Materials Testing & Tank Inspections

Electro Chemical is certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for installation of above ground storage tanks. We have the capability of handling the certified installer civil work (ACVL) for concrete containment construction, either metal or non-metallic tank installation (AMMX or AMNX), above ground manufactured tank inspections (IAM) and the mechanical work (AMEX) for piping, pumps, valves and fittings.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Electro Chemical also provides laboratory testing to help you evaluate fluoropolymer materials of construction for permeation and chemical resistance in accordance with ASTM C-868 test procedures, bond and peel strength testing ASTM D-903, and plastic weld tensile testing ASTM C-1147.

This ASTM test offers a cost-effective method for testing potential materials of construction before system design. These tests will allow you to measure chemical resistance, permeation and bond strength, thermal compatibility and mechanical strength.

All lining materials are tested with ASTM D-903 peel strength testing procedures, and all plastic welders are certified in accordance with ASTM C-1147 weld test procedures.

Electro Chemical is certified by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Bureau of Waste Management to employ certified installers and inspectors to perform certified activities on aboveground storage tanks regulated pursuant to the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act (35 P.S. Section 6021.101 et seq).AST Storage Tank

Electro Chemical inspectors and installers are authorized to conduct tank inspection and tank handling activities as outlined in the Storage Tank and Spill Prevention Act and department regulations at title 25 PA Code chapter 245 for installation, repair and modification of shop manufactured aboveground storage tanks (ASTs).

Electro Chemical has the capability of handling the certified installer civil work (ACVL) for containment construction, either metal or non-metallic manufactured tank installation (AMMX or AMNX), and the mechanical work (AMEX) for piping, pumps, valves, and fittings.

Additionally, we are certified for aboveground tank removal (AMR), tank lining installation (TL), and aboveground manufactured tank inspection (IAM).

The Commonwealth requires several things to legally and properly install an aboveground storage tank (AST). Here’s a summary of some key requirements:

1. Design, Construction and Installation of ASTs
2. Tank construction, as well as modifications, must meet or exceed codes of practice by nationally recognized industry associations.
3. Installation of new tanks must be in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, engineer’s design and current industry codes of practice.
4. Tanks and containment must be protected from corrosion and deterioration.
5. A monitoring system capable of detecting leaks must be installed.
6. Overfill protection is required.
7. The tank system must have both secondary and emergency containment.
8. Before being placed in-service after installation, reconstruction, relocation or modification, tank systems shall be tested and inspected.

Please be aware this is not a complete listing of all regulatory requirements.

Once installed and in use, it’s time to schedule periodic inspections of tanks and equipment that handle corrosive chemicals. Both the interior and the exterior need a thorough evaluation to look for signs of wear, corrosion, stress, pitting, and more.

Creating a maintenance schedule with a certified inspector has the following benefits:

1. Inspections not only keep people and surrounding environments safe, they save money and reduce processing downtime by fixing small problems before they mushroom into big ones.
2. Both “out-of-service” and “in-service” tank inspection require significant technical experience as well as knowledge of the safety requirements for tank inspection, such as tank cleaning in preparation for inspection, lockout/tagout, and confined-space entry.
3. OSHA has very specific guidelines to ensure the safety of the inspection team as they work to ensure the performance, efficiency, and safety of your equipment.
4. “Remote inspection” technologies are quickly emerging with the benefit of avoiding internal inspection. A person does not have to enter the tank to perform the inspection. Examples include:
   • Remote photography of both the exterior and interior of storage vessels
   • Drones that can navigate without GPS signals, meaning they can operate inside a tank
   • Robots with magnetic feet that can crawl around the tank and have the ability to measure the length, breadth, and depth of identified stress impairments