Image Analysis Based Acoustics Approach for Tank Floor Condition Evaluation.

An experimental program was conducted to develop a methodology to evaluate the floor condition of the aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). The proposed methodology applies image analysis to the data captured during acoustic emission (AE) monitoring conducted to assess corrosion activity on the AST floor. AE characteristics and source localization were dynamically monitored during normal AST operation. Based on geometric features of the corrosion-related AE activity map on the AST floor, a box count method was used to determine fractal dimension. The remaining thickness of the AST floor is determined relative to its thickness at fabrication as a function of AE activity intensity, which in-turn is used to estimate the total floor material loss due to corrosion. The results showed that fractal dimension values of the corroded AST floor fit well to corresponding values of material loss and therefore each can be used in conjunction with AE parameters to generate a corrosion risk index. The study provides a new approach for AE data analysis to establishing a cost-effective maintenance strategy for AST owners based on risk probability to conduct operation shut down and repairs on time before hazardous situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]