Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) is a method of non-destructive testing that is used to detect corrosion and pitting in steel structures, most commonly pipelines and storage tanks, using powerful magnets to magnetize the steel. Recent developments in the methods available to inspect tank floors make remaining life predictions easier. The
Floormap3Di is the most advanced MFL floor scanner on the market today. Silverwing also has a complimentary inspection tool namely the Silverwing Hand Scan HS 100 system that is ideal for storage tanks of diameters lower than 10 m, petal floor plate designs or in situ heating coils. Silverwing's development of the Floormap has vastly reduced the time taken to inspect a tank floor whilst producing detailed and accurate reports allowing engineers to determine optimum maintenance strategies. The degree of inspection and repair that it is economically sensible to perform before the whole floor is replaced will be influenced by many factors. These obviously include material and contracting costs, but a major factor will be the time and cost of cleaning the tank and preparing it for work. This latter cost will vary greatly depending on whether the tank is holding clean, light product or is handling crude or heavy oil or a dirty liquid.
