AUTOMATED STORM TANK CLEANING SAVES TIME AND MONEY
23 July 2012
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The Problem
Keeping the UK’s overfill storm tanks debris-free is a constant battle, especially when significant rainfall exacerbates the problem. Poorly cleaned tanks can increase the risk of system failure which can result in flooding. Consequently, this is a problem which is high on many peoples’ agenda in today’s world of climate change and increased flood risks.
Generally storm overfill tanks are cleaned manually where someone with a pressure washer would enter the tank to perform the regular cleaning required for tank maintenance. However, this is labour intensive process and also represents a significant health and safety hazard.
The Solution
Automation of this process would save time, money and reduce risk and a high powered tank washing machine such as the HydroWhirl Orbitor, developed by BETE Ltd, is a good example. These systems are used in a variety of industrial applications around the world and produce methodical and effective, high-impact cleaning for almost any conceivable residue. When a large utilities company undertook a cleaning automation project BETE were, therefore, the logical company to turn to for assistance. With some modification of the original tank cleaner design the perfect solution was found.
Some Modifications
The original HydroWhirl Orbitor tank wash machine cleaned with a 360° pattern but in the cleaning of storm tanks this would not only be wasteful of water it would also potentially damage the roofing above.
With this in mind the Orbitor was re-engineered to spray in a 180 degree downwards only spray pattern. The type of cleaning required also differed from the normal Orbitor applications. For example, rather than absolutely methodical cleaning that thoroughly removes residue from every square millimetre, a more rugged clean was required. This necessitated some modification of the gearing system in the Orbitor to achieve the desired cleaning patter, wash cycle time and flow rates.
The Results
After a successful testing period, 24 tank washing machines are now installed at the site, one for each of the storm tanks. This means now that each of the tanks can be cleaned without the need for anyone to enter the vessel with a pressure washer. In addition to the health & safety benefits, early indicators are that pay-back on the project will be measured in a matter of months and future installations at other sites are already being planned.
Further details on HydroWhirl Orbitor tank cleaning systems are available from Ivan Zytynski:
BETE Ltd, PO Box 2748, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 4BA, UK Tel: +44 (0) 1273 400 092 Fax: +44 (0) 1273 401 220 Email: ivan@beteuk.com www.beteuk.com
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