Automated Tank Cleaning Systems and Machines

The best method depends on the tank’s contents, condition, access points, and whether it can be taken offline. For industrial water tanks with sediment or sludge, a remotely operated cleaning system can remove material while limiting confined-space exposure. Bristola’s submersible robotic approach is designed to clean eligible active tanks without draining them, helping facilities avoid extended operational disruption.

An automated tank cleaner is equipment that performs tank-cleaning tasks with limited or no human entry. Bristola’s system uses a remotely operated submersible vehicle, dedicated entry components, a winch, and a flexible removal hose. The robot enters the tank or covered lagoon, travels to the floor, removes accumulated solids, and transfers them to a chosen processing option.

Yes, Bristola’s submersible robotic cleaning system is designed to work while eligible liquid storage tanks are in use. Rather than requiring the facility to empty the tank and stop production, the robot accesses the interior through a dedicated entry system and removes sludge remotely. Site conditions, tank design, contents, and installation requirements are reviewed before a cleaning plan is developed.

Bristola’s zero-human-entry approach is designed to eliminate the need for personnel to enter the tank during routine robotic cleaning. The remotely operated vehicle is deployed through the entry portal or access system, keeping operators outside the confined space. Some retrofit projects require initial preparation or manual cleaning before equipment installation, but future live cleanings can then be performed remotely.

The technology can support many liquid storage applications, including anaerobic digesters, biogas facilities, water and wastewater treatment assets, food and beverage tanks, industrial process tanks, refineries, pulp and paper operations, and covered lagoons. Suitability depends on the asset’s geometry, manhole access, contents, sediment profile, and operational requirements. Bristola evaluates these details when recommending an approach.

Yes. Existing liquid storage facilities can be retrofitted with the required hardware and system components. Typically, the tank is initially cleaned and prepared before the entry and cleaning equipment is installed. The retrofit creates a dedicated path for future robotic access, allowing eligible facilities to plan repeat cleanings with less disruption and reduced worker exposure compared with conventional entry-based methods.

For covered lagoons, Bristola uses remotely operated vehicles to remove accumulated solids while protecting the liner and maintaining operations after initial installation. The setup includes a modified berm area, prefabricated concrete wall, sloped access area, and a below-liquid-level manhole for the pressure box. Initial installation requires draining the lagoon and removing part of the cover; subsequent cleanings can occur without disrupting production.

Cleaning frequency should be based on sediment accumulation, process demands, tank performance, and maintenance goals rather than a fixed calendar interval. Periodic sediment mapping can document sludge thickness, total volume, depth, and infilling trends in noncovered lagoons. With that information, operators can schedule cleaning and budget for maintenance before solids compromise capacity, efficiency, product quality, or operational reliability.