Tank Profiling Assessment Retains $5.3M in Value
A tank profiling assessment performed by TankScope at Suncor’s Edmonton Refinery revealed that sludge levels inside two crude storage tanks were far lower than historical estimates. Verified tank data allowed the refinery to reduce the cleaning scope and identify recoverable hydrocarbons within the sludge layer. The revised plan delivered $1.6M in direct cleaning cost savings and recovered approximately 48,000 barrels of oil, for total retained value of $5.3M CAD.
$5.3M CAD Retained Through Accurate Sludge Assessment and Hydrocarbon Recovery
Suncor planned a cleaning project for two 195-foot diameter crude oil tanks at their Edmonton Refinery. The original budget of $3.0M USD was based on historical estimates suggesting more than ten feet of sludge per tank.
TankScope’s tank profiling assessment revealed actual sludge levels of less than twelve inches. With verified sludge depth and composition data, Suncor revised the cleaning scope and implemented a recovery strategy for hydrocarbons contained within the sludge layer.
The updated plan delivered $1.6M in direct cleaning cost savings and recovered approximately 48,000 barrels of oil worth $3.7M, resulting in $5.3M CAD in retained value.
Project Details
Tank Type
195-foot diameter floating roof tanks storing crude oil and synthetic crude
Location
Edmonton Refinery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Challenge
Cleaning budget of $3.0M USD based on estimated sludge accumulation of ≥10 ft per tank
Number of Tanks
2
Estimated Sludge Volume
≥10 ft per tank
Actual Sludge Level
≤12 in per tank
The Problem
Historical Estimates Created Significant Budget Risk
Suncor planned a large cleaning project based on the assumption that more than ten feet of sludge had accumulated in each crude storage tank.
Without verified tank data, the refinery was preparing for a major cleaning campaign that included:
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Extended tank outages
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Significant disposal volumes
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Large contractor mobilization and equipment requirements
When sludge levels are unknown, planning relies on conservative assumptions. This often leads to inflated budgets or the risk of mid-project scope changes if conditions differ from expectations.
A refinery tank assessment was required to verify sludge depth, composition, and recoverable product before committing to the full cleaning scope.
TankScope Approach
Tank Profiling Assessment and Sludge Depth Verification
TankScope conducted a tank profiling assessment to verify sludge depth and distribution and characterize sludge composition through targeted sampling prior to cleaning.
The assessment included:
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Infrared thermography to detect sludge boundaries through the tank shell
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Sludge topography measurements to verify depth and distribution across the tank floor
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Material characterization sampling to analyze sludge composition
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Chemical assessment testing to identify potential safety hazards
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Hydrocarbon analysis to determine the presence of recoverable oil within the sludge layer
The verified data allowed Suncor to revise the cleaning plan and develop a recovery strategy for the hydrocarbons contained within the sludge.
$1.2M Budget
TankScope Assessment
Verified Tank Data
Revised Cleaning Scope
$600K Final Cost
Results
Tank Cleaning Cost Reduction and Hydrocarbon Recovery
The tank profiling assessment confirmed that sludge depth was significantly lower than historical estimates. With verified sludge depth and composition data, Suncor adjusted the cleaning scope and implemented a recovery strategy.
Total Retained Value
$5.3M CAD
Direct Cleaning Cost Savings
$1.6M across two tanks
Incremental Oil Recovered
Approximately 48,000 barrels worth $3.7M
Sludge Variance
Estimated ≥10 ft vs Actual ≤12 in per tank (over 90% lower than expected)
Outcome
Revised cleaning plan implemented successfully using verified tank assessment data
[PLACEHOLDER – Client Testimonial]
Questions We Get Often
What is a tank profiling assessment?
A tank profiling assessment verifies sludge depth, distribution, and composition before cleaning begins. TankScope uses thermography, sludge topography measurement, sampling, and laboratory analysis to provide verified data on sludge depth, distribution, composition, and potential hazards.
Why were sludge levels overestimated in this case?
Historical estimates often rely on conservative assumptions or outdated records. Direct sludge measurement showed that actual accumulation was far lower than expected.
How did this project recover hydrocarbons from tank sludge?
Material characterization testing identified hydrocarbons contained within the sludge layer. With this information, the cleaning strategy was revised to recover usable oil before disposal.
Are similar results common for crude storage tanks?
Every tank is different. However, historical estimates frequently overstate sludge accumulation. A refinery tank assessment often reveals opportunities to reduce cleaning scope or recover hydrocarbons.
What technologies were used in this assessment?
TankScope used FLIR infrared thermography to detect sludge boundaries, proprietary sludge topography tools to measure depth, and laboratory analysis to characterize sludge composition and potential hazards.
How were safety hazards evaluated?
Collected samples were analyzed for safety-critical properties including H₂S concentration, flash point, and explosive gas presence. This data informed safety planning for the cleaning operation.
When should a tank profiling assessment be performed?
The assessment is typically performed before cleaning planning or tank outages so teams can make informed decisions about scope, recovery opportunities, and safety requirements.
Stop budgeting tank cleaning projects based on assumptions.
Use verified tank data to understand sludge conditions, identify recoverable hydrocarbons, and plan cleaning operations with confidence.
1-888-417-0155 | info@tankscope.com