In the past we have spoken at length about mixing systems and the importance of keeping your tanks in good order. However, this is easy to say, but a little bit more difficult to achieve in practice. 

Buildup of material can happen very gradually and sometimes the drop in performance is so in-perceptual that it is not noticeable. However, it is almost inevitable that at some point there will be a buildup of materials in your tanks and Marches can be there to help, firstly by completing a Lithium trace test to tell you what proportion of the tank is still operational and secondly by managing a tank clean out. 

Now all tanks are different and some are easier to access than others. The key is planning; if you need access into tanks, it’s always a hazardous undertaking and should never be carried out without careful consideration. The tanks need to be drawn down, meaning the liquid must be removed and the potentially explosive gases need to be purged out by the addition of nitrogen as a gas. At Marches we utilise trusted contractors who we have worked with on many occasions; this includes our nitrogen purging contractor – Ligas (Services to Industry) Limited who have worked with us for a number of years and provide an excellent service. Regardless of our experience of working together we always go to great lengths to create, review, and approve isolation and purging procedures specific to each project. 

Once the tank has been purged of biogas and drained down, we will then plan a confined space entry, ensuring all the risks are quantified and managed, including the requirement for breathing apparatus and regular tank head space monitoring.  

When these systems are in place, we can start removing the debris build up, usually with a high-pressure vacuum tanker that literally sucks out the unwanted material - like a massive waterproof hoover! For this task we use Celvac, a specialist contractor that has considerable experience in confined space entries, cleaning and removing waste materials as well as an impeccable health and safety record. Once removed the material can hopefully be recycled or if not, appropriately disposed of. Once the tank is clean it’s a good opportunity to carry out a tank inspection and make any remedial repairs or improvements, all of which Marches can assist with.  

So, if you suspect that your tanks are filling up with grit please give Marches a call, there is nothing like knowing you have an experienced team leading you through each step.  And there is nothing that we love more than rolling our sleeves up and solving clients problems…