Tank Thermography
See inside your tank without opening it. Thermal imaging reveals what is hidden.
Tank Thermography uses infrared imaging to reveal sludge levels and material interfaces inside storage tanks without tank entry or disruption. It provides a fast, non-invasive way to understand internal conditions and guide next assessment steps.
Summary
Tank Thermography uses advanced infrared imaging to analyze temperature differentials within storage tanks, providing a non-invasive view of internal conditions. Differences in thermal response allow liquids, emulsions, and settled solids to be distinguished based on their unique signatures.
TankScope’s certified thermography technicians use FLIR infrared camera technology to identify sludge level location, understand distribution trends, and determine optimal access points for further assessment. All work is completed externally, with no tank entry and no operational interruption.
What You Get
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Thermal imaging documentation of tank shell temperature patterns
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Visual identification of solid and liquid interfaces and sludge levels
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Mapping of solids accumulation locations around the tank circumference
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Identification of optimal access points for future sampling or cleaning tools
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Baseline data to support sludge volume estimation
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Thermography results integrated into Tank Profiling deliverables
When Tank Thermography Is Used
Initial Assessment
As an initial step in understanding tank contents before sampling or cleaning
Non-Invasive Assessment
When a non-invasive assessment is required or roof access is unavailable
Sludge Localization
To identify where sludge has accumulated before planning removal
Condition Monitoring
As part of preventive maintenance and tank condition monitoring
Sludge Measurement
To support storage tank sludge depth measurement programs
How It Works
Thermal Survey
Certified thermography technicians scan the tank exterior using FLIR infrared cameras to detect temperature differentials across the tank shell.
Pattern Analysis
Thermal patterns reveal where solids have accumulated. Settled sludge retains and releases heat differently than liquid product or water.
Level Identification
The thermal boundary between settled material and liquid is identified and mapped around the tank circumference.
Reporting
Results are documented with annotated thermal images and interpretation notes, highlighting sludge level location, distribution trends, and recommended access points for follow-on services.
"The thermal imaging showed us exactly where the sludge had built up—we knew what we were dealing with before we ever opened the tank."
- Operations Manager
Questions We Get Often
What does Tank Thermography reveal?
Tank Thermography reveals internal distribution of materials by detecting temperature differences. It identifies sludge level location, solid and liquid interfaces, and areas of stratification visible on the tank shell.
How is the data collected?
Data is collected externally using FLIR infrared cameras operated by certified thermography technicians. The camera measures infrared radiation emitted by the tank shell, which reflects the thermal properties of the material inside.
Does thermography disrupt tank operations?
No. Thermography is non-invasive and performed while the tank remains in service. No confined space entry, process interruption, or isolation is typically required.
Can this be performed on full or partially full tanks?
Thermography is most effective when tanks contain product, as thermal contrast between liquid and settled solids is required. It can be performed at various fill levels when sufficient temperature differential exists.
How accurate is thermography?
Thermography can identify sludge level location on the tank shell within a few inches under favorable conditions. It does not measure floor accumulation or total volume on its own.
Can thermography be used on full or partially full tanks?
Thermography is most effective when tanks contain product, as thermal contrast between liquid and settled solids is required. It can be performed at various fill levels when sufficient temperature differential exists.
How does this support operations teams?
Operations teams gain early visibility into tank conditions without scheduling an outage, supporting better maintenance planning and sequencing of assessment activities.
What does the final deliverable include?
The deliverable includes annotated thermal images and interpretation notes. These results are incorporated into TankScope reporting and Tank Profiling outputs.