Publications / 1993 Proceedings of the 10th ISARC, Houston, USA

Field Testing of an Automated Surface Finishing System for Large Diameter Storage Tanks

C.M. Dailey, A.E. Traver, G.L. Wesley, C.T. Haas, J.T. O'Connor
Pages 431-438 (1993 Proceedings of the 10th ISARC, Houston, USA, ISBN 9780444815231, ISSN 2413-5844)
Abstract:

Surface finishing of large storage tanks represents a typical area in which construction automation techniques can yield significant improvements over conventional methods. Current techniques are costly and laborious, and they expose workers to significant health and safety risks. Automation offers potential improvements in each of these areas and is well suited to large, uniform surfaces of the tank wall. The University of Texas has developed a prototype automated surface finishing system for use on large diameter tanks. This system uses a computer-controlled motion module to refinish the vertical exterior walls of the tank. The module is configurable for both blasting and painting and utilizes conventional surface finishing equipments for this purpose. The University of Texas’ automated paint sprayer was field tested in January, 1992 at an Amoco pipeline facility in Alvin, Texas. These tests, which were used to demonstrate automation techniques to member of construction community, are described in this paper. The success of this system are reported along with the problems, and recommendations are given for improving the system. An economic analysis is presented along with future plans for the system.

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