Development of an automatic tank cleaning system

In order to relieve the working conditions and to increase the safety during the cleaning of the tanks, a system has been devised which no longer requires people to work inside the tank. It is a rather complex system. The development of this technology has therefore taken almost two years, but by the looks of things it will be operational by the end of 2010.

The automatic tank cleaning system consists of an articulated arm and a nozzle, which can do the same movements as a manually operated pistol. By making use of hydraulic stepper motors the nozzle can be steered very accurately.
An important aspect is the controlling of the system. The choice was made to make its operation as simple as possible. The operator enters the relevant details into the operating panel such as the ship's name, the tank number and the degree of pollution. On the basis of these parameters the operating system chooses the cleaning programme and the nozzle is automatically manoeuvred to the required positions.

During the cleaning process of the tanks the washing water is continuously filtered and reused. In this way the discharge of waste materials can be limited to a minimum, so that only the thickened silt needs to be removed.