Ergocert Hellas S.A. provides inspection services for the certification of liquid fuel storage tanks -for above-ground or underground use at fuel stations, businesses, and petroleum storage facilities. Certification ensures that the tank complies with the applicable legislation in terms of safe use and environmental protection.
Initial Inspection of Liquid Fuel Tanks
The certification of the construction of a liquid fuel tank is mandatory according to national legislation. The initial inspection aims to confirm that the tank has been manufactured in accordance with the technical specifications, meets the requirements for mechanical strength and watertightness and is suitable for legal and safe use.
- For metal liquid fuel storage tanks at fuel and energy stations, the inspection is carried out in accordance with the ELOT EN 12285 standards and in accordance with the legislative requirements of Presidential Decrees 1224/1981 and 118/06.
- For fixed, cylindrical or vertical metal liquid fuel storage tanks in industrial areas and fuel storage facilities, the inspection is carried out in accordance with the customer's technical specifications, the European standard EN 14015 and the international standards of the American Petroleum Institute (API), API 650 and/or API 653.
The initial inspection of liquid fuel storage tanks indicatively includes:
- Inspection of technical documentation, construction material certificates, welding procedures and personnel approvals
- Visual inspection of welds, plates, nozzles and fittings
- Confirmation of geometric dimensions according to construction designs
- Leak tests, hydraulic or pneumatic testing
- Checking plate thickness (using ultrasound) and additional weld checks
- Checking corrosion protection (e.g., paint, cathodic protection)
- Installation and inspection of identification/manufacturer plate
Periodic Inspection of Liquid Fuel Tanks
Liquid fuel tanks are subject to periodic re-inspection:
- For metal liquid fuel storage tanks at fuel and energy stations, the periodic inspections are carried out in accordance with the technical requirements of the customer or operator, the provisions of Presidential Decree 1224/1981 and interpretative circular N. 4439/2016, regarding environmental obligations and the safety of facilities.
- For fixed, cylindrical or vertical metal liquid fuel storage tanks in industrial areas and fuel storage facilities, periodic inspections are carried out based on customer requirements and in accordance with the international standard API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction, in order to ensure good condition and prevent leaks or failures.
The frequency of periodic inspections depends on the type of tank, its materials and its use, but is usually every 5 to 10 years, depending on wear and tear and the results of previous inspections.
The main objectives of periodic inspections are:
- Verification of the geometric and mechanical characteristics of the tank
- Visual inspection (external and, where possible, internal)
- Quality control of welds and plates using (UTM, MFL, Vacuum, RT, UT, MT, PT)
- Hydraulic leak tests (hydrotest)
- Inspection of paintwork, cathodic protection, and overflow/relief systems
- Calculation of corrosion and remaining service life
Relevant Documents
General Inspection Regulation
Product Certification Regulation
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