Figure 5. An acoustic emission sensor installed on a fiberglass tank.

Thermographic Inspection of Fiberglass Tanks

An infrared (IR) camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat)
and converts it into thermal image. As a fiberglass tank is filled with product
during a hydrostatic or acoustic emission test, a thermal gradient is created through
the FRP tank wall which consists of multiple layers, between which, delaminations
may occur. Similarly, repair patches from fabrication or in-service fiberglass tank
repairs may also be observed during the acoustic emission testing. An example
fiberglass repair or delamination is shown in Figure 6. The area is outlined by a
dark red area approximately 6” x 4” in area in the fiberglass tank thermographic
image.
Figure 5. An acoustic emission sensor installed on a fiberglass tank.

Thermographic Inspection of Fiberglass Tanks

An infrared (IR) camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat)
and converts it into thermal image. As a fiberglass tank is filled with product
during a hydrostatic or acoustic emission test, a thermal gradient is created through
the FRP tank wall which consists of multiple layers, between which, delaminations
may occur. Similarly, repair patches from fabrication or in-service fiberglass tank
repairs may also be observed during the acoustic emission testing. An example
fiberglass repair or delamination is shown in Figure 6. The area is outlined by a
dark red area approximately 6” x 4” in area in the fiberglass tank thermographic
image.