Tank cleaning robots integrate intelligent remote control and underwater sludge removal capabilities to deliver a safer alternative to traditional confined-space manual tank cleaning. Designed for municipal water facilities and diverse industrial applications, this robotic system reduces worker exposure to hazards while maintaining reliable sludge and sediment removal performance. Contact YG Machinery to get detailed datasheets and custom quotations for your project.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 13837122632
Tank Cleaning Robot: Safer Underwater Desilting Solution
Confined space desilting has always been one of the most dangerous tasks in industrial maintenance. When workers enter tanks, pools, or deep wells, they face multiple hazards, including toxic gas poisoning, oxygen deprivation, and structural collapse.
tank cleaning robot removes these risks fundamentally — the machine goes inside, and people stay outside.
Its working process is simple and efficient:
Step 1 – Deploy into water:
The tracked robot is lifted into tanks, pools, or pipelines
It connects to the surface power station via hydraulic hoses and control cables
Operators start remote control safely outside the confined space
Step 2 – Sludge handling:
The robot crawls on the tank bottom with its tracked chassis
The working head stirs, cuts, crushes, and gathers deposits
Multiple extraction options available:
Self-suction type — for liquid mud
Pumping type — for semi-liquid deposits
Pushing type — for thick deposits
Auger type — for compacted or blocky sludge
Step 3 – Material conveying:
Liquefied mud is pumped to the ground through pipelines
Post-processing equipment completes:
Mud-water separation
Filtration
Resource recovery
Volume reduction treatment
What does the whole system consist of?
Underwater working unit: tracked chassis + working head + extraction pump + LED lights
Power station: hydraulic power pack (electric motor-driven or diesel-driven)
Control system: wireless remote control with real-time feedback
Pipeline system: control cables + mud delivery hoses
Post-processing unit: mud-water separation and filtration equipment
Efficient Sludge Removal and Powerful Pumping Ability: Boasting a pumping capacity from 200 m³/h up to 400 m³/h across the model range, the tank cleaning robot is fitted with a matched high-performance slurry pump. This pump reliably passes solid particles up to 65 mm (model-dependent) and delivers sludge to heights up to 45 m, enabling rapid underwater sludge suction and long-distance delivery.
Safe and Reliable with Intelligent Control System: Through the cooperation of the underwater control cabin, camera system, and ground console, this water tank cleaning robot achieves full remote and precise operation. Operators can complete cleaning tasks via real-time video monitoring without entering dangerous environments, ensuring safety while replacing hazardous manual work.
Flexible Adaptation and Durable Design: Featuring compact, track-mounted dimensions starting from 1430 × 532 × 720 mm on entry-level units and an adjustable track speed of 3–15 m/min, the robot adapts flexibly to pipelines, tanks and confined spaces. The waterproof hydraulic system and reinforced materials make this robotic tank cleaning equipment capable of long-term stable performance in harsh underwater conditions, combining flexibility, adaptability, and durability.
Solution: Corrosion Resistance and Precision Cleaning in Industrial Environments Case: In a Canadian nickel processing plant, the sedimentation tank contained corrosive mineral particles. A corrosion-resistant water tank cleaning robot successfully completed the cleaning task. Its robust structure and precise control avoided equipment damage while recovering valuable metal residues, achieving both environmental and economic benefits.
Solution: Hygiene Cleaning in Agriculture and Food Processing Case: In Bordeaux, France, a medium-sized winery introduced robotic tank cleaning equipment for cleaning fermentation tanks and sedimentation basins. The robot thoroughly removed tartar deposits, halved cleaning time, and significantly reduced water and chemical usage, meeting strict local food safety standards.
Solution: Sludge Treatment for Large-Scale and Complex Environments Case: In an agricultural area of Australia, algae outbreaks and sediment accumulation worsened reservoir water quality. A high-power sludge cleaning machine was deployed. Its strong pumping system efficiently processed viscous sludge rich in organics and transported it via long pipelines to designated treatment points. This supported ecological restoration while showcasing strong adaptability to complex sludge compositions.
How to Select Efficient Robotic Tank Cleaning Equipment
Identify Operational Needs and Scenarios: Before choosing robotic tank cleaning equipment, consider site dimensions, sludge characteristics (viscosity, particle size), and required conveying distances to ensure the right model matches the conditions.
Compare Core Performance Parameters: Focus on working efficiency (m³/h), pumping power, and control methods (fully remote or wired). For long-distance horizontal transport, select models with higher head capacity like this one.
Consider Power Source and After-Sales Service: Depending on power availability, choose between electric or diesel versions. Technical support, spare parts supply, and maintenance services from the supplier are also key to long-term stability.
FAQ about Tank Cleaning Robot
Q1: What is the maximum working depth of robotic tank cleaning equipment? The maximum diving and working depth ranges from 30–60 meters, depending on the model and site conditions. It covers most industrial storage tanks, deep reservoirs, and underground pools.
Q2: Can it work in explosive environments?
Yes. Explosion-proof motors are available as an optional feature, suitable for chemical plants, oil storage facilities, and areas with flammable gas or vapor.
Q3: Is there a diesel-powered version?
Yes. Robotic tank cleaning equipment comes in both electric and diesel versions. The electric model works for sites with grid power supply; the diesel model fits remote construction sites or outdoor locations without power access.
Q4: What types of deposits can it handle?
It can process many kinds of sediments:
Soft mud and silt
Compacted hard deposits
Mud and water mixtures
Industrial sediments
Organic debris and solid waste (with matched working heads). Maximum passing particle size ranges from 38 mm (compact configuration for YG1200) up to 65 mm (YG500–YG900 models); a 38 mm option is also available for YG1500 upon request.
Q5: How is sludge extracted and discharged?
Multiple extraction methods are available based on deposit types:
Self-suction type — for liquid mud
Pumping type — for semi-liquid deposits
Pushing type — for thick sludge
Auger type — for compacted or blocky sludge
Extracted material is pumped through pipelines to ground post-processing equipment.
Q6: Can the robot carry out desilting while the system is running?
Yes. One major advantage of this equipment is online desilting. Pumps and production processes keep running during cleaning, and there is no need to shut down or empty the tank in advance.
Q7: What is the length of the standard hydraulic hose?
The standard hydraulic hose length for all models is 50 meters. Longer customized sizes are available for deeper or farther working scenarios.
Choose YG Machinery
The YG sludge cleaning machine integrates advanced technology with practical requirements, providing safe, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions for the sludge cleaning industry. With continuous innovation, this device will play an increasingly vital role across municipal, industrial, and environmental fields. Contact us anytime for exclusive discounts!【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 13837122632
