Robot designed to carry out storage tank inspections

Robots do the dangerous work—so people don’t have to. It’s what a Houston company says about the autonomous robot it’s designed and tested to inspect storage tanks for oil and diesel.

Veritank, Inc worked with Phillips 66 in successfully deploying the robot in the first in-service inspection of the interior of an aboveground diesel storage tank.

The autonomous robot, designed and manufactured by Square Robot, has received National Electric Code Class 1, Division 2 (C1D2) certification allowing inspections to occur while the tank is in-service and filled with product.

Veritank’s service to evaluate tank bottom integrity without draining product saves significant expense and reduces the need for personnel to enter tanks. The robot also captures high-clarity visual images of the interior and provides insight into the tank’s sediment levels and coating condition.

“The ongoing collaboration with the Phillips 66 team of inspection and safety experts has been invaluable during the testing and qualification phase,” said Clint Collins, CEO of Veritank. “As we launch and commercialize this new service offering, it is paramount that we maintain our focus on safety and install robust deployment processes while continuing to find new ways to provide value-added services to tank owners and operators.”

“We continue to find immense value in being able to better understand the internal condition of our tanks while they remain in service,” said Todd Denton, general manager, Midstream Operations, Phillips 66. “We see numerous applications for this service and look forward to its continued deployment across our portfolio.”

“The Phillips 66 team, beginning with their investment in December 2016, has helped Square Robot deliver on its commitment to build autonomous robots to safely inspect tank interiors,” said Square Robot Co-Founder Eric Levitt. “In the next phase of development, we will deliver a system certified for C1D1 operations, allowing in-service inspections of lower flash point liquid storage tankssuch as crude and gasoline.”