Procedure and benefits of Chemical Tank Cleaning

March 2023

Chemical tank cleaning is a process we use to remove deposits and residues inside storage tanks.

To carry out the process, chemicals are used to dissolve and break down the contaminants that have accumulated on the inner surface of the tanks.

Tank cleaning procedures

At Lagupres, we separate chemical tank washes into 6 phases: the preparation of the tank, the selection of the appropriate chemicals, the application of the chemicals by means of a circulation or agitation process, the exposure time of the chemicals, the rinsing of the equipment with clean water and the final inspection of the tank to evaluate the effectiveness of the process.

Tank preparation

The tank must be emptied and purged to remove any flammable or toxic gases or vapours before cleaning commences.

Chemical product selection

The chemicals used for cleaning depend on the type of contaminants present in the tank and the nature of the tank material. Chemicals can be acids, alkalis or solvents. At Lagupres we study each case in detail to choose the best option for our clients.

Application of chemical products

The chemicals are applied inside the tank by means of a circulation or agitation process. This process helps to disperse the chemicals and expose all areas of the tank to the chemicals.

Exposure time

The exposure time required depends on the type and amount of contaminants present in the tank, as well as the effectiveness of the chemicals used. As with chemical selection, we study each case in detail and select the best option.

Clearing

After the exposure time, the tank should be rinsed with clean water to remove chemicals and dissolved residues.

Inspection and evaluation

Finally, the tank should be inspected to assess the effectiveness of the cleaning process. If necessary, the cleaning process can be repeated or finalised with another type of process.

Benefits of Tank Washing with Chemicals

Chemical cleaning offers several advantages compared to other tank cleaning methods.

Increased efficiency

Chemical cleaning uses specific chemicals to remove residues, deposits and contaminants from the tanks, ensuring a thorough and complete cleaning. In contrast, other cleaning processes may not be as effective in removing strongly adhering residues from tank surfaces.

Time and energy saving

Chemical cleaning is faster than other processes and does not require large amounts of water and energy to carry out.

Increased security

Chemical cleaning is safer for workers as it does not require direct handling of equipment and tools, avoiding possible accidents.

Safety in chemical tank cleaning

It is important to emphasise that chemical tank cleaning must be carried out by trained and experienced personnel, and that all appropriate safety measures, such as adequate ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment, must be followed.

Applicable regulations and standards for the proper disposal of chemicals and wastes generated during the process must be complied with.

At Lagupres, safety and quality are our core values. If you need more information about chemical tank cleaning, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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