Robot capable of inspecting oil tank floors under development

Phillips 66, an energy manufacturing and logistics company, and Boston-based start-up Square Robot, Inc. are jointly developing an unmanned robot capable of inspecting storage tank floors while product remains in the tank.

Evaluating tank floor’s remaining life has been a challenge, but thanks to this robot, a non-destructive testing will be carried out and more accurate data will be gathered.

“The new robot is being developed to automatically survey and map obstacles within a tank -- while the tank remains in static service -- creating a specific route map allowing maximum coverage of the tank floor,” stated in a company release.

It will be certified for use in a wide range of petroleum products and expected to enter service in mid-2018.

“Our collaboration with Square Robot presents a unique opportunity to develop technology that will enable us to maintain our equipment and minimize disruption to our customers,” said Todd Denton, general manager, Midstream Operations, Phillips 66.

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