Inspection Services
The SR-3
Square Robot delivers API 653 and EEMUA 159 compliant tank inspection services using the SR-3 autonomous robot, providing accurate, actionable inspection data without taking your tanks out of service.
Solutions
Robotic Inspection Services
Square Robot's inspection services give asset owners a in depth understanding of their aboveground storage tank portfolio, from tank bottom and shell conditions to industry leading extreme value analysis reporting. The Square Robot suite of services grew directly from customer needs, finding solutions to current inspection and reporting pain points.
API 653/ EEMUA 159 Inspections
Tank Shell Inspection
EEMUA 247 Extreme Value Analysis
Tank strapping and calibration
Reporting
Industry Compliant
Reporting
API 653 Inspections and Reports
API 653 has allowed the use of robotics for internal inspections since XXX (date /code). Square Robot's API 653 reports are all analyzed by certified NDT Level IIIs and API 653 inspectors.
EEMUA 159 Inspections and Reports
With a team of certified EEMUA 159 inspectors and assessors, Square Robot provides tank owners with industry leading data analysis and inspections.
EVA Standards
Square Robot's reporting team sets the standard for the process of analyzing data to create an Extreme Value Analysis - a statistical approach that calculates the estimated lowest remaining thickness across the tank bottom. With dense data sets, Square Robot performs EVAs compliant with EEMUA 247 or API 653/581 depending on client requirements.
Why It Pays to Inspect On-Stream
The financial benefits of on-stream robotic inspection are significant and measurable. By eliminating shutdown costs, confined space labor, product removal, and tank cleaning, while keeping assets producing revenue throughout the inspection, Square Robot delivers inspection programs with compelling ROI.
Internal & External API 653 Inspection Reports
Phased Array Ultrasonic Tank Bottom Inspection (PAUT)
Phased Array Ultrasonic Internal Shell Inspection (PAUT)
Tank Strapping & Calibration
Our Results
in Numbers
Square Robot has built a global track record of on-stream robotic inspection — with results that demonstrate the safety, efficiency, and commercial value of our platform.
400+
Tanks Inspected
$150M
Reduction in Inspection Downtime
236000+
Confined Space Hours Eliminated
895
Tonnes CO2E Contained
Tank Bottom
Inspection
The tank bottom is the most vulnerable area of any aboveground storage tank, subject to corrosion from both the product above and the foundation below. Square Robot's SR-3 platform is specifically engineered for data collection on the tank bottom, positioning PAUT probes to access the critical zone while simultaneously collecting elevation data, building out real-time bottom settlement.
Tank bottom thickness measurements on both soil and product side
Access to the tank's critical zone
Tank bottom settlement within a 1/4 of an inch
High resolution visuals
Tank Shell
Inspection
Developed directly from a client need, Square Robot's SR-3 can navigate a tank shell from tank bottom to an elevation of 90 feet, collecting corrosion data on areas that were previously only achievable through a large project management lift. No need to strip insulation, drain the tank and build scaffolding.
Internal shell thickness measurement
Identification of areas with corrosion or structural concern
API 653-compliant reporting
Suitable for a wide range of tank sizes and product types
Tank Strapping
& Calibration
Tank Calibration: By combining Square Robot's industry-leading settlement analysis with external LiDar, tank owners get the most accurate measurements of a tank's volumetric storage capabilities. Tanks stay online with no bounce back affecting measurements keeping operations running while staying in compliance with industry standards.
Precise volume measurement across the full tank height range
Calibration tables formatted for operational and compliance use
Applicable to new tanks and re-calibration of existing assets
Certifications & Recognition
Square Robot's inspection services are backed by independent industry certifications and recognitions that confirm the technical integrity and safety standards of our platform and processes.
View All Patents
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Yes. All Square Robot inspections are performed and documented to satisfy API 653 and EEMUA 159 requirements. Inspection reports include all data and documentation needed for regulatory compliance and audit purposes.
Yes. SR-3 inspections are designed to support API 653 requirements for internal inspection of aboveground storage tanks, with structured data capture and reporting aligned to regulatory expectations.
Not every tank configuration is suitable for robotic inspection. Square Robot offers a Tank Candidacy evaluation to assess whether the SR-3 is the right solution for your specific tanks. Visit our Get Started page to initiate an evaluation.
Duration depends on tank size, configuration, and scope of the inspection program. Your team can provide a timeline estimate based on your specific assets and reporting requirements.
We have two methods of cleaning the robot after it is removed from a tank:
Method One: Side Launch Recovery – During the recovery process, while the robot is still inside the vehicle chamber, a water flush is performed. Once the chamber is drained and the hatch is opened, the robot is rolled out onto the service tray, which extends over a containment mat. The robot is then sprayed with decontamination fluid and wiped down with absorbent pads.
Method Two: Roof Recovery – As the robot is lifted from the product, excess fluid drips back into the tank. Once at the roof, it is suspended in the manway to allow remaining product to drain. The robot is then moved over a containment mat near the manway, where it is sprayed with decontamination fluid and wiped down with absorbent pads. Typically, less than half a cup (118 ml) of product is removed during cleaning. The soiled pads are bagged and taken down from the roof for disposal in an approved container.
SR-3 Robot Launch and Recovery Considerations
Item | Roof Launch | Shell Launch |
Roof Type | Fixed, External Floating, Geodome | Internal Floating, Geodome |
Product Type | High Flash Point (Water, Distillates, Lube Oil, Other) | Low or High Flash Point (Gasoline, Naphtha, Ethanol, Methanol, Other) |
Manway Size | 24″ (610 mm) Manway (22.75″ ID) | 24″ (610 mm) Manway (22.75″ ID) |
Manway Access | External and internal obstructions that restrict access | External and internal obstructions that restrict access Minimum 20′ × 5′ (6.1 m × 1.5 m) work footprint near manway |
Lifting Equipment | Mobile Crane (~35 Ton) | Forklift or Crane |
Ancillary Equipment | Provided by Square Robot | Nitrogen, Vacuum Truck, Bubbler, Tote, Cribbing |
Additional Considerations | Roof and lift safety, Manway access | Install manway adaptor/valve/blind by lowering product level below manway or hot tap shell manway |
When the roof manway is removed, we install a lightweight emissions cover and secure it with clamps. A manhole barricade is also placed around the manway to prevent any items from falling in.
A gas or diesel-powered portable generator (7.5kW to 9.5kW, rated 120/240V) is included in our standard support equipment for every job. The generator is placed on a containment mat and electrically bonded to the earth. If the tank location has (QTY-2) 120VAC outlets, each on a 30A circuit breaker then this can also be used instead of a portable generator.