Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are revolutionizing the approach, planning, and execution of potable water tank inspections.
The challenges associated with inspecting potable water tanks
Potable water tanks are utilized across various industries worldwide, including oil and gas platforms and onshore facilities. Ensuring the central water supply remains clean and safe for both industrial applications and personal use, such as cooking, showering, and drinking, is of paramount importance. However, managing this task can be daunting. Currently, the most prevalent method of conducting inspections involves draining the tank entirely and organizing personnel to perform close-up inspections, which poses confined space hazards. Subsequently, tanks undergo cleaning or treatment as necessary before being refilled. This approach can result in tank shutdowns lasting up to three days or longer if remedial treatment is required.
The Risks of Neglecting the Water Tank Inspections
A water tank that has not undergone inspections within the recommended timeframes may harbor various contaminants, including microbial, chemical, hydrocarbon-based substances, as well as excessive debris and sediment. These contaminants pose risks to both human health and the structural integrity of the tank. Among these risks, Legionella formation stands out as particularly serious. Legionella bacteria are responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, as well as Pontiac fever, a milder illness. Corrosion exacerbates the issue by promoting Legionella growth, as iron, a key nutrient for Legionella, is more readily available in corroded tanks, leading to higher rates of Legionella contamination.
ROVs and their Role in Tank Inspection
ROVs have the potential to improve traditional water tank inspection methods. The following advantages of using ROVs over traditional methods have been discovered by Panel Tanks Vegas by American Tanks:
• Utilizing an ROV eliminates the hazards associated with confined space entry, a necessity for traditional inspection methods.
Permits, planning, and paperwork are all part of the process.
• ROV inspections eliminate the need to drain and refill water tanks.
• Using an ROV reduces the lengthy recommissioning process, which typically requires tank super chlorination after manned entry. However, if an ROV is properly deployed, this step is unnecessary.
• If there is a need for remedial work after an ROV inspection, the recorded footage can be retained for future reference.
• ROV footage offers detailed, close-up views necessary for inspecting the internal state of a tank.
• Certain ROVs boast advanced capabilities, such as arms capable of gathering samples from within a tank and measuring wall thickness.
No matter which method you choose for conducting tank inspections, it’s essential to adhere to best practices and prioritize the longevity and safety of your systems and personnel. Reach out to our teams to explore the potential advantages of tank inspection services and to receive guidance on utilizing ROVs effectively.
Many of the spaces we’ve been tasked with cleaning have never undergone cleaning due to their small size, tightness, or hazardous conditions. Our robots not only fit into spaces inaccessible to humans but also withstand heat, chemicals, and other environmental hazards that would endanger a live diver. We can conduct detailed inspections and assessments using technology that would otherwise be unattainable.
By thoroughly evaluating the contents of a tower or storage tank, we can provide more accurate proposals and perform better cleaning jobs. Having the right information from the outset simplifies the task, making it safer, faster, and often more cost-effective for our clients.
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Call Panel Tanks Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@paneltanks.vegas
1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA
3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA
