Speaker’s name: Chris Carlston
Organization: Square Robot
Job title: VP of Europe
Biography:
Chris has over 20 years of experience in the Geospatial and Oil & Gas industries. Prior to joining Square Robot in 2018 as an investor and Board Member, he co-founded Boulder, CO-based Spatial Energy LLC, a company focused on helping upstream Oil & Gas companies procure, manage, and disseminate geospatial data critical to exploration and production activities. From 2011 to 2014, Chris established and managed Vienna-based Spatial Energy GmbH, where he worked to expand geospatial services to Oil & Gas operators active in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Chris is currently based in Lisbon, where he oversees Square Robot’s expansion throughout the European region.
Presentation title: Using On-Stream Robotics: Validation of EEMUA 159 Guidelines in Aboveground Storage Tank Inspections
Presentation abstract/summary:
The adoption of robotic technology in aboveground storage tank (AST) inspections has significantly advanced the ability to perform on-stream evaluations with minimal operational disruption. This presentation explores how robotic platforms are reshaping the interpretation and application of the EEMUA 159 guidelines, which are widely recognized for establishing best practices in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of ASTs.
Focusing on robotic deployment during on-stream operations, the session will examine how the integration of on-stream inspection aligns with or challenges traditional interpretations of EEMUA 159. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of where robotics fits within the current regulatory framework, what questions remain unresolved, and how tank owners, inspectors, and engineers can confidently validate inspections conducted by robotic systems. Real-world use cases will demonstrate both the value and limitations of robotics as a tool for compliance, efficiency, and data-driven asset integrity management.