Abstract
To ensure the high-quality work of any enterprise of fuel and energy complex it is important to timely clean up tanks from oily sediments, oil sludge and impurities. The monitoring of an availability index of product/ technical condition and stripping of tanks for storage and transportation of petroleum products is a regulatory requirement to ensure a reliable operation during all service lifetime. Today there are many ways of cleaning tanks from the sea-floor sediments (manual, mechanical, mechanochemical etc.). The choice of a method depends on the physico-chemical and fire hazard properties of the sediments. Stripping tanks from oil residues is carried out in accordance with the regulations governing the procedure of the tank stripping with the compliance of industrial safety requirements, and also environmental and fire safety. Frequency of cleaning tanks is stated in the requirements of the Russian State Standard (GOST) 1510-84 and depends on the type of oil, the technical condition of tanks, storage conditions and the frequency of change of the oil product grade. For example, a frequent cleaning of tanks is provided for the fuel tanks with high requirements of quality and purity (jet propulsion fuel, aviation and straight-run gasoline), and the stripping of tanks with motor fuels and fuel oil is carried out as required. The technological process of tank cleaning from oil residues consists of a standard scheme of serial operations and has specific characteristics depending on the type of the stored substance, the tank design, the duration of the operation period, the quantity and structure of sediments, and also the purpose of stripping. As oil has a low explosion hazard parameter (lower concentrated flame spread LCFS ≈ 1,4% vol.), there is a risk of explosion and tank ignition which results in loss of life and enormous environmental damage. To prevent these phenomena it is necessary to observe a number of rules and instructions strictly. This article discusses the estimation of a safe distance from the operator who handles the automatic process of reclaiming of bottom sediments to the clean tank.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
