Jan Peter Noordermeer of Mourik: “The continued development of our cleaning technology in tanks fits well with our strategy of striving to work safely and sustainably.”
In collaboration with a new technical partner, Mourik has made a step forward in reducing the environmental impact of tank cleaning operations. Existing non-entry tank cleaning equipment relies on diesel generators for power. The new cleaning technology designed and developed by Mourik is electrically powered, reducing CO2 emissions as well as reducing noise and odor pollution. Operated remotely, the non-entry system fully meets the stringent requirements when it comes to safety and sustainability.
The introduction of this electrically powered cleaning technique is in line with Mourik Industry’s sustainability ambition to only use emission-free equipment by 2030. This latest innovation follows the launch of the first emission-free hydrogen fueled excavator last year. Currently, nearly a quarter of the equipment at Mourik Industry is electrically powered. Jan Peter Noordermeer of Mourik Industry: “Our clients can use their green electricity on location to power the cleaning technology. This way we can operate, together with clients, our equipment even more sustainably.”
Mourik Industry has a great deal of experience with non-entry tank cleaning (NETC) and with this experience, has been able to further refine and optimize the technology. Jan Peter Noordermeer: “The continued development of our cleaning technology in tanks is fully in line with our strategy of striving to work more safely and sustainably. This also fits as part of our mission to help our clients with smart solutions. With the enclosed construction of NETC, the emission restrictions are complied with and can be safely applied at many more locations...”
How NETC works
The new non-entry tank cleaning system consists of a cleaning tool that is equipped with an inspection camera and lighting. It cleans with a pressure of up to 40 bar and can be applied with virtually all, even slightly flammable products. The control room is located at a safe distance from the tank and from there, the cleaning process can be continuously monitored and measurements can be carried to keep track of the oxygen level. Recordings of the cleaning process are also made so that extra controls can take place if desired. During the cleaning process, the atmosphere in the tank can also be made inert. Should the limits be exceeded, the cleaning system will automatically shut itself down. During the cleaning procedure, entry into the tank is unnecessary unless final manual cleaning is required.
The future of NETC
At this moment, there are four remote-operated NETC cleaning systems operational at Mourik Industry. Ultimately by 2030, each and every one of our systems will be electrically powered.