The Penetrator system is an advancement in technology which was attained from the knowledge and experienced gained by the development and operation of our Grit Removal System. The Penetrator system, like the GRS, is designed to remove heavy oil sand with little or no agitation, via the use of an augering system.

The Penetrator Valve Assembly (PVA), consistes of three major components: the field storage or production tank with receiver discharge fittings, the Penetrator machine, and the triaxle end-dump trailer unit.

Unlike the GRS, there are no internal parts required in the tank. The receiver discharge fittings can be installed during tank manufacturing, or they can be retrofitted onto existing production tanks via our Hot Tap machine.

Once the receiver has been installed and sufficient sand levels accumulate, the Penetrator machine is called into action. The machine, via the receiver discharge fitting, inserts the auger into the production tank to start the removal of settled solids. The solids are removed with little or no agitation, thus helping to alleviate any creation of slop oil.

The sand is then loaded onto enclosed, lightweight triaxle end-dump trailer units, which are equipped with inspection hateches. Once the truck is loaded, any free water is decanted from the load using our on-board vacuum system. The fluid is blown back into the production tank through the bottom valve, which allows the triaxle end-dump unit to take maximum loads of sand to disposal.

The Penetrator machine was built primarily to clean 750 bbl. and tall 1,000 bbl. tanks, due to its 15 foot reach. However, Grithog Sand Control Systems Ltd. has installed Penetrator Valve Assemblies on tankage 30 feet in diameter. The two main factors in achieving a good clean out are:
• Consistency or makeup of the solids, and
• Access to the area around the tank.

The bottom line is, we are able to reduce the volumes of material hauled to disposal as loads are visible and loose fluids are decanted from the triaxle end-dumps before heading to disposal. Secondly, clays, silts and asphaltenes are removed at the production tank level instead of being handled at battery treating systems.

Contact us to see how we can help your company reduce it's waste handling expenses.