At Bristola, we’re not just cleaning tanks. We’re reinventing how it's done. In an industry where “online cleaning” can be a marketing buzzword, Bristola stands alone as the only true closed-system, fully operational cleaning solution for liquid storage tanks. Our technology is unmatched, and no one else has come close to replicating what we’ve built.
Built Different: The Pressure Box That Changed Everything
The heart of Bristola’s innovation lies in our proprietary pressure chamber box — a technology CEO Jared Burma describes as “the bread and butter of Bristola.” This specialized box attaches to the side of a tank and allows a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to enter and clean the tank without changing pressure, disrupting operations or putting anyone at risk.
“There are ROVs out there, and some companies have pressure boxes for inspections,” Jared explains. “But no one else has a system that lets you actually remove solids, process them and return the liquid to the tank — all while staying completely online. It just doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
In short, where others can inspect, Bristola can act — without taking the system offline or compromising safety.
Beyond Visibility: Smart Navigation in the Dark
Most tanks aren’t exactly crystal clear. Whether it’s manure, oil or dense organic material, visibility is often near zero. That’s why Bristola developed its own blind navigation software. This proprietary system tracks the ROV’s location and cleaning path even when sonar and GPS are useless.
“We had to create software that lets us know where we are in relation to the tank, even in total darkness,” Jared says. “This tech doesn’t exist anywhere else at the level we’ve built it.”
It’s another example of how Bristola stays operational where others are stuck guessing or operating blindfolded.
Custom Hardware That Works as Hard as You Do
Bristola’s system is made up of a series of purpose-built components, each engineered for performance, safety and efficiency:
- A fully submersible electric ROV (no hydraulic leaks or contamination risks)
- A patented umbilical hose-within-a-hose system for vacuum and power
- A subsea winch for safe, efficient ROV retrieval
- An integrated sediment separation system that filters and returns clean liquid to the tank
This complete system enables Bristola to clean, inspect and manage tanks in real time — without halting operations or introducing new risks.
The Future Is Remote. And It’s Already in Progress.
Looking ahead, Bristola’s next breakthrough is already underway: remote operation from anywhere in the world. Within the next 18 months, we expect to launch software that allows operators to run ROVs from an office computer.
“Instead of having four guys on-site, we’ll have one person there and others running the system from a control room,” Jared says. “That means safer work, more home time for our team and a massive reduction in travel costs.”
This remote capability is a game-changer — not just for Bristola’s clients but also for the workers who operate the system.
“Guys who’ve spent years in the field can now take that experience and run the system from a desk. It’s like giving a video game controller to someone who already knows exactly how the game works.”
The Bottom Line: No One Can Do What Bristola Does
There are plenty of companies that say they offer “online cleaning,” but if they require tank draining, roof removal or venting to atmosphere — they’re not truly online. Bristola’s system doesn’t change your operation at all. Tanks stay full. Processes continue. And safety risks disappear.
“Other systems change how your tank functions, even if they don’t want to admit it,” Jared says. “With Bristola, your operation runs like we were never even there.”
That’s the promise of Bristola’s technology: safer and smarter, with true online cleaning, built from the ground up — to solve problems no one else can.
Have a tank that needs attention? Contact us to learn more about our industry-specific solutions.