Production Tank Cleaning

Automated system that minimizes HSE risks to storage tank cleaning

M-I SWACO offers an automated biological-based technology designed to clean production tank sludge without the HSE issues of traditional cleaning approaches. The acquisition of industry leader Idrabel Italia Environmental Technologies gave us exclusive access to the unique BIORECOIL* system. The technology removes more than 95% of the hydrocarbons in tank sludge while reducing waste volume and requiring limited manual entry.

The technology is applicable for all oil product storage tanks used in refineries, terminals and tank farms. These tanks must periodically be cleaned to remove accumulated sludge and for regulatory inspections and maintenance work. Conventional cleaning systems not only require prolonged shut downs, but also generate large volume of wastes that must be treated. More importantly, those systems mandate confined-space entry with associated health and safety risks to personnel.

Our all-inclusive BIORECOIL system is a biological-based recovery technology employs environmentally acceptable biosurfactants. The process is based on the joint operation of hydromechanical rotating modules, innovative engineering processes and biotechnological compounds (biosurfactants).

The use of biosurfactants is highly effective in separating hydrocarbons from water and sludge sediments. The application of Rhamnolipid Biosurfactants allows the dispersion of heavy hydrocarbon fractions, creating micro and macro-emulsions, reducing surface tension and sludge viscosity. These are introduced in the tank with the fluxing oil and a small amount of water if required. The process is facilitated with heating when needed and/or available. Our production tank cleaning technology follows a project-specific approach that begins with mapping and characterizing the sludge. After a site visit, every project is specifically designed according to job characteristics such as tank type and dimensions, site, logistic, sludge quantity and quality, facilities, etc.  and to specific customer needs and requirements. In addition, downtime is minimized as the tank remains in service during most of the desludging process.

Features

• Comprehensive approach includes thermographical and manual measurements to determine the quantity and type of sludge
• Uses environmentally sound biosurfactants, which are highly effective in separating hydrocarbons from water and sediments
• Cold tapping and installation of telescopic jet conducted with tank remaining in service
• For circulation, position of jetting tool can be controlled either hydraulically or manually 
• Hydrocarbons can be recovered from the top of the system with the water either reused or sent to a water treatment plant.

Benefits

• Recovers ≥ 95% of all hydrocarbons from the sludge.
• Minimizes HSE risks and waste disposal volumes.
• Minimizes downtime as tank remains in service during the desludging phase.
• Eliminates need for secondary tank or oil batches. The product inside the tank can be used to dissolve the sludge.
• Mechanical modules can be left installed for future cleaning operations and to prevent sludge accumulation.
• Closed tank degassing without emissions in atmosphere