Robotic Rover Tank Cleaning

Vertex’s client had requested a complete internal tank cleaning . Upon initiating the cleaning process, it became evident that the tank emitted dangerously high levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These VOCs posed a significant risk to workers entering the tank, complicating efforts to maintain safe working conditions for confined space entry.

KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED:

• High VOC Emissions: Significant off-gassing during cleaning, leading to elevated VOC levels.
• Safety Concerns: High VOCs created hazardous conditions for tank entry.
• Ventilation Challenges: Frequent depletion of organic media scrubbers due to high VOC levels.
• Cost Implications: Substantial daily accrued costs from replacing scrubber cartridges.

1. Non-Man Entry Robotic Rover: Utilized our Robotic Rover (track machine) to debulk the tank, eliminating the need for personnel entry and ventilation, thus preventing the depletion of scrubber cartridges.
2. Advanced Ventilation System: Deployed advanced ventilation systems for phases requiring human entry to efficiently capture and treat high VOC emissions.
3. Enhanced Safety Protocols: Continuous air quality monitoring and strict adherence to confined space entry procedures.
4. Cost-Effective Measures: Introduced alternatives for VOC treatment and optimized robotic tank cleaning to reduce operational expenses

1. Improved Safety: The use of the Robotic Rover reduced the amount of time personnel spent inside the hazardous environment. Advanced ventilation systems ensured a safer working environment by reducing high VOC risks when man entry was required.
2. Operational Efficiency: The Robotic Rover and optimized procedures enhanced cleaning efficiency, reduced downtime, and lowered overall costs.
3. Financial Savings: Eliminating the need for frequent scrubber cartridge replacement amounted to significant savings. Robotic cleaning reduced the amount of personnel required onsite, reducing overall project labour costs.

CONCLUSION:
Through a strategic combination of advanced technologies, enhanced safety protocols, and optimized procedures, we successfully addressed the challenges posed by high VOC levels during the tank cleaning process, delivering a safe, efficient, and cost-effective solution for our client. Vertex’s robotic cleaning solution resulted in significant cost savings and operational efficiencies for our client.