Tank Cleaning and Grit Blasting
Before a tank floor can be assessed, the tank has to be safe to enter and clean enough to inspect. We handle the cleaning, sludge removal and grit blasting that make that possible.
About tank cleaning and grit blasting
An internal tank inspection cannot begin until the tank has been emptied, cleaned and made safe to enter. Product residue, sludge and scale hide the condition of the floor and shell, and a floor covered in deposits cannot be scanned or thickness tested with any confidence. Cleaning is the step that turns a full tank into an asset an inspector can actually assess.
We carry out cleaning and sludge removal to bring the tank to a gas free, safe condition for entry, then grit blast the floor and lower shell to expose bare metal. Blasting is typically taken to SA2.5, a near white metal finish that removes corrosion products and old coating so that floor scanning, thickness readings and visual assessment reflect the true condition of the steel.
The same preparation readies the surface for recoating. Where a floor or shell is to be relined after inspection, blasting to the correct standard and surface profile is what gives the new coating something sound to key into.
What the work covers
Cleaning and preparation are scoped to the tank, its previous contents and the inspection and coating work that follows.
- De-sludging and removal of product residue
- Cleaning of the floor, shell and internal fittings
- Gas freeing and confirmation of a safe atmosphere for entry
- Grit blasting of the floor and lower shell, typically to SA2.5
- Surface profile preparation for floor scanning and thickness testing
- Surface preparation for recoating and relining
- Waste collection, containment and disposal of arisings
- Handover of a clean, inspection ready tank
Why cleaning and blasting matter
Safe to enter
Cleaning and gas freeing bring the tank to a safe condition before anyone goes inside.
Bare metal to assess
Blasting to SA2.5 removes scale and old coating so scanning and thickness readings reflect the real steel.
Ready to recoat
The correct standard and surface profile give a new lining a sound surface to bond to.
One team, one plan
Cleaning and inspection handled together means the preparation matches exactly what the inspection needs.
Confined-space control and handover
Tank entry, cleaning and blasting are carried out as confined-space work under a permit to work system, with atmosphere monitoring, controlled access and rescue arrangements in place throughout.
On completion we hand over a clean, gas free tank prepared to the agreed standard, with a record of the cleaning and blasting carried out and the surface finish achieved. Because the same team can go on to inspect the tank, the preparation is matched to what the floor assessment and any recoating actually require.
Related inspection services
Need a tank cleaned and prepared for inspection?
Talk to our team about cleaning, gas freeing and grit blasting ahead of a floor assessment or recoating.