Some of the technologies that have evolved during the years are tank cleaning heads, vacuum transfer systems and pumping solutions. The vacuum transfer systems involve the remote suction of the materials via a filtration system and finally into a removal skip. It is similar to a giant vacuum cleaner since it works in the same principle but on a bigger scale. It is also capable of coping with difficult material including stone, sludge, sand, liquids and powder.
Tank cleaning heads involve water being driven under pressure. The compact and tightly focused water jet is directed to remove deposits and clean enclosed areas that are not safe for humans. The heads can be rotated to ensure that they reach every area that requires cleaning. This operation is controlled remotely and specialist heads can be used to take care of the hard entry points of the industrial tanks.
The pumping solutions that are used are probably the easiest and most straightforward technology used to clean tanks. The pumps can be inserted into a container space and the liquid in the container pumped out. This is usually done before cleaning or in some cases after cleaning has been done using the cleaning heads. Even though the use of technology in cleaning of industrial tanks has increased, the role that human beings play has not been completely eliminated. There are some points where deposits have to be removed and the machines cannot do it. This is where a trained expert enters the confined space and carries out the cleaning operation manually. To ensure safety, some standards and procedures have to be followed. The teams that go into confined spaces need to be highly trained and possess all the necessary equipment.