Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Get clear answers on our inspection technology, processes, and deliverables.
For patent and certification details, visit our Resources page.
What Does a Typical Tank Inspection Day with Square Robot Entail?
What types of products can the robot inspect in a tank?
The list of products the robot can inspect is constantly growing. If you have a product not on this list please send us the SDS so that an evaluation can be made. The most common products we operate in are water, diesel, jet, kerosene, fuel oil, lube oil, gasoline, and naphtha. For more details, visit our Product Compatibility page.
How does the Robot navigate inside the tank?
These sensors collectively provide a navigation solution. This data, when combined with customer-supplied tank design documentation, allows the robot to accurately track its location inside the tank and avoid internal structures. Additionally, the robot is equipped with high-resolution (1080p) cameras, giving operators real-time visual feedback to make path adjustments if unexpected obstacles are detected.
How heavy is the Robot?
How do you maintain communications with the robot?
We communicate with the SR-3 via a fiber-optic cable that is attached to the inspection robot at all times.
Do you collect video footage or still images when conducting the tank inspections?
We capture video footage from two high-definition cameras on the robot and extract still images from the recorded footage of key areas of interest that we include in the final report. However, image quality can be affected by visibility within the product.
How much data does the robot collect?
The robot continuously collects data throughout the inspection. While scanning the bottom plates using Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing, it captures an average of 9,000 data points per square foot scanned. In addition to the bottom plate thickness measurements, the system is also collecting coating thickness and defect data, bottom settlement, positioning information, as well as video imagery.
How close to the critical zone does the robot get?
The SR3 robot can collect PAUT data within 1/2 inch of the chime weld, covering the entire critical zone. Unlike traditional inspection systems, which require the tank to be drained of product and cleaned, they also fail to collect UT data across the first 2 inches from the chime weld and require manual human intervention using single-point UT to gather data closer to the shell. The SR3’s design extends up to the shell, aiding in the detection of corrosion in the tank’s most vital area.
What does Square Robot's report deliverable look like and what is the anticipated timeline to receive the report?
Our standard report format resembles what is typically provided in a traditional Out-of-Service (OOS) API 653 inspection. A summary of findings, total coverage achieved, inspection intervals, bottom findings layout and table of indications along with much more. We often customize these reports to meet our customer’s preferred format and specific data requirements. Reports are delivered within 2 weeks from the completion of the inspection. View Reports
How do you launch the robot into the tank?
- Side Launch method-
- A side manway with a minimum 22.75” inner diameter is required for tank entry. A manway adapter, a 24” gate valve, and the Vehicle Chamber are installed, collectively forming the Side Launcher. With the gate valve closed, the Vehicle Chamber access door is opened, the robot is loaded, and the door is securely bolted shut.
- After a seal test is completed, nitrogen is introduced into the chamber to displace oxygen. Once safe LEL readings are confirmed, the chamber is filled with tank product via crossover lines. Finally, the 24” gate valve is fully opened, allowing the robot to access the tank.
- Roof Launch-
- In order to get the robot to the roof of the tank we either employ a mobile crane or our incline lift system.
- When it comes to launching and recovering the robot from the tank, this can be accomplished via a mobile or manual davit crane.
- The robot is rolled over to a position near the roof manway, and its service cart is raised to the vertical position.
- A “Lock Latch” mechanism is connected to the crane or davit’s lift hook and attached to the robot’s lifting point. The robot is lifted from its service cart, aligned with the roof manway, and lowered into the product. Once 3-6 feet below the surface, the quick-release wire is pulled to disengage the Lock Latch, and the robot is manually lowered to the tank bottom using the communications tether.
Learn more about our robot launch and recovery methods.
How do you remove the Robot from the tank?
To remove the robot, the “Lock Latch” mechanism is attached to the crane’s lift hook and guided into the tank along the communications tether. The Lock Latch automatically engages the robot’s lifting point, allowing it to be lifted smoothly out of the product. The robot is then aligned with the roof manway and lowered onto its service cart for secure transport.
How do we clean the Robot at the end of a shift?
We have two methods of cleaning the robot after it is removed from a tank:
Method One: Side Launch Recovery – During the recovery process, while the robot is still inside the vehicle chamber, a water flush is performed. Once the chamber is drained and the hatch is opened, the robot is rolled out onto the service tray, which extends over a containment mat. The robot is then sprayed with decontamination fluid and wiped down with absorbent pads.
Method Two: Roof Recovery – As the robot is lifted from the product, excess fluid drips back into the tank. Once at the roof, it is suspended in the manway to allow remaining product to drain. The robot is then moved over a containment mat near the manway, where it is sprayed with decontamination fluid and wiped down with absorbent pads. Typically, less than half a cup (118 ml) of product is removed during cleaning. The soiled pads are bagged and taken down from the roof for disposal in an approved container.
SR-3 Robot Launch and Recovery Considerations
| Item | Roof Launch | Shell Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Type | Fixed, External Floating, Geodome | Internal Floating, Geodome |
| Product Type | High Flash Point (Water, Distillates, Lube Oil, Other) | Low or High Flash Point (Gasoline, Naphtha, Ethanol, Methanol, Other) |
| Manway Size | 24″ (610 mm) Manway (22.75″ ID) | 24″ (610 mm) Manway (22.75″ ID) |
| Manway Access | External and internal obstructions that restrict access | External and internal obstructions that restrict access Minimum 20′ × 5′ (6.1 m × 1.5 m) work footprint near manway |
| Lifting Equipment | Mobile Crane (~35 Ton) | Forklift or Crane |
| Ancillary Equipment | Provided by Square Robot | Nitrogen, Vacuum Truck, Bubbler, Tote, Cribbing |
| Additional Considerations | Roof and lift safety, Manway access | Install manway adaptor/valve/blind by lowering product level below manway or hot tap shell manway |
When the roof manway is removed, we install a lightweight emissions cover and secure it with clamps. A manhole barricade is also placed around the manway to prevent any items from falling in.
What type of power source is required to conduct an in-service robotic inspection?
A gas or diesel-powered portable generator (7.5kW to 9.5kW, rated 120/240V) is included in our standard support equipment for every job. The generator is placed on a containment mat and electrically bonded to the earth. If the tank location has (QTY-2) 120VAC outlets, each on a 30A circuit breaker then this can also be used instead of a portable generator.
Preparing for a Side Launcher Installation:
The client needs to identify a side manway that has at least a 22.75” inner diameter that has a ground clearance of 20.9” to the center of the manway. Verify the area around the side manway is free and clear of obstacles in an 6ft x 16ft footprint. Prior to Square Robot’s arrival to start the inspection a manway adapter and 24” gate valve must also be installed onto the tank.
How do we secure ourselves once on top of the tank?
Standard fall protection harnesses and lanyards are used to ensure 100% tie-off when working near an open manway or on roof areas without railings.
For additional questions, please contact us at info@squarerobot.com