The in-situ UST robotic inspection system

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:378097

Berger, A D; Robb, F J; Iaconis, J M; White, D W ^[1]; Hock, V F ^[2]

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1. RedZone Robotics, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
2. Army Construction Engineers Research Labs., Champaign, IL (United States)

A remotely operated robotic inspection system is being developed for underground storage tanks (USTs). The robot is deployed from the ground surface through any 4-inch or larger diameter tank riser to conduct a tank wall thickness inspection while the tank remains in service. Ultrasonic (UT) sensors measure tank wall thickness in accordance with ASTM Standard ES 40-94 to meet EPA inspection requirements for buried steel tanks. Such inspection is required by 40 CFR Part 280 on many USTs. Robotic inspection is cheaper and takes less time than existing manual UT inspection methods. Robotic technology also moves the human out of the UST which significantly reduces human risk. Thickness data obtained by the robot will be mapped onto tank coordinates and entered into a tank-life prediction model. This model will also consider soil chemistry and other test data to evaluate corrosion, predict structural integrity, and develop a life expectation for the UST.

• OSTI ID: 378097
• Report Number(s): CONF-9606194--; ISBN 1-877914-94-0
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
CORROSION PRODUCTS
DESIGN
DETECTION
INSPECTION
OPERATION
REMOTE CONTROL
REMOTE SENSING
ROBOTS
SERVICE LIFE
STEELS
STORAGE FACILITIES
THICKNESS
ULTRASONIC TESTING
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
WALLS