How to determine the sealing performance of glass lined horizontal storage tanks?

With the rapid development of industries such as chemical and pharmaceutical, the sealing performance of glass lined horizontal storage tanks, as important storage equipment, has attracted much attention. So, how to accurately determine the sealing performance of glass lined horizontal storage tanks and ensure the safety and purity of the storage medium? This article will provide you with a detailed interpretation.

1. Appearance inspection method

Firstly, a detailed inspection of the appearance of the glass lined horizontal storage tank can be conducted to preliminarily assess its sealing performance. Check whether there are obvious gaps or leakage marks at the connection between the tank body and the head, connecting pipe and other components. At the same time, observe whether the enamel layer is complete, whether there are defects such as peeling and cracks, as these defects may affect the sealing of the storage tank.

2. Stress testing method

The pressure testing method is an effective means of assessing the sealing performance of storage tanks. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Preparation stage: Ensure that the interior of the glass lined horizontal storage tank is clean and dry, close all inlet and outlet valves, and install pressure gauges.
2. Boosting stage: Use a compressor or high-pressure pump to slowly pressurize the storage tank, and the boosting rate should be controlled within a certain range (such as 1kPa/s) to avoid excessive impact on the storage tank. During the pressure rise process, it should be carried out in stages, such as holding the pressure for 5 minutes at 10% and 50% of the test pressure for preliminary leak detection.
3. Pressure holding and leak detection: When the pressure rises to the test pressure (usually 1.0 times the design pressure of the equipment), hold the pressure for no less than 30 minutes. During this period, use soap water with a concentration of 1% to brush all sealing surfaces and observe if any bubbles are generated. If bubbles are generated, it indicates that there is a leak at that location.

It should be noted that the test medium should be dry and clean air or inert gases such as nitrogen, and the use of flammable and explosive gases is prohibited. At the same time, safety operating procedures should be strictly followed during the testing process to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment.

3. Bubble detection method

Bubble detection method is a simple and intuitive leak detection method. After filling the glass lined horizontal storage tank with a certain pressure of gas, apply soap water or other foaming agent to the suspected leakage area. If bubbles continue to emerge, it indicates that there is a leak at that location. This method is suitable for local leak detection of storage tanks.

4. Leakage rate testing method

The leakage rate testing method is a method of determining the sealing performance of a storage tank by measuring the amount of gas leaked within a certain period of time. This method requires professional testing equipment and instruments, suitable for precise evaluation of the sealing performance of storage tanks.

5. Operation monitoring method

In actual operation, the sealing performance of the glass lined horizontal storage tank can be determined by monitoring parameters such as pressure and flow rate at the inlet and outlet. If a decrease in pressure or an abnormal increase in flow rate is detected, it may be a sign of leakage in the storage tank. At this time, timely inspection and handling should be carried out.
Overall, judging the sealing performance of glass lined horizontal storage tanks requires the comprehensive use of multiple methods. In practical operation, appropriate detection methods should be selected according to specific situations, and relevant standards and specifications should be strictly followed for operation.