Modern methods of tank cleaning from bottom sediments

The oil industry faces a serious problem with the formation of a large amount of oil residues in tanks that store and process crude oil or refined products. Studies have shown that oil sludge residues, mainly composed of oil, water and solid residues at 42.8%, 2.9% and 55.2% respectively, lead to a change in product quality and reduced tank capacity. The solution to this problem, and the need for inspection and maintenance, requires the removal of this oil sludge and the internal cleaning of the tanks. This article aims to review the applied cleaning methods available in the world market and identify the most efficient, safe, economical and environmentally friendly cleaning process. The most economical and environmentally friendly due to a closed cleaning circuit and the ability to extract up to 95% of oil from the sludge, which is returned to the customer and earns to cover cleaning costs. It is concluded that the current need in the oil industry, in the field of tank cleaning, is the use of highly efficient automatic or robotic cleaning methods, the purpose of which is to reduce tank downtime without the need for personnel to enter a closed room requiring permission. space, and with the possibility of extracting up to 100% of the hydrocarbons present in the precipitation.