METHOD FOR EXTENDING THE TIME BETWEEN OUT-OF-SERVICE, IN-TANK INSPECTIONS USING ULTRASONIC SENSOR

A method and apparatuses to extend the time interval between out-of-service, in-tank inspections while insuring structural integrity using a risk-based, Bayesian statistical approach comprised of a passing leak detection test and the using the results from (1) tank floor thickness measurements, (2) prior out-of-service tank floor inspection results, and/or (3) acoustic emission corrosion maps of the tank floor to estimate the minimum thickness and maximum corrosion rate of the tank during the extension period. The present invention uses an in-tank, mass-based leak detection system to establish tank integrity, three or more ultrasonic (UT) thickness measurement sensors for measurements of the tank floor at one location, and to establish the spatial distribution of corrosion of the tank floor, one or more prior API 653/12R1 or STI SP001 tank floor thickness inspections and/or three or more in-tank AE sensors mounted inside the tank with vertical and horizontal locations in an oblique plane relative to the tank floor.