Development of the Neptune On-Stream Robotic Inspection System for Above-Ground Storage Tanks
Abstract
Owners of petroleum storage tanks are required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct inspections that conform to American Petroleum Institute (API) practices. These APIrecommended practices specify that inspections be conducted every 5 years to make sure storage tanks are not leaking. Compliance with these requirements is essential, but it is especially costly and timeconsuming for the operators of industrial scale tank farms. The U.S. Army Construction Engineering Research Laboratories (USACERL) and Raytheon Engineers and Constructors of Lyndhurst, NJ, worked in partnership to develop a remotely operated robotic system capable of onstream inspection of submerged infrastructure components for corrosion and other damage. The prototype system comprised a dualtracked platform mounted with ultrasonic and visual inspection technology. The unit was to be selfcontained and explosionproof according to applicable National Fire Protection Association Class 1, Division 1 standards. The prototype system could not pass applicable safety tests. Connectors were designed incorrectly for service in explosive environments and unprotected wires on the outside of the robot were out of compliance with applicable guidance. Other mechanical trouble with robot components are noted. However, it is concluded that the prototype system demonstrated the viability of the concept of onstream testing of storage tanks and water structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA335549
Entities
People
- Hagen Schempf
- Karl Schmidt
- Robert A. Weber
- Tagore Sommers
Organizations
- Construction Engineering Research Laboratory