GRP Plasticorr has chosen Gerotto Robotics’ technology Lombrico FTC for an underground tank cleaning project in Hungary.
Lombrico FTC – a tank-based ATEX zone 0 robot weighing less than 130kg – is engineered to enter up to 400mm manhole and designed to perform tank cleaning duties in underground tanks/ It has a movable arm with three rotating eater nozzles that can pump water with an adjustable flow rate of 8-60L/m at 5-200bar.
Typically, tank cleaning is done manually, however this exposes workers to high-risk accidents. Using robotic technology stops the need for personnel to extensively prep and ventilate the tank before work begins; physically enter the tank; use breathing protection and continuous gas monitoring; and mechanically and manually remove residue. As a result, the work is safer and tank cleaning time can be reduced from 1.5 hours to 1 hour, enabling faster downstream times.
Kajtár Máté, CEO of GRP Plasticorr, states: ‘We work in a very narrow industry, where, based on my experience, it is difficult to find partners with whom we do not immediately become competitors, but with whom we can work together on future projects. With Gerotto, however, we immediately had a good fit and to this day we are able to work together in a way that is future-proof and pays off for both parties in the long term. Our goal is common, which is to make this dangerous industry as safe as possible while continuing to deliver quality work. If we use automation and digitalisation for good in this way, then I am proud to lead GRP in this direction in the future and I believe that this is the right strategy.’
