Geometry, material, access, loading and background noise are reviewed before scope confirmation.
Acoustic activity is interpreted together with the defined operating or loading condition.
Coverage, test record, quality checks and prioritized follow-up are documented clearly.
A project-specific service route
Storage tank AET begins with a defined question: Which regions show acoustic activity during a suitable liquid-level or loading condition?
The service scope is developed from the asset drawing and history, the relevant material and geometry, site access, a safe loading or monitoring condition, and the decision required by the client. The agreed procedure identifies the applicable standard, monitored zones, instrumentation checks, data to retain and evaluation basis.
Typical candidate assets include liquid-filled atmospheric and low-pressure metallic storage tanks, including selected shell and roof regions. Feasibility and mobilization are confirmed for each enquiry.
What the inspection team would plan
1 · Pre-inspection review
Confirm contents, fill level and rate, tank geometry, roof configuration, operational restrictions, sensor access and weather. A flat-bottom tank floor is not necessarily examined by shell-mounted sensors.
2 · Measurement setup
Document sensor locations and coupling; verify channels, timing, response and background noise. Record the stimulus alongside event data so the result can be interpreted in context.
3 · Data evaluation
Coverage map, level and operating history, source activity and locations if justified, noise assessment and follow-up priorities.
4 · Targeted next step
Use tank-floor tools, UT, visual examination or other targeted methods where needed. Do not interpret an absence of shell-sensor activity as proof of floor integrity.
Scope and deliverables
A proposal should state the monitored boundary, site preparations, access and utilities, the pressure or operating sequence, applicable procedure and evaluation criteria. Reporting can include sensor layout, quality checks, loading history, event and location analysis where justified, an explicit coverage statement and recommendations for local examination.
AE responds to activity during the recorded condition. A silent interval cannot establish freedom from dormant defects; a located source is not a measured flaw size. A separate application guide explains how these limits apply to aboveground storage tanks.
Read the Aboveground Storage Tanks application guide → · Review the technical approach →
Acoustic emission testing in industrial environments
Sensor placement, test conditions and data acquisition are planned around the specific asset and inspection objective.
Discuss your inspection objective
Send the asset type, location, operating conditions and proposed loading or test window. We can review the information before defining a project-specific scope.