Square Robot, the world leader in robotic tank inspections, is celebrating the successful launch of a series of in-service storage tank inspections in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) through the Electric Research Power Institute’s (EPRI) Incubatenergy® Labs Cohort program.

Square Robot executed three rapid tank inspections in three days, a significant departure from the conventional 30-day timeframe for typical out-of-service inspections of similar tank size and condition.  The trials demonstrate the exceptional value and advantages of Square Robot’s submersible, autonomous robot for in-service above-ground storage tank inspections.

The inspections were held at the TVA’s Marshall Combined Cycle Power Plant in Kentucky. API 653 inspections were completed for three fuel oil storage tanks, each 62 feet in diameter and able to hold about 1 million gallons of fuel oil.

According to the TVA, an out-of-service API 653 inspection could command up to 30 days of project time per tank. Using its SR-1 submersible robot, Square Robot performed all three inspections in only three days while the tanks remained fully operational containing fuel oil. 

The robotic inspections eliminated hundreds of hours of out-of-service downtime and high-risk confined space entry work. They also avoided almost six tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions typically required to take a fuel oil tank out of service for inspection. 

The fourth and final robotic inspection under the program with TVA and EPRI will be for a 92-feet diameter fire water tank at the Magnolia Combined Cycle Plant in Mississippi. Following the successful completion of the program, the Square Robot team will present its findings at the EPRI Incubatenergy® Labs Demo Day in Vancouver, Canada, in November.

Square Robot has successfully inspected over 130 tanks for more than 40 operators in five countries, including approximately two dozen in the power sector.  

Director of Sales Stephanie Nolan said: 
“We would like to thank the EPRI and the TVA for their leadership, interest, and support to introduce new technology to the power industry.  This pivotal trial clearly demonstrates the advantages of Square Robot’s unique tank inspection capabilities in creating significant financial, operational, environmental, and safety benefits for power generators and the communities they serve.”

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