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  • Enhancing Underground Storage Tank Inspections with TankIQ

    WHITEPAPER

    Traditional underground storage tank inspections pose significant challenges—limited visibility, inconsistent data collection, and safety risks. The use of 3D scanning technology enables accurate, non-invasive scans. This allows for safer, faster, and more thorough data capture enabling customers to identify structural defects and irregularities that traditional methods may miss—all without requiring personnel to physically enter the tank.

    Less Interruption

    Underground storage tanks are critical components in fuel infrastructure, but inspecting them presents logistical, environmental, and safety concerns. Historically, inspection procedures have relied on manual entry, which introduces risk and often leads to incomplete or subjective results.

    Improved Accuracy

    3D Scanning technology measures tank interiors with sub-centimeter precision to deliver consistent, quantifiable data across the entire internal surface. This reduces subjectivity in assessing asset health.

    It All Starts with Quality Tank Preparation

    Data capture during ongoing store operations typically involves multiple parties—store maintenance, fuel transport, contractors, and vac truck services. These efforts prepare the tank for data capture by:

    • Removing fuel – Conducted by the store’s fuel transport provider to minimize residual volume.
    • Cleaning and rinsing interior walls – Carried out by a fuel contractor and vac truck to remove debris and residue.
    • Degassing to reduce Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) levels – Air compressors and venturis eliminate vapors. LEL levels are monitored using advanced gas detection tools. Scanning begins once levels drop below 10.

    Coordination with on-site personnel throughout these steps ensures readiness and data integrity.

    Reducing Human Error

    Once the tank is cleared of liquid and vapors, inspection can begin. Conventional inspections still rely on visual assessment or manned entry. These methods are limited by:

    • Human error
    • Inaccessibility of certain areas
    • Elevated exposure to hazardous environments

    Utilizing 3D scanning technology we are able to capture a highly detailed point cloud of the tank’s interior geometry by collecting millions of data points enabling digital twin generation of the tank.

    Detection of Unseen Defects

    Measurements taken at the center of the tank can miss geometric anomalies. Scans reveal structural anomalies, corrosion patterns, and deformation that are often missed by visual inspection. Collections from these scan measurements over time allow for historical comparisons to detect degradation.

    Enhanced Safety

    Personnel entering the tank is an unnecessary risk. The use of 3D scanning technology eliminates the need for manned entry, removing personnel from confined spaces, and lowers risk of exposure to toxic vapors or physical hazards. 3D scanning is performed from above-ground ports using equipment operated externally.

    Results

    Collect Data Faster
    See Insights Clearer

    Once on-site personnel verify tank prep is complete, they utilize a 3D scanner to capture point cloud data in a matter of minutes, data is processed off site to generate TankIQ Results which includes:

    3D Scan View(s)

    A high-resolution point cloud image of the tank’s lower half, providing a visual representation of its current state.

    Interactive 3D Color Map

    A color-coded 3D model that highlights areas of significant deviation from the best fit cylinder. Allowing for quick identification of potential problem areas.

    Roundness Sections

    Precise section cuts along the tank’s centerline, complete with detailed deviation measurements from the best fit cylinder. These sections offer a visual representation of the tank’s deviation measurements and any deformations present.

    Customers benefit from shorter downtime, fewer safety concerns, and actionable data for smarter lifecycle planning.

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    Piloting a Modern Approach to Tank Inspection

    Case Study

    A national fuel retailer with multiple U.S. stores found inner wall breaches and tank deflections at two of their stores. Despite no product releases, they became concerned about potential systemic issues, particularly after adding diesel tanks to existing gasoline tank setups.

    They were committed to inspecting their entire national tank inventory but knew that would be a large investment. They wanted to ensure that the inspection process was both as efficient as possible and capable of delivering definitive answers on whether the tanks required repair or replacement. Understanding the structural integrity of their underground storage tanks could prevent costly failures and disruptions to site operations.

    Traditional inspection methods required extensive tank preparation, confined space entry through a manway, and manual tape measurements — a process that was slow and prone to missing geometric anomalies.

    There had to be a better way…

    They partnered with us on a 10-store pilot program that used 3D scanning technology to kick off their preventive tank inspection initiative. The pilot locations were selected based on a suspicion that new tank installations were contributing to tank stress. By capturing the entire tank geometry, 3D scanning would enable early detection of deflections or other issues in the tank.

    The Issues Identified

    + Tank wall breaches at two locations

    + Deflections observed in multiple tanks

    + Uncertainty about whether new tank installations were contributing to tank stress

    Recognizing the need for a proactive solution, the client launched a preventive tank inspection program across 10 strategically selected stores. The goal was to assess tank health while minimizing operational disruption.

    Key Features of the Program

    • No manned entries to avoid operational interruptions
    • Fuel court remained open during inspections
    • Five tanks per site inspected in a single day
    • Coordinated with a third-party site lead and safety personnel

    With Swiftrok, the program succeeded in capturing data for 41 tanks across 10 stores within a 3-week period, with TankIQ Results being delivered in the following weeks. TankIQ Results covered tanks of various ages and configurations to capture a comprehensive view of system health.

    The Result?

    Confirmed

    New diesel tank additions were not causing deflection in adjacent tanks

    Developed

    New diesel tank additions were not causing deflection in adjacent tanks

    Enabled

    Predictive monitoring for future maintenance planning

    Created

    System reliability without requiring intrusive methods

    Data-driven, proactive asset management in the fuel retail sector is crucial. By anticipating issues and embracing minimally disruptive 3D scanning technologies, the client demonstrated how a forward-looking strategy can mitigate risk, safeguard environmental integrity, and reduce long-term costs.

    How does TankIQ work?

    We utilize 3D scanning technology to capture the current state your tank(s) while on site. Once data is remotely uploaded our team utilizes the point cloud data to create a digital model of the inside of the tank, that model is then used to generate the TankIQ Results which is used by customers to analyze its condition without relying on manual measurements or visual checks.