Skip to content
SOLVEX®

SOLVEX®

Technical reference

Tank Sludge Mobilization & Pumpability Technology

Pre-treatment before petroleum storage tank cleaning

SOLVEX® is a water-based pre-treatment technology for petroleum storage tanks, slop systems and tank-bottom sludge.

It is applied before conventional tank cleaning to mobilize hydrocarbon-rich sludge, improve pumpability, reduce manual demucking, reduce man-entry exposure and shorten cleaning preparation.

SOLVEX® preserves oil, water and solids phase separation.

It does not dissolve crude oil, does not create stable emulsions and does not disperse hydrocarbons into water.

Hydrocarbon recovery is a secondary operational and economic value where recoverable oil is present and separation conditions allow.

Core Operational Function

  • Improves sludge pumpability before tank cleaning
  • Mobilizes hydrocarbon-rich sludge without stable emulsification
  • Reduces manual demucking and confined-space exposure
  • Supports shorter cleaning preparation and reduced tank downtime
  • Reduces oily sludge volume sent for disposal
  • Preserves oil, water and solids phase separation
  • Requires no tank modification or new permanent process infrastructure
  • Integrates with existing tank-cleaning and separation systems
View Technical DemonstrationRequest Technical DocumentationSubmit Slop Tank for Pilot

Demonstration

SOLVEX® Hydrocarbon Mobilization and Oil Recovery

The embedded video shows a controlled bench-scale demonstration of SOLVEX® hydrocarbon mobilization and separation behaviour.

Technical Demonstration — approximately 4 minutes

Demonstration sequence

  1. 01Preparation of hydrocarbon-contaminated sand
  2. 02Preparation of SOLVEX® ready-to-use solution
  3. 03Application to contaminated material
  4. 04Initial hydrocarbon mobilization
  5. 05Oil migration toward the surface
  6. 06Light agitation
  7. 07Phase separation
  8. 08Collection of separated oil
  9. 09Laboratory result reference
  10. 10Product and HSE characterization reference

The demonstration shows the observed physical process of hydrocarbon release, migration and separation.

The filmed demonstration and the independent 2026 laboratory programme are separate test activities.

Video note: edited for technical clarity and privacy. Original source footage is retained as an internal continuous demonstration record.

Operational context

The Operational Problem

Tank-bottom sludge becomes an operational constraint when it stops flowing.

Petroleum storage systems accumulate hydrocarbons, water, sediment, corrosion products, sand and other solids.

Over time, tank-bottom material can lose mobility and become difficult to circulate, pump, separate or remove.

This affects tank cleaning, inspection and maintenance preparation.

Operational consequences

  • Reduced usable storage capacity
  • Loss of sludge pumpability
  • Difficult mechanical removal and demucking
  • Increased manual sludge handling
  • Increased confined-space exposure
  • Longer cleaning duration
  • Higher oily-waste volume
  • Increased shutdown uncertainty
  • Potential loss of recoverable hydrocarbons

The immediate operational problem is non-pumpable sludge.

Hydrocarbon recovery is additional value where recoverable oil is present.

Function

How SOLVEX® Works

Controlled mobilization before cleaning.

SOLVEX® acts at the hydrocarbon-water-solid interface.

It reduces adhesion between hydrocarbons, solids and sediments, allowing trapped hydrocarbons and sludge material to become mobile while preserving phase separation behaviour.

SOLVEX® does not dissolve crude oil.

SOLVEX® does not create stable emulsions.

SOLVEX® does not disperse hydrocarbons into water.

The result is controlled hydrocarbon and sludge mobilization, not dispersion.

Observed behaviour

  • Sludge mobility improvement
  • Clear oil, water and solids phase boundaries
  • No stable emulsification
  • Recoverable oil phase where hydrocarbons are present
  • Water-phase separation
  • Solids settlement
  • Preservation of crude-oil characteristics under tested conditions

SOLVEX® is designed to

SOLVEX intended functions and functions it is not designed as
Designed toNot designed as
Mobilize hydrocarbon-rich sludgeConventional degreaser
Improve sludge pumpabilitySolvent system
Release hydrocarbons from solids and sedimentHydrocarbon dispersant
Preserve oil, water and solids separationEmulsifier
Support mechanical, vacuum, robotic and manual cleaningReplacement for tank-cleaning contractors
Support recoverable-oil separationPermanent tank-process modification

Function · Sequence

Tank Behaviour Sequence

The graphic shows a petroleum tank with settled hydrocarbon-rich sludge at the bottom. The sequence illustrates:

SOLVEX tank treatment sequence showing injection, soaking, mobilization, circulation and gravity separation
Conceptual tank sequence: introduction, static contact, mobilization, low-shear circulation, shutdown and gravity separation. Final operating parameters remain subject to operator review and a site-specific method statement.
  1. Sequence 01

    Initial non-pumpable sludge condition

  2. Sequence 02

    Introduction of SOLVEX® working solution

  3. Sequence 03

    Static contact with the sludge zone

  4. Sequence 04

    Low-shear circulation

  5. Sequence 05

    Hydrocarbon release from solids and sediment

  6. Sequence 06

    Circulation shutdown

  7. Sequence 07

    Oil, water and solids separation

  8. Sequence 08

    Recoverable oil phase at the surface

  9. Sequence 09

    Settled solids at the bottom

Function · Workflow

A Pre-treatment Step Within the Existing Cleaning Workflow

SOLVEX® is not a replacement for the tank-cleaning contractor.

It is applied before the main cleaning operation to reduce the difficulty of handling heavy, sticky or non-pumpable hydrocarbon sludge.

SOLVEX® is intended to support manual, mechanical, vacuum, robotic and automated tank-cleaning methods.

It improves the first stage of the job: sludge mobilization and pumpability.

Typical integration sequence

  1. 01
    Tank or slop-system evaluation
  2. 02
    Operator and contractor technical review
  3. 03
    SOLVEX® introduction into the sludge zone
  4. 04
    Static contact and controlled low-shear circulation
  5. 05
    Circulation shutdown and gravity separation
  6. 06
    Pumping or recovery of separated phases
  7. 07
    Conventional final tank cleaning
  8. 08
    Gas-free preparation, inspection or maintenance under standard operator procedures

Value for tank-cleaning contractors

  • Easier sludge mobilization before demucking
  • Improved pumpability through available removal systems
  • Reduced manual handling of sticky sludge
  • Reduced confined-space exposure
  • Improved method statement for difficult tanks
  • Faster preparation for subsequent cleaning and inspection
  • Potential reduction in total job duration

Value for storage terminal operators

  • Improved operational control before cleaning
  • Shorter cleaning-preparation window
  • Reduced tank downtime
  • Reduced HSE exposure from man-entry
  • Reduced oily-sludge disposal volume
  • Improved oil, water and solids separation
  • No tank modification
  • No permanent process change
  • Compatibility with existing tank-cleaning and terminal operating procedures

Operator control

The operator retains control at every stage.

  • The operator selects the candidate tank or slop system
  • The operator defines operational and HSE boundaries
  • The operator approves the dosing and circulation method
  • The operator controls circulation and recovery operations
  • The operator can stop the process at any time
  • If separation is not acceptable, standard tank cleaning proceeds unchanged
  • Scale-up is considered only after pilot review

Function · Applications

Primary Applications

SOLVEX® is used as a controlled pre-treatment step before conventional cleaning, sludge handling or separation operations.

Primary SOLVEX applications and intended operational outcomes
ApplicationIntended operational outcome
Slop tanksImproved oil, water and solids separation; improved material movement and process control
Petroleum storage tanks before cleaningImproved sludge pumpability, reduced manual demucking and shorter cleaning preparation
Crude-oil tank bottomsRestored sludge mobility, easier removal and recoverable hydrocarbon separation
Marine and terminal sludge systemsEasier handling of oily sludge, tank residues and hydrocarbon-contaminated solids
Contaminated transfer systems and sumpsRestored material movement and reduced hydrocarbon adhesion
Oily-waste treatment systemsSeparation of recoverable hydrocarbons from water and solids before final waste handling

All applications remain subject to technical review, operator HSE approval and site-specific method statement.

Evidence

Engineering Validation

SOLVEX® has been evaluated through controlled laboratory testing, bench-scale demonstrations, field observations and historical technical references.

  • Hydrocarbon mobilization
  • Phase separation
  • Stable-emulsion behaviour
  • Hydrocarbon recovery
  • Crude-oil composition
  • Performance in fresh water, brine and seawater
  • Product composition and HSE characteristics

Core Laboratories International B.V.

Independent Controlled Laboratory Programme — 2026

Independent laboratory testing evaluated hydrocarbon mobilization and oil recovery using fresh water, 4% NaCl brine and seawater systems.

Recognized test methods included ASTM D1401 and ASTM D4007.

Observed hydrocarbon recovery

Observed hydrocarbon recovery by controlled test system
Controlled test systemObserved hydrocarbon recovery
Fresh water78.0%
4% NaCl brine74.0%
Seawater84.5%

Phase-separation observation

Core Laboratories seawater phase-separation observations at 5, 15 and 60 minutes
Core Laboratories seawater test-system observation at 5, 15 and 60 minutes. No stable emulsion was observed under the tested conditions. Source: Core Laboratories International B.V., Final Report 202600517, 2026.

Additional observations

  • No stable emulsions formed in the tested systems
  • Oil and water phase separation occurred after settling
  • A recoverable crude-oil phase was produced
  • Hydrocarbons mobilized from the tested solids system
  • Crude-oil composition was preserved within ±5% in the applicable fresh-water and 4% NaCl brine tests
  • Phase-separation behaviour was maintained under the tested conditions

Source: Core Laboratories International B.V., Final Report 202600517, 2026.

The recovery values were determined under controlled laboratory conditions and were based on an initial crude-oil volume of 150 mL.

Actual field recovery depends on sludge composition, hydrocarbon content, solids-to-water ratio, salinity, viscosity, temperature, mixing energy, residence time and site operating conditions.

Evidence · Field references

Field and Historical Technical References

Field Evidence — Nigeria

Field observations in Nigeria demonstrated operational behaviour relevant to hydrocarbon-rich sludge mobilization and separation.

Observed behaviour included:

  • Sludge mobilization
  • Improved pumpability
  • Visible hydrocarbon release
  • Visible hydrocarbon recovery
  • Oil, water and solids separation after circulation shutdown

The Nigerian field evidence supports the operational application of SOLVEX® in sludge-handling and hydrocarbon-recovery environments.

Detailed supporting reports are available for qualified technical review.

Historical Technical Reference — Venezuela

Historical technical work in Venezuela provides reference evidence relevant to heavy crude oil, high-viscosity hydrocarbons and difficult sludge environments.

The Venezuela reference supports technical understanding of heavy-crude mobilization, hydrocarbon release from solids and oil, water and solids separation under difficult conditions.

Historical Venezuela documentation is reviewed together with current laboratory validation, field evidence and site-specific pilot results.

Detailed supporting reports are available for qualified technical review.

Evidence Boundary

Laboratory results, bench demonstrations and field references establish the technical basis for evaluation.

Final operating parameters are confirmed through operator-specific technical review and, where required, laboratory confirmation using actual sludge, crude oil, water and solids from the candidate system.

HSE

Product and HSE Characterization

SOLVEX® is a water-based liquid designed for petroleum-sector operational use.

The ready-to-use solution consists predominantly of water and is non-flammable.

HSE profile

  • Water-based formulation
  • VOC-free
  • Non-flammable
  • Non-toxic profile
  • Biodegradable
  • No stable emulsions
  • No crude-oil dissolution
  • No hydrocarbon dispersion into water
  • No detected aromatic hydrocarbons in the tested samples
  • No detected halogenated hydrocarbons in the tested samples
  • Not dangerous goods, subject to applicable product classification review

Independent product characterization

Independent product characterization results
ParameterReported result
Physical formWater-based liquid
Concentrate biodegradabilityBiodegradable
Flash pointAbove 100°C under ASTM D93 testing
Volatile organic compoundsNot detected
Aromatic hydrocarbonsNot detected
Halogenated hydrocarbonsNot detected
2% RTU appearanceClear, colourless liquid
2% RTU odourNo characteristic odour
2% RTU pH7.9
Stable-emulsion behaviourNo stable emulsions in tested systems

Source: Geoscience Testing Laboratory product-characterization reports, 2026. Test results apply to the submitted and tested product samples.

HSE · Documentation

Technical Documentation

The following documents are available for qualified technical review:

  • Safety Data Sheet
  • Technical Data Sheet
  • Product classification information
  • Independent Core Laboratories report
  • Independent Geoscience product-characterization reports
  • Biodegradability information
  • HSE review information
  • Bench-demonstration video
  • Field-reference documentation
  • Candidate pilot methodology
  • Site-specific method statement

Final use remains subject to operator HSE review, SDS review, method-statement approval and applicable local regulatory requirements.

Request Technical Documentation

Pilot pathway

Controlled Evaluation Before Scale-Up

SOLVEX® deployment begins with a controlled technical evaluation.

The preferred first evaluation point is a slop tank, small tank-bottom system or controlled sludge volume where mobilization, pumpability and phase separation can be observed before a larger storage-tank application.

Candidate evaluation path

Candidate evaluation stages and purpose
StagePurpose
Stage 1 — Technical reviewReview the tank, stored product, sludge condition, available pumping route and operator requirements
Stage 2 — Sample confirmationEvaluate operator-specific sludge, oil, water or solids where additional confirmation is required
Stage 3 — Controlled sludge or slop-tank pilotConfirm mobilization, pumpability and phase separation within approved operating boundaries
Stage 4 — Tank-bottom pilotApply the confirmed process to a selected tank scheduled for cleaning or maintenance
Stage 5 — Evaluation and scale-upReview pilot data jointly before considering a larger storage-tank application

Data requested for initial review

Please provide only the information currently available:

  • Tank or slop-system type
  • Product stored
  • Estimated sludge volume
  • Available sludge composition or analysis
  • Current pumpability or cleaning problem
  • Existing cleaning method
  • Available circulation, pumping or suction route
  • Planned cleaning or maintenance window
  • Existing sludge-disposal route
  • Site HSE restrictions
  • Technical contact person

Pilot pathway · Cycle

Indicative Controlled Pilot Cycle

  1. 01

    RTU Introduction

    SOLVEX® working solution is introduced into the sludge zone through existing access points, injectors, lines or an approved dosing route.

  2. 02

    Static Contact — 3 to 6 Hours

    The initial contact phase supports hydrocarbon release and sludge mobilization.

  3. 03

    Internal Recirculation — 6 to 12 Hours

    Low-shear circulation is performed using existing pumps or another operator-approved circulation method.

  4. 04

    Stop and Separation — 2 to 3 Hours

    Circulation stops and gravity separation is observed. Oil, water and solids separation is assessed.

  5. 05

    Repeat Cycle Where Required

    The cycle may be repeated depending on sludge condition, pumpability response and operator-approved test boundaries.

Indicative total pilot duration: 24 to 72 hours, subject to tank condition, sludge volume, circulation method and operator requirements.

Evaluation criteria

Pilot results are reviewed jointly by the operator, tank-cleaning contractor and SOLVEX® technical team.

Evaluation may include:

  • Change in sludge mobility
  • Change in pumpability
  • Pump or suction response
  • Formation or absence of stable emulsions
  • Oil, water and solids phase separation
  • Recovered hydrocarbon volume
  • Residual sludge volume
  • Cleaning-preparation time
  • Manual demucking requirement
  • Waste volume sent for disposal
  • Operational and HSE observations

Scale-up is proposed only after pilot review.

Contact

Deployment Platform — United Arab Emirates

SOLVEX® is deployed from the United Arab Emirates for petroleum-sector evaluation, pilot coordination and controlled field deployment.

UAE deployment basis

  • UAE-based production pathway
  • Abu Dhabi technical coordination
  • Core laboratory validation in Abu Dhabi
  • Operator qualification pathway
  • Montaji and regulatory registration pathway
  • SDS and HSE documentation available for review
  • Pilot preparation and field-deployment support
  • Suitable for storage-terminal operators
  • Suitable for tank-cleaning contractors
  • Suitable for national oil companies
  • Suitable for oily-waste management companies
  • Compatible with existing tank-cleaning and terminal operating procedures

Commercial Platform, Technology Operator and Deployment Lead

SOLVEX Industrial Solutions Limited

Masdar City

Abu Dhabi

United Arab Emirates

Email: info@solvexflow.com

Phone: +971 58 55 34 666

Request Technical DocumentationRequest Technical ReviewSubmit Candidate Slop Tank or Sludge System for Evaluation