Meeting the future of tank cleaning

Well Services Group explains why there is space in the market for conventional cleaning methods as well as reduced or non-person entry alternatives the world of product storage is ever changing with the introduction of new fuels and technology. Yet the methodology to clean a tank or process vessel has stayed relatively unchanged for many years, i.e., transfer of products, de-sludge and process, jet cleaning and surface preparation followed by final inspection. The use of reduced or non-person entry systems and the role for robotics is becoming seen as a credible alternative to conventional cleaning. These systems reduce personnel interfacing with the work scope in what is typically classified as high risk confined spaces containing various hazards. Within the tank storage sector, the necessary balance is a combination of technology with proven conventional cleaning methods, which when carried out by skilled, highly trained, competent personnel does allow onsite adaptation to everchanging and evolving work faces and the unexpected situations presented when entering the tank environment.   Conventional versus new technology Sam Snaith, operations director at WSG...