Infrared Storage Tank Inspections
When subjected to thermal transitions, heat transfer occurs differently in gases, liquids, and solids. This is due to varying thermal capacities as well as the methods of heat transfer through different materials. For example, heat transfer occurs much more slowly in water than in air because water has a much higher thermal capacity. Under the correct conditions, this allows us to accurately determine fluid/product levels in oil, gas, and other storage tanks using infrared thermal imaging technology. We can also help our clients determine solids / wax accumulation in condensate tanks.
While fluids and solids often have similar thermal capacities, heat transfer occurs in different manners. In liquids heat transfer occurs primarily via convection while in solids heat transfer occurs primarily via conduction. Because of this, we can also determine wax & sludge levels in tanks making our infrared thermal imaging services a valuable addition to preventive maintenance and tank inspection programs for our clients.