Frac Tanks: Cleaning & Safety

Cleaning out a frac tank can be time consuming and dangerous depending on the materials that were stored in it. Frac tanks are considered a confined space, so when cleaning or entering the tank it's important to follow safety precautions.

Before ever entering the tank, the first step in the cleaning process is to ensure that the tank is empty. If the tank has already been drained but there is still sludge, mud or any materials left behind then the next step is to remove that. This is done by using a vacuum tank or pump to suction out any remaining liquid, along with a high pressure water blaster to break apart solids and sludge. Once as much of the contents are removed as possible, it's time to enter the tank for the next step.

When entering the tank to clean it, remember to wear proper protective equipment and have a buddy on the outside of the tank. To get the best results on the inside of the tank, it's common to use a pressure washer to hose down the sides, top and bottom. Once the inside of the tank is properly hosed down, drain that water out. This step may be repeated a couple times in certain situations.

Once your tank is washed and drained, it's ready to go to the next job site.