Heartland Tank Services has spearheaded a new way to monitor tank health to decrease labor needs and increase accuracy in managing the assets.
The Leak Detection System is a first of its kind system and is available for installation on all tanks with internal liners.
Chris Brooks, president of Heartland Tank Services, says the technology introduction is an extension of how “we are the best in the business in the fertilizer industry,” he says. “This is a significant introduction. It will allow tank owners as well as Heartland Tank Services to instantaneously detect and know about any leaks.”
Save Time And Money
The technology is able to remotely monitor and differentiate between condensation or an issue with a product leaking.
The sensor is installed on the 1” ball valve connected to the leak detection port, and up to four sensors can be installed on the tank connected to one control box. Notifications are sent wirelessly via email or email alerts. Heartland Tank Services also provides 24/7 leak monitoring on a subscription basis.
“We want to live up to our motto---complete tank services,” says Sal Villagran, general manager of Heartland Tank Services. “And the Leak Detection System allows the customer to be ahead of the curve—and allows us to best serve them.”
Ruggedized and Reliable
The team at Heartland Tank Services has been working on the leak detection system since 2017. The final product includes a weather-proof and lockable controller box.
In testing, the team ran three scenarios:
- Tank 1: 0% condensation, 0 prior leaks
- Tank 2: known condensation
- Tank 3: known liner issue
“We connected those three tanks to the leak detection system, and we got accurate readings on each immediately—just like you’d expect,” Villagran says.
Stewardship and Protection
Villagran notes the new leak detection system helps with daily tank management as well as timely response to any leaks.
“The quicker we know there’s an issue, the quicker we can react,” he says. “The longer a issue persists, the greater chance for a product to cause corrosion between the liner and tank. This could extend the longevity of a tank—so no hidden product is causing corrosion to the steel.”
Brooks also notes the company has heard from state regulators who are recognizing the effectiveness of a system such as this in ensuring tanks are being properly maintained, which could lead to eliminating the need to manually check tanks daily or twice a day.
Due to its accuracy and timeliness, the leak detection system can increase a tank owner’s overall product stewardship.
“We have customers who are really looking hard at sustainability and what it means for their business and how they are involved in their community,” Brooks says. “This system means they know their tanks don’t have a leak.”
More Data-Driven Products to Come
Heartland Tank Services can help tank owners with data management—which starts from tank erection to present day. This tracks every sensor alert over the lifetime of a tank.
This includes using a sensor system with high level alerts to avoid overfilling tanks.
Brooks shares he expects 40% of new tanks being quoted now to integrate the Leak Detection System. The system can also be retrofitted on existing liner and double steel wall tanks.
