
• Leakage: Leaks in tanks or silos can cause issues such as product loss, environmental pollution, and safety hazards.

B] Importance of inspections

Tank and silo inspection service providers have a comprehensive knowledge of potential issues found within the equipment, ensuring these issues are identified promptly. Early detection can help to fix the issue before something catastrophic happens, avoiding larger and costlier repairs that may lead to longer downtime.

Bioscan, a global provider of integrity inspection services for crack detection of tanks and silos, uses rope access methods for their inspections, this involves trained technicians accessing difficult-to-reach areas without the need of installing any scaffolding. This method allows for comprehensive and efficient inspection of the equipment, without the need of lengthy disruption to operations and ensuring the integrity of the assets are best maintained.

C] Factors to consider when choosing a crack testing service provider.

When it comes to choosing a crack testing service provider for silos and tanks, you should consider the following factors:

• Check if the suppliers have necessary accreditation and certifications, such as ISO 9001 and Safe Contractor certification. This ensures they meet the industry standards for quality and safety.
• Consider their reputation and experience. This ensures that they can effectively identify and address potential issues during the inspection process.
• Contact the service provider and get a quote for the silo and tank inspection services. This can help you ensure that they meet your specific needs and budget.

Further Read: Determining the Frequency of Preventative Maintenance Inspections

Conclusion

Periodical maintenance of tanks and silos can help avoid major breakdowns and extended downtime. The cost of maintenance is also far less than the cost of a complete repair and replacement.

If you have decided that you require silo and tank crack testing inspections, you should consider Bioscan, a leading provider of these services.

When performing a crack testing inspection or maintenance in spray dryers or other process vessels, workers are required to make confined space entries. These confined spaces can often be hazardous due to the presence of gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulphide.

Gas detection technology plays a huge role in ensuring that workers remain safe from such dangerous gases. On various occasions, this technology has helped Bioscan promptly detect potential gas hazards and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their technicians. This ensures delivery of effective and safe inspection services.

The hazards associated with confined spaces

Let’s examine some of the serious hazards that can pose a significant risk to worker safety:

• Fire risks: Fire risks include inflammable gases or liquids present in the confined space and are considered one of the most dangerous hazards.
• Noxious fumes: Build up of noxious fumes in confined spaces can lead to respiratory problems for the people entering the space and can even cause death.
• Reduced levels of oxygen: The confined space oxygen levels are also a great concern. Low levels of oxygen can cause dizziness, confusion, and may ultimately lead to loss of consciousness.

What are gas detection devices?

Gas detection devices are indispensable tools used to detect and monitor the presence of potentially dangerous gases in the environment. There are different types of gas detection devices, including fixed and portable devices, and both use different technologies to detect gases.

How do gas detection devices work?

Gas detection devices measure the concentration of gases in the air and trigger an alarm if the levels exceed thresholds.

Gas detection devices are essential for ensuring worker safety in industries where workers may need to enter confined spaces. By detecting the presence of hazardous gases, gas detection devices help prevent accidents and protect worker health.

The importance of gas detection testing

It is essential to perform periodic tests of the gas detection devices as well. This can ensure that gas detection devices are working properly and accurately detecting hazardous gases in the environment.

It also helps to identify any potential issues with the devices, such as faulty sensors or calibration drift. By conducting regular testing, workers can be confident that their gas detection devices are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.

How does Bioscan use gas detection?

Bioscan technicians perform confined space entries for tank inspection on a weekly basis, making safety a top priority. Despite the frequency of these entries, Bioscan maintains strict safety standards.

Gas detection technology is a crucial component of Bioscan’s safety protocols, as it alerts technicians to the presence of hazardous gases before and during work. By maintaining high safety standards and utilising gas detection technology, Bioscan can effectively mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment for their technicians.

Further Read: How to Safely Perform Inspection Work at Heights

Final thoughts

To summarise, by detecting potential gas hazards, Bioscan can take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their workers. It is essential for workers to use gas detection devices and conduct regular testing to ensure accurate readings and proper functioning of the devices.

Ultimately, gas detection technology provides a critical layer of protection for workers in hazardous environments, allowing them to carry out their work safely and effectively.