Storage tank cleaning??

[Big Mike]

I have a meeting with a guy tomorrow to look at 4 - 10,000 gallon storage tanks he needs cleaned. I have never attempted this but don't think it would be too difficult ( I hope). Here's what I know so far: the tanks held a food grade soybean oil and there is solidified and liquid residue in the tanks. The tanks have 22" manways in the top and bottom. The tanks are constructed of steel with an epoxy finish on the inside. The dimensions are 10'6" wide by 22' tall with a 2' cone. These will be moved out of the building they are in, prior to cleaning. They have on site hazardous waste disposal program in place, so they can deal with the captured oil.

Q1- with the epoxy coating on the inside, will plain old hot water work?
Q2- How the heck do I capture the huge quantity of oil from the rinsing?
Q3- I was thinking of a really big duct spinner inserted from the top to bottom, would it work?
Q4- Should I call Mike Rowe from "Dirty Jobs"?

Any suggestions will help, along with pricing if anyone has done this type of deal before. Thanks

 

[S.L.Alt]

I would check something out before taking this job. I believe if you break the plane of the manhole it is considered a "confined space entry" and I believe according to OSHA you need to have training for that. There are several hazards with tank cleaning you may need to research.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, I'm aware of the OSHA confined space reg's. I won't take the job if I have to go inside. I'm really hoping that with the epoxy coating on the inside, it will just be a matter of thorough rinsing. Thanks for the input.

 

[Dan S]

Call Mike @ Dirty Jobs........................ Have him do it fer ya and gain some advertising !!

I really can't see how you can clean them without going inside .............And do a good job....Unless you tell 'em that you will only do what you can do Outside...???

 

[Big Mike]

Sorry I haven't replied to this post for updates. I have the same thread going on TGS, so you can check it out over there if you like.

 

[Dan S]

Nuttin against.... TGS @ all.................... But some of us only go to one BB............ See one see 'em all !!

So fill me in what did you decide 2 do...... If ya dont wanna answer again .I understand ............><><

 

[Christopher]

More than likely you will need to go inside to make sure it is thoroughly cleaned. They will probably check the epoxy for integrity and see if some parts of it have wear or erosion. Even epoxy does not last forever. You will monitor the entryway with a 5gas meter to see if there is explosive/hazardous vapors/fumes. If and when it is save for entry, you might need to go inside with breathing air until there is enough Oxygen for breathing, the oil vapors/fumes can easily push the Oxygen out making the need for breathing air mandatory. You will need a "Hole Watch" to monitor the inside for air, fumes, vapors, etc.... You will need an emergency rescue plan in case someone falls, passes out, etc... You will need the emergency rescue team of the plant notified of the situation everyday and they will need to be on "Stand By" in case of an emergency. You can usually rent the meter but if you have to buy one they are about $3000 to $6000. There is a whole lot more to doing this type of work in confined spaces than I am writing here but I would have to write for a couple more hours, this is just an idea of what you are getting into. Insurance...That is another can of worms. Most insurance policies will not cover this. You need to check your policy and they will ask the standard questions like: How were you trained to work in Confined Spaces, How many have you done, What type of monitoring equipment do you have, what size of crew, How is your holewatch certified, Do you have all the monitoring logs needed, Do you have the Breathing air carts, trailers, equipment needed, ETC....... There really is a lot more to it...Where are you located? When do they want it done?

 

[Big Mike]

Christopher,
Thanks for your concern, but this is not a "permit required confined space" as defined in OSHA Standards - 29 CFR 1910.146. We will however, have fresh air supplied and exhaust. I will have a o2 monitor (about $275), and an attendant at the opening monitoring a lifeline and controlling the air, etc. I have been OSHA trained in confined space entry, along with a ton of other stuff in my years with the City of Minneapolis. I am well aware of the inherent dangers of this type of work, and do not take it lightly. We will have safety measures in place above and beyond what are called for, but that is by my choice.

Thank you all for your input. I've got a proposal ready to go out Monday morning, and I'll keep you posted on whether I get the job or not. I may be able to take photo's if I get the job, but not sure yet.

 

[S.L.Alt]

Big Mike,

Did you get the job?