- Oil tanks are made from high grade, thick steel walls. They store crude oil for up to several months at a time. Most storage tanks are cleaned by an industrial company, and not by a layman who is inexperienced. Companies offer several types of storage tank cleaning including no-entry techniques where the tank is cleaned without anyone getting inside. This is ideal for large tanks and small tanks, any tank where a manned entry could be dangerous. Other techniques include water-blasting, where the tank is blasted with high-pressure water, and a manned entry, where the tank is cleaned virtually by hand. Some companies also offer oil recovery with their cleaning service, which can be a benefit for companies who want to reclaim oil from old tanks.
- Waste water storage tanks also need cleaning. These tanks are more likely to grow biological elements due to the nature of the water they store. The tanks need special cleaning due to this fact. Many companies specialize in this type of tank cleaning. Some things to consider when having storage tanks cleaned are the impact on the environment and cost-effectiveness. Companies use industrial cleaners, water blasting--which is more environmentally friendly--and manned cleaning processes to complete this job.
- Another class of storage tanks includes the underground tank systems. These too need to be cleaned, but access to the tanks is limited in many cases. There are an unlimited number of ways to clean these tanks. When ordering this kind of tank cleaning you need to consider many factors, such as the tank's location and whether drinking reservoirs are nearby. The type of contaminant in the tank also must also be considered. Dangerous elements like phosphorous, acids, hazardous materials, oil and other contaminants need extensive cleanup plans. These plans must be coordinated with local authorities in some cases, and must adhere to any local or state laws.
