Seeing the Invisible: Revolutionizing UST Management with TankCam Technology
By Steve Couillard
Gas station owners across Canada know that underground storage tanks (USTs) are the lifeline of their business. They also know the stakes are high when it comes to managing them.
A hidden leak or structural issue can escalate into catastrophic financial and environmental consequences. This is where the revolutionary TankCam inspection service comes in. It offers the ability to see inside your USTs without removing fuel, breaking concrete, or risking human entry. In an industry where even, minor oversights can lead to disaster, TankCam transforms how owners manage, maintain, and future-proof their tanks.
A Game-Changer in UST Inspections
Traditional UST inspections rely on external evaluations or guesswork to identify problems. While these methods have their place, they fall short of providing a clear, visual understanding of what’s happening inside the tank. TankCam changes the game by using advanced remote video technology to deliver high-definition visuwals of your tank’s interior. This approach enables operators to identify potential problems like corrosion, cracking, blistering, or residual debris – all of which can compromise fuel quality and tank integrity.
Imagine discovering minor cracks in your tanks – cracks that, if left unchecked, could result in a leak contaminating the surrounding soil. With TankCam, this risk becomes a reality you can address. Many operators who believed their tanks were in good condition identified small but critical issues during a TankCam inspection, enabling them to act before problems worsened. Even a five-year-old tank isn’t immune to these hidden flaws – we’ve seen it!
The Power of Clarity
The most compelling aspect of TankCam technology is its ability to deliver crystal-clear information. The system captures every corner of a UST, providing operators with a full visual record. This clarity empowers owners to make informed decisions – whether that means scheduling a repair, cleaning the tank, or monitoring specific areas over time.
TankCam inspections also generate detailed reports that include high-resolution images and videos. These records are invaluable not only for immediate action but also for creating a maintenance history that can be referenced for compliance audits, equipment upgrades, or insurance claims.
A Cost-Efficient Alternative
TankCam’s effectiveness doesn’t come with the hefty price tag of traditional methods. Uncovering tank tops or draining them for internal inspection is costly, disruptive, and time-consuming. TankCam eliminates these steps, operating through standard riser openings without the need for excavation or fuel removal. This saves operators thousands of dollars in labour and downtime while eliminating the need for man-entry.
One Canadian retailer discovered during a TankCam inspection that their aging fiberglass UST had developed hairline cracks near the bottom. Addressing the issue promptly cost a fraction of what a full tank replacement would have been. The ability to spot issues early translates into substantial savings and operational continuity.
Keeping Aging Infrastructure in Check
Across Canada, many gas stations are running on infrastructure that dates back decades. Fiberglass USTs, popular since the 1980s and 90s, are now reaching the upper limits of their life expectancy. Cracks, blisters, and deformations in these tanks often develop slowly and go unnoticed—until a leak occurs. TankCam is uniquely suited to assess these aging tanks, offering a clear picture of their condition and providing operators with actionable insights.
By leveraging TankCam inspections, operators can evaluate the state of their tanks with precision, prioritize maintenance, and allocate resources efficiently. This approach ensures long-term reliability while avoiding unnecessary expenditures on infrastructure still within its usable life.
By leveraging TankCam inspections, operators can precisely evaluate tank conditions, prioritize maintenance, and allocate resources efficiently. This ensures long-term reliability and avoids unnecessary costs. With aging assets, TankCam helps identify which tanks need upgrades first, eliminating guesswork and enabling smart decisions.
Practical Applications for Everyday Operations
TankCam’s versatility extends beyond leak detection. It is equally effective for verifying tank conditions after cleaning, pinpointing the source of failed tightness tests, locating unused riser openings, or ensuring overfill protection compliance. These additional applications make TankCam an invaluable tool for operators seeking to optimize their UST management practices.
During one inspection in Quebec, TankCam identified debris left in the tank after a cleaning job. The ability to catch such oversights ensures that tanks are not only compliant but also operating at peak efficiency.
Conclusion: Embrace the Future of UST Management
The TankCam inspection service offers a powerful combination of precision, cost-efficiency, and actionable insights. It empowers gas station owners to address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring their tanks remain safe, compliant, and operational. For an industry that thrives on reliability, embracing TankCam is not just a smart decision – it’s a necessary step toward a sustainable and profitable future.
As a gas station owner, ask yourself: Can you afford not to see what’s happening inside your tanks? With TankCam, you no longer take that risk. It’s time to trade uncertainty for clarity and turn potential problems into manageable solutions. Reach out to learn how TankCam can redefine the way you manage your USTs and safeguard your business for years to come.
Steve Couillard is the sales and marketing coordinator at Englobe and can be reached at FMSales@EnglobeCorp.com
