Storage tank coating

Bring your coating project to the next level with our 10Q coating robot

Applying protective coatings with an automated solution

Qlayers’ 10Q robot is a revolutionary leap forward in the world of coating storage tanks. Imagine a world where the tedious and time-consuming task of tank coating is transformed into a streamlined, efficient, and environmentally friendly process.

 

10Q robot is the industry’s first coating robot that can deliver precision and speed like never before, ensuring impeccable application quality while reducing downtime and risk to human workers. 

Manual vs. automated coating application

Manual coating application

People working on unsafe heights from suspended platforms

People working on unsafe heights from suspended platforms

Inconsistent speed of 30 m2/h (323 ft2/h) from coating manually using scaffolding

Inconsistent speed of 30 m2/h (323 ft2/h) from coating manually using scaffolding

Manual quality control, measuring layer thickness only on a few points

Manual quality control, measuring layer thickness only on a few points

Manual coating application is inconsistent, also within quality control standards

Manual coating application is inconsistent, also within quality control standards

Automated coating application

Up to 80% less working hours at dangerous heights

Up to 80% less working hours at dangerous heights

Consistent speed of up to 200 m2/h (2150 ft2/h) per 10Q robot

Consistent speed of up to 200 m2/h (2150 ft2/h) per 10Q robot

Automated quality control on every coated area of the tank, reporting data about layer thicknesses, temperature, humidity, etc.

Automated quality control on every coated area of the tank, reporting data about layer thicknesses, temperature, humidity, etc.

Environmentally friendly coating process due to overspray minimization

Environmentally friendly coating process due to overspray minimization

Safety

Keep painter off dangerous heights

Safety is of paramount importance when it comes to working at industrial sites due to the dangerous nature of the job.

 

Coating enormous assets such as storage tanks with conventional methods requires painters working at dangerous heights, on suspended platforms or scaffolding. This working condition puts the coating personnel at great risk of falling which can lead to injuries or fatalities.

 

Qlayers’ disruptive technology contributes to workplace safety by automating the coating process. Our technology allows the painters to carry out their job by operating our robot from a safe distance on the ground, using a user-friendly controller module and the touch of a button.

 

Environment

Minimizing paint waste and contaminating overspray

The 10Q robots are connected to a data system that collects data on key parameters such as the amount of paint used and the total coated area. This data-driven approach and the efficient application method enable customers to reduce paint waste while applying consistent and accurate layers of protective coating.  

 

Furthermore, Qlayers robotic solutions are equipped with a patented spray shielding system that minimizes paint overspray, effectively tackling industrial coating-related air pollution and site contamination. 

Technology & innovation

Coating application without overspray

Our robots are equipped with a patented spray shielding system that allows coating surfaces with minimum paint waste and overspray.

Qlayers’ patented spray shielding system

 

A unique feature of  the robots that allows to coat surfaces with high precision, accurate layer thickness and high transfer efficiency (up to 90%).  

 

The shielding system is designed to extract the minuscule paint spray that isn’t transferred to the surface and prevents it from being released into the environment.  

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Magnetic Crawler with Remote Control

 

The crawler serves as a foundation to move the spray shielding system along the surface, and is held in place onto the asset’s exterior surface using magnets. It is secured with a fall arrestor as a safety measure.

With our patented spray shielding system, advanced sensors, and control technology, the crawler excels in: 

  • Speed and Precision: Coating at a remarkable speed of up to 200m²/h with high-quality results. 
  • Data Collection for Efficiency: Simultaneously collecting process data for quality control and predictive maintenance. 

 The operator can drive the magnetic crawler safely from the ground using an intuitive user-friendly remote control, reducing 80% of working hours at dangerous heights. 

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The trailer acts as a powerhouse, providing power, air and paint supply for the crawler to coat.

 

In addition, the trailer is also integrated with:

  • An airless 2k pump
  • Control system with mounted HMI with an intuitive interface for easy user control.
  • A suction pump to collect paint reminders and minimize overspray.
  • Paint conditioning system allows the system to heat up and cool down the paint flexibly, enabling operations in broader climates.
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Projects

10Q robot in action

Since 2020, our 10Q robots have been deployed in over local and international coating projects at tank terminals across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and the USA.

Case studies are available upon request.

10Q crawler renderDo you have coating projects coming up?

Looking for a reliable automated coating solution for your coating projects? Contact us to see how we can help your business grow.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to set up and break down the robot?

At the start of a project, it takes about two hours to set up the tank brackets/support system, do a test drive, and prepare the painting system. It takes another two hours to break down the system and clean the paint system at the end of a project.

 

Once the robot is set up, it takes only 15 – 30 minutes each day to start the system and another 15 – 30 minutes to flush at the end of a shift.

Once operational, how long can the 10Q robot run without any break?

The current hood can cover about 200 m² without cleaning, which takes 5 minutes. A filter change might also be needed depending on filter size and paint particles. Subject to the object’s layout and dimensions, breaks to move the crawler past obstacles and reposition the trailer might be required.

 

For the rest, you can continue the coating application process without breaks. It is important to note that the robot is semi-automatic; thus, robot operators need to be present at all times.

What certifications does the 10Q system have? What measures are taken for operational safety?

The whole system is CE-certified, and the pump is ATEX-certified. Additionally, the system has multiple emergency stop buttons (on the trailer and remote control), and a gas sensor shuts it down entirely if the level exceeds 10% of the LEL.

 

The crawler is attached to the surface with four permanent magnets, making it fail-proof against an electrical outage. A fall arrest system serves as a backup in the unlikely event the crawler detaches from the wall.

How many people do we need to operate the systems?

The main operations require three people:

  • Crawler operator (with remote control)
  • Pump operator
  • Fall arrest operator

In addition, we recommend a fourth person to supervise and coordinate all activities.

What services and support come with the 10Q robot?

Qlayers and our service partners offer a variety of services along with the 10Q robot, from operator training, remote/on-site support by certified personnel and logistical support to servicing of the equipment. Details on services and corresponding terms are provided on request.

Is 10Q available for rental?

We recently established our novel rental business for project-based attainment of robots available within the EU. For other regions, the availability to rent depends on the respective distributor. We are happy to provide further details on request.