Robotic Tank Cleaning
Zero-human-entry cleaning removes sludge from oil tanks while the facility remains in operation, helping reduce shutdown time, safety exposure, and costly production interruptions.
Bristola provides safer, more efficient oil tank sludge removal services using zero-human-entry robotic technology. Our approach removes accumulated sludge without the delays, hazards, and production losses tied to traditional tank cleaning. For refineries, terminals, and industrial storage operators, that means cleaner tanks, reduced exposure risk, and less disruption to daily operations.

Specialized tank cleaning and support services designed to remove sludge safely while minimizing downtime and operational disruption.
Zero-human-entry cleaning removes sludge from oil tanks while the facility remains in operation, helping reduce shutdown time, safety exposure, and costly production interruptions.
Custom entry portal installation creates a reliable access point for future robotic cleanings, making repeat service faster, safer, and more efficient for industrial tank operators.
Retrofitting existing storage facilities prepares tanks for ongoing robotic sludge removal by installing the hardware and system components needed for long-term serviceability.
Preventive maintenance planning helps operators monitor tank condition, reduce heavy sludge buildup, and avoid larger cleanouts that can impact productivity and budgets.
Sediment mapping uses advanced sonar and data visualization to identify sludge accumulation patterns, supporting better maintenance planning and more informed dredging or cleaning decisions.
For new tank projects, Bristola can install cleaning system components during construction so future sludge removal is safer, faster, and less disruptive.
Oil tank sludge removal should improve operations, not create added risk. Bristola uses a patented robotic cleaning system that removes sludge without human entry and, in many applications, without taking tanks out of service. That means safer maintenance, lower downtime costs, and a cleaner tank environment that supports performance, compliance, and long-term asset reliability for industrial facilities.

See how industrial operators benefit from safer cleaning, less downtime, and more efficient tank maintenance.
Bristola brings a safety-first, technology-driven approach to industrial tank cleaning.
Patented zero-human-entry cleaning reduces confined-space exposure and improves worker safety during sludge removal.
Our system is designed to clean tanks with far less operational disruption than traditional methods.
Founded on real-world tank safety experience, Bristola built a patented solution for modern facilities.
From Des Moines outward, Bristola supports industrial clients across the U.S. and international markets.
Experienced leaders driving safer industrial cleaning solutions.

Founder
Jared Burma is the Founder of Bristola, a pioneering clean technology company he established in 2019 following a near-death experience inside a storage tank that forever changed his perspective on industrial safety. That life-altering moment ignited a passion to create a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional tank cleaning methods. Driven by a deep belief in the future of renewable clean energy, Jared transformed a bold Midwest idea into a global operation serving clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and India. His vision led to the development of a patented, zero-human-entry robotic cleaning system that eliminates operational downtime and protects worker lives. Jared continues to lead Bristola with unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and a cleaner future for industries worldwide.

Vice President of Business Development and Sales
Chad Neleman serves as Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola, where he brings an energetic, field-first approach to growing the company's client base and market presence. Known for his ability to build meaningful relationships and identify new opportunities, Chad is a driving force behind Bristola's commercial expansion across diverse industries. He thrives on connecting with clients, understanding their operational challenges, and delivering solutions that make tank cleaning safer and smarter. Chad's hands-on style and commitment to solving real-world problems align perfectly with Bristola's mission to revolutionize the way liquid storage facilities are maintained. His work helps translate Bristola's groundbreaking technology into lasting partnerships across the United States and beyond.

Vice President of Sales and Marketing
Corey Allen is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola, where he leads the company's go-to-market strategy with a blend of creative communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven outreach. Corey plays a central role in shaping how Bristola presents itself to the world, turning market opportunities into long-term client partnerships across multiple industries and continents. His ability to bridge the gap between complex technology and compelling storytelling has been instrumental in growing Bristola's brand and global footprint. Corey firmly believes that innovation is not limited to engineering — it extends to every touchpoint a company has with its clients. His work ensures Bristola's mission of safer, more efficient tank cleaning resonates with decision-makers across the renewable energy and industrial sectors.

Director of Business Development
John Aydin serves as Director of Business Development at Bristola, bringing a strong foundation in project development and the renewable energy sector to his role. Having grown up in Canada and built his career across the biogas and renewable natural gas industry, John developed a keen understanding of the complex operational challenges facing liquid storage and anaerobic digestion facilities. His passion for practical, impactful solutions drew him to Bristola after witnessing the company's revolutionary cleanout technology in action. John is dedicated to expanding Bristola's presence in the biogas and RNG markets, connecting facility operators with a system that delivers real results — no downtime, no human entry, and measurable gains in efficiency and output.

Chief Technology Officer
Ian Dunlap is the Chief Technology Officer at Bristola, where he leads the research, development, and refinement of the company's most transformative technologies, including the patented airlock-type entry system that makes zero-human-entry tank cleaning possible. Driven by curiosity and a deep mechanical intuition, Ian approaches every engineering challenge with persistence and precision. His work sits at the heart of what makes Bristola unique — the ability to clean liquid storage facilities safely and efficiently while the tank remains in active operation. Ian's commitment to continuous innovation ensures that Bristola's systems remain at the cutting edge of the industry, delivering measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and environmental impact for clients across the globe.

Partner
Jeff Harclerode is a Partner at Bristola, contributing to the company's strategic direction and financial growth with the disciplined leadership he forged during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. A natural entrepreneur with a proven record of business ownership, Jeff brings a bold, forward-thinking perspective to every aspect of Bristola's operations. His military background instilled in him a commitment to mission, team, and excellence — values that align seamlessly with Bristola's culture of innovation and accountability. As a key member of the leadership team, Jeff helps ensure the company continues to scale responsibly and boldly, staying true to its mission of making liquid storage facility maintenance safer, smarter, and more sustainable for clients around the world.

Director of Business Development
Brandon Croney is a Director of Business Development at Bristola, where he applies a relationship-first philosophy to expanding the company's reach across industrial and commercial markets. With a professional background spanning the automotive, logistics, and industrial sectors, Brandon brings a versatile perspective and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting clients with technology that can make a meaningful difference. He joined Bristola because he believed in the mission — not just the product — recognizing that the company's zero-human-entry cleaning system addresses critical safety and efficiency challenges facing facilities across multiple industries. Brandon's ability to build trust, navigate complex markets, and deliver tailored solutions makes him a key contributor to Bristola's continued domestic and international growth.

Controller
Chad Hennigar serves as Controller at Bristola, providing the financial oversight and operational insight that supports the company's responsible and sustained growth. Raised on a family farm in northern Iowa as one of seven children, Chad developed a strong work ethic along with an early appreciation for teamwork, adaptability, and accountability — qualities that define his approach to finance and leadership today. With a background in accounting and finance paired with a practical understanding of business operations, Chad ensures that all departments remain aligned and that Bristola's financial strategy supports its ambitious global mission. His grounded, detail-oriented perspective plays an essential role in helping Bristola grow with integrity as it expands its reach across industries and continents.
Oil tank cleaning costs vary based on tank size, sludge volume, access conditions, site setup, and whether retrofit work or portal installation is needed. Facilities also need to consider indirect costs like downtime, labor exposure, waste handling, and temporary storage. Bristola's robotic approach is designed to reduce those hidden costs by minimizing shutdowns and avoiding human entry during cleaning whenever possible.
Talk with our team about your tank, timeline, and cleaning goals.
Bristola supports industrial tank cleaning projects across domestic and international service areas for qualified facilities.
U.S. & Global
Service Area
Des Moines, IA
Headquarters
On-Site Service
Project Model
Tell us where your tank is located and what you need.
Proprietary technology for safer tank access.
Designed to reduce confined-space risk.
Established industrial cleaning technology company.
Share your tank type, sludge conditions, and operational goals. Our team will review your needs and recommend the safest, most efficient next steps.
To help us assist you faster, please include the reason for your message so the relevant team can reach out as soon as possible.
To help us assist you faster, please include the reason for your message so the relevant team can reach out as soon as possible.