Proven techniques in Massachusetts tank testing

Tank testing helps determine the integrity of your tank, and whether or not it’s safe to continue using. If the tank isn’t safe, CommTank can recommend repairs or remove the tank so it doesn’t cause any further damage to the building, soil and groundwater. Typically issues that arise after tank testing are related to the fill, vent, and supply piping. Corrosion to the threads of the piping, or loosening of the pipes over time, can produce a failed result during the test. Damaged sensors and gauges can also affect the test and need to be replaced. CommTank can repair these issues quickly so that your fuel system is ready to be brought back on line with little or no down time.

Since testing cannot predict what will happen to the tank next year, next month or even the next day, you may realize that your money could be better spent on oil tank removal. If you do choose tank testing, CommTank has years of experience in both underground tank testing and aboveground tank testing in Massachusetts. Following a proven approach perfected over the years, we test tanks and lines using ultrasonic tests, non-volumetric tests, pressure or vacuum tests, or soil or water tests below the tank.

Underground tank testing

The two most common tests for underground tank testing in Massachusetts are pressure testing and subsurface investigation. With pressure testing, CommTank measures the volume of the tank and checks for changes in volume using sensitive computer sensors over a 24-hour period. Fuel lines from the tank to the burner are tested for leaks using nitrogen injected in to the top of the tank with a small amount of pressure. This method is very safe and does not pose any risk to the structural integrity of the tank. A computer sensor is used to listen for any nitrogen that may leak from the tank while under pressure.

Subsurface investigation tank testing requires drilling or coring into the soil around the tank. The soil samples are then analyzed for the presence of petroleum products. The test is an effective way to determine the state of the soil, but it cannot determine the condition of the tank. Also, the test is not accurate enough to pinpoint a leak in the tank or to indicate if there’s oil in the soil directly beneath it.

Aboveground tank testing

Aboveground tank testing in Massachusetts involves the use of an ultrasonic test instrument that measures the thickness of the tank walls. We use this sophisticated technology because the human eye can’t determine how sound the steel is that’s holding back almost a whole ton of oil. This test, which is generally conducted on tanks larger than 1000 gallons, uses advanced algorithms to measure the thickness of the oxide/scale build-up on the inside of boiler tubes, helping to predict the life of the tube. The ultrasonic process is non-invasive and can be conducted in about fifteen minutes, and should be performed annually. Ideally it should be performed as part of the tune up and cleaning of your heating oil system.

Contact CommTank today for innovative tank testing in Massachusetts: 1-800-628-8260