Phillips 66, a diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company, in collaboration with Square Robot and Veritank, recently deployed an autonomous robot it says safely performed its first successful in-service inspection of the interior of an aboveground diesel storage tank.
“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 for Phillips 66’s midstream operations. “We see numerous applications for this service and look forward to its continued deployment across our portfolio.”
The autonomous robot, designed and manufactured by Square Robot, 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, Veritank said. The robot also is designed to capture high-clarity visual images of the interior and provide 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, a subsidiary of Square Robot.
“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.”
Added Eric Levitt, Square Robot co-founder: “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.
“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 tanks, such as crude and gasoline.”
