RMC-03-92 In-Service Robotic AST Cleaning and Inspection: History and Operational Experience

Description:

Since its first introduction to the petroleum industry in 1996, the use of in-service robots for determining the remaining life of AST floors through the use of high density ultrasound scanning has become an important option for a plant’s tank management program. This paper presents the history of the introduction of this technique into the petroleum industry and summarizes current applications and case histories. Special emphasis is placed on the use of in-service robots to address API 653 guidelines and how the results of direct floor thickness measurements can be integrated into a plant’s risk-based inspection program. A discussion is also provided that introduces the reader to the use of extreme value statistics for the analysis of corrosion data from the floor of storage tanks. The economics associated with the use of in-service robotics are summarized within each case history.