Robotic Tank Inspection while the tanks are in-service. This Service is approved under the API code Recommended Practice 525.
The Robot is a custom-made ROV that requires special alloys, connectors, an Ex-proof Camera, NAV, Wheels, a Polyurethane Umbilical cord of 116 Meters in length, Transducers 8 channels, Sonar, Pump, and other components with the control room.
ADNOC have utilized robotic in-service tank inspection on a number of occasions to provide data to support endorsement extension of the Crude Oil Storage tanks since 2010 when the Integrity Division was given an Innovation award for introducing this cost saving technology.
The Robotic tank inspection service systematically scans the tank bottom with an array of ultrasonic transducers, and relays high-volume UT data for analysis. The robot pushes sludge aside as it travels, making cleaning and waste disposal unnecessary in many cases. High-density UT scanning reveals more about the true condition of the tank and provides a complete, 10-year API 653 report regarding the tank floor.
There are a number of areas where the robot cannot travel. Consequently, a statistical method known as Extreme Value Analysis (EVA) is utilized to extrapolate the acquired data and predict the minimum remaining floor thickness with less than 1% chance of overestimation. This means that the actual density of coverage from the robotic deployed UT can be small making the whole system cost effective.
This New technology is now available and provides the tank owner with a high degree of confidence regarding the tank floor integrity. The number and type of tank where an in-service approach is appropriate is increasing and today ADMA-OPCO use robotic tank inspection as the default tool to support the endorsement extension of all of their tanks.
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