| Tank Maintenance and Rehabilitation
Engineering |
 Tank
maintenance engineering for a storage tank system
involves four phases --- initial evaluation and tank
washout, prioritization of tank maintenance requirements,
preparation of plans and specifications, and quality
control evaluation coupled with contract administration.
Having evaluated over 6,000 tanks, Tank Industry
Consultants has an extensive database of problems
associated with tank ownership. This background provides
the basis for designing out future maintenance problems.
In all, no other firm offers the expertise in tank
maintenance engineering that TIC offers. Tank Industry Consultants works
closely with the owner/operator to establish operating
goals and evaluates existing tank operating procedures.
From this evaluation, TIC develops written guidelines for
properly operating and maintaining the tank system for
optimum performance and longevity. These guidelines are
clearly written for use by the operating personnel and
often replace the "word of mouth" operating
instructions that lead to problems and additional costs.
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| Pre-Maintenance
Evaluations |
 The
first step of a tank maintenance program is an
engineering evaluation of the condition of each tank to
determine its condition and what scope of work should be
designed. Each evaluation will encompass the actual
on-site field evaluation, an evaluation of the roof and
other structural members of the tanks, a coatings
evaluation, and a safety and sanitary evaluation. Based
upon the field evaluation, a certified engineering report
is provided outlining the observations and
recommendations for rehabilitation and maintenance or
replacement to meet the objectives of the tank owner. As part of the standard
evaluation and report, TIC identifies any observed
structural deficiencies or damage that may have occurred
since the structure was erected. Any deficiencies found
will be analyzed for their affects on the structural
integrity of the tank.
The recommendation section of
the report includes those repairs and modifications
required to bring the structure into compliance with
present industry, safety, structural and sanitary
standards and regulations. Also, coating recommendations
will be made, as well as the recommended timing of the
necessary coating repairs. When practical, alternative
methods of repairs, modifications and painting will be
provided. Advantages and disadvantages of each
alternative will be given so the owner can determine
their short-term and long-term tank maintenance
requirements. Cost life analysis and comparative analysis
of paints, coatings, and linings are continually being
performed by TIC as new products and technology are
developed for the coatings and lead-paint abatement
industry. With more than twenty-six years experience
specifying tank coatings and having worked on over 6,000 tanks, TIC has extensive experience in determining which
coatings best meet the short-term and long-term tank
needs. This experience and expertise is utilized each
time TIC evaluates another tank.
The economic factors section of
the report provides budget estimates for all of the
repairs, modifications, and painting requirements
outlined in the recommendations section of the report.
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| Maintenance
Prioritization |
| With
today's emphasis on infrastructure maintenance, the need
for a method to rate and prioritize tank maintenance
requirements has become increasingly evident. This is
especially critical for municipalities, utilities, and
industries with multi-tank systems. TIC has developed a
computerized management tool for comparing the relative
overall condition of structures within the same system
that simplifies long-term maintenance prioritization.
This rating and maintenance prioritization system also
includes provisions for estimating the cost of the
forecasted maintenance schedule. The condition rating and
maintenance prioritization system TIC has developed not
only integrates all of the above criteria, but also
includes numerous other "user-friendly"
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| Antenna Installation on Water Towers |
 With
increasing NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard!!) concerns,
cellular carriers are looking for existing
structures--including storage tanks--to attach antennas
to rather than building their own towers. This option
also saves them money in land acquisition and tower
construction costs, as well as future maintenance costs.
Also, zoning restrictions may not allow the construction
of cellular antenna towers. Many storage tank owners are
leasing space on their towers, and some are constructing
new tanks with the intent of providing access and points
of attachment for initial or future antenna installation
and service. However, as with everything else in life,
there is a right way and a wrong way to do it, and a poor
cellular antenna installation can create problems for the
tank owner which can easily outweigh the financial
advantages they provide. At TIC, we evaluate literally hundreds of tanks
each year, and can assist tank owners in avoiding some of
the typical problems encountered when antennas are
installed improperly. In addition to structural,
sanitary, and safety deficiencies that can be caused by
improper antenna installation, there are also problems
created which can impede or prevent future maintenance of
the tank.
Most cellular companies have installations
designed by their own engineers or consultants. However,
our experience has proven that most designers and
installation contractors have little experience with
water tank design and even less experience in water tank
maintenance. Therefore, simple items to prolong the life
of the coating system or avoid potential sanitary,
structural, or safety problems are often overlooked.
While we're not suggesting that you take over the design
responsibilities, it is prudent to have all plans,
designs, and drawings reviewed by an independent third
party whose only interest is protecting the water tank
owner and who understands tank maintenance and design.
Additionally, you should require site visits by the
designer of record. Ideally, you would want periodic site
visits to verify the work is being properly performed
throughout the installation. Typical items requiring
evaluation should include the proper installation of the
antennas, brackets, and related conduit; removal of weld
spatter; proper surface preparation and coating
application; and quality of welds. At a minimum, a final
site visit needs to be performed to check the installed
product against the plans and drawings.
With any type of investment of this nature, a
contractual relationship will be required between the
cellular phone company and the water tank owner, and
there are several contractual items that should be
addressed. TIC has assembled a laundry list of
considerations that owner’s should consider prior to
entering into a contract. For a copy of this list, please
contact a TIC office. (Note: qualified legal advice and
direction should be obtained prior to entering into this
type of contract.)
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| Observation of the Contractor's
Workmanship |
 Resident
observation of the contractor's workmanship is the most
important part of a tank rehabilitation or new
construction project. The best-written, most thorough
specifications do not assure the project is completed
correctly. TIC's technicians are experienced in tank
repair, painting, and erection. They are not only
familiar with proper coating application techniques, but
also with the underlying reasons for tank painting
standards. In addition, our entire staff of civil,
structural, mechanical, and chemical engineers and
support personnel, including our NACE Certified Field
Services Manager, is available for supplemental technical
support for any special problems that might occur.
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| Preparation of Specifications
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| TIC's
specifications and contract documents will be more
extensive than provided by most engineers' designs due to
our experience and intimate familiarity with API, AWWA,
NACE and SSPC Standards and how they must be
supplemented. The specifications will be prepared in
accordance with local, state, and federal laws, and all
specific requirements of the owner. TIC enjoys working
closely with our clients and values our clients' input.
It is for this reason that we take the time to keep our
clients informed and updated concerning the project's
progress. After all reviews are complete, TIC will revise
all documents as required for final approvals and prepare
a final detailed cost estimate for the project. The
project summaries, plans, and specifications will include
the documents required to execute the project. TIC assists the decision makers in analyzing the
various methods of accomplishing the recommended repair
and repainting options so that the long and short-term
goals of the owner will be met. We share our expertise
and knowledge of all applicable regulations, codes, and
standards. While most engineering firms can provide a
generic specification package, it is our uniquely
developed specifications that address the work that needs
to be performed. This reduces the change orders to only
those items that have competitive unit prices already
negotiated prior to starting the project
Our specifications are not only
designed to reduce construction costs during the tank
rehabilitations, but also for future tank rehabilitation.
By "designing out" problem maintenance areas,
the newly applied coating system will not only last
longer, but when future maintenance is performed, the
repainting will be easier and therefore less expensive.
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| New Tank and Tank Rehabilitation
Design |
 Tank
Industry Consultants has evaluated over 6,000 existing
tanks and has gained extensive insight into typical
problem areas that often require a much higher degree of
future maintenance in tanks. Meanwhile, most new tank
contractors are not aware of these problems since they
build the tanks and rarely see them again; and typical
"general" consulting engineers do not have the
practical experience and familiarity with construction
methods of storage tanks to adequately deal with these
problems. TIC utilizes this knowledge to "engineer
out" these maintenance problems when the tanks are
originally specified and designed. Another advantage of having TIC involved with
the preparation of new tank design and specifications is
our involvement in the applicable standards committees.
By assuming leadership roles on the committees that
determine industry standards for tank construction, TIC
is intimately familiar with the strengths and weaknesses
of the pertinent standards. Even the best industry
standard has gaps that need to be filled by a thorough
and detailed technical specification. TIC is in a unique
position to bridge these gaps with our experience and
expertise.
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| Coating Consulting |
 Coating
consulting is typically broken into three basic phases --
coating survey to determine the existing coating
condition, coating system design to develop a coating
system appropriate for the environment, and monitoring of
the coating application to verify compliance with coating
manufacturer's requirements. TIC has provided these types
of services for all types of steel and concrete
structures ranging from water tanks, clarifiers, lime
silos, and digesters, to grandstands and even the roof
decking on a natatorium. At the 1993, 1994, and 1995 SSPC Annual
Conferences Tank Industry Consultants presented a
three-hour tutorial on the development and writing of
lead-paint abatement specifications. The Steel Structures
Painting Council believes that TIC is one of the leading
lead-paint abatement experts, and so do our
clients.
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| Structural/Failure
Analysis |
 Tank
Industry Consultants has specialized structural
engineering expertise in plates and shell structures,
including tanks and vessels for a wide variety of
applications:
- water storage and water
treatment,
- oil and petrochemical
storage,
- granular storage bins and
silos,
- chemical tanks,
- pressure / vacuum storage,
and
- low temperature or
cryogenic storage tanks
- secondary containment.
TIC also is capable of evaluating tanks
made of various materials (carbon steel, stainless steel,
aluminum, concrete) exposed to normal and abnormal loads,
which include seismic, high wind, projectile impact,
shell stability, fire, extreme thermal loads, foundation
settlements, and many other structural problems.
TIC is familiar with the requirements
of US and international standards for tanks and vessels.
TIC serves on many of the code development committees
responsible for writing and issuing these standards.
TIC has experience in designing and
planning seismic retrofit and modification to existing
tanks for changes in service or operational parameters.
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| Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit
Design |
 TIC
personnel actively participate in developing the national
provisions for reducing seismic hazards. Significant
changes are currently being implemented in the methods of
predicting the probability and magnitude of seismic
occurrences, and the loadings structures must be designed
to resist. TIC has the specialized expertise to apply
these new rules to assess the structural system and
recommend cost-effective alternatives for upgrading the
system according to the applicable code or standard. TIC
has designed several seismic evaluation, retrofit and
upgrade projects for tanks of up to 16 million gallons in
high seismic zones.
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| API
653 Inspections |
 TIC performs all types of in-service and
out-of-service inspections required by API Standard 653,
and provides all inspection documentation required by API
653. However, TIC distinguishes itself from other
inspection companies by offering practical and
cost-effective recommendations for repairs and
rehabilitation, when necessary, instead of just
inspection data. Most of TIC’s Certified API 653
Inspectors are also Registered Professional Engineers.
TIC was also among the very first group to receive
certified training from API on the proper use and
application of API Recommended Practice 579,
"Fitness For Service." [back]
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| Air Emissions Engineering and
"Zero Emissions" Systems
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| Tank
Industry Consultants provides engineering assessment of
emissions from petrochemical storage tanks and can assist
owners/operators in developing an overall facility plan
to meet regulatory and operational goals. TIC identifies
alternatives and provides cost estimates and tradeoffs of
practical solutions to emission problems. TIC also has
experience with commonly used floating roof seals,
gaging/guide poles, vents and other components that
influence emission control. [back]
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| Leak Prevention and Secondary
Containment Engineering |
| Many
products commonly stored in tanks require secondary
containment to prevent accidental release of the material
that may expose the public or operating personnel to a
hazardous material. The selection and engineering of the
proper containment for specific applications may be
complex. TIC assists owners/operators with the selection
and design of liquid and vapor containment to meet
regulatory and operating requirements. [back]
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| Expert Witness and Dispute Resolution
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| Tank
Industry Consultants is in demand throughout the country
as an expert witness for various cases involving tanks.
These cases--including failures, injuries, accidents, and
pollution--allow Tank Industry Consultants to keep
updated on potential liability problems and current court
decisions. Here, lessons learned are used to improve the
specifications that we prepare in order to protect our
clients from similar problems. [back]
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| Industry
Participation |
| In addition
to the practical knowledge gained through actual
projects, TIC keeps informed of industry trends and
standards through extensive involvement in the
standards-making organizations. In fact, TIC plays
a significant role in the development of these standards.
Stephen W. Meier, P.E., SE, Managing Principal for TIC is Chairman of the
AWWA Steel Tank Standards Committee. In addition, TIC
serves on the AWWA D100 Steel Tank Standard Revision Task
Force, AWWA D102 Standard for Painting of Steel Water
Tanks Revision Task Force, and the National Sanitation
Foundation Protective Materials Task Group which has
taken from the USEPA the responsibility for the approval
of all coatings in contact with potable water. TIC was
instrumental in the AWWA Tank Manual Task Force which
published a manual (M42) which assists water tank owners
from the planning stages of tank construction through
tank demolition. This Manual M42 replaced the AWWA
Standard D101 as the benchmark for the evaluation of
water tanks. TIC was retained by
the U.S. Navy to prepare a tank evaluation manual for all
naval bases. This manual has been incorporated into the
Navy's MO series of maintenance and operation manuals and
governs routine evaluation and maintenance prioritization
of all Navy water tanks.
TIC's involvement in the Steel
Structures Painting Council (SSPC: The Society for
Protective Coatings) has proven to be vitally important
due to the quickly changing restrictions being placed on
the removal and disposal of lead-based coatings. Tank Industry
Consultants is recognized by SSPC: The Society for Protective
Coatings as a Certified Inspection Company. TIC is one of just
three firms in the nation who have achieved this distinction.
QP 5 certification offers owners the added assurance that the proper
procedures are in place to perform inspection services with a high
degree of quality. This level of quality was accomplished by TIC
initiating quality programs that include regular training for field
technicians, quality and procedural standards, corporate internal
auditing on inspection records, and accountability. Prior to
implementing the QP 5 program, representatives of SSPC visited Tank
Industry Consultants and subsequently used TIC's Field Services
Department as a model for this program. Steven Roetter, P.E.,
Managing Principal of TIC,
is on the Board of Governors and served as chairman of
the 1993 SSPC Lead Paint Abatement Conference. Gregory R.
"Chip" Stein, P.E., Managing Principal of TIC, was
seminar co-chairman and Steve was tutorials chairman at
the 1994 SSPC Annual Conference. Chip was also the
general sessions chairman of the entire 1995 SSPC Annual
Conference, and served as the tutorials chairman at
the 2001 SSPC Annual Conference.
Stephen W. Meier is a recognized
industry expert in structural engineering tank and plate
structures. Through his participation in the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Provisions Update
Committee, Technical Sub-Committee 13 on
"Non-building Structures", and various AWWA and
ACI Committees, Mr. Meier is directly involved in the
development of the tank design standards. Previously, Mr.
Meier was the Manager of Chicago Bridge & Iron
Company’s Civil and Structural Engineering Group
where he was involved in storage tank projects worldwide. In his more than 22 years with CB&I, Mr. Meier was
directly responsible for numerous storage tank projects
including cryogenic and vacuum structures, prestressed
concrete containments, steel and composite tanks,
structural steel frames. His experience includes designs
for abnormal loadings such as seismic blast, projectile
impact, and extreme thermal gradients.
John M. Lieb, P.E., Chief Engineer
– Industrial for TIC serves as the Company’s
representative to the American Petroleum Institute (API)
and is active as TIC’s representative on the API
Subcommittee on Pressure Vessels and Tanks and several
Special Task Forces. Mr. Lieb is an ANSI/API 653
Certified Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector, as well as
a Registered Professional Engineer. He was a primary
contributor to the initial publication of API Standard
653 in 1991 and has remained directly involved in its
maintenance ever since. In addition to his involvement
with API, Mr. Lieb is also a member of the American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Task Group on
Granular Storage. In this capacity, Mr. Lieb is working
with other industry experts to develop standards for the
design, fabrication, erection, and maintenance of storage
structures for granular materials.
Steven L. Braune, P.E., Manager - Eastern Region for
TIC
is a member of the American Petroleum Institute (API) Sub Committee on
Pressure Vessels and Tanks. He
is an API 653 Certified Aboveground Storage Tank Inspector.
He is also actively involved in several American Society of
Mechanical Engineers (ASME) committees. He
has led seminars on tanks and vessels throughout the country.
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info@tankindustry.com
www.tankindustry.com
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