In petrochemical, resin, and rubber manufacturing industries, cleaning tanks, reactors, and polymerization vessels has become a major challenge in terms of both safety and productivity. To address these issues, Sugino Machine—backed by decades of experience—offers highly efficient tank cleaning solutions utilizing advanced water jet technology. In this article, we introduce the features of Sugino Machine’s tank cleaning systems and the benefits of implementing them in the Thai market.

Challenges in Cleaning Tanks, Reactors, and Polymerization Vessels

Q. Why is tank cleaning an important management issue?
A. In many manufacturing sites, tank cleaning processes still rely heavily on manual labor, creating challenges in both safety and productivity.
・Workers must enter the tank and install scaffolding before cleaning can begin
・Working in confined spaces poses serious risks such as oxygen deficiency, gas poisoning, and falls
・Cleaning operations require long working hours, reducing production efficiency
・High-viscosity materials such as resin and rubber may require several days for cleaning, negatively affecting equipment utilization rates

Q. Why is automation becoming necessary now?
A. In the past, manual operations were maintained due to relatively low labor costs. However, the situation is rapidly changing.
・Rising labor costs are reducing the cost advantage of manual work
・In countries such as China and South Korea, automation has become standard practice to reduce accident risks

Solving Tank Cleaning Challenges Without Requiring Workers to Enter the Tank
Sugino Machine Tank Cleaning System

Since the 1970s, Sugino Machine has been supplying tank cleaning equipment for the petrochemical industry. The company develops all key components in-house, from high-pressure pumps and nozzles to control systems. Based on its core water jet technology, Sugino Machine provides cleaning solutions for a wide range of equipment, including tanks, reactors, and polymerization vessels.

【Main Features】
✅ Closed-system high-pressure water cleaning removes deposits safely and quickly without requiring gas replacement
✅ Lance pipes and 3D nozzles enter the tank and automatically clean the entire interior with three-dimensional rotation
✅ Eliminates the need for workers to enter the tank, reducing the risk of workplace accidents
✅ External automatic operation shortens working time and improves efficiency
✅ Designed to comply with explosion-proof regulations in various countries

For high-viscosity materials such as resin and rubber, high-pressure water jet cleaning is especially effective. It efficiently removes deposits that are difficult to handle manually while achieving both high cleaning quality and improved operational efficiency.

Equipment Types and Selection Points

Selecting the optimal tank cleaning system according to on-site operations and cleaning frequency is essential.
Fixed-Type Cleaning System: A permanently installed cleaning system mounted on the reactor manhole. Remote automatic control enables fully unmanned operation throughout the cleaning process.
Mobile-Type Cleaning System: A movable cleaning system that is transported and installed at the reactor manhole as needed. Available in various configurations such as automatic transfer type, cart type, and hoist type depending on plant layout and application.

【Main Product Lineup】
■ Compact Lance (Fixed Type)

■ Automatic Hose Feed Lance (Mobile Type)

▲ A 3D nozzle descends from above, suitable for complex-shaped and long tanks (available in suspended and hoist types)

■ Automatic Slide Lance (Mobile Type)

▲ Automatically controls lance transfer and reactor water jet cleaning, allowing operators to perform safe and labor-saving operation with simple button control

When implementing the system, customization based on detailed on-site analysis is essential. Tank shape, size, and installation conditions are carefully examined, and the cleaning range is simulated in advance. In addition, optimal package proposals—including nozzle designs for hard-to-reach areas—enable high-quality cleaning even for tanks with complex internal structures.

Recommended Industries | Petrochemical, Resin, and Rubber Industries

In Thailand, many tank cleaning processes are still performed manually. However, with rising labor costs, growing awareness of workplace safety, and increasing demand for higher productivity, automation will become increasingly necessary in the future.

The following industries are especially promising for implementation:
・Petrochemical manufacturers
・Resin material manufacturers (PVC, ABS, etc.)
・Rubber product manufacturers
・Medical rubber glove manufacturers

Facilities with high cleaning frequency can achieve faster return on investment, making implementation especially effective during equipment renewal or replacement timing.

If you are facing challenges in cleaning tanks, reactors, or polymerization vessels in Thailand, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form below.