Tanks in the logistics industry are in constant use. When a maintenance shutdown comes around, every extra day out of production costs money.
Planning a maintenance shutdown is a critical phase that determines how quickly a tank returns to service and how much the work actually costs. In this article, we walk through what a logistics operator should consider when planning a tank maintenance shutdown.
Logistics tanks: special requirements in maintenance shutdowns
Large storage tanks in the logistics industry place their own unique demands on maintenance shutdowns. The tanks often handle several different products in rotation, which means residues can be multi-layered and difficult to remove.
In a terminal environment, a tank outage directly affects the throughput of the entire terminal. This means that the length of the downtime has an immediate impact on operational capacity.
Typical special characteristics of maintenance shutdowns for logistics operators include:
- Tight scheduling windows that must be aligned with transport and delivery schedules
- Substances contained in the tanks may be toxic or highly flammable, placing demands on safety arrangements
- Emptying a large tank requires appropriate equipment, such as a vacuum truck or transfer pump
- After cleaning, the tank must meet the cleanliness requirements related to product changeover or continued use
In Finland, safety supervision related to maintenance work on industrial tanks is handled by the Finnish Supervisory Agency (occupational safety department), occupational safety department. In practice, this means that tank work must be carried out in accordance with current safety regulations.
Minimizing downtime with robotic technology
The traditional method of cleaning a large industrial tank has required days of scaffolding construction before the actual work could even begin. This significantly increases both costs and downtime.
We use our own in-house developed cleaning robot for washing large tanks. The robot is assembled inside the tank and advances systematically sector by sector from bottom to top, continuously maintaining a precise distance from the tank wall. The robot cleans the tank walls; the floor is cleaned separately if needed.
Practical benefits of robotic technology for tank maintenance shutdowns:
- No scaffolding at any stage whatsoever, significantly reducing project time
- Cleaning material is simultaneously collected into containers located outside the tank
- Less water is consumed, reducing the volume of wash water and the need for treatment
- Effective on old, hardened coatings and difficult-to-remove substances
- Suitable for all large tanks regardless of material
- Workers spend less time inside the tank, reducing exposure risk
For lighter cleaning needs, we use a tank washer, which is a fast option for high-level washing. A manual pressure washer is used in situations where other methods are not appropriate.
Full-service from emptying to cleaning
A tank maintenance shutdown consists of several phases, and each one must be precisely coordinated. When a single operator is responsible for the entire chain, scheduling problems are avoided and accountability is clear.
We handle tank emptying with vacuum trucks or transfer pumps. The contents to be emptied are transferred to a location designated by the client or to appropriate further processing.
After emptying, we carry out the tank cleaning using the method most suitable for the site’s needs. In addition, we can handle other maintenance tasks during the shutdown, such as:
- Wall and ceiling washing
- Pipeline cleaning with pressure washing or pipe cleaning equipment
- Terminal area cleaning and maintenance
- Renewal of signs and markings
- Insulation repair work
- Sheet metal repair work
This means that all necessary maintenance measures can be handled within a single shutdown period without multiple separate contractors and coordination rounds.
How to plan a maintenance shutdown step by step
A well-planned tank maintenance shutdown begins long before a single valve is closed. Below is a practical framework that we recommend for logistics operators.
- Scheduling and needs assessment. Determine when the tank can be taken out of service without disrupting critical deliveries. Define what work will be carried out during the shutdown.
- Request for quotation to the service provider. Provide information on the tank’s size, contents, most recently performed maintenance, and the desired schedule. The more precise the initial data, the more accurate the quote.
- Selection of work methods. Agree with the service provider on which cleaning method is most suitable for the situation. For large tanks, the cleaning robot is the primary option; it cleans the tank walls, and the floor is treated separately if needed.
- Safety arrangements. Tank work requires appropriate risk assessment and safety planning. Ensure that the service provider has the expertise and equipment for safe working.
- Execution of emptying and cleaning. Work proceeds according to the agreed schedule. A good service provider reports on progress and responds quickly if any surprises are found in the tank.
- Handover and documentation. The shutdown concludes when the tank has been inspected, documented, and is ready to return to service.
It is worth starting the planning of a maintenance shutdown well in advance. Work ordered in a rush may mean that the best equipment or method is not available exactly when it is needed.
Request a quote for a tank maintenance shutdown
We specialize in the emptying and cleaning of large industrial tanks in Finland and Sweden. Our operating model is designed to minimize downtime and keep the project on schedule from start to finish.
Get in touch and tell us about your tank. We need the tank’s size, contents, and desired schedule as a starting point. We will then propose a suitable work method and provide a quote.
A request for quotation can be sent directly through our contact form or by calling us. We respond quickly and without unnecessary intermediaries.