Tank Cleaning and Processing

Veolia Environmental’s Tank Cleaning and Processing techniques emphasize the critical elements of professional project planning and detailed process controls. Even under optimum circumstances, tank cleaning can be a risky undertaking. Detailed planning, engineering, safety standards, on-site process controls, training and experience significantly reduce (if not eliminate) the inherent risk. Our tank cleaning techniques feature total process containment, tank ventilation, vapor recovery/scrubbing (degassing), and automated mechanical technology/equipment to minimize personnel exposure and eliminate (or reduce) manned entry into the tank.

Veolia Separations specializes in the following type of above ground storage tanks:

• Crude Oil Storage/Transfer Tanks
• Number Six (6) Fuel Oil Storage Tanks
• Cat Fine and/or Coke Fine Storage/Settling Tanks
• Slop Oil Tanks
• Sour Water Tanks
• Wastewater Sediment/Clarifier Tanks
• Municipal Digesters

Tank cleaning methods include robotic, mechanical, chemical and thermal circulation techniques. Our remotely operated Manway Cannon System (pictured here) is designed to use pressurized, heated cutter (or water) to slurry and move tank bottom solids to the suction point of a removal and pumping system. The Cannon is equipped with a video camera so the remote operator can direct and control the entire operation. The bulk of the cleaning and sludge removal operation is performed without personnel entry into the tank.

In order to minimize the volume of hazardous waste and maximize product recovery (oil and water), Veolia Separations will process the sludge removed from the tank using the most cost effective technology possible, depending on the specific sludge stream characteristics and contents. In some cases, the waste material can be blended into a useful fuel stock or prepared for on-site Coker Feed/Recycling.

Veolia’s extensive experience in product removal, sludge processing and tank cleaning makes Veolia the industry standard.

Veolia personnel are 40-hour HAZMAT, confined space rescue trained and are experienced in a variety of oily tank sludge removal, processing and cleaning projects for oil refineries, pipelines and power plants.

Prior to beginning any tank cleaning project, Veolia engineers and operation personnel develop a site and scope specific Project Operation and Safety Manual (POSM) consisting of the following major components:

Veolia Project Operations and Safety Manual (POSM):

• Site Specific Health and Environmental Safety Plan (HESP)
• A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) executed and reviewed/signed by every on-site Veolia employee on every shift.
• Process Flow Diagrams and P&ID Drawings (stamped by PE)
• Project Operations Plan and Equipment Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• Hazards of Operations Review (HazOps)
• Start-up and Shut-down Checklist
• Corporate Tank Cleaning Standard (based on API 2015 & 2016) including best practices for confined space entry, ventilation/de-gassing, spill prevention and other critical procedures.

For additional information see our Long Term Processing page.

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