Climbex - Large-Size Oil Storage Tanks Cleaning Services
Climbex attained the leading position in servicing of large-size oil storage tanks. We provide comprehensive services for downstream industry (refineries, fuels producers) in the following scope:
- Automated Tank Cleaning,
- Revamping, refurbishment and repairs of tanks.
In tank cleaning Climbex uses the ATC technology (Automated Tank Cleaning) which enables fast and safe performance of work. Using this cleaning method improves environment protection and work safety.
An additional advantage is shortened period of tank cleaning process as compared with traditional methods and minimizing the waste generated as a result of hydrocarbons recovery from the bottom sediments (sludge).
How does the ATC system operate?
The ATC system has modular structure. The individual modules interconnected by specialised piping network and connections enable effective tank cleaning on tanks of oil-derived products, removing the sludge, separate it in a safe manner and purify it. The system can be used for tanks with both floating and fixed roofs. The cleaning process using the ATC technology enables hydrocarbon recovery from the bottom sediments/sludge even in 95% of the original sludge volume. This method also substantially reduces water consumption and in addition it gives a possibility of used water recovery and recycling for reuse as process water. The filtration and sediments separation systems of the automated unit reduce substantially the period of time for the service performance in comparison with manual cleaning methods (even up to 50%) and - which is very important - they reduce human involvement in the process - the system operates automatically and there is no need for operators to enter the tank inside during bottom sediments removal.
The cleaning system’s module structure is installed in mobile transport containers and so it is easy to transport them to any service performance site.
In order to assure safe conditions of running the process, the inert atmosphere (nitrogen gas atmosphere) is generated. The ATC system is equipped with continuous oxygen content monitoring inside the tank and emergency tripping off. In the event of receiving a signal from sensing elements that a maximum level is exceeded, the cleaning process is automatically stopped. The process re-start is effected only after an appropriate level of oxygen inside the tank is achieved.
As a supplement to the automated cleaning of storage tanks we also perform numerous additional work which are beneficial for the entire plant, e.g.:
- Washing tank bottom,
- Washing the floating roof ceiling (underneath), the tank’s sheet metal sealing and the roof’s shell,
- Washing the main surface of the roof including the foam-containing side shell and the space between the side and sealing,
- Washing the inside surface of the shell up to approx. 2 m height,
- Washing the outside and inside of support legs,
- Washing the roof draining system,
- Washing all the internals under the roof of the tank.
Advantages of using the ATC Technology:
- Enhanced safety at work
- Reducing the cleaning time and the tank outage
- Simultaneous (with cleaning) separation of oil substance
- High level of hydrocarbons recovery and at the same time reducing their emission to the environment
- Minimized quantity of waste
The ATC service can be performed for process reasons (e.g. change of a product to be stored in a tank) or as a supplement to maintenance servicing of storage tanks for technical inspection, repairs/refurbishment and revamping.
Comprehensive refurbishment/repairs/overhauls and revamping of tanks after storage of crude oil or oil-derived products.
After work operations connected with thorough cleaning of a storage tank and its components, the next stage we frequently perform is comprehensive repair and revamping work. The process technologies of repairs/refurbishment are customized to the requirements of a tank user in order to reduce in possibly shortest time the problems caused by temporary loss of storage capacity. The scope of refurbishment and revamping work to be possibly performed include:
- Revamping/modernisation work intended to automatize the product measurement in tanks.
- Mechanical and corrosion-protection work on tanks with fabrication of double bottoms and monitoring of leaks.
- Repair work inside and outside a tank.
- Geodesic measurement (survey) of the tank.
- Renovation of paint coatings of a tank.
- Preparation of as-is documentation after work.