Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are altering the way potable water tank inspections are thought about, planned, and carried out.
The Challenges of Inspecting Potable Water Tanks
Potable water tanks serve a wide range of industries worldwide, from oil and gas platforms to onshore facilities. Ensuring that the primary water supply remains clean and safe is essential for both industrial applications and everyday personal use, such as cooking, bathing, and drinking. However, maintaining water quality and conducting inspections can be a complex and demanding task.
Traditionally, the most common inspection method involves fully draining the tank and sending personnel inside for a close-up evaluation, which introduces confined space hazards. Afterward, the tank is cleaned or treated as necessary before being refilled. This process can render the tank inoperable for up to three days—or even longer if additional remedial treatment is required.
The Risks of Neglecting Water Tank Inspections
Failing to inspect a water tank within the recommended timeframes can lead to the accumulation of various contaminants, including microbial, chemical, and hydrocarbon-based substances, as well as excessive debris and sediment. These contaminants pose significant risks to both human health and the structural integrity of the tank.
One of the most serious threats is the formation of Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, is caused by Legionella bacteria, which can also lead to Pontiac fever, a milder illness. Corrosion is another critical concern, not only compromising the tank’s durability but also creating an environment conducive to Legionella growth. Since iron serves as a key nutrient for Legionella, corroded tanks are more likely to test positive for the bacteria, further increasing health risks.
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 Raven American Tanks:
- Using an ROV eliminates the dangers of confined space entry, which is required.
- Permits, planning, and paperwork are all part of the process.
- ROV inspections do not necessitate the emptying or refilling of water tanks.
- Using an ROV shortens the time-consuming recommissioning process. Tank super chlorination is required prior to bringing the tank back after a manned entry. Online this is not necessary if an appropriately deployed ROV is used.
- If remedial work is required following an ROV inspection, the footage can be saved. And drawn upon, which can help to inform future planning. In the long run, this can save time and money.
- ROV footage provides the detailed, close-up views required to inspect a tank’s interior internal state.
- Some ROVs have advanced features, such as arms that can collect samples from inside a tank and measure wall thickness.
Regardless of how you choose to conduct your tank inspections, it is essential that your methods follow best practices and prioritize the longevity of your systems and the safety of your personnel. Contact our team to learn more about the benefits of professional tank inspection services and how ROVs can enhance the process.
Many of the spaces we’ve been hired to clean had never been cleaned before due to their size, inaccessibility, or hazardous conditions. Our robotic systems can reach areas that are too small or dangerous for humans, while also withstanding extreme temperatures, chemicals, and other environmental hazards that would put a diver at risk. Using advanced technology, we can perform highly detailed inspections and assessments that would otherwise be impossible.
By conducting more thorough evaluations of the interiors of towers and storage tanks, we can provide more accurate proposals and deliver superior cleaning results. As with any task, having the right information from the start ensures a more efficient, professional, and comprehensive process. This approach enhances safety, accelerates timelines, and often reduces costs for our clients.
We offer tried and tested services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, HOUSTON, TEXAS.
We also offer tried and tested services in Longbeach, and cities, towns, suburbs, localities, and places close to Long Beach such as Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, CALIFORNIA.
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Call Raven American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@amtanks.com
1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA
3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA
