Acoustic Emission noise sources during storage tank floor corrosion tests

摘要

Active corrosion on storage tank floors gives rise to acoustic emission. The acoustic emission may be detected from the outside of the tank wall while the tank is full of product. The data can be interpreted to evaluate the extent of corrosion on the tank floor and this information can assist in the decision to defer entry or to schedule an internal inspection. This study looks at common noise sources commonly present during these surveys and how to identify them. The most common problem with acoustic emission tank floor testing is the unidentified noise in the data contributing to an inaccurate result. EN 15856:2010 'General principles of AE testing for detection of corrosion within metallic surrounding filled with liquid', is applicable to metallic storage tanks but here is very little content about noise sources. A good knowledge of common noise sources can allow testing in noisy environments with accurate results.