DIXON performs a Maintenance Inspection (MI) on all tanks in order to review:

• Coating performance
• Structural damage
• OSHA standards and EPA health requirements
• Need for cathodic protection

DIXON will first clean the interior surfaces in order to expedite the MI. Once the inspection is complete, the owner is made fully aware of the interior and exterior coating systems, the expected life, and any environmental concerns. If repairs are necessary, the inspection will evaluate the cost of removal, collection, disposal and recoating, establish a recommended date of work, and itemize all repairs to the tank. DIXON will provide the owner with a detailed report of the inspection.

High Pressure Cleaning

DIXON recommends high pressure cleaning during the MI to remove all the collected mud on the tank in order to detect any deterioration of the steel, and also to perform an accurate adhesion test on the remaining coating. A high pressure water source from a community fire truck or a portable pump will do the job. DIXON recommends using a hose with an adjustable nozzle for fog or a straight stream that has a 30 gallons per minute capacity.

After high pressure cleaning, DIXON provides a detailed report including photographs, budget estimates, and a Field Inspection Report (FIR), which informs contractors about the dimensions and conditions.

Chlorination

After the MI is complete, DIXON chlorinates the tank per AWWA D652 method 3. After acceptable bacteriological results are obtained.

Environmental Concerns

The quality of the existing coating and recoatability is measured against new OSHA lead standards and containment requirements; therefore, coating samples are collected to determine possible environmental concerns. Due to the cost on particular projects, DIXON recommends the owner's engineer evaluate replacement versus repair.

General Recommendations

• Inspection Date: DIXON will arrange a date of inspection that is mutually agreeable. The tower will be out of service from the day it is drained, until chlorination and testing; approximately four days.
• Inspection Duration: DIXON performs an entire inspection within one day unless an excessive amount of mud is discovered.
• Sampling Tap: DIXON recommends installing a sampling tap if the tank does not have one.
• Pressure Relief Valves: Dixon can provide pressure relief valves to assist systems with only one tank in regulating pressures while the tank is out of service.