J. Furphy & Sons robotic tank inspection

J. Furphy & Sons has launched a robotic tank inspection service to increase safety, reduce risk and improve the accuracy of tank inspections.

Climbing robot technology provides remote access to view the interior surface of a tank. It captures high-definition video to identify surface cracks, fatigue or maintenance requirements. The robot features sliding vacuum pads and a Hi-Grip caterpillar track, and is computer controlled to move up, down and around the interior tank surface, adapting to different surface conditions.

The technology is suitable for any industry that uses tanks for liquid storage. The system was originally developed for the dairy industry and is suited to food-based products, consumables, pharmaceuticals or any products with hygiene requirements.

Robotic testing replaces the manual process of using abseilers, scaffolding and rope to conduct an inspection. It reduces the number of contractors needed, as only one controller is required. It also reduces the incidence of human error and has OHS benefits: increased safety, the elimination of confined space entry and personnel are not required to work at height.