Professional Petroleum Tank Cleaning Services

Bristola delivers safer, more efficient petroleum tank cleaning with zero-human-entry technology that helps facilities stay productive while reducing shutdown risk. From sludge removal and retrofit solutions to preventive maintenance planning, our team helps operators protect workers, maintain tank performance, and avoid the costly disruptions common with traditional confined-space cleaning methods.

Robotic petroleum tank cleaning system in operation

Our Petroleum Tank Cleaning Services

Specialized tank cleaning and support services designed to reduce downtime, improve safety, and maintain petroleum storage performance.

Robotic Cleaning

Full-service petroleum tank cleaning using Bristola’s zero-human-entry robotic system to remove sludge and sediment while reducing shutdown time and confined-space exposure.

Facility Retrofits

Retrofit existing storage facilities with the hardware and system components needed for safer future cleanings, improving access, efficiency, and long-term maintenance planning.

Entry Portals

Install adaptable entry portal systems on qualifying tank manholes to support repeat service access and streamline future robotic cleaning operations.

Preventive Maintenance

Develop preventive maintenance programs that help operators monitor tank condition, reduce major cleanout events, and support more predictable operating schedules.

New Build Solutions

Integrate zero-human-entry cleaning technology during new tank construction so facilities can simplify future maintenance and avoid planning around major downtime.

Sediment Mapping

Use advanced mapping and reporting tools to understand sludge accumulation, support maintenance decisions, and plan cleaning or dredging work with better data.

Zero Human Entry

Safer Tank Cleaning Without Costly Shutdowns

Bristola helps petroleum and industrial operators clean liquid storage tanks with a patented robotic system that minimizes confined-space risk and avoids the disruption of traditional cleanouts. Instead of relying on manual entry and extended outages, facilities gain a safer, more controlled cleaning approach that supports uptime, protects personnel, and improves long-term tank maintenance planning.

Technicians overseeing robotic tank cleaning equipment
Trusted By Industry

Success Stories

See how facilities benefit from safer cleaning, lower downtime, and smarter long-term tank maintenance solutions.

"We've partnered with Bristola for five years now. Their covered lagoon cleaning service transformed how we manage our wastewater treatment facility. Reliability, innovation, and genuine care for our operations—that's the Bristola difference every time."

Angela Summers
The Bristola Difference

Why Choose Bristola?

We combine safety-driven innovation with practical field experience for demanding industrial environments.

Safer Access

Patented zero-human-entry cleaning reduces confined-space exposure and protects crews during hazardous tank maintenance.

Less Downtime

Our system works without the lengthy shutdowns and emptying required by traditional tank cleaning methods.

Proven Innovation

Founded after a real tank safety incident, Bristola was built to solve critical industry risks.

Flexible Solutions

We support retrofits, new builds, and recurring maintenance across petroleum and industrial storage facilities.

Meet the Bristola Team

Experienced leaders driving safer industrial cleaning solutions.

Portrait of Jared Burma, Founder of Bristola

Jared Burma

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.

Portrait of Chad Neleman, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola

Chad Neleman

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.

Portrait of Corey Allen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola

Corey Allen

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.

Portrait of John Aydin, Director of Business Development at Bristola

John Aydin

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.

Portrait of Ian Dunlap, Chief Technology Officer at Bristola

Ian Dunlap

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.

Portrait of Jeff Harclerode, Partner at Bristola

Jeff Harclerode

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.

Portrait of Brandon Croney, Director of Business Development at Bristola

Brandon Croney

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.

Portrait of Chad Hennigar, Controller at Bristola

Chad Hennigar

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to have a fuel tank cleaned?

Fuel tank cleaning costs vary based on tank size, sludge volume, access conditions, facility type, and whether retrofit hardware is already installed. Projects may also differ depending on whether cleaning can be completed with robotic access or requires preparation work first. Bristola focuses on reducing total operational cost by minimizing downtime, avoiding full shutdowns where possible, and lowering confined-space labor exposure.

How often do oil tanks need to be cleaned?

Can petroleum tanks be cleaned without human entry?

Do you need to shut down operations for tank cleaning?

What types of tanks and facilities do you service?

What is included in a petroleum tank cleaning project?

Can existing tanks be retrofitted for future cleanings?

Why is preventive maintenance important for petroleum tanks?

Still Have Questions About Tank Cleaning?

Talk with our team about your facility and cleaning needs.

Where We Service

Bristola supports industrial tank cleaning projects across domestic and international service areas for qualifying facilities.

Des Moines, IA

Headquarters

U.S. & Canada

Service Reach

On-Site Service

Project Type

Need Service at Your Facility?

Tell us where your tank cleaning project is located.

Trusted Innovation

Awards and Recognition

Patented entry system trust badge

Patented Entry System

Proprietary zero-entry cleaning technology.

Since 2019 company trust badge

Since 2019

Established industrial cleaning innovator.

Global service reach trust badge

Global Service Reach

Serving facilities across multiple continents.

Talk With Our Tank Cleaning Specialists

Share your tank type, facility needs, and maintenance goals. Our team will review your project and help outline the safest, most efficient next steps.

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