Name
Robotics for Internal In-Service Inspection of Hazardous Fluid Storage Tanks
Date & Time
Tuesday, June 21, 2022, 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
George Williamson Steven Trevino
Description

Utilization of sophisticated robots to inspect tank bottoms with fluid inventory levels in place is now a game changer.  Some operators and asset owners are using robotic inspection methods to eliminate or defer internal tank inspections of crude oil, diesel, or other hazardous fluid storage tanks. 
This session guides participants from conventional inspection methods through an in-depth exploration of in-service robotic tank inspections. Attendees will gain a solid understanding of benefits, risks and challenges, risk mitigation tools, and key project and program management requirements for in-service robotic tank inspection projects.

Business value, emissions reduction & reduced risk
Tank bottom inspection generally involves Confined Space Entry (CSE) inside out-of-service tanks. 
CSE, which includes de-inventorying, fluid transfer, cleaning, hazardous waste disposal, and many other hazardous activities, is a high-cost endeavor. The direct associated activities can range in cost from $500K to over $1 million for large storage tanks. Revenue losses for some operators from unavailable tanks in critical production service can be multiples of this amount.

Case studies have demonstrated that internal in-service robotic tank inspection can:

  • Eliminate the HSE risks and hazardous activities associated Confined Space Entry (CSE)
  • Reduce overall emissions
  • Avoid significant revenue losses caused by taking production critical tanks out of service
  • Lower overall costs versus the conventional inspection approach
  • Some asset owners have realized net operating cost and revenue benefits of greater than $ 1.0 to 1.5 million for a given tank.
     
Location Name
Waterway 6
*Forums
Industrial Digital Twin Forum
Session Type
Breakout #2
Virtual Session Link
PPT/PDF Presentation Link