Abrasive Sludge Removal Solutions

Abrasive waterjet processes can use garnet or silica sand to cut through hard materials. In industrial tank sludge removal, Bristola's system uses a remote-controlled submersible robot with flexible hose extraction rather than abrasive waterjet cutting, making it safer, cleaner, and more effective for liquid storage environments including digesters and lagoons.

In conventional waterjet cutting, abrasive garnet can sometimes be partially recycled, though efficiency declines with each pass. Bristola's robotic sludge removal approach bypasses abrasive media entirely, instead using submersible vacuum extraction through a patented entry system — eliminating media waste, disposal costs, and the logistical challenges of abrasive reuse programs.

Bristola's system is engineered for anaerobic digesters, covered lagoons, liquid storage tanks, wastewater treatment facilities, biogas digesters, oil and gas storage, food and beverage processing tanks, and pulp and paper facilities. Any tank with a manhole 24 inches or greater in diameter is compatible with the entry system.

No. Bristola's patented equalization chamber entry system allows the submersible robot to enter and clean the tank while it remains full and in active operation. This is the only technology in the world that accomplishes sludge removal with zero downtime and no requirement to drain or take the tank offline.

No human entry is required at any stage. Bristola's zero-human-entry robotic system eliminates all confined space entry requirements and associated OSHA regulatory obligations. The robot is remotely controlled from outside the tank using sonar navigation and real-time performance monitoring, completely removing workers from hazardous environments.

Yes. Both the Submersible Robotic Cleaning System and the Patented Equalization Chamber Entry System are available as retrofits for existing facilities. Installation can be adapted to any manhole 24 inches in diameter or greater. Bristola also offers feasibility studies to evaluate compatibility and optimization opportunities for your specific facility.