Sludge buildup inside tanks is one of the most persistent and expensive problems faced by industries like oil & gas, shipping, food processing, and wastewater treatment. Whether it’s hardened oil residue, grease deposits, or hydrocarbon sludge, the need to remove sludge from tanks effectively and safely is critical to operational efficiency and safety. AQUAQUICK 2000 offers a professional, non-toxic, and coating-friendly way to simplify sludge removal without harsh chemicals or unsafe methods.
Why Sludge Must Be Removed
Tank sludge, if left unaddressed, leads to:
- Reduced storage capacity
- Contamination of new product batches
- Accelerated corrosion
- Inaccurate volume measurements
- Costly shutdowns
Removing sludge should be a routine part of tank maintenance. Yet traditional methods—such as scraping, solvent degreasing, or acid washing—can damage your equipment, harm workers, and create environmental liabilities.
AQUAQUICK 2000: The Safe Way to Remove Sludge
AQUAQUICK 2000 is a powerful emulsifier that allows operators to remove sludge from tanks with less effort, less risk, and better results. It breaks down hydrocarbons, dissolves caked-on waste, and suspends residues in a solution that can be safely flushed or pumped away.
Key benefits:
- Coating-safe: Won’t damage paint, epoxy, or metal linings
- Eco-friendly: Non-toxic, non-corrosive, biodegradable
- Effective on all sludge types: Crude oil, diesel, waste grease, industrial sediment
Step-by-Step: How to Remove Sludge from a Tank with AQUAQUICK 2000
1. Assess Sludge Condition
Before beginning any sludge removal process, evaluate:
- The thickness of the sludge layer
- The type of hydrocarbon or contaminant
- Tank access points and available cleaning equipment
2. Prepare the Cleaning Mixture
- For heavy sludge, use a 1:15 to 1:25 dilution of AQUAQUICK 2000.
- Avoid dilution weaker than 1:50, as this can reduce cleaning efficiency.
- If sludge is severely compacted, apply AQUAQUICK 2000 directly to the affected areas before rinsing.
3. Apply to Sludge-Affected Areas
- Use spray heads, rotating nozzles, or manual sprayers to coat all sludge-covered surfaces.
- Focus especially on the tank floor, lower seams, and near inlet/outlet pipes.
- Let the solution soak for 20–30 minutes to allow deep penetration.
4. Agitate and Loosen the Sludge
- Utilisation high-pressure water (2500–3500 PSI) to dislodge the emulsified sludge.
- If heat is available, apply hot water (up to 90°C) to accelerate the emulsification process.
- The sludge will begin to soften, break apart, and mix with the cleaning solution.
5. Remove Sludge Completely
- Drain or pump out the slurry using a sump pump or bottom valve.
- Flush the tank with clean water to remove any remaining sludge particles.
- Perform a visual inspection to confirm that all sludge has been removed.
Optional: Manual Sludge Removal Support
In tanks that cannot be pressure cleaned or heated, manual sludge removal is still effective using AQUAQUICK 2000:
- Staff can enter through the manhole with safety gear
- Use stiff brushes, brooms, or scrapers in combination with AQUAQUICK 2000 spray
- Residues will be easier to wipe or push toward a pump-out zone
Even in manual scenarios, AQUAQUICK 2000 helps remove sludge faster and with much less effort than traditional degreasers.
Best Practices for Sludge Removal Success
- Use heat if possible: Higher temperatures make sludge removal quicker and more complete
- Don’t skip dwell time: Let AQUAQUICK 2000 soak in to do its work before flushing
- Rinse thoroughly: Even small sludge particles can settle again if not fully removed
- Ventilate tanks properly: Even with safe cleaners, confined spaces require airflow and monitoring
Summary: A Smarter Way to Remove Sludge from Tanks
If you’re looking for a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible way to remove sludge from tanks, AQUAQUICK 2000 is the answer. Whether you’re using high-pressure systems, Butterworth heads, or manual labor, this powerful cleaning agent transforms the sludge removal process into something clean, quick, and compliant.
Don’t settle for dangerous solvents or outdated methods. Choose AQUAQUICK 2000 and make every tank cleaning job safer, faster, and more effective.
