Sludge Removal

Internal tank sludge is a major problem; old steel tanks will undoubtedly contain a certain amount of sludge that is detrimental to the integrity of the tank if left to it’s own devices.

Storage facility operators are coming under increasing scrutiny to help preserve the environment around their storage tanks. A possible leak and consequent environmental damage from a sludge-infested tank should be on the top of their list.

The main materials that make up the sludge are deposits of rust, debris that have been left inside the tank following maintenance and debris carried by fuel deposits.

As a company that has been cleaning and inspecting all shapes and sizes of storage tanks for over twenty years we have seen an increase in sludge levels within tanks. Two principal factors contribute to this:

• Additives have been added to fuels to minimize their environmental impact and improve their performance. However as an additive they have accelerated the corrosion of tank surfaces. The corrosion is often seen as small flakes that eventually fall off the tank walls and gather in the tank bottom and consolidate themselves within the sludge

• More recently we have seen an increase in the microbial contamination of fuel. These micro organisms require a very small amount of water present in the fuel to survive and live by eating the hydrocarbons in the tank. They multiply at the fuel water interface. Their waste produces water, sludge, acids and other harmful by-products increasing corrosion. If left to it’s own devises the Bacteria will continue to thrive and eventually contaminate the whole interior of the tank and in turn decreasing the tanks integrity

Sludge build up can lead to:

A thriving environment for Bacteria
Increased corrosion of the tank resulting in damage to the tanks integrity
Clogged filters
Clogged pumps
Clogged fuel lines
Contaminated fuel (decreased performance)

So, how can these problems be solved?

LCM Environmental have developed a storage tank Sludge Removal Device which in conjunction with Tanknology UK Ltd.’s Petroscope camera offers our clients a service to clean and inspect their storage facilities without manned entry and whilst the garage forecourt remains open. The sludge is uplifted by one of our Petroleum Regulated Tanker whilst water cleans the internal space of the tank. All washings are uplifted to the tanker and disposed of, with the sludge, at a licensed facility.

This service can be used in conjunction with our Fuel Treatment and Polishing services with the use of Petroman Ltd’s Bio-Klenz®, to eradicate any Bacteria in the fuel and the storage tank.

For further information on LCM Environmentals Sludge Removal services please contact,

Email:

Contact Nigel Friend

Tel:

01884 841 387

Fax:

01884 840 214