Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning and stripping residue, contaminants, and debris from all of the interior surfaces in a storage tank and the like. The present invention may be conveniently inserted into a tank through its manway and, after quick assembly thereof, hydraulically positioned vertically and then maneuvered and articulated to clean and strip interior storage tank surfaces. A means is provided which inherently coordinates and synchronizes hydraulically driven rotation of the vertical pole on the tank floor with the hydraulically driven rotation of a spray bar disposed at the remote end of a boom assembly. Close proximity of the spray to the surfaces is controlled by hydraulically operated cylinders contained on a rotor assembly.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning and stripping residue, contaminants, debris. etc. from all of the interior spaces in a railway tank car and the like. The present invention may be conveniently lowered into a tank car through its manway and, after quick assembly thereof, pneumatically configured to accommodate the physical dimensions of the tank car, and then be preset for automatic cleaning and/or stripping operation. A means is provided which inherently coordinates and synchronizes the cleaning and stripping of virtually every internal surface contained in a tank car. The preferred embodiment comprises a X-frame assembly having a pair of corresponding X-members which are attached by an axle disposed therebetween. Pivotally attached to this X-fame assembly is a swivel support assembly which receives a K-frame assembly comprising a plurality of arm means, linkage means and spray means spraying all of the interior surfaces of a tank car.