Thermography and Topography
Thermal imaging aids in the assessment of solid and liquid volumes within a tank. Solids accumulation is evident by a temperature differential within the substrate. Our technical team has over 30 years of material assessment experience and we utilize the latest in Flir infrared camera technology to:
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Assess solid and liquid volumes within a tank.
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Map locations of solids accumulation.
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Identify access point(s) for the safest and most cost effective outcome.
After material mapping, our certified thermography technicians determine next steps for sample collection.
Tank Sampling
Depending on project needs, both discrete and composite samples may be collected and submitted for testing. Sampling may be viable through tank hatches, stuffing boxes and valve systems. TankScope uses both standard and unique sampling tools to access materials within the tank.
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Samples are collected from identified ‘zones’ within the tank to ensure characterization of all materials.
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Samples are date and time stamped along with unique identifiers for the tank and sampling location in relation to the topography map.
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Provision of additional samples to Client Environmental team, upon request.
All sampling protocols are conducted with safety at the forefront. In some cases, sampling may be limited due to accessibility.
Chemical Characterization
Samples are provided to both internal and third party laboratories to assess material characteristics applicable to processing and disposal. Testing is project specific but may include:
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Slop oil processing needs including: volume fractions, viscosity and temperature requirements, optional blend volumes, and chemical requirements for recovery.
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Solvent requirement for enhanced solids removal.
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Properties of recoverable oil.
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Properties of recoverable water.
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Solids landfill classification.
Testing of material allows for implementation of the best processing options and subsequent lower processing cost with faster turnaround times.
CFD
Computational Fluid
Dynamics
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool for efficiently managing sludge buildup in storage tanks. It enhances operational efficiency by optimizing tank designs, helping proactively reduce sludge accumulation and streamlining the sludge removal process.
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CFD insights enable accurate predictions of cleaning timelines, tightening maintenance schedules and extending tank lifespan.
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Evaluating different sludge removal techniques and developing optimal deployment strategies helps reduce manual cleaning needs.
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Planning mixer locations and tank design modifications using CFD improves efficiency, reducing future sludge accumulation and any potential for process upsets.
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Development of ventilation plans using CFD reduces risks by predicting hazardous conditions and prompting pre-emptive measures.
Integrating CFD early in the planning stages can optimize operations for long-term benefits, ensuring safety, efficiency and reliability.
SRP
Sludge Reduction
Plan
TankScope’s Sludge Reduction Plan employs advanced jet mixing equipment and oil recovery techniques to effectively manage sludge in storage tanks. This approach reduces sludge buildup, optimizes resource recovery, and ensures environmental and safety compliance.
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Functional nozzle placement driven by CFD amplifies mixing and reduces sludge volumes.
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Chemical analysis enhances hydrocarbon recovery, reducing waste and offsetting project costs.
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Effective sludge reduction minimizes manual cleaning time and chemical use, reducing the risks to personnel and the environment.
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Optimizing these processes limits tank outage frequency and duration, boosting productivity and bolstering the bottom line.
Integrating an SRP plan ensures many long-term benefits: safety, reliability, cost efficiency and reduced downtimes.
Why TankScope?
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Cost Effective
Proprietary technology and specialized methods allow TankScope to accurately assess and map the constituents of a tank. TankScope’s comprehensive profiling reports ensure accurate material characterization drives the sludge reduction program. This allows for maximum material recovery and minimum tank downtime, effectively offsetting project costs. Case studies have proven that TankScope reports help reduce the costs of tank maintenance projects.
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Budget Control
Accurate volume assessments enable the precision budgeting of cleaning projects and disposal costs. Integrating TankScope’s reporting process allows for better financial planning and control by avoiding unexpected costs. By understanding the exact scope of work required, clients can allocate resources more efficiently and confidently. This revolutionary approach works to mitigate the infamous perpetual change orders that plague the tank cleaning industry.
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Schedule Management
TankScope's Sludge Reduction Plan (SRP) employs advanced jet mixing equipment and oil recovery techniques to minimize sludge buildup, reducing the need for tank outages. By using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to optimize sludge removal, TankScope can predict cleaning timelines more accurately and enhance overall project transparency. TankScope also assists with RFP development to ensure proper vendor selection for a specific project. This results in significantly minimized tank outages and more efficient maintenance schedules.
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Safety
Safety is paramount in all TankScope operations. Material characterization, facilitated by specialized sampling protocols, helps identify any unknown hazards or risks within the tank. Samples are rigorously tested for various hazards, including hydrogen sulfide, flash point, and suspended explosive gases. This information can be used to ensure that all potential hazards are controlled before project startup. Hazardous material treatment options are assessed by a third-party lab to ensure their effectiveness. Additionally, CFD can be used to develop effective ventilation plans, reducing risks by predicting where hazardous conditions may arise.