Remote operated vehicles (ROVs) are transforming the way potable water tank inspections are approached, planned, and executed.
The challenges linked with potable water tank inspections
Potable water tanks are employed across various industries globally, including oil and gas platforms and onshore facilities. Ensuring the cleanliness and safety of the central water supply for industrial applications and personal use, such as cooking, bathing, and drinking, is crucial. However, managing this task can be overwhelming. Currently, the most common method of conducting inspections involves draining the tank completely and organizing personnel to conduct close-up inspections, which poses confined space hazards. Subsequently, tanks undergo cleaning or treatment as needed before being refilled. This method can result in tank shutdowns lasting up to three days or longer if remedial treatment is required.
Failing to Inspect Water Tanks: a Risky Gamble
A water tank that has not been inspected within the recommended timeframes may contain 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, the formation of Legionella is particularly concerning. Legionella bacteria are responsible for Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia, as well as Pontiac fever, a milder illness. Corrosion worsens the situation by promoting Legionella growth, as iron, a vital nutrient for Legionella, is more readily available in corroded tanks, leading to higher rates of Legionella contamination.
ROVs: Unveiling the Hidden Depths of Tank Interiors
ROVs have the potential to enhance traditional water tank inspection methods.
Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks has identified the following advantages of using ROVs over traditional methods:
• ROVs eliminate the hazards associated with confined space entry, which is a requirement for traditional inspection methods. This includes the need for permits, planning, and paperwork.
• ROV inspections eliminate the necessity to drain and refill water tanks.
• The use of ROVs reduces the lengthy recommissioning process typically required after manned entry, which often involves tank super chlorination. However, if an ROV is properly deployed, this step is unnecessary.
• In the event that remedial work is needed after an ROV inspection, the recorded footage can be preserved for future reference.
• ROV footage provides detailed, close-up views essential for inspecting the internal condition of a tank.
• Some ROVs feature advanced capabilities, such as arms capable of collecting samples from within a tank and measuring wall thickness.
No matter which method you choose for conducting tank inspections, it’s crucial to adhere to best practices and prioritize the longevity and safety of your systems and personnel. Contact our teams to explore the potential benefits of tank inspection services and to receive guidance on effectively utilizing ROVs.
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 inaccessible.
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.
We also provide proven services in Long Beach, as well as in cities, towns, suburbs, localities, and areas near 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.
Our friendly and experienced customer service team is available to assist you!
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA
3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA
