In conjunction with a leading European company, specialised in acoustic diagnostics. Online tank sludge profiling provides distribution and quantification of sludge levels, without removing a tank from service.
Information gathered assists in determining cleaning programs and scheduling needs, indicating the amount of hydrocarbons for recovery or disposed.
The profiler works for fixed or floating roof tanks, and is suitable for all products where there is significant sludge accumulation. Inserted though suitable manholes or roof leg support openings the submerged profiler and associated software provide a 3D visualisation and quantification of the sludge within the tank.
SENSOR INSERTION POINTS
Prior to performing the survey, the position of chosen insertion points is determined based on diameter, obstructions and availability. The position measured from center and a chosen reference point and entered into the computer program to facilitate accurate orientation of the final 3D profile.
SENSOR
The sensor is an ATEX certified probe for the transmission and capture of acoustic data. The sensor head is fitted with two arrays, vertical for transmission and horizontal for reception and works in a similar way to sonar creating a pulse and capturing reflected sound waves.
SCANNING
The sensor once inserted in the oil performs scanning through 360° taking vertical scans. The sensor rotated through 45° between readings transmits raw data for processing. Knowledge of the exact position and orientation of the sensor head is a critical part of the data gathering process.
3D MODELLING AND REPORTING
Raw data on completion of profiling is cleaned and analysed to remove false echoes produced by obstructions in the tank such as pipelines or heating coils. Interface of tank floor produces unclear data where minimum sludge is present and can cause errors in the profile if not treated correctly. The final report shows a colour coded 3D profile indicating the contour of the sludge profile plus cross sections for easy visualisation.