As someone in the oil industry, you probably already know the importance of underground storage tanks and the responsibility they come with. Regular maintenance, inspections, and following industry regulations are all part of managing these tanks. However, underground leaks, which can pose serious environmental and public health risks, are a real concern.
The problem is that underground leaks aren’t easy to spot. Being out of sight, tanks don’t show obvious signs of damage. Therefore, having a leak detection system, such as one of the reliable OMNTEC, is important. An OMNTEC tank monitoring system helps detect leaks early and address potential problems before they escalate.
But before we look at how these systems work, it helps to understand why leaks usually happen in the first place.
What Causes Underground Storage Tank Leaks?
Underground storage tanks are exposed to conditions that can affect their structure over time. For instance, one of the most common causes of leaks is corrosion. The tank’s material can gradually deteriorate due to moisture, the chemical makeup of the stored material and the pH level of the surrounding soil. If the protective coating becomes damaged, corrosion can develop more quickly.
Another common cause of leaks is poor installation. Incorrect installation can leave tanks vulnerable to ground movement, impact and vibration. Neglecting regular inspections can make matters worse. Small cracks, worn connections and damaged components may go unnoticed until they cause a leak. Other causes include physical damage from construction work and heavy vehicles, as well as human error during the handling and transport of the stored materials.
Why Does Leak Detection Matter?
By the time someone notices a problem, fuel may have already reached the surrounding soil or groundwater. This can affect nearby ecosystems and pose health risks if contamination spreads to water sources. There’s also the financial side to consider as lost product means lost money.
How to Prevent Leaks?
As already mentioned, underground storage tank leaks are difficult to spot, but that doesn’t mean they have to go unnoticed. Regular inspections ensure tanks and piping are in good condition and meet regulatory standards. Switching to double-walled tanks or tanks with corrosion-resistant materials can reduce the risk of leaks.
Next, partnering with experts ensures tanks are installed, removed, and serviced in compliance with industry standards and environmental regulations. Advanced electronic monitoring adds another layer of protection by detecting unusual changes.
Why Consider OMNTEC?
When comparing electronic monitoring and leak detection systems for your site, OMNTEC is one brand worth considering. This company combines proven electro-optic technology with innovations in design and manufacturing. Their solutions can detect leaks and anomalies and alert the user instantly. Plus, they’re easy to install and use.
With its advanced technology and enhanced features, the OMNTEC PROTEUS-K system brings several monitoring functions together. It can track product levels, water levels, temperature and leaks across up to eight tanks at the same time, and it supports up to 16 Bright Eye (BX Series) leak detection sensors.
One feature that makes this system stand out is its self-identifying sensors. Each Bright Eye sensor has a built-in microprocessor. This allows it to recognize its own serial number, part number and function. It can identify its location within the monitoring setup too.
You might ask why this matters. If a sensor detects liquid, the system can display its location alongside the alarm. Operators don’t have to work out which sensor has triggered the warning. They can see where the problem has been detected and investigate the area.
The sensors also use four-wire bus technology. This allows multiple sensors to connect to the main controller through a shared cable arrangement. They can be tested remotely as well, through the system’s touchscreen. This makes routine checks more straightforward.
Another advantage is that operators can monitor several tanks from one place. The PROTEUS-K has a seven-inch colour touchscreen that displays tank readings and alarm conditions. Additionally, it includes a built-in web server and VPN capability. Email and text notifications are available too. These features give operators more ways to access monitoring information and stay informed when something needs attention.
Making Leak Detection Part of Your Maintenance Plan
Once you’ve chosen an OMNTEC PROTEUS-K system, consider how it will fit into your existing tank monitoring setup. First, assess how many tanks you need to monitor, where the Bright Eye sensors should be positioned and which communication options suit your site. The PROTEUS-K supports optional Modbus RTU and TCP upgrades, allowing it to communicate with other monitoring and control equipment.
After installation, operators can use the built-in web server and VPN capability to access system information remotely. Email and text alerts help keep relevant staff informed when an alarm is triggered.
Include these notifications in your response procedures so the right people know when to investigate. It’s worth discussing installation and configuration with your equipment supplier to ensure the system meets your site’s monitoring requirements. Regularly reviewing its settings and software updates will help keep the system aligned with your operational needs.
