Innovative hydrocarbon tank inspection

Innovation within periodic inspection of hydrocarbon tanks

Periodic inspection of hydrocarbon storage tanks is subject to regulatory requirements. Conventionally, tanks had to be taken out of service, drained and evacuated to be entered safely. These traditional tank inspections are not only costly and time-consuming, but also error-prone, dangerous for workers and they create waste and emissions in the environment.

Using Gebuwin’s hand winches, AIS Field created their RUVI OilDiver that provides a solution to this complicated process. Gebuwin’s hand winches provide the RUVI OilDiver with ATEX-certified materials, which are a must in this case as the robot works in an explosive environment. The hand winches used for this project are made of 316 stainless steel. This steel offers increased corrosion resistance and is optimal in harsh/rugged conditions.

The winches have been modified so that instead of being operated by hand, they can be operated remotely with air. Gebuwin’s two hand winches are installed on a tripod system. This is the system AIS Field uses to deploy its RUVI OilDiver. The RUVI OilDiver is a robotic system designed for ‘on-line’ ultrasonic thickness measurement and corrosion mapping of storage tank floors in explosive environments, in compliance with API 653 standards.

Gebuwin’s hand winches used in the RUVI OilDiver lower the so-called 360-degree sonar navigation system. The hand winches should ensure that the RUVI OilDiver lands at an optimal location which then allows it to move optimally. In doing so, it ensures accurate data collection and mapping.

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