While cryogenic tanks come with high-quality thermal insulation and other safety features, you will still need to take precautions to prolong the lifespan of yours. If you are in the cryogenic liquids transportation business, you need to be even more careful. This is because moving the tanks regularly exposes them to more abuse. Highlighted below are ways to prolong the life of your cryogenic tank.
Choose an Ideal Storage Location
Whether you would be moving your tank regularly or not, you ought to store it in an ideal location. You should choose a clean, well-lit, dry, and easily accessible environment. To avoid moisture contact, consider raising it off the floor. It is advisable to place it on a sturdy wooden pallet. Proper ventilation decreases moisture buildup, which can mean corrosion. A properly lit area makes it easier to read the canister and spot issues with the tank in time. Understand that while keeping your tank accessible is important, it should not impede traffic.
Minimize Tank Movement
Most brands of cryogenic tanks are built to last. Constant movement, however, can decrease their lifespan because it risks damaging key tank components. The neck tube, for instance, is delicate and can easily develop microscopic pinholes or hairline cracks. Holes and cracks, irrespective of how minute, can mean loss of tank vacuum and insulating capacity. If you must move your tanks, you should consult a professional. You should also examine tanks for signs of damage after moving them. The most common sign of the same is frosting on the exterior of the tank.
Clean It Regularly
Cleaning your tank helps maintain the properties of the specific cryogenics you will be storing therein. Cleaning requires expertise to avoid risking the life of the cleaners and anyone working around the tank. It also helps safeguard the environment. Hiring a professional cryogenic tank maintenance service guarantees the skillful cleaning of your tank, especially the nozzles. Professional cleaners would also know how best to eliminate final puddles after cleaning. Leftover particles usually affect the cryogenics you would be storing later.
Paint It
Painting your tank helps protect it against extreme temperatures. It also protects the tank against wear and tear. If you would be storing it outdoors, painting prevents rust, which can significantly affect the performance of your tank. Understand that painting would only be worth it if done right. You should be careful to remove dirt, rust, and any other contaminants likely to reduce the quality of the paintwork. Be careful to use the right type and quality of paint.
Inspect Your Tanks Regularly
Regular inspections would help you spot issues in time. Diminished quality corks, frost buildup, chinks, dirt, and rust are some of the things to watch out for. Inspection also ensures that your tanks remain in compliance. If you are unsure what to look for, hiring a professional inspection service helps.
Understand that different types of tanks require different types of maintenance practices depending on the type of liquid you would be storing. If you would be working with a maintenance service, ensure that they can handle tanks meant for cryogenics such as inert gases, flammable gases, and oxygen.
