Why do facility owners stress over tank cleaning projects? Because tanks and tank cleaning are considered “black hole” or “great unknown” projects. RJ Maclean removes the mystery behind the great unknowns in tank cleaning. In fact, over 90 percent of our projects are completed ahead of schedule.
It all starts with tank scoping and assessment.
Scoping the Tank
RJ Maclean understands that all tanks are not created equally. We strive to understand the specific service of your tank and how that impacts the sludge buildup and deposition trends inside your tank.
Tanks are rigorously assessed prior to submission of a plan for cleaning. Process tanks, for instance, may require maintenance on a much more frequent basis than straight storage tanks. Conversely, straight storage tanks if they are changing material contents regularly, may require multiple cleanings per year. RJ Maclean endeavors to understand these utilization parameters and develop appropriate cleaning programs.
Detailed questionnaires are provided to our clients to collect as much initial data on the tank’s physical characteristics as well as the material of its contents. Modeling allows us to determine precipitation rates of sludge over specified time periods and gives us a simple idea of what to expect in each tank.
Thermographic scoping of tanks allows us to verify the areas of deposit buildup in the tank. However, this only accounts for the build-up of sludgy material on the perimeter of the tank. Thermographic readings only provide information about sludge deposition on or close to the tank shell. They do however, reinforce assumptions as to the sludge deposition patterns.
Assessment via Sampling
RJ Maclean has developed patented sampling techniques that allow for us to extract samples from well inside the tank shell. In most cases, samples can be taken from 10 to 60 feet from the shell along the bottom of the tank.
This allows us to extract samples that are representative of the worst sludge deposits in the tank. Based on the samples and the flow patterns of the tanks, we can determine — within a relatively good measure — the volume and location of the sludge deposits.
After that, the extracted samples are taken to our lab. There, analysis and experimentation occurs to determine the nature and consistency of the sludge, the impact of the contained liquids in the tank on the sludge, and the impact of other diluents that could be employed in the tank cleaning process.
The Result: Efficient and Cost-Effective Tank Cleaning
From this survey information and analysis, we are able to develop processes that are both predictable and within the clients set operational parameters. These results are shared and discussed with our clients to ensure that we have a safe and efficient plan going forward.
By understanding the nature, consistency and volumes of sludge, we are able to develop processes that allow our systems to complete projects within specified durations. That’s what makes RJ Maclean the best choice when you need a job finished on time and on budget.
Contact RJ Maclean today to get started with the tank scoping and assessment process.