Diesel tanks potentially suffer from several forms of contamination, including debris and water, which risk spoiling the quality of the product. In this case study, one of our clients needed to inspect a fuel oil tank of 30 cubic metres, using the Elok zone 0 camera inserted through a small access hatch on the top of the tank with dimensions of only 4 inches (100 mm). To achieve this inspection requirement, the camera was mounted on the Elok tripod, which is specifically made for an inspection job like this. The tripod mount gave 360 degree coverage and easy manipulation, with good stability, resulting in steady images, essential for the inspection programme.
Because of the very high compliance with zone 0, llb certification, it is possible to use the camera safely in the potentially explosive atmosphere above a diesel surface. Additionally, because of the high camera specification and certification, it is possible to continue an inspection when submerged into liquid fuel for the inspection and analysis of the bottom of fuel tanks.
This robust camera has its own control unit at the end of a long cable which can be specified up to 100 metres. This cable provides power for the camera and the high intensity LED lamp inside the camera housing. By emptying the tank and presurising it with nitrogen, it was possible to take still photographs with our standard camera, and to record a video record of the inspection. By this means, a track record of such inspections was possible, adding to the documented inspection record and history, such that changes that may evolve over time, can be detected by comparing records from earlier inspections.
The control unit can be used by the camera operator in a location above the tank to be inspected for a work zone specified as zone 1 llb.
This certified zone 0 system enabled a cost reduction from previous inspection methods, speeding up the process, and adding to the quality of the inspection record.