So far, the traditional method of reservoirs’ sludge cleaning – manual, using portable systems – remains the key option for storage sites. This method requires the presence of personnel inside the tank during the works, causing irreparable harm to his health. A new, robot-driven technology for tanks cleaning has no such drawbacks.

Tank cleaning is done by robotic devices equipped with CCTV, lighting, drainage and detergent supply systems, rather than by the people. The robot has its own motor, controlled by the operator remotely via the control and monitoring system.

For the robot, the sky’s the limit. Even today, the first prototype, ROTC-TD (Robotic Oil Tank Cleaner – Truck Drive), affectionately referred to as “Wall-E” by the developers of MIRRICO, after the hero of 2008 Disney cartoon, has been modernized beyond recognition: better steering, increased power, the robot can be equipped with a range of optional equipment (modular scavenge pump, circumrotatory cleaning heads, blade, etc.) The project also includes other models that will quickly, efficiently and safely clean both land-based and underground tanks, vessels, aggregates of any volume, as well as pipelines.

The unique technology has been successfully applied for cleaning of storage tanks at Gazpromneft-NNG and Samotlorneftegaz facilities. The results of positive pilot testing have already led to the change of tank cleaning procedures, at least in some companies: now the cleaning can be done around the clock, at any (even below-zero) temperatures, and only if there are no people inside the tank.

Further work on improving the technology will concentrate on online provisioning of cleaning information, for access anywhere in the world, on better remote control and quality control, and on getting analytical data on the volume of recycled sludge and resulting oil products.