Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) has incubated a groundbreaking startup, Beta Tank Robotics, which has developed two innovative robotic solutions to streamline and secure the maintenance and cleaning of petroleum tanks, eliminating the need for human entry in these high-risk environments.
IIT Guwahati’s Robotic Breakthrough
Beta Tank Robotics, nurtured within the IITG-Technology Incubation Centre (IITG-TIC) since 2019, has achieved a significant milestone. The startup received funding through the Flagship Programme, ‘Start-up Nurturing, Enabling and Handholding (SNEH),’ supported by OIL India Limited under the Start-up India Fund.
A Safer, Cost-Effective, and Eco-Friendly Approach
These robotic solutions are a game-changer for the oil industry. They not only enhance safety but also reduce costs and promote environmental responsibility. In the oil and natural gas sector, particularly when human entry poses risks, robots play a vital role. Major oil companies have long faced potential liabilities and reputational challenges associated with human entry into petroleum tanks. Beta Tank Robotics’ creations mitigate these risks, streamline operations, and minimize downtime.
Cleaning Crude Oil Tank Bottom Sludge
Beta Tank Robotics has designed a robot specifically for cleaning crude oil tank bottom sludge. These robots efficiently clear tank bottom sludge, pumping it to a receptacle located outside the tank. These robots have three unique selling points (USPs) that set them apart from their global counterparts.
Water-Washing Petrol Pump Tanks
In addition to the sludge-clearing robot, Beta Tank Robotics has developed a robot for water-washing and stripping retail outlet petrol pump tanks. These robots enter the tanks, extend their arms, and water-wash the tanks, including stripping away the washings. This process makes gas freeing of these tanks easier, safer, and more efficient.
A Remarkable Journey of Innovation
Prof. Senthilmurugan, Chairperson of the IITG – Technology Incubation Centre (IITG-TIC), praised Beta Tank Robotics’ journey, which began at their incubation center in 2019. He emphasized that their success is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and a robust support network. The IITG-TIC ecosystem has been instrumental in nurturing their growth, and they are actively seeking investments and strategic partnerships to fuel the next phase of expansion.
Captain D. Chandrasekhar’s Vision
Captain D. Chandrasekhar, the founder of Beta Tank Robotics, shared his journey of developing these robots. He envisioned this robotic solution back in 1995 when he was a ship’s officer overseeing tank operations. However, it took almost three decades, until 2019, when M/s OIL provided incubation and financial support, to bring this vision to life.
Capt. Chandrasekhar highlighted the technological superiority of these robots, emphasizing their compact size and low height, which enables them to pass under heating coils commonly found in many tanks. The robots are equipped with pumps, and Chandrasekhar firmly believes in the necessity of using pump discharge pressure to move thick sludge over long distances, a task that cannot be accomplished by vacuum trucks from outside the tanks.
Beta Tank Robotics has not only created groundbreaking robotic solutions but also exemplified how innovation, passion, and strategic support can drive significant change, making hazardous tasks safer and more efficient in the petroleum industry.