Industrial Area with storage chemical storage tanks

How to Clean an FRP Tank?

Cleaning your tanks before a routine FRP tank inspection is key. Protocols for cleaning an FRP tank are unique and different from other storage tanks. It’s essential to completely understand the procedure before undertaking any such task. Even if you hire a tank cleaning company, understanding this procedure is very important to ensure that the cleaning is up to the required standards. Here’s an in-depth run down with tips for cleaning an FRP tank.

Draining the Tank

To prepare a tank for cleaning, it should first be emptied. The operator must suction out the product until no suction is possible, even using the low nozzle suction. This means the product has fallen below the suction line. This product will be removed later by the cleaning company.

Secure the Tank

Ensure the tank is secured by cutting power to pumps, mixers, and all the other electrical equipment inside the tank. Also, make sure to isolate the tank from the system and drain all the lines. The protocol for securing a tank partially depends on the type of chemical it stores. If needed, the tank is also ventilated to get rid of any dangerous vapors.

Cleaning the Top and the Tools

Once the tank has been secured, the top and surrounding of the tank are cleaned. This might not be a very important step. However, some cleaning companies do clean the exterior before cleaning the interior. Make sure that all the tools that are being used are disinfected before the procedure.

Two tall Industrial Buildings

Confined Space Entry

Finally, the tank is accessed for cleaning with confined space entry protocols. These protocols may include wearing PPE, being aware of signs of exposure, maintaining communication with the attendant, etc. The procedure might even require a confined space entry permit in certain cases.

Cleaning the Tank

Remove the remaining product from the tank using tools like sludge pump and vacuum truck depending on the type of product stored. Only once the tank is completely drained can the cleaning be done.

Manual scrubbing is performed to remove dirt, fungus, and sediments where needed. All the inner surfaces of the tank, i.e., the walls, floor, and ceiling, are power washed. The roof is also checked for the presence of vapor and product.

Disinfecting and Drying the Tank

Once the tank has been cleaned thoroughly and inspected for cleanliness, it’s then disinfected along with the pipes. After disinfecting, the tank is left for drying. Once the tank has all dried up, it’s ready to be used again.

If you’re looking for other FRP tanks services such as repair, maintenance, installation, or modification in Lake City or nearby areas, feel free to reach out to Hudson Fiberglass. At Hudson Fiberglass, we provide custom fiberglass work along with FRP tank and pipe repair.

Find out more about field welding services here.