Professional Sludge Removal & Dewatering Services

Bristola delivers advanced sludge removal and dewatering solutions for tanks, digesters, and covered lagoons with a strong focus on safety, uptime, and operational efficiency. Using zero-human-entry robotic technology and proven cleanout methods, we help facilities remove accumulated solids, protect workers, and keep critical systems performing without the costly disruptions of traditional cleaning.

Robotic sludge removal service in an industrial tank

Our Sludge Removal & Dewatering Services

Specialized sludge removal, robotic cleaning, mapping, and maintenance solutions for tanks, digesters, and lagoons.

Tank Cleaning

Full-service sludge removal for liquid storage facilities using Bristola’s zero-human-entry robotic system to clean tanks while operations continue, reducing downtime, safety risks, and costly production interruptions.

Covered Lagoons

Specialized covered lagoon cleaning removes accumulated solids while the lagoon remains in service after installation, helping facilities maintain treatment performance, protect liners, and avoid expensive shutdowns.

Digester Cleanout

Comprehensive digester cleanout services include solids removal, wall cleaning, heat loop cleaning, and coordination around roof and mixer work to restore capacity and support reliable performance.

Sediment Mapping

Advanced sonar-based sediment mapping identifies sludge depth, volume, and settlement patterns in noncovered ponds and lagoons, giving operators the data needed to plan dredging and maintenance budgets.

Facility Retrofits

Retrofit services install Bristola’s zero-human-entry cleaning system in existing storage facilities, preparing tanks for safer future cleanings with less downtime and reduced worker exposure.

Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance programs help operators monitor digester condition, reduce major cleanout frequency, and support long-term performance, uptime, and more predictable maintenance planning.

Zero-Entry Cleaning

Safer Sludge Removal Without Costly Shutdowns

Bristola helps industrial, wastewater, and renewable energy facilities remove sludge and manage solids more safely and efficiently. Our proprietary zero-human-entry technology and experienced cleanout teams reduce confined-space risk, limit downtime, and support better tank, lagoon, and digester performance. Whether you need a one-time cleanout, dewatering support, or a long-term maintenance strategy, we deliver practical solutions built around uptime, safety, and measurable operational gains.

Industrial tank cleaning and sludge removal equipment
Trusted By Industry

Success Stories

See how facilities improve safety, uptime, and performance with Bristola’s sludge removal solutions.

"As a leading sludge removal companies evaluator, I can confirm Bristola stands apart. Their zero-entry technology is revolutionary and their customer service matches the innovation. Highly recommend."

Dr. Ronald Webb
The Bristola Difference

Why Choose Bristola?

We combine safety-driven innovation with practical field experience to solve difficult sludge removal challenges.

No Entry

Patented zero-human-entry technology removes sludge without sending workers into hazardous confined spaces.

Less Downtime

Our system cleans many facilities while they remain in operation, avoiding costly shutdowns and storage workarounds.

Proven Innovation

Founded from a real tank safety incident, Bristola was built to change industrial cleaning for good.

Flexible Solutions

We support new builds, retrofits, cleanouts, mapping, and maintenance across diverse industrial applications.

Meet The Bristola Team

Experienced leaders driving safer industrial cleaning innovation.

Portrait of Jared Burma, Founder of Bristola

Jared Burma

Founder

Jared Burma is the Founder of Bristola, a pioneering clean technology company he established in 2019 following a near-death experience inside a storage tank that forever changed his perspective on industrial safety. That life-altering moment ignited a passion to create a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional tank cleaning methods. Driven by a deep belief in the future of renewable clean energy, Jared transformed a bold Midwest idea into a global operation serving clients across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, and India. His vision led to the development of a patented, zero-human-entry robotic cleaning system that eliminates operational downtime and protects worker lives. Jared continues to lead Bristola with unwavering commitment to innovation, safety, and a cleaner future for industries worldwide.

Portrait of Chad Neleman, Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola

Chad Neleman

Vice President of Business Development and Sales

Chad Neleman serves as Vice President of Business Development and Sales at Bristola, where he brings an energetic, field-first approach to growing the company's client base and market presence. Known for his ability to build meaningful relationships and identify new opportunities, Chad is a driving force behind Bristola's commercial expansion across diverse industries. He thrives on connecting with clients, understanding their operational challenges, and delivering solutions that make tank cleaning safer and smarter. Chad's hands-on style and commitment to solving real-world problems align perfectly with Bristola's mission to revolutionize the way liquid storage facilities are maintained. His work helps translate Bristola's groundbreaking technology into lasting partnerships across the United States and beyond.

Portrait of Corey Allen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola

Corey Allen

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Corey Allen is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bristola, where he leads the company's go-to-market strategy with a blend of creative communication, strategic thinking, and relationship-driven outreach. Corey plays a central role in shaping how Bristola presents itself to the world, turning market opportunities into long-term client partnerships across multiple industries and continents. His ability to bridge the gap between complex technology and compelling storytelling has been instrumental in growing Bristola's brand and global footprint. Corey firmly believes that innovation is not limited to engineering — it extends to every touchpoint a company has with its clients. His work ensures Bristola's mission of safer, more efficient tank cleaning resonates with decision-makers across the renewable energy and industrial sectors.

Portrait of John Aydin, Director of Business Development at Bristola

John Aydin

Director of Business Development

John Aydin serves as Director of Business Development at Bristola, bringing a strong foundation in project development and the renewable energy sector to his role. Having grown up in Canada and built his career across the biogas and renewable natural gas industry, John developed a keen understanding of the complex operational challenges facing liquid storage and anaerobic digestion facilities. His passion for practical, impactful solutions drew him to Bristola after witnessing the company's revolutionary cleanout technology in action. John is dedicated to expanding Bristola's presence in the biogas and RNG markets, connecting facility operators with a system that delivers real results — no downtime, no human entry, and measurable gains in efficiency and output.

Portrait of Ian Dunlap, Chief Technology Officer at Bristola

Ian Dunlap

Chief Technology Officer

Ian Dunlap is the Chief Technology Officer at Bristola, where he leads the research, development, and refinement of the company's most transformative technologies, including the patented airlock-type entry system that makes zero-human-entry tank cleaning possible. Driven by curiosity and a deep mechanical intuition, Ian approaches every engineering challenge with persistence and precision. His work sits at the heart of what makes Bristola unique — the ability to clean liquid storage facilities safely and efficiently while the tank remains in active operation. Ian's commitment to continuous innovation ensures that Bristola's systems remain at the cutting edge of the industry, delivering measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and environmental impact for clients across the globe.

Portrait of Jeff Harclerode, Partner at Bristola

Jeff Harclerode

Partner

Jeff Harclerode is a Partner at Bristola, contributing to the company's strategic direction and financial growth with the disciplined leadership he forged during his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. A natural entrepreneur with a proven record of business ownership, Jeff brings a bold, forward-thinking perspective to every aspect of Bristola's operations. His military background instilled in him a commitment to mission, team, and excellence — values that align seamlessly with Bristola's culture of innovation and accountability. As a key member of the leadership team, Jeff helps ensure the company continues to scale responsibly and boldly, staying true to its mission of making liquid storage facility maintenance safer, smarter, and more sustainable for clients around the world.

Portrait of Brandon Croney, Director of Business Development at Bristola

Brandon Croney

Director of Business Development

Brandon Croney is a Director of Business Development at Bristola, where he applies a relationship-first philosophy to expanding the company's reach across industrial and commercial markets. With a professional background spanning the automotive, logistics, and industrial sectors, Brandon brings a versatile perspective and a genuine enthusiasm for connecting clients with technology that can make a meaningful difference. He joined Bristola because he believed in the mission — not just the product — recognizing that the company's zero-human-entry cleaning system addresses critical safety and efficiency challenges facing facilities across multiple industries. Brandon's ability to build trust, navigate complex markets, and deliver tailored solutions makes him a key contributor to Bristola's continued domestic and international growth.

Portrait of Chad Hennigar, Controller at Bristola

Chad Hennigar

Controller

Chad Hennigar serves as Controller at Bristola, providing the financial oversight and operational insight that supports the company's responsible and sustained growth. Raised on a family farm in northern Iowa as one of seven children, Chad developed a strong work ethic along with an early appreciation for teamwork, adaptability, and accountability — qualities that define his approach to finance and leadership today. With a background in accounting and finance paired with a practical understanding of business operations, Chad ensures that all departments remain aligned and that Bristola's financial strategy supports its ambitious global mission. His grounded, detail-oriented perspective plays an essential role in helping Bristola grow with integrity as it expands its reach across industries and continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of facilities can benefit from sludge removal and dewatering services?

Sludge removal and dewatering services are valuable for anaerobic digesters, wastewater and water treatment plants, covered lagoons, food and beverage facilities, industrial tanks, refineries, pulp and paper operations, and renewable energy sites. Any facility dealing with sediment buildup, reduced storage capacity, process inefficiency, or confined-space cleaning risks can benefit from a safer, more controlled solids removal strategy.

How does zero-human-entry sludge removal work?

Can sludge be removed without shutting down the facility?

What is the difference between sludge removal and dewatering?

How do you determine how much sludge has accumulated?

Is sludge removal safer than traditional tank cleanout methods?

Can existing tanks and lagoons be retrofitted for future cleanings?

How often should sludge removal be scheduled?

Still Have Questions About Sludge Removal?

Talk with our team about your facility, timeline, and cleaning goals.

Where We Provide Service

Bristola supports sludge removal and cleaning projects across domestic and international industrial service areas.

U.S. & Global

Service Area

On-Site Service

Business Model

Industrial Facilities

Project Support

Need Service At Your Facility?

Tell us where your site is located and what needs cleaning.

Trusted Innovation

Awards and Recognition

Patented Technology trust badge

Patented Technology

Proprietary zero-entry cleaning system.

Since 2019 company milestone badge

Since 2019

Six years of focused innovation.

Global service reach trust badge

Global Service Reach

Serving facilities across multiple continents.

Talk With Our Sludge Removal Specialists

Share your facility type, sludge challenges, and project goals. Our team will review your needs and recommend the right cleaning or retrofit approach.

Contact Us Today

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