With decades of experience in the tank inspection industry and a legacy rooted in API 653 education, John Cornell, President of H.I.R. Technical Services, is a reference point in the field of inspection services for tanks. His company, has evolved from offering training programs to becoming a key player in technical investigations and regulatory compliance for aboveground storage tanks (AST) under API regulations. In a recent interview, Cornell shares his views on the shifting industry landscape, the challenges of workforce renewal, and the rise of bolted tanks.
From training to technical investigation
H.I.R. Technical Services was founded in 2005 with a strong focus on training professionals in the application of API standards. At the time, industry practices around inspection of storage tanks were still evolving, and structured frameworks like API 653 were gaining traction. As the standard matured and became the global benchmark for aboveground storage tank inspections, H.I.R. adapted its offerings accordingly.
The key role of API 653 in modern inspections
The adoption of API 653 marked a turning point, not only for the industry but also for H.I.R.’s strategic direction. The company expanded from offering purely educational programs to becoming actively involved in technical inspections, failure investigations, and compliance consulting. Today, the standard’s emphasis on thorough, certified inspections, both internal and external, has become the foundation of H.I.R.’s work.
Aboveground vs. underground tanks
The distinction between aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and underground storage tanks (USTs) extends beyond location. Regulatory frameworks, safety protocols, and inspection accessibility differ greatly.
- Regulatory oversight: ASTs are typically subject to stricter, more frequent inspections based on standards. USTs, in many cases, operate under older or less-enforced regulations, allowing some to remain in service for decades without internal inspection.
- Accessibility: ASTs offer easier access for both external and internal inspections. USTs, by contrast, require entry into confined spaces, which complicates routine maintenance and increases safety risks.
- Inspection history and documentation: ASTs are more likely to have consistent inspection records due to standardized procedures. Many USTs lack complete historical data, increasing uncertainty and liability for operators.
- Corrosion risks: USTs are subject to soil-related corrosion challenges that differ from those faced by ASTs exposed to atmospheric conditions. Each requires distinct protective strategies.
Why work aboveground is preferred?
According to John Cornell, there’s also a human factor in the preference for AST work, because entering underground tanks demands not only specialized training but also a specific mindset. The confined, isolated nature of USTs can induce claustrophobia or anxiety, deterring many professionals from this type of inspection.
Aboveground tanks provide a more open and accessible work environment, which naturally attracts more inspectors. Combined with clearer regulations and less invasive entry procedures, this makes AST inspections the preferred route for many professionals.
Education and training: Pillars of an API inspector
Cornell observes a trend where individuals with only a high school diploma are entering the field and finding success. With the right training, these professionals can earn competitive salaries without pursuing a college degree. This opens the door to a new generation of inspectors who might otherwise be excluded from technical careers.
While entry barriers may be low in terms of academic credentials, the profession demands rigorous certification. API regulations require inspectors to be trained not just in theory but in the application of non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques like x-ray and magnetic particle analysis. This ensures that inspections are legally sound and technically valid.
Technology and standards: The future of inspection
While new technologies continue to emerge, traditional non-destructive testing (NDT) tools such as radiography (X-ray), magnetic particle testing (MT), and ultrasonic testing (UT) remain. These methods have proven their reliability over decades and are still widely used for detecting flaws in welds, tank walls, and structural components.
In fact, advanced inspection tools have long been part of the industry, but their use is now governed by tighter regulations and inspectors must be certified in each method they use, ensuring consistency and reliability. Today’s inspections are far more than visual walkthroughs, they involve in-depth assessments backed by documented procedures and legally recognized protocols. As a result, tank owners gain not only peace of mind but also a defensible record of compliance.
Workforce crisis: A future without qualified replacements
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by Cornell is the aging workforce, since many experienced inspectors are approaching retirement, yet few young professionals are entering the field. This imbalance threatens the industry’s ability to maintain safety and compliance standards in the coming decade.
The root causes are multifaceted, from the lack of apprenticeship programs to the reduced corporate investment in employee training, and also the petroleum industry’s public image. Without proactive outreach and structured pathways for new entrants, the shortage will only deepen.
Bolted tanks: The ideal alternative?
In recent years, bolted tanks have gained considerable traction as a preferred solution for modern storage infrastructure. Their modular design, ease of transportation, and shorter assembly times make them particularly attractive for industries requiring fast, scalable deployment. These tanks are increasingly used in applications ranging from water storage to petrochemical containment.
H.I.R. Technical Services has positioned itself as a leading technical authority in this growing sector. Leveraging its inspection expertise, the company now supports a wide range of bolted tank projects, providing guidance on design compliance, inspection protocols, and long-term integrity management.
Misinformation and lack of industrial representation
Despite their advantages, bolted tanks remain underrepresented in industry discussions and trade events. As noted by John Cornell, some major conferences feature only one vendor addressing this technology, often reselling another brand’s product. This lack of direct representation results in limited education and awareness for decision-makers.
Many operators are unfamiliar with the performance capabilities, inspection requirements, and regulatory pathways specific to bolted tanks. This knowledge gap can lead to hesitation when evaluating them against traditional welded tanks, despite comparable benefits in cost and flexibility.
As the industry continues to evolve, increasing the visibility and understanding of bolted tank systems will be essential for informed decision-making and optimized infrastructure planning.
Conclusion: The road ahead for tank inspection
As the storage tank inspection industry evolves, companies like H.I.R. Technical Services are leading the charge by combining education, certification, and field expertise. John Cornell’s insights reveal a sector in transition, facing labor shortages, navigating regulatory complexities, and embracing new technologies.
The key to future stability lies in attracting and training a new generation of inspectors, promoting the legitimacy of alternatives like bolted tanks, and maintaining rigorous adherence to standards such as API 653. Without these steps, the industry risks falling behind in its mission to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound storage solutions.
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Source: Inspenet.