Ensuring Safety and Efficiency: Cleaning Frac Tanks

Cleaning a frac tank, a confined space used for storing liquids in agricultural operations, is a task that demands meticulous planning and strict adherence to safety protocols, especially given the hazardous nature of the materials often contained within.

“Before using a frac tank for the first time, evaluate the material,” said Tom Stevenson, CEO of Geneva Equipment. “To hold fertilizer or diesel fuel, it needs proper venting and should be grounded to avoid static electricity.”

The initial step in cleaning a frac tank before its first use involves ensuring the tank is completely empty. Residues often remain, and must be removed with specialized equipment like a vacuum tank or pump, along with a high-pressure water blaster, to dislodge and evacuate solids and sludge.

Entering a frac tank for cleaning requires stringent safety measures, including using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) - especially respirators - and implementing a buddy system, with one person outside while another is inside the tank, for constant monitoring.

Once the tank has been thoroughly washed and inspected, it’s ready for its next deployment. Important safety precautions during this process include securing all manways and valves to prevent leaks, using spill berms for secondary containment, placing locks on butterfly valves, adhering to confined space entry (CSE) protocols, grounding the tank to avoid static electricity hazards, and ensuring the tank is not moved while loaded.

Meticulous inspection before a frac tank is considered ready for sale or reuse is paramount. “To prep for the sale of a frac tank, we follow a thorough checklist,” said Stevenson. “This includes checking brakes, lights, tires, gaskets, and valves, and we check for cracks or leaks. Once delivered, the tank mustn’t be dropped on the ground; a pad with large rocks or sharp concrete edges can punch a hole in the tank.”

This comprehensive approach ensures the tank is in optimal condition, highlighting Geneva Equipment’s commitment to safety and reliability.

For more information, call Geneva Equipment today at (855) 201-7193!

Geneva Equipment

301 Civic Rd.

LaSalle, IL 61301

Ph: (855) 201-7193

www.genevaequipment.com