In order to remove heavy sludges, most tank cleaning companies will cut a door sheet into your tank shell. Yes, you read that right. They will produce a hole in your tank where one did not previously exist, sacrificing tank integrity to make their job a little bit easier.
The approach we use at RJ Maclean avoids this entirely — no extra holes required.
Here’s how it works.
Nozzle Access
Most of the operations for debugging tags can be achieved through existing nozzles on the tank. Our automated systems and processes allow us to access tank internals through anywhere from 4- to 24-inch available nozzles.
Once we’re in, tanks can be debulked of solids and sludge material using our blending and slurrying tools. These tools have the ability to inject diluent, recycle fluids, and discharge solutions either as independent functions or as a simultaneous process. In most cases, they also allow us to draw sludge levels down to the bottom of the lowest available discharge port.
Proprietary Robotics
For removal of the remaining heavy debris in the tank, we utilize our robotic equipment, which can be inserted through a 24-inch manway. Our robotics enable us to move the tank’s extraction point to virtually any point on the tank floor, increasing the efficiency of the extraction process.
The mobility of our robotic tools also allows for the injection of high-pressure or high-flow liquid/diluents to specific targets inside the tank. All of this occurs while the tank is kept completely sealed off from the outside world.
These tools can also be used to neutralize toxic and explosive environments inside the tank prior to the first break on the vessel. All these capabilities allow safer and more efficient approaches in reaching the fine cleaning phase of the tank project.
Tank Integrity and Cost Savings
RJ Maclean believes it isn’t necessary to affect the structural integrity of a tank in order to clean it. In addition, our approach removes all the costs associated with cutting door sheets on tank shells, such as:
- Cutting of the door sheet itself
- Replacing the door sheet
- Hydro testing of the tank after the work has been completed
RJ Maclean provides engineered adaptor flanges and valves to allow access to your tanks without the need to weld repads for new nozzles. The result: once our work is finished, your tank is clean and there is no effect on its structural integrity.
Our innovative solutions are what set RJ Maclean apart from the rest. Contact us today to learn more about our tank cleaning capabilities and to book us for your next project.