One critical responsibility facility managers and operators must face is maintaining the integrity and safety of industrial storage tanks. Sometimes, large vessels require periodic inspection to ascertain the emergence of any potential issue that could turn out to be serious.
It is essential in this regard to use a tank inspection camera, a specialized video camera system designed to capture detailed visual data from the interior of tanks and other confined spaces.
Tank inspection needs the right camera to ensure that inspections are complete, effective, and safe. The large number of models, with their unique features offered on the market, requires comprehension of significant capabilities that define an excellent tank inspection solution.
Within this comprehensive guide, we examine five essential features to focus on when choosing a tank inspection camera for your facility.
1. High-Resolution Imaging
The primary function of the tank inspection camera is to deliver a clear, well-detailed visual recording of the internal condition of a storage tank. In this respect, the imaging capability of the camera is the most crucial consideration.
High-resolution image quality is needed for identifying specific problems accurately, such as but not limited to cracks, corrosion, and sedimentation issues. At the minimum, HD video recording at 1080p resolution or better is a feature that a tank inspection camera should have to ensure small features are reviewable and analyzable for detailed review and analysis.
Indeed, many new models boast 4K, even 8K resolution, for this purpose, providing greater clarity and detail. Basic key specifications include sensor resolution, optical zoom, and image stabilization, all contributing to the overall performance of the camera’s imaging.
Besides high-resolution cameras, other areas, like the lens and optics, may affect image quality. Low-distortion wide-angle lenses, auto-focus, and adjustable brightness/contrast features put the camera in the right place for comprehensive, sharp footage under the challenging conditions of tanks.
2. Waterproof and Durable Build
The camera construction should be waterproof and durable. The camera shall survive complete submersion in liquids without water ingress using all cables connected.
Standard waterproof ratings for tank inspection cameras can range from IP67 to IP68. Hardier ones are rated for full submersions down to depths of 30 meters or more. The mere fact of this waterproofing is critical against the especially harsh, corrosive environments found inside storage tanks.
3. Flexible or Articulating Camera Head
Some storage tanks have somewhat significantly different inner configurations and entry points; others may require the camera to negotiate sharp turns through narrow passages to reach areas of interest. This, by necessity, involves a flexible or articulating camera head that provides the required flexibility and maneuverability.
Articulating camera heads allow independent rotation, tilt, and swivel of the lens and imaging sensor from the camera body. This gives the operator enormous flexibility in managing the camera’s field of view and the ability of the user to inspect even the most inaccessible areas of a tank. While there are designs with full 360-degree panning and tilt ranges, others may be fitted with more limited articulation capabilities.
Another design implements flexible camera “gooseneck” designs, which include a malleable, semi-rigid section between the camera body and the lens. Then, the camera head can be manually bent and shaped by the operator to access areas or around certain obstacles.
4. Powerful Lighting
Adequate lighting is crucial for obtaining precise, high-quality imagery during tank inspections. The interior of storage tanks is often dark, dimly lit, and devoid of natural light – conditions that can significantly degrade the camera’s imaging performance.
Tank inspection cameras should have robust, integrated LED lighting systems to illuminate the interior. High-intensity LED lights provide bright, even illumination that enables the camera to capture detailed, well-exposed footage, even in the most challenging low-light environments.
Key lighting specifications include lumens output, adjustable brightness, beam angle, and color temperature. Higher lumen ratings indicate brighter, more powerful lighting, while adjustable brightness allows the operator to optimize illumination for specific tank conditions.
Wider beam angles provide broader coverage, and warmer color temperatures (2700K-4000K) can enhance visual clarity.
5. Long Cable Length and Remote Control
The physical size and layout of storage tanks can vary greatly, requiring the tank inspection camera to have sufficient cable length and remote control capabilities to access and navigate the entire interior space effectively.
Long camera cable lengths, typically 30 to 100 meters or more, ensure the operator can position the camera at the desired location within the tank without being limited by cable reach. This flexibility is crucial for inspecting the full height and volume of large, tall storage vessels.
In addition to cable length, remote control functionality is another important feature that enhances the usability and effectiveness of tank inspection cameras.
Remote controls allow the operator to adjust key camera settings and functions from a safe distance outside the tank, including zooming, panning, tilting, rotating the camera head, adjusting lighting brightness, and capturing photos and video footage.
This remote control capability eliminates the need for the operator to enter the tank and manually manipulate the camera, improving safety and efficiency. It also enables the camera to be positioned in areas that may be difficult or dangerous for a person to access directly.
Conclusion
Selecting the right tank inspection camera is essential for ensuring industrial storage tanks’ safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
By prioritizing key features like high-resolution imaging, waterproof and durable construction, flexible camera heads, powerful lighting, and extended cable lengths with remote control, facility managers and operators can invest in a camera solution that delivers thorough, reliable, and cost-effective tank inspections.
