Tank remediation "Gas Free"

Ecosys specializes in "Gas Free" tank remediation. Always carried out with equipment, devices and procedures that respect safety standards, it allows excellent results to be obtained, carried out to perfection and without any risk for operators and the territory.

Remediation Methods

Ecosys offers various technologies for industrial tank remediation, each optimized for specific needs and operating conditions. Below are the main methods available.

C.O.W. (Crude Oil Washing)

The system used is based on C.O.W. (Crude Oil Washing) technology, a mobile plant that performs the fragmentation and solubilization of the hydrocarbon part present in the sludge lying in the tanks to be remediated.

Fragmentation occurs mechanically through special rotating nozzle injectors which, placed on the roof of the tank to be cleaned, direct fluid jets at a pressure of approximately 7kg/cm² over the entire internal surface.

Solubilization occurs chemically by means of fresh oil on the sludge. The process can be optimized by using a heat exchanger that heats the fluid to be injected.

At the end of the oil washing cycle, a pass with hot water is carried out which brings additional oily fractions to float for extraction. In this phase, the extracted fluid is made to pass through a tank where the separation between water and oil is subsequently carried out.

Only at the end of washing are manholes opened and forced ventilation is carried out which removes the vapors present, thus making it possible for personnel to enter inside the tank for manual removal of residues.

Applications

The "Gas Free" tank remediation system with C.O.W requires much shorter times than those required by manual remediation and is mainly used in the following applications:

  • Tanks containing fuel oils
  • Tanks containing crude oil
  • Tanks containing asphalt or bitumen

C.O.W. Gallery

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Safety

Operations are conducted without personnel entering inside the tank, except for final cleaning. The system guarantees a roof descent in complete safety using only 25% of the roof support pontoons.

Monitoring

The atmosphere inside the tank is analyzed throughout the process to verify explosivity conditions. The plant is equipped with an analyzer connected in real time to the alarm control unit.

Hydrocarbon recovery

The COW system guarantees the recovery of over 98% of the hydrocarbon fraction present in the sludge, with a consequent reduction in accessory costs for treatment and disposal of residues.

ATEX Tank Cleaning Robot - Suspended cleaning system

The ATEX tank cleaning robot is a certified suspended robot for cleaning and remediation of tanks in explosive atmospheres. Unlike traditional systems that operate on the ground, this innovative device is suspended from above and can operate safely inside tanks containing explosive mixtures.

ATEX certification ensures that the robot can operate in Zone 0 and Zone 1, i.e., in environments where flammable gases, vapors or mists are present in concentrations that create a potentially explosive atmosphere.

The suspended system allows complete and uniform cleaning of the internal surfaces of the tank, reaching areas that are difficult to access with traditional methods. The robot is equipped with high-pressure jets and can be controlled remotely, ensuring maximum safety for operators.

System advantages

ATEX certification to operate in explosive atmospheres
Suspended system that reaches all internal surfaces
Remote control for maximum operator safety
Uniform and complete cleaning without personnel entry

ATEX Tank Cleaning Robot Gallery

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ATEX Robot - Advanced robotic system

The ATEX Robot is a state-of-the-art robotic system certified for cleaning and remediation of tanks in explosive atmospheres. This innovative system combines advanced robotics technology with ATEX certification to operate safely in high-risk environments.

Unlike traditional systems, the ATEX Robot can operate autonomously or semi-autonomously inside tanks, ensuring complete and uniform cleaning of internal surfaces. The system is equipped with advanced sensors and precision controls that allow it to reach hard-to-access areas.

ATEX certification ensures that the robot can operate in Zone 0 and Zone 1, i.e., in environments where flammable gases, vapors or mists are present in concentrations that create a potentially explosive atmosphere. Remote control and advanced programming ensure maximum safety for operators.

ATEX Robot system advantages

ATEX certification to operate in explosive atmospheres Zone 0 and Zone 1
Autonomous robotic system with advanced remote control
Complete and uniform cleaning with access to hard-to-reach areas
Maximum operator safety thanks to remote control and real-time monitoring

ATEX Robot Gallery

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ATEX amphibious sludge removal robot

The ATEX amphibious robot is designed for automatic sludge removal inside tanks, operating in no man entry (no-entry) mode and keeping personnel exposure to a minimum even in potentially explosive atmospheres. Thanks to its amphibious configuration, it can work both in the presence of liquid product and on more compact deposits.

It is equipped with a front auger to enhance suction performance and high-energy nozzles that break up hardened sludge, making it easy to pump towards external treatment units. Under standard operating conditions, it can remove approximately 20 to 35 m³ of sludge in an 8-hour shift, while complying with ATEX safety requirements.

ATEX amphibious robot gallery

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Manual remediation with hydraulic traction Bob Cat

Using a hydraulic traction Bob Cat, work can be carried out safely in confined environments containing explosive mixtures. The Bob Cat is lowered inside the tank and used safely to carry out thorough cleaning and remediation.

Bob Cat Gallery

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Request a quote

Call to arrange an industrial remediation intervention. Our experts are at your disposal for personalized consultation.