SPRINT Robotics announces the CFM Challenge, aiming to find demonstrable robotic technologies that can be used for the cleaning & fabric maintenance of storage tanks, pressure vessels, process piping, and their associated supporting infrastructure. One winning solution provider will receive a reward of €50.000 and the opportunity to further develop their solution and its application. The CFM Challenge is initiated by several subject matter experts from major oil & gas and petrochemical companies that form the SPRINT Robotics Task Force Cleaning & Fabric Maintenance. Members of the SPRINT Robotics Cleaning & Fabric Maintenance Task Force include BP, Chevron, Dow, Equinor, Saudi Aramco, SBM Offshore, Shell and Total.
The CFM Challenge contains five different challenges targeting the cleaning & fabric maintenance of storage tanks, pressure vessels, process piping, and their associated supporting infrastructure. The focus is on existing and new robotic tools near commercialization that can eliminate Confined Space Entries (CSEs), Scaffolding, or Rope Access (RA) while performing cleaning or fabric maintenance activities.
Five CFM Challenges: CFM Challenge #1: Crude Storage Tanks In-Service or out-of-service cleaning and fabric maintenance of large crude tanks
CFM Challenge #2: Pressure Vessels Internal out-of-service cleaning and fabric maintenance
CFM Challenge #3: Process Piping Platform to remove coatings (e.g. FBE) in the ditch or in the rack
CFM Challenge #4: Floating, Production, Storage, & Offloading (FPSOs) Complex elevated surfaces with limited access
CFM Challenge #5: Open Call
The CFM Challenge officially opened on July 1, 2020 and is open to all.
For comprehensive information about the RFP, five challenges, timeline, submission process and reward for the winning solution, visit the CFM Challenge page or download the PDF.
