Oil Terminals Research Articles

Optimization of oil tankers handling at export oil terminals

Optimization of oil tankers handling at export oil terminals

Operability analysis and line failure risk assessment for a tanker moored at berth

Oil terminals are critical infrastructures for the safe transfer of oil between ships and facilities on land. However, the presence of waves can pose a substantial risk to the mooring system, particularly when dealing with period waves that exceed 8 s. To better understand this relationship and minimize potential risks such as displacement and line failure, physical model tests were conducted. These tests sought to analyse how waves interact with the mooring system, which consists of ships, lines, and fenders. The findings of the research indicate that under experimental conditions, the ship's ability to operate safely is largely determined by its sway and roll motion. Among the various lines in the mooring system, the force exerted on the breast lines was found to be the highest, making them more susceptible to failure. This highlights the importance of paying close attention to these specific lines during operations, and considering necessary adjustments to ensure safety. Furthermore, the study also evaluated the maximum allowable operating wave height of the ship, taking into consideration the limitations imposed by movement and mooring force. These test results can serve as a valuable reference for determining the safe operating conditions for ships in oil terminals, contributing to improved mooring safety. Lastly, the study also took into account the potential occurrence of mooring failure. The event of one breast-fore line failure (Case1) and two breast-fore lines failure (Case2) were both tested. The results showed that the most significant impact was on the adjacent headlines, which increased approximately 40% and 70% respectively. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the failure of one line may trigger a cascade effect, leading to the gradual failure of other lines and significantly jeopardizing mooring safety.

Assessment of the Impact of Crude Oil Spillage on Surface Water and Aquatic life in some Selected Oil Producing Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

The study assessed the impact of oil spill on surface and aquatic life in some selected oil producing communities of Delta state. A survey and experimental design was adopted for the study. The data for the study were derived from surface water samples, as well as questionnaire responses. samples were collected from six (6) oil producing communities of Tebu, Tisun, Okpail, Emedadja, Ote-Do, and Okpare respectively and taken to the laboratory for analysis. Samples were collected using purposive and systematic techniques. Total of (200) copies of questionnaire were administered to the selected communities and analyzed using simple percentages and presented in charts and tables. The study find out that the major causes of oil spillage package are: pipeline linkages, well blow out, accidents during and after drilling operation, sabotage, explosions of oil terminals and wells, spills from vandalized oil pipelines and linkages, spill from loading oil vessels. It is concluded that the significant deterioration in both surface and aquatic life due to oil extraction. Therefore, the use of such waters for drinking and domestic purposes may pose a threat to the health of the users. Thus, there is need for the intervention by government agencies while simple physical treatment of pollutants is recommended.

Numerical investigation on oil leakage and migration from the accidental hole of tank wall in oil terminal of pipeline transportation system

As a crucial component of the oil transportation system, the oil terminal (or oil tank farm) may often pose some serious threats and damage to the ecological environment and production safety for the oil leakage. An effective emergency management strategy is particularly significant, involving the accurate assessment of leakage time, oil migration path, volume distribution, etc. Therefore, the volume of fluid (VOF) and liquid phase leakage model were applied to investigate the migration and distribution characteristic after the accidental hole occurs in the tank wall, and influence factors including height and diameter of the hole were considered in our study. Results show that the lower the leaking hole position is, the faster the horizontal injection rate of the leakage hole, the increase of the accumulation area of the oil on the ground, and the difference in the overall pressure value at the leakage hole is nearly four times. Under different leakage diameters, the oil spill is symmetrical. The larger the leakage diameter, the higher the amount of oil leakage and the initial leakage speed, the maximum speed is 1.5 times the minimum speed, causing harm to safety and environmental pollution. These results can quickly locate the leakage location of the tank and provide valuable references for emergency management of the oil pipeline transportation system.

Investigating the Components of Transformational Leadership: A Qualitative Study on the National Iranian Oil Terminals Company (NIOTC)

Objective: This study aims to investigate the components of transformational leadership within the National Iranian Oil Terminals Company (NIOTC), providing insights into how this leadership style can be effectively implemented to enhance organizational outcomes in the oil and gas sector. Methodology: This qualitative research employed semi-structured interviews with 19 experienced managers and academic experts from NIOTC. The participants were selected using a theoretical sampling approach until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data was collected through detailed interviews and analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns related to transformational leadership. Findings: The analysis revealed several critical components of transformational leadership at NIOTC, including creating a dynamic organizational vision, setting elevated goals, supporting organizational learning, transforming cultural values, fostering organizational trust, linking individual and collective interests, providing inspirational motivation, stimulating intellectual engagement, enhancing followers' adaptability, and considering individual needs. These components align with existing literature on transformational leadership and highlight the importance of vision, motivation, trust, and adaptability in driving organizational success. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of transformational leadership within NIOTC. Effective transformational leaders at NIOTC emphasize creating a compelling vision, fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and trust, and aligning individual and organizational goals. These insights can guide leaders in similar contexts to implement transformational leadership practices that enhance organizational performance and employee development. Future research should explore these components in different organizational and cultural settings to further validate and expand on these findings.

Innovative Complex of Block-modular Fire Extinguishing System for Offshore Oil Terminals

The purpose of the study is offshore oil terminals, which are objects of increased fire danger in terms of fire safety. In this regard, the main requirements of fire safety include the implementation of a set of measures to create modern and efficient systems of port fire extinguishing of offshore oil terminals. The article investigates and analyzes the technological features of the modern complex of a block-modular system of foam fire extinguishing and water cooling of offshore berthing complexes of oil terminals. Unlike the traditional ones, the feature of the foaming agent of the intended purpose is the high efficiency of foams of low multiplicities based on the foaming agent of the intended purpose of the AFFF model. The content of a mixture of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon film-forming surfactants ensures its effective use in fresh and marine aquatic environments.The use of a complex block-modular system of foam fire extinguishing and water cooling of offshore oil terminals allows you to implement a wide range of operations for extinguishing fires with effective isolation of combustible substances from oxidants and cooling of combustion centers of objects with a significant reduction in water consumption gorenje

RESULTS OF INDUSTRIAL TESTS OF A CONDENSING VAPOR RECOVERY UNIT AT AN OFFSHORE OIL TERMINAL

An effective method of reducing vapor emissions of liquid hydrocarbons, creating safe operating conditions for facilities for loading oil products into vehicles is the use of vapor recovery units (VRU). Among the available types of VRU, condensing installations are distinguished, the operation of which is based on the difference in the condensation temperatures of air and petroleum product vapors. To the advantages of condensing VRU developers refer: 1) safety; 2) low hydraulic resistance; 3) production of condensate of high commercial quality; 4) the possibility of accounting for the captured product; 5) the absence of secondary contaminated waste; 6) the practical absence of the need to purchase and dispose of consumables.
 The article presents the results of tests of the condensing VRU, called the «Condensation and Dispersion Complex», during the gasoline shipment at one of the offshore oil terminals in the spring and summer period.
 During the condensating VRU tests, the average degree of purification efficiency of the gas-air mixture (GAM) from gasoline vapors is established, which is significantly lower than the suppliers of condensing VRU declare and is
 completely insufficient to solve environmental problems. The content of hydrocarbons in the GAM at the output of the VRU turned out to be several times higher than was stated by the developer.
 The reason for this negative result is insufficient deep cooling of the gas-air mixture. It has been initially chosen incorrectly, because it does not take into account the accumulated experience in the world of using condensating URPs. The lowest achieved GAM temperature is several degrees higher than the coolant temperature in the condenser heat exchangers, which indicates an incorrect choice of condensation criteria.
 The amount of gasoline that was captured during the loading of one tanker was determined, as well as the amount of hydrate inhibitor required for this and the electricity consumption. It is established that the consumption of consumables during the operation of the condensing URP, called the «Condensation and Dispersion Complex», is rather high. Therefore, the developers' statement about the absence of consumption by the installation of consumables is a marketing technique.

Analyzing Berthing Platform Structural Design for Modern Oil Terminals under Operational Loads

Analyzing Berthing Platform Structural Design for Modern Oil Terminals under Operational Loads

Distribution and main sources of oil spills in the Persian Gulf based on satellite monitoring with synthetic aperture radar

ABSTRACT The Persian Gulf is characterized by a huge number of offshore oil and gas platforms, large number of many oil terminals, and busy shipping lines for supporting oil transportation. In this regard, developing various methods for assessing the oil pollution of the Gulf, including remote sensing, is extremely important. For the first time, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images of the European Sentinel-1A and Sentinel-1B satellites were used routinely to monitor the entire Gulf in 2017–2019. To effectively analyse the SAR images and their detected dark patches, a monitoring method based on manual detection and all contextual information available using web-GIS approach, was used. This involved the creation of a dedicated geoportal with oceanographic, physical – geographical, industrial and navigational information on the water basin, including the offshore oil and gas infrastructure. Using this approach, as well as data from automatic ship identification system, most oil spills were detected, recognized and mapped. The summary oil spill distribution maps and main statistical results of the monitoring are presented and discussed. It is shown that the main sources of oil pollution in the Persian Gulf (oil slicks/spills from 0.5 to about 700 km2) are (in decreasing order) oil production, oil transportation, and local shipping.

Improvement of maintenance and asset management strategy in a maritime terminal under regulatory and physicochemical testing criteria

This work was developed in the gas and oil sector, more specifically in the equipment that make up the Coveñas maritime terminal, one of the main oil terminals in Colombia. This work sought to improve the maintenance strategy and asset management of all terminal equipment through criteria based on international standards such as International Organization for Standardization 14224, which guides the ranking of equipment; also considered were the results of physicochemical tests that were applied to sample materials obtained from the equipment in the field. With this information, a road map was drawn up to establish a maintenance and asset management plan to improve the efficiency of the marine terminal’s operation. The physical variables measured in this equipment and its parts, evidenced the importance of carrying out projects with interdisciplinary approaches, to enhance the achievement of the objectives set. In this specific case, a considerable improvement in maintenance work execution hours was shown.

Modeling and Simulation of Crude Oil Sea–River Transshipment System in China’s Yangtze River Basin

China’s Yangtze River Basin has an increasingly strong demand for crude oil. As a seaborne import port for crude oil, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port is under pressure to undertake the transshipment of crude oil to various oil terminals in the Yangtze River Basin. To alleviate the stress of crude oil transportation in Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, the port operator proposed the crude oil sea–river transshipment scheme in Nantong Port. Therefore, this paper aims to verify the feasibility of this scheme. We used the discrete event system modeling and entity relationship diagram method to construct the hierarchical and concept models of the Yangtze River Basin’s crude oil sea–river transportation system. Furthermore, we developed corresponding simulation modules on the Witness platform and carried out a simulation experiment of the crude oil sea–river transfer scheme. In the experiment, we analyzed the influence of the transshipment ratio on berth utilization, waiting time, and sailing time of other ports by adjusting the parameter of the transshipment ratio. The experimental results show that when the transshipment rate reaches 100%, the utilization rates of loading and unloading berth in Nantong Port are 4% and 13%, respectively, which evidences that Nantong Port has transshipment potential. At the same time, the simulation experiment’s statistical indicators, such as the utilization rate of oil berths, the queuing time of oil tankers, and the sailing time, not only confirm the feasibility of the crude oil sea–river transshipment scheme of Nantong Port but also confirm that the scheme is helpful to improve crude oil transportation efficiency. The simulation results benefit the port operation decision, and the established model and simulation module can be encapsulated and reused.

Industrial and oil ports: case studies and theoretical approaches

Industrial and oil ports have been mainly developed, after the Second World War, with the birth of large industrial systems and they established during the second half of 20th century. Large ports are built close to the industrial areas. Heavy and oil industrial sectors need huge loading capacity, direct connections without constraints on shapes, lengths and unit of loads. The iron and steel industry, the petrochemical, the power plants, etc., determine the birth of the so-called second-generation ports, as defined by UNCTAD. The technical characteristics are the following: large yards close to the quays, oil terminals with sophisticated security systems, starting points for oil pipelines and power lines. The paradigm of the second-generation ports is: firstly, the industrial plant was settled and, then, the port was built for serving the industrial plant. The ships that arrive at the industrial ports are specialized. The oil tankers are born, with the subsequent variations of hull and technology, they evolve up to the LNG ships. The economic system is therefore defined in a simple way: eliminating the distances between the heavy industry plants and the loading/unloading points that allow international connections. The economic model has not been enough studied in its basic components given by the flows of goods from the port to the industries and vice versa.The paper is articulated into two main parts. The first one presents a critical analysis of some representative case studies of industrial and oil ports for each continental area. The second one presents the proposed theoretical approaches, based on Transport System Models (TSMs) introducing the multi-modal approach considering that in the examined ports there is a pipeline network other than a road network. The multi-modal TSM explains the relationship of industrial and oil ports with trade partners who have built their cargo transformation facilities in the closer industrial area. The approach can be extended to the sea and land networks used for the oil transport. The work may be considered a step able to open several directions to study the characteristics of oil and petrochemical ports and their connection with the industrial areas by means of TSMs. The use of TSMs allows transport planners to integrate industrial ports into land development plans and researchers to investigate the structure of TSMs applied to freight transport during which physical and economic (value modification) changes occur in goods.

AHP를 활용한 여수지역 항만 오일허브 활성화 방안 연구

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to suggest strategies to activate the oil hub in the port of Yeosu by using Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP) analysis.
 Research design, data and methodology : This paper derives operational strategies for the Yeosu port oil hub through a literature review and expert opinions. Then, the AHP investigation was conducted with 30 experts.
 Results : AHP survey results, show that ‘infrastructure construction’ was evaluated as the most important major category, followed by ‘policy improvement and preparation’ and ‘business environment creation’. The important sub-categories are 'securing public berthing facilities'. securing public oil ternimals, and 'Expanding the oil hub hinterland'.
 Conclusions : The construction of berthing facilities and oil terminals is most urgent in order to revitalize the oil hub in the port of Yeosu. It is also necessary to improve regulations and prepare support policies.

The role of childhood traumatic experiences in predicting hostile behavior: a mediation model

Background. The childhood traumatic experiences play a significant role in the development of unhealthy behaviors in adulthood. Identifying the underlying mechanisms in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors is of paramount importance. Additionally, this study aimed to explore the mediating role of mentalization in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors in adults. Methods. This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional. The statistical population of the study included all employees of the Iranian Oil Terminals Company in 2024. A total of 280 participants were selected through convenience sampling and completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). The data were analyzed through the application of structural equation modeling (SEM). Findings. According to the findings, the proposed model exhibited a good fit. In line with the findings, childhood traumatic experiences had a direct, significant positive effect on hostile behaviors (β=0.57). Additionally, it had a significant negative effect on mentalization (β=-0.58). Another finding indicated that mentalization had a significant negative effect on hostile behaviors (β=-0.34). Moreover, another finding revealed that mentalization served as a mediator between childhood traumatic experiences and hostile behaviors (β=0.20). Conclusion. In conclusion, the findings suggest that childhood traumatic experiences exert a direct influence on adult hostile behaviors, with mentalization functioning as a significant mediating variable.

SAFETY EVALUATION OF PETROLEUM TANK FARM: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF NNPCL MAIDUGURI DEPOT PLANT

A petroleum tank farm, usually known as an oil terminal is a common facility that stores flammable liquid. Tank farm has possible hazards to the people, environment and asset. Some of the hazards such as fire, static electricity, transportation etc. are accidents which occur at the oil terminals. Many industries are using different risk assessment methods to priorities hazards linked to their work activities. In this study, a new risk and safety analysis model, known as quantitative risk assessment (QRA) for tank farm was applied. QRA is an effective planning tool used in chemical processing plant, to help at forecasting the potential major accident occurrences, so that suitable mitigating and preventive measures can be implemented. QRA was conducted on a selected NNPCL Maiduguri depot tank farm with specified objectives. The three main objectives for this study are hazard identification, risk evaluation using qualitative and quantitative risk assessment by using the hazard and operability analysis, HAZOP and failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) methods. It was found that hazard occurrences were from various categories namely general management, hazardous chemical exposure and fire safety etc. In this research work, two scenarios was established and the estimated risks are associated to the petroleum tank farm activity such as leakage at dispenser area due to poor safeguarding systems, underground fuel leakage during unloading due to fittings failure and storage tank explosion due to high pressure. However, in summary, complete planning which combines all aspects are deemed necessary so that the impact of the associated risk from the operational, storage and maintenance of petroleum tank farm can be identified and minimized during the activities by working out the FMEA method sheet.

An Investigation on the Vortex Effect of a CALM Buoy under Water Waves Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

Floating offshore structures (FOS) must be designed to be stable, to float, and to be able to support other structures for which they were designed. These FOS are needed for different transfer operations in oil terminals. However, water waves affect the motion response of floating buoys. Under normal sea states, the free-floating buoy presents stable periodic responses. However, when moored, they are kept in position. Mooring configurations used to moor buoys in single point mooring (SPM) terminals could require systems such as Catenary Anchor Leg Moorings (CALM) and Single Anchor Leg Moorings (SALM). The CALM buoys are one of the most commonly-utilised type of offshore loading terminal. Due to the wider application of CALM buoy systems, it is necessary to investigate the fluid structure interaction (FSI) and vortex effect on the buoy. In this study, a numerical investigation is presented on a CALM buoy model conducted using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in ANSYS Fluent version R2 2020. Some hydrodynamic definitions and governing equations were presented to introduce the model. The results presented visualize and evaluate specific motion characteristics of the CALM buoy with emphasis on the vortex effect. The results of the CFD study present a better understanding of the hydrodynamic parameters, reaction characteristics and fluid-structure interaction under random waves.

Aggregated Risk Assessment and Survey for Risk Reduction in Oil Terminals

One of the goals of any oil terminal is to make a business while avoiding hazardous events and harmful effects for both humans and the environment. This can be achieved by creating a safe working place as well as by performing safe and acceptable activities regarding the impact on surrounding objects, including residential and industrial areas. The aim of the hazard analysis of the oil terminal is to assess the risks related to hazardous events or phenomena and to evaluate whether the assessed risks are acceptable. The hazard analysis and assessment of risk are also used for risk reduction while examining and limiting hazardous scenarios that, for instance, involve the loss-of-containment of flammable or combustible material. In this paper, the authors aim to contribute to risk research by providing a comprehensive methodology of risk assessment for oil terminals with case study results and discussion on features of the methodology, risk aggregation, its applicability for risk reduction, and industrial interests. The performed study considered the “Klaipedos Nafta AB” (an operator of the Klaipeda Oil Terminal, Lithuania) case study regarding hazardous materials that might be released from various tanks, devices, and associated pipelines. The performed quantitative risk assessment has enabled the determination of the probability regarding whether releases would ignite and, for instance, cause explosion. In the case study, the estimate of probability, i.e., the frequency, and the possible consequences of the hazardous events were evaluated, and both mitigation and risk reduction measures were also considered.

New Risk-Based Framework for Oil Spill Response Planning Requirements – Ports and Oil Terminals – A Brazilian Study Case

Abstract In 2000, Brazil experienced its most relevant oil spill accident until today: 1.3 thousand cubic meters (c.m.) of crude oil were leaked from a pipeline to the waters of Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro. Therefore, in 2001 the Government implemented a federal legislation requiring oil spill response plans (OSRP) which was strongly inspired in the United States requirement for ports and terminals. In 2016, an interdisciplinary task force was initiated to improve this legislation. Thus, a new risk-based framework was developed in order to better engage some of the environmental and social-economical complexities of Brazil as adequate inputs for the oil spill response planning process. This methodology was expanded from the guidelines published by International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP). First, the concept of sensitive receptors were introduced to describe any valuable element that can be harmed by the spill. These were selected from environmental sensitivities, protection areas, wildlife occurrence, human occupation, tourism and fisheries, among others. These criticalities were categorized in five classes using an oil slick forecast modelling results for different spill volumes such as the minimum time to reach these receptors and oiling probability. After this, they were associated with certain spill volumes, resulting in three possible requirement levels. Consequently, the minimum response capability demand for the facility is calculated, as well as tactical and logistics plans. This new approach not only optimizes the allocation of first response equipment at the highest risk spots, but also regulates the sharing of these capabilities when there is a concentration of these facilities. In this paper, this methodology was applied to a major oil terminal located in a high sensitivity area at Ilha Grande Bay, in Rio de Janeiro. The worst-case scenario was around 6.923 c.m., which allowed the identification of 116 vulnerable receptors. Of these, 02 were identified as having high criticality and, therefore, were prioritized for response planning. The minimum nominal response capability was estimated as being equal to 4.760 m3/day for full deployment condition after the initial 60 hours. This value is about 25% higher than that predicted in facility's existing OSRP. However, with the application of resource sharing rules, the amount of equipment staged on site is equal to only 1298 m3/d, allowing a significant optimization due to logistics processes after the initial 24h.

Brazilian Regulation on Oil Spill: The Need of Review

Abstract The Brazilian oil spill response main regulation has been under a major review for the last couple of years. The origins of this regulation date back to the year 2000, when two accidents of great relevance happened: the Guanabara Bay and the Iguaçu River oil spills. These two accidents quickened the promulgation of the first version of this regulation, an adaptation of the USA framework for facilities transferring oil or hazardous material in bulk (33 CFR part 154). The major changes made during this adaptation to the Brazilian laws were: 01) The scope has been expanded to cover not only transferring coastal facilities, like ports and Abstract number oil terminals, but also oil rigs, offshore oil production units, pipelines and refineries. In a later revision other facilities were included: marinas, onshore oil rigs, shipyards and nautical clubs; 02) The response resources could only be provided by the owner of the facility, which has restrained the potential benefits of a shared capability approach like, for example, a specialized response company or association that could support several facilities in a region; In practice, the application of the same ground rule for inland, coastal and offshore facilities resulted in several distortions, like a dominance of the mechanical removal technique over other response techniques. This also resulted in the application of response time requirements designed for oil terminals to offshore facilities, resulting in an oversized dedicated oil spill response fleet. In addition, this rule is inadequate to linear spill sources, like marine pipelines, and inland facilities, like refineries. Finally, because of the aforementioned distortions and also some lack of technical guidance for relevant topics, like coastal protection, oil trajectory forecasting modelling, wildlife response planning, among others, several different interpretations of the national regulation have arrived from different levels of governmental agencies. This not only allowed for distinct requirements over time from a same agency but also created confusion when comparing the response capabilities of similar installations from different regions of Brazil. Thus, the purpose of this article is to describe the improvements proposed by the Oil and Gas producers to review the Brazilian regulation. It aims at presenting the key elements and references used in the review process and the predicted response structure that could arise in order to improve Brazil's environmental safety after the new regulation is in force.

Energy efficient optimization of heat supply system for oil therminal

In the context of the need to develop the transport infrastructure of Ukraine and to diversify sources of energy carriers supply to the country, including oil and oil products, the problem of the development of oil terminals arises. This work is devoted to the optimization of the structure of heat supply to oil terminals. In this sense it is relevant. The object of research is the heat supply systems of an oil terminal. At the same time, the subject of research is the energy efficiency of heat supply systems for oil terminals using water vapor and high-temperature organic heat carriers. The following research methods were used: an analytical review of information sources, a technical and economic analysis with the necessary substantiating calculations. As a result of the studies, the possibility of using high-temperature organic heat carriers for organizing heat supply to oil terminals has been shown. The advantage in the efficiency, environmental friendliness and reliability of systems with high-temperature organic heat carriers versus systems using water vapor as a heat carrier is shown. On-site heating networks in the oil terminal are recommended. The main advantages are that the heat losses in them have been reduced and the reliability of the system has increased. The cost estimation of capital investments of the compared variants of the heat supply system arrangement is carried out. The centralized heat supply systems have greater equipment cost compared with the decentralized ones. The operating cost for decentralized systems is also lower due to a decrease in specific fuel and electricity consumption. The materials obtained as a result of the research can be used as recommendations for the design of heat supply systems for oil terminals using high-temperature organic heat carriers.