American Welding & Tank, LLC Issues Statement Regarding Maintenance of Anhydrous Ammonia Tanks

MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ — American Welding & Tank, North America’s leading provider of anhydrous ammonia storage tanks, issued the following statement in response to a recent announcement by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship:

At American Welding & Tank, customer safety is a primary concern. The company has always worked, and will continue to work, with customers to minimize any safety risk using and maintaining anhydrous ammonia storage tanks and to quickly and effectively respond to any issues. Because of the corrosive nature of anhydrous ammonia and general wear and tear on equipment, customers should regularly inspect tanks and related equipment for any sign of damage, wear, or leak.

American Welding & Tank values its customers and recommends they continue to observe industry best practices by following this protocol to ensure leaks are immediately detected and treated:

• Make sure tanks are properly secured at all times, including during transport.
• Inspect tanks daily, before and after use, for signs of a leak or any other damage.
• If there is a leak, users will notice a foggy discharge. If you see a foggy discharge, step away from the tank and contact your equipment supplier who will contact the manufacturer of the tank or equipment. You may also contact American Welding & Tank directly at 866-431-8288 if it is an AWT tank
• Anhydrous ammonia has a sharp, irritating, pungent odor that acts as a warning of potentially dangerous exposure. Leaks should be easily detected. If you notice this odor, step away from the tank and contact your equipment supplier who will contact the manufacturer of the tank or equipment. You may also contact American Welding & Tank directly at 866-431-8288 if it is an AWT tank
• Because anhydrous ammonia is stored under pressure, ice often forms at or around the area of the leak. If you notice a small patch of ice on the outside of your tank, step away from the tank and contact your equipment supplier who will contact the manufacturer of the tank or equipment. You may also contact American Welding & Tank directly at 866-431-8288 if it is an AWT tank
• Customers should not attempt to repair leaks themselves because weld repairs must be completed by an authorized repair facility. American Welding & Tank will repair weld issues at no cost to the customer for AWT tanks manufactured within the last three years, in accordance with our extended warranty policy.
• Tanks designed and manufactured to store anhydrous ammonia are clearly labeled on the data plate as “Type NH3″. Customers should not use tanks designed for other purposes to store anhydrous ammonia. Any customer doing so should immediately contact their equipment dealer to arrange for the appropriate tank.

American Welding & Tank is not aware of any incidents of serious injury sustained through a pinhole leak of anhydrous ammonia involving one of the company’s tanks. Additionally, the company is unaware of any instance in which pinhole leaks led to a rupture or larger release of anhydrous ammonia.

American Welding & Tank is proud of the excellent safety record of its anhydrous ammonia tanks and wants to ensure years of continued safe use of its products. Customers with questions about these and other American Welding & Tank products should contact 866-431-8288.

SOURCE American Welding & Tank, LLC