Tank Floor Inspection with MFL Technology by Qualitest Offshore Inc., Guyana
At Qualitest Offshore Inc., Guyana, we offer high-quality storage tank floor inspection with MFL (Magnetic Flux Leakage) technology. Our team of experienced technicians conducts thorough inspections for storage tanks both locally in Guyana and internationally. We are dedicated to providing superior technical solutions to ensure the integrity and safety of your storage tank floors.
What is MFL (Magnetic Flux Leakage) Technology?
Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used for inspecting the floors and walls of storage tanks. This technique generates a strong magnetic field that is used to detect pitting, corrosion, and other forms of degradation in carbon steel tank floors. MFL is particularly effective in identifying defects without the need to remove coatings or linings, making it an efficient and reliable inspection method for tanks in various industries.
By detecting areas of corrosion and material loss, MFL technology helps extend the lifespan of storage tanks and ensures they remain in optimal condition for continued safe use. Whether inspecting a large tank in an industrial facility or an offshore storage unit, MFL provides detailed insights into the condition of the tank floor.
How MFL Technology Works
During an MFL inspection, powerful magnets create a magnetic field across the surface of the tank floor. When the magnetic field encounters a defect, such as pitting or corrosion, it “leaks” through the defect. The sensor detects this magnetic flux leakage and alerts the technician to areas of concern. These areas are then further analyzed with ultrasound to obtain wall loss readings.
The technician moves the MFL scanner over the entire floor surface, identifying any problematic areas. In some cases, the technician may estimate the amount of metal loss based on the readings. The data collected is then mapped out in a CAD rendering of the tank floor for easy interpretation and reference.
Key Benefits of MFL Tank Floor Inspections
- Efficient and Comprehensive Inspection: MFL provides a thorough inspection of large tank floors in a short amount of time.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to other NDT methods, MFL offers a reliable and economical solution for tank floor inspections.
- Minimal Setup: MFL scanning requires little setup time, making it ideal for time-sensitive inspections.
- No Need for Internal Access: Only one side of the tank floor needs to be accessed, reducing the complexity of the inspection process.
- Ability to Scan Through Coatings: MFL technology can scan through most types of coatings, making it ideal for tanks that are coated to prevent corrosion.
- Fast Results: With MFL, technicians can provide a detailed scan report quickly, often within the same day, enabling you to make decisions on tank maintenance without long delays.
Limitations of MFL Technology
- Ultrasound Verification: Ultrasonic Testing (UT) is required to verify the wall loss of defects identified by the MFL scan.
- Indistinguishable Wall Loss Side: MFL does not provide information on whether the wall loss is on the internal or external side of the tank floor.
- Limited Access Areas: Inspection access is restricted to areas without components that are closely attached to the floor, which may obstruct scanning.
- Tank Floor Condition: For accurate readings, the tank floor must be free of debris or buildup such as scale, as these can prevent the MFL scanner from detecting defects properly.
- Not Quantitative for Wall Thickness: While MFL is excellent for detecting defects, it is not a quantitative technique for measuring remaining wall thickness without additional ultrasound testing.
Why Choose Qualitest Offshore Inc. for Tank Floor Inspections?
At Qualitest Offshore Inc., our NDT inspectors have extensive experience in conducting MFL tank floor inspections. We provide you with a detailed and accurate assessment of your tank’s condition, giving you Total Quality Assurance with fast, reliable results. Our advanced on-site reporting ensures that you no longer have to wait days for inspection reports—critical decisions about tank conditions can be made in under an hour.
Whether you’re managing a small or large tank floor inspection project, we have the expertise and resources to handle it. Our services are available locally in Guyana and globally, providing comprehensive solutions to industries worldwide.
For more information or to request a quote, contact us at guyana@qualitest.gy. We are here to support your storage tank inspection needs with top-tier technology and expert service.