IIT Guwahati incubated startup BetaTANK Robotics develops robots for cleaning oil tanks

Currently, the robots are undergoing stringent safety inspections to work in IECX / ATEX Zone 0 – the most stringent standard of the petroleum industry.

Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG) incubated Startup Beta Tank Robotics has developed two robotic solutions that efficiently maintain and clean petroleum tanks eliminating the need of human entry for this hazardous task. 

BetaTank has developed the following two solutions:

• A robot to clean crude oil tank bottom sludge: These robots sweep tank bottom sludge, and pump it to a receptacle outside the tank. These robots have three very distinct USP over its contemporaries in the world

• A robot to water wash and strip retail outlet petrol pump tanks: These robots move inside the tank, raise their arms, spread their arms, and water-wash the tanks, including stripping the washings. This makes the gas freeing of these tanks easy, risk-free, and fairly quick.

Prof Senthilmurugan, Chairperson of the IITG - Technology Incubation Centre (IITG- TIC) said, ”BetaTANK Robotics’ journey, which began at our incubation center in 2019, sets a shining example for what passion, innovation, and the right support network can accomplish. Their success is not only a reflection of their individual brilliance but a testament to the power of the ecosystem we have tirelessly built at IITG-TIC. To fuel the next growth phase, we are actively facilitating crucial investments by engaging in strategic partnerships with esteemed investors aligned with IITG-TIC. Our startups, including BetaTank, enjoy a well-rounded mentorship program that includes wisdom from respected IITG faculty, insights from our accomplished alumni, and hands-on expertise from industry stalwarts at OIL India Limited.”

More Details

These robots are a valuable addition to the Oil industry, making it safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

Robots have a huge application in the oil and natural gas industry particularly in situations where human entry poses significant risks. Major oil corporations encounter potential liabilities and reputational hazards when engaging in human entry into petroleum tanks. The robots developed by Beta Tank helps to mitigate such risks and expedite the turnaround and downtimes.

Beta Tank Robotics (BetaTANK) has been incubated at IITG-Technology Incubation Centre (IITG-TIC) in the year 2019. It has been funded under the Flagship Programme–Start-up India Fund 'Startup Nurturing, Enabling and Handholding (SNEH)' of OIL India Limited.

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