Oil Tank Cleaning & Inspection Services

Bristola delivers safer, more efficient oil tank cleaning and inspection services using zero-human-entry technology that helps facilities avoid shutdowns, reduce risk, and maintain performance. From sludge removal to condition assessment and retrofit-ready access solutions, our team helps industrial operators protect assets, improve uptime, and plan maintenance with greater confidence.

Robotic oil tank cleaning and inspection system in use

Our Oil Tank Cleaning & Inspection Services

Specialized tank cleaning, inspection support, retrofit access, and maintenance solutions for safer, lower-downtime oil storage operations.

Robotic Cleaning

Clean active oil storage tanks with Bristola's zero-human-entry robotic system, removing sludge and sediment while reducing shutdowns, confined-space exposure, and disruption to ongoing facility operations.

Sediment Mapping

Use advanced mapping technology to measure sludge buildup, depth changes, and tank condition indicators so operators can plan cleaning intervals, maintenance budgets, and performance improvements more accurately.

Entry Portal Installation

Install a purpose-built tank entry portal that supports repeat service access, simplifies future robotic cleaning and inspection work, and adapts to compatible manholes 24 inches or larger.

Retrofit Solutions

Upgrade existing oil storage facilities with hardware and system components that enable safer robotic cleaning and inspection without relying on traditional human-entry methods.

Preventive Maintenance

Develop a preventive maintenance approach that helps reduce major cleanout events, supports more predictable tank performance, and improves long-term asset planning for industrial operators.

New Build Integration

Incorporate zero-human-entry cleaning access during new tank construction so future cleaning and inspection needs can be handled more efficiently with less downtime.

Zero-Entry Advantage

Safer Tank Maintenance Without Costly Shutdowns

Bristola helps industrial operators maintain oil tanks with a patented zero-human-entry approach that improves safety, limits downtime, and supports better asset visibility. Instead of relying on traditional confined-space cleaning methods, our system enables efficient sludge removal, inspection access, and long-term maintenance planning. The result is a cleaner tank, lower operational disruption, and a smarter path to ongoing facility performance.

Technicians overseeing robotic oil tank maintenance
Trusted By Industry

Success Stories

See how industrial operators improve safety, uptime, and tank performance with Bristola's cleaning solutions.

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Within weeks, we could schedule live cleanings using their remotely operated vehicle system. Safety improved, downtime eliminated, and our team feels protected."

David Kruger

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Three years later, we can re-enter our tank instantly without costly prep work. Jared's vision of eliminating confined space entry really works."

Tom Reeves

"For beverage tank cleaning, Bristola is the industry game-changer. Their robotic system eliminates dangerous confined space entry while keeping our tanks immaculate. Competitive pricing, superior technology, and exceptional customer support."

David Kowalski

"The digester cleanout and roof replacement service exceeded our expectations. Bristola's team managed the entire project—from removing our 1.2 million gallon digester roof to installing isolation valve doors for future live cleanings. Professional, thorough, and worth every penny."

Robert Sullivan

"Six years working with Bristola on multiple facility cleanings. Their consistency, professionalism, and commitment to safety haven't wavered. We trust them with our most critical operations. True long-term partner."

Thomas Goldstein

"The speed of Bristola's team was incredible. We needed our digester cleaned urgently, and they mobilized quickly with their crane and robotic system. Production never stopped."

Tom Richter

"The Entry Portal Installation was seamless. Our 36-inch tank manhole accepted the adapter perfectly. Now we schedule cleanings quarterly without shutting down operations. Bristola's team understood our barge maintenance challenges immediately."

Robert Hernandez

"Our digester cleanout with mixer replacement was complex, but Bristola handled it flawlessly. Retrofitting entry doors with isolation valves for future live cleanings saved us thousands. Excellent ROI on the investment."

Robert Martinez

"Urgent cleanout needed mid-season. Bristola responded in days, not weeks. Their Entry Portal Installation was quick and professional. We were back online faster than expected."

Jennifer Walsh

"We needed water tower & tank maintenance services that wouldn't shut us down. Bristola delivered exactly that. Their entry portal installation was seamless, and cleaning happens while we operate."

Sarah Chen

"What impressed us most was Bristola's speed. They mobilized quickly, deployed their robotic system, and cleaned our sludge-laden tank in days instead of the weeks we'd budgeted. Their responsiveness and efficiency directly improved our bottom line."

Jennifer Watts

"As an oil tank cleaning company ourselves, we were skeptical until we saw Bristola's zero-human-entry technology in action. Their patented entry portal solved our biggest safety and efficiency challenges. Game-changing innovation."

David Petersen

"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

"Turnaround was critical for us. Bristola mobilized quickly, assessed our covered lagoon, and deployed their ROV system within weeks. No production stoppage, no safety incidents, and our facility runs cleaner. Exceptional responsiveness."

David Okafor

"Bristola positioned themselves as partners committed to our success, not just vendors. Their retrofitting services and liquid storage facility cleaning expertise make them invaluable to full-service industrial wastewater treatment companies."

Sarah Mitchell

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Within weeks, we could schedule live cleanings using their remotely operated vehicle system. Safety improved, downtime eliminated, and our team feels protected."

David Kruger

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Three years later, we can re-enter our tank instantly without costly prep work. Jared's vision of eliminating confined space entry really works."

Tom Reeves

"For beverage tank cleaning, Bristola is the industry game-changer. Their robotic system eliminates dangerous confined space entry while keeping our tanks immaculate. Competitive pricing, superior technology, and exceptional customer support."

David Kowalski

"The digester cleanout and roof replacement service exceeded our expectations. Bristola's team managed the entire project—from removing our 1.2 million gallon digester roof to installing isolation valve doors for future live cleanings. Professional, thorough, and worth every penny."

Robert Sullivan

"Six years working with Bristola on multiple facility cleanings. Their consistency, professionalism, and commitment to safety haven't wavered. We trust them with our most critical operations. True long-term partner."

Thomas Goldstein

"The speed of Bristola's team was incredible. We needed our digester cleaned urgently, and they mobilized quickly with their crane and robotic system. Production never stopped."

Tom Richter

"The Entry Portal Installation was seamless. Our 36-inch tank manhole accepted the adapter perfectly. Now we schedule cleanings quarterly without shutting down operations. Bristola's team understood our barge maintenance challenges immediately."

Robert Hernandez

"Our digester cleanout with mixer replacement was complex, but Bristola handled it flawlessly. Retrofitting entry doors with isolation valves for future live cleanings saved us thousands. Excellent ROI on the investment."

Robert Martinez

"Urgent cleanout needed mid-season. Bristola responded in days, not weeks. Their Entry Portal Installation was quick and professional. We were back online faster than expected."

Jennifer Walsh

"We needed water tower & tank maintenance services that wouldn't shut us down. Bristola delivered exactly that. Their entry portal installation was seamless, and cleaning happens while we operate."

Sarah Chen

"What impressed us most was Bristola's speed. They mobilized quickly, deployed their robotic system, and cleaned our sludge-laden tank in days instead of the weeks we'd budgeted. Their responsiveness and efficiency directly improved our bottom line."

Jennifer Watts

"As an oil tank cleaning company ourselves, we were skeptical until we saw Bristola's zero-human-entry technology in action. Their patented entry portal solved our biggest safety and efficiency challenges. Game-changing innovation."

David Petersen

"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

"Turnaround was critical for us. Bristola mobilized quickly, assessed our covered lagoon, and deployed their ROV system within weeks. No production stoppage, no safety incidents, and our facility runs cleaner. Exceptional responsiveness."

David Okafor

"Bristola positioned themselves as partners committed to our success, not just vendors. Their retrofitting services and liquid storage facility cleaning expertise make them invaluable to full-service industrial wastewater treatment companies."

Sarah Mitchell

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Within weeks, we could schedule live cleanings using their remotely operated vehicle system. Safety improved, downtime eliminated, and our team feels protected."

David Kruger

"The entry portal installation was seamless. Three years later, we can re-enter our tank instantly without costly prep work. Jared's vision of eliminating confined space entry really works."

Tom Reeves

"For beverage tank cleaning, Bristola is the industry game-changer. Their robotic system eliminates dangerous confined space entry while keeping our tanks immaculate. Competitive pricing, superior technology, and exceptional customer support."

David Kowalski

"The digester cleanout and roof replacement service exceeded our expectations. Bristola's team managed the entire project—from removing our 1.2 million gallon digester roof to installing isolation valve doors for future live cleanings. Professional, thorough, and worth every penny."

Robert Sullivan

"Six years working with Bristola on multiple facility cleanings. Their consistency, professionalism, and commitment to safety haven't wavered. We trust them with our most critical operations. True long-term partner."

Thomas Goldstein

"The speed of Bristola's team was incredible. We needed our digester cleaned urgently, and they mobilized quickly with their crane and robotic system. Production never stopped."

Tom Richter

"The Entry Portal Installation was seamless. Our 36-inch tank manhole accepted the adapter perfectly. Now we schedule cleanings quarterly without shutting down operations. Bristola's team understood our barge maintenance challenges immediately."

Robert Hernandez

"Our digester cleanout with mixer replacement was complex, but Bristola handled it flawlessly. Retrofitting entry doors with isolation valves for future live cleanings saved us thousands. Excellent ROI on the investment."

Robert Martinez

"Urgent cleanout needed mid-season. Bristola responded in days, not weeks. Their Entry Portal Installation was quick and professional. We were back online faster than expected."

Jennifer Walsh

"We needed water tower & tank maintenance services that wouldn't shut us down. Bristola delivered exactly that. Their entry portal installation was seamless, and cleaning happens while we operate."

Sarah Chen

"What impressed us most was Bristola's speed. They mobilized quickly, deployed their robotic system, and cleaned our sludge-laden tank in days instead of the weeks we'd budgeted. Their responsiveness and efficiency directly improved our bottom line."

Jennifer Watts

"As an oil tank cleaning company ourselves, we were skeptical until we saw Bristola's zero-human-entry technology in action. Their patented entry portal solved our biggest safety and efficiency challenges. Game-changing innovation."

David Petersen

"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

"Turnaround was critical for us. Bristola mobilized quickly, assessed our covered lagoon, and deployed their ROV system within weeks. No production stoppage, no safety incidents, and our facility runs cleaner. Exceptional responsiveness."

David Okafor

"Bristola positioned themselves as partners committed to our success, not just vendors. Their retrofitting services and liquid storage facility cleaning expertise make them invaluable to full-service industrial wastewater treatment companies."

Sarah Mitchell
The Bristola Difference

Why Choose Bristola?

Bristola combines safety-driven innovation with practical field experience for industrial tank maintenance.

Safer Access

Our patented zero-human-entry system reduces confined-space exposure during oil tank cleaning and inspection work.

Less Downtime

We help facilities clean and maintain tanks without the lengthy shutdowns common with traditional methods.

Proven Innovation

Founded after a real tank safety incident, Bristola was built to solve dangerous industry challenges.

Flexible Solutions

Our systems support retrofits, repeat service access, and integration with new tank construction projects.

Meet the Bristola Team

Experienced leaders focused on safer industrial tank solutions.

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 does oil tank cleaning involve?

Oil tank cleaning typically involves removing sludge, sediment, and other accumulated materials from the tank interior so the system can operate more efficiently and safely. Bristola uses a zero-human-entry robotic approach that helps reduce confined-space risk and limits operational disruption. Cleaning may also include wall cleaning, condition assessment support, and preparation for future maintenance access improvements.

Why is oil tank inspection important?

Can oil tanks be cleaned without sending workers inside?

Do you have to shut down operations for tank cleaning?

How often should an oil tank be cleaned and inspected?

What types of facilities can benefit from these services?

Can existing tanks be upgraded for easier future cleaning?

What should I look for in an oil tank cleaning company?

Still Have Questions About Tank Service?

Talk with our team about safer cleaning and inspection options.

Where We Provide Service

Bristola supports industrial tank cleaning and inspection projects across domestic and international service areas.

U.S. & Global

Service Area

Des Moines, IA

Headquarters

Industrial Facilities

Project Support

Need Service in Your Facility Area?

Tell us about your tank and operating environment.

Trusted Innovation

Awards and Recognition

Patented technology trust badge

Patented Technology

Proprietary zero-entry cleaning system innovation.

Since 2019 company trust badge

Since 2019

Established industrial cleaning technology provider.

Global service reach trust badge

Global Service Reach

Serving industrial clients across continents.

Talk With Our Tank Service Specialists

Share your tank type, facility conditions, and maintenance goals. Our team will review your needs and help identify the right cleaning or inspection approach.

Contact Us Today

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