Storage Of Petroleum Products Research Articles

A study of the fire risk value in transporting and storing petroleum products at a tank depot

The goal is to determine the individual fire risk at the stages of transportation and storage of petroleum products on the example of a typical oil depot in Irkutsk region and to develop measures aimed to reduce the likelihood of leakage of petroleum products and limit the impact of fire and explosion hazards. The research objects are probabilities of adverse fire-related events (the block diagram method was used) and individual fire risks (the regulatory methods were used). Using the event tree method and taking into account the standards requirements, the probability of accident development scenarios was calculated. Consequences of fire-related emergencies were predicted. The calculated distributions of individual fire-related risks at oil products storage facilities made it possible to identify areas of maximum danger for the personnel. The dangers when unloading railway tanks, storing petroleum products in tanks RVS-2000 and filling automobile tanks were investigated. The parameters of negative events were calculated following possible emergency scenarios for the personnel. The distribution of damage probabilities caused by dangerous fire and explosion-related factors at the production site for the most probable emergency scenarios than can develop at railway tanks on a railway overpass, a group of tanks RVS-2000 and automobile tanks was studied. The fire risk value was calculated at each point of the tank farm. Measures aimed to reduce the risk to the personnel in hazardous areas were suggested.

Assesment of the temperature loading influence on crack resistance of a tank with a semi-eliptical crack

Reservoir parks are the main place of storage of petroleum products. There has been a tendency transition to the use of larger tanks in recent years, which is economically justified. However, it is leads to fire risk increase to accumulate large quantities of petroleum products. Tank fire is one of the most dangerous emergency event, which can lead not only to significant material damage but also to ecological human losses in case of spreading of fire to other tanks. To ensure safety and test the bearing capacity in these conditions determination of the stress-strain state in such tanks must be performed taking into account the temperature load. If there is an initial crack in the tank wall the assessment of crack resistance should be performed. In a previous work the authors determined the stress intensity factor (SIF) distribution along the semi-elliptical crack front in the RVS-5000 tank under hydrostatic pressure. The estimation of a stress-strain state of a steel vertical tank with an initial semi-elliptical crack under the thermal loading is performed in this article. It is suppoused that the part of wall of the tank, located closest to the fire epicenter, is heated unevenly in height: from 300 degrees at the top to 200 degrees at the bottom. On the other part of the tank the temperature reaches 70 degrees. The temperature within wall thickness is considered constant. Given the asymmetric nature of the temperature distribution, a discrete model was developed for the entire tank. After determining the stress-strained state in the whole tank under hydrostatic pressure and temperature load, a fragment with a semi-elliptical crack was calculated separately. The stresses determined from the calculation of the whole tank are used like an external load, applied on fragment boundaries. The difference of results of direct and energetic method of SIF calculation are in the range of 5%. Taking into account the temperature loading leads to an increase in the SIF values by about 20 % in comparison to the results of the calculation only under hydrostatic pressure.

Optimal design of shell constructions taking into account the evolution of corrosion damage

An algorithm for computer modeling of the evolution of corrosion wear of the surface material of shell elements in the conditions of joint action of mechanical external loads and the impact of aggressive environments has been developed.
 A mathematical model of deformation of shells of rotation with variable as a result of corrosion of external and internal components of wall thickness is constructed.
 The proposed algorithm allows to trace in time the process of corrosion degradation of the surface material of the shells in accordance with arbitrary (existing) mathematical models of corrosion from the initial moment of time to complete destruction due to corrosion loss of material.
 An original algorithm for selecting the optimal parameters of the rotation shells and the study of their durability taking into account the corrosion degradation of the surface material has been developed.The essence of the algorithm is to optimize the design parameters at the end of its durability, further reverse bilateral build-up of the "sacrificial" layer of material and rational refinement of the project according to technological requirements.
 The solution of the problem of weight optimization of the shell under conditions of asymmetric bilateral non-uniformto the surface material, as a result of corrosion damage, is carried out using the necessary conditions of optimality in the form of the principle of maximum L. S. Pontryagin with phase constraints.The problem of satisfying technological requirements at the initial moment of time is formulated as the problem of the best quadratic approximation of the obtained continuous controls in the form of optimally variable thickness of the shell wall with a piecewise constant function.
 Numerical results of computer modeling of corrosion degradation of surface material and selection of optimal parameters of a cylindrical reservoir for storage of petroleum products under conditions of simultaneous action of force loading and influence of aggressive environment are given.

Strategies to Deregulate the Downstream Petroleum Sector of Pakistan

Oil products play a dynamic role in the overall energy domain because it supports country-wide transport, industries, and households. The oil market in most countries is deregulated and provides free access to every organization or independent player. Some of them have followed this policy from the very beginning, while others have followed the strategy regarding deregulation at a later stage. In Pakistan, there is a usual tug of war between Government authorities and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) concerning the decision of setting oil prices. This exploratory study aims to assess the prospects of deregulation of oil prices from the point of view of stockholders from the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). Data is gathered through interviews from the professional stakeholders who are working in the supply chain department in the downstream petroleum sector of Pakistan, and a thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data. As per the data obtained from the interviewees, there are both advantages and disadvantages of deregulation of petroleum. Advantages are like low prices of petroleum products, positive impact on the economy, opportunities for new entrants, and creation of new jobs. While the disadvantages are oligopoly created by the mafias, failure of the system, dumping of fuel, and increase in cross border smuggling. While the major barriers to deregulation are the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and political forces, and the facilitators for the deregulation are foreign direct investment and high tax collection of the Government. The deregulation must be done immediately to pass on the benefits of reduced and appropriate prices of petroleum products besides their availability in every city of the country. Government should also promote bulk import and storage of petroleum products so that the companies get possible economic ordering benefits of low prices.

OIL AND GREASE DETERMINATION IN PETROLEUM OPERATION WASTE WATER

A regulation concerning waste water quality for oil and gas activities in Indonesia has recently been issued in the State Minister for Environment Decree No. 42/MENLH/10/1996. Waste water quality for oil and gas activities is classified in this decree according to the type of activities, namely exploration and production activities, refineries, and petroleum product storage and distribution activities. Maximum permissible concentration of oil and grease in waste water varies depending on the activities and mode of discharges. The oil and grease concentration in operation waste water that ranges from 20 ppm for the refineries to 75 ppm for off shore production have led to the variation in determination methodologies. Survey on oil and grease determination methods in Indonesia indicated that determination method ranges from gravimetric method that is unsuitable for light fraction to spectrometric method that depends on the oil standard. Moreover variation of solvent will give different result. This paper describes an overview of oil and grease determination conducted by the Indonesian oil and gas companies informing the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The possible single method that can be utilized as a standard method as well as approaches in conducting correlation program is proposed.

Evaluation of the Corrosion Rate at the Bottom of the above – Ground Tank for Storage of Petroleum Products

A study of corrosion in steel fuel storage tanks, which failed after several years of operation highlighted intense pitting and microbiological corrosion. Significantly higher corrosion rates were found than would be expected with normal seawater corrosion. Therefore, the established methodology for predicting the remaining service life of tanks is also questionable. The aim of the study was to evaluate the actual corrosion rates at the bottom of the petroleum product tank. For this purpose, we adapted the established laboratory methods for evaluating the corrosion rate to perform field measurements. The observed corrosion rates in the tank are higher than the currently known values.

Features of assessing the level of fire and explosion safety of tanks before hot works

Introduction. One of the most important stages in the development of fire and explosion safety requirements applicable to the process of design and operation of oil and petroleum products storage facilities is the correct examination of the facts of fires and explosions. Unfortunately, electronic resources don’t always correctly disclose the causes of fires and don’t allow for the correct assessments of the fire safety level. Goals and objectives. The goal of the study is to improve the quality of evaluation of statistical data on fires arising in reservoirs, based on the use of data from various information sources. The compilation of qualification attributes of causes of fires will simplify the fire examination procedure.Methods. Research methods include the analysis of statistical data on fires at hydrocarbon storage, transportation and processing facilities. The work encompasses the computational and analytical assessment of the possibility of formation of combustible concentrations in the gas space of tanks and formation of explosive zones outside technological devices.Results and their discussion. The article addresses features of assessing the fire and explosion safety of tanks by classifying causes of fires at the stage of pre-repair preparation of tanks and hot works. Three principal classification features have been identified: fires that occur during the pre-repair preparation; fires that occur after the fulfillment of regulatory requirements for the pre-repair preparation, and fires caused by major violations of fire safety requirements.Conclusions. To prevent fires, the issue of tank farm design should be elaborated in detail, fire safety measures should be taken during the operation of hydrocarbon storage facilities, maintenance of equipment should be carried out, preventive maintenance should be executed, as well.

Brittle Fractures of Cylindrical Steel Storage Tanks for Petroleum and Petroleum Products in the North

This article discusses brittle fracture accidents of petroleum and petroleum products storage tanks that occurred in Yakutia. Operational safety of tanks in the cryolithozone is reduced by harsh natural and climatic conditions, the uniform and differential settlements of the shell and bottom, long-term operation associated with the degradation of structures and materials in such climatic conditions. The main factor contributing to brittle fracture is extreme low ambient temperature, which reduces the ductility and resistance to brittle fracture of steel of structures and welds. The uniform and differential settlements of the tank lead to appearance of dangerous stress-strain state of shell and its general and local deformations. A sharp change in the air temperature causes thermal stresses in the statically indeterminate structures of the tank. Analysis of tank accidents in Yakutia shows that places of crack initiation are assembly welds and their heat-affected zones, the metallurgical and corrosion defects of the base metal. Dangerous areas of the tank are shell-to-bottom connections and attachments of piping nozzles to the shell. The main cause of the considered accidents is the use of low-carbon steel that does not recommend to the oil tank operation in the climatic conditions of the cryolithozone.

Совершенствование нормативной базы в области маркировки, упаковки, транспортирования и хранения нефти и нефтепродуктов

Совершенствование нормативной базы в области маркировки, упаковки, транспортирования и хранения нефти и нефтепродуктов

THE AUTOMATED RESEARCH OF THE IMPREGNATION PROCESS OF ELASTOMETERS

The problem of field fuel depots remains unsolved today. Incomplete sealing of drain devices and leaks lead to material losses and contamination of the soil, the restoration of which requires considerable time and money. The article presents the overview of existing problems of fuel filling and sealing systems of containers for storage and transportation of petroleum products, fuels and lubricants. (Research purpose) The research purpose is developing a methodology and algorithm for studying the swelling process of polymer materials used in the transportation and storage of fuels and lubricants to determine their durability and residual life. (Materials and methods) The article presents the main disadvantages of drain devices. The statistical analysis of the rejection of tank boilers owned by JSC «PGK» has been performed. The main malfunctions that are the cause of the cistern rejection is a valve malfunction and a residue in the drain device cup, which indicates that the valve is leaky due to a leak in the sealing device. (Results and discussion) A typical technological process for the production of polymer materials samples is presented. Authors have developed technical equipment, selected processing methods for the manufacture of polymer samples and technological equipment. Experimental studies of the effect of hydrocarbons on polymer materials were carried out using traditional methods. The article presents the express methodology and the automated experimental setup, the approbation of which allowed us to speed up the studying process. The article proves the possibility of practical application of the proposed methodology and installation, which gives identical results on the destabilization of the physical and mechanical properties of polymer products operated in a carbon-hydrogen environment. (Conclusions) The proposed express method and the developed scheme of the automated control system are simple to manufacture and are necessary for farms using fuel and lubricants storages of any design from various materials. The results of the data obtained make it possible to predict the operating time and residual resource of polymer materials used in containers for transportation and storage of lubricants in the field.

Разрушения резервуаров и способы минимизации негативных последствий

Introduction. The most widely used for the storage of oil and petroleum products at industrial enterprises both in Russia and abroad, were vertical steel cylindrical tanks). However, despite the significant world experience in the design, construction and operation of vertical steel cylindrical tanks, from time to time their failures (destruction) occur, leading to negative consequences. Interacting with normative earthen landslides or enclosing walls, the resulting powerful hydrodynamic flow of liquid flows through them, spilling over a large area, involving in the incident nearby tanks, buildings, structures, pipelines, which leads to the cascading development of the accident, significant material damage, often to injuries and loss of life. Thus, a more detailed consideration of the effectiveness of existing ways to minimize the negative consequences of tanks destruction, as well as problematic issues of some promising methods on the topic under consideration, seems relevant. Goals and objectives. Identify the most effective ways to minimize the negative consequences of possible destruction of vertical steel cylindrical tanks. Analyze the consequences of characteristic accidents of vertical steel cylindrical tanks at production facilities. To propose a classification of methods on the basis of preventing or localizing the breakthrough wave formed during the destruction of vertical steel cylindrical tanks. To consider the problematic issues of promising ways to localize flammable liquid. Methods. In the process of developing a number of ways to minimize the negative consequences of accidents on vertical steel cylindrical tanks, methods of similarity theory and laboratory modeling, physical experiment, observation, comparison, finding empirical dependencies based on mathematical processing of experimental data, description, generalization were used. Results and their discussion. It has been established that the most effective way is to eliminate the dangerous factor (breakthrough wave) through the use of underground or horizontal tanks. Effective ways to localize the flow of liquid include the arrangement of an enclosing wall with a wave reflective visor or a protective wall additional to the normative fence. A promising method includes the construction of tanks of the "glass in a glass" type. Conclusion. The effectiveness of the considered methods should be taken into account, first of all, by the owners of hazardous production facilities, specialists of design organizations and supervisory authorities to find optimal solutions for the safe operation of tanks, including, if necessary, their placement in settlements, near water areas and federal highways. Keywords: tank, destruction, breakthrough wave, earthen collapse, enclosing wall, enclosing wall with a wave reflective visor, additional protective wall, "glass in a glass" tank.

Дослідження ефективності впровадження частотно-регульованого приводу на складах вуглеводнів

The most important factor in improving the energy efficiency of enterprises and organizations of the State Reserve is the rational use of fuel and energy resources. Oil depots are not the most energy-intensive in the State Reserve system, but reducing electricity consumption is an important factor in reducing the cost of their products. During the past 10-15 years, the world has seen the widespread and successful introduction of frequency-controlled electric drive to solve various technological problems in many sectors of the economy. Installation of frequency converters on the pumping equipment of oil depots gives the chance of smooth regulation of modes of their work. At the same time loading of electric motors of pumps will be optimum, and losses of the electric power are minimum. At oil depots, the main consumer of electricity is pumping equipment. The technological process of operation of these enterprises involves reverse pumping of fuels and lubricants between tanks and rail and tank trucks. The peculiarity of oil depots is the uneven loading of equipment due to different needs in the number of pumped oil products over time, so the loading of the pumping station will also be uneven due to different pressure and supply in the pipelines. To maintain the set mode of operation of the pumping station when changing external factors affecting its operation, it is necessary to monitor and regulate the modes of operation of pumping units. This function can be divided into two areas: regulation of hydraulic modes of operation of pumps, which is used at oil depots, and regulation of energy efficiency of pumping station equipment. The calculation of technical and economic indicators of the introduction of frequency-controlled electric drive is performed on the example of state enterprise "Aystra" Chernihiv. The main purpose of the plant is the reception, storage and shipment of petroleum products of the state material reserve. Production capacity for heavy-duty rail tanks and vehicles allows for freight operations with a capacity of 350 tons per hour.

Study on Chemistry of Oxidative Desulfurization Process of High Sulfur Straight-Run Oil Fraction

In the article the chemistry of the noncatalytic oxidative desulfurization process of distillate oil fractions is analyzed. The study involves the characteristics of high-sulfur straight-run diesel fraction of narrow composition (593–623 K) before and after oxidation by air at 453–493 K and a pressure of 3.0 MPa. The composition of sulfur compounds in the raw material fraction was determined. It is shown that straight-run fractions of raw materials may also contain sulfoxides, which are products of oxidation of organosulfur compounds and are formed during storage of petroleum products. On the basis of IR spectroscopic studies of raw materials, oxidized products and model mixtures, the transformation depth of fr. 593–623 K sulfur compounds, which are distributed in the form of sulfones and sulfoxides in solid and liquid oxidation products, and partially remain in the purified fuel, was analyzed in the above-mentioned process.

LOSSES IN STORAGE OF CLEAN OIL PRODUCTS STORED IN AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES

The proposed device can be used in the chemical industry, oil refining industry or in the storage of petroleum products in agricultural enterprises.

The influence of pressure changes on the integrity of tanks for storage of petroleum products and toxic substances

Tanks for the storage of oil products and toxic substances in warehouses are the main ones. They can be in the form of separate tanks or a group of tanks. The most widespread are vertical steel tanks with a stationary roof that a placed in open areas. The tanks heat up, and the intensity of evaporation of the oil product increases in case of fire. If there is a permanent roof, the pressure in the tank will increase. If the capacity of the breathing valves is less than the intensity of evaporation then there is a risk of explosion. Explosions in the tank often lead to the separation of the bottom, and the side cylindrical surface and the roof fly away instantly, spilling oil on neighboring tanks and the territory of the tank’s park. Then the combustion area increases intensively. The destruction of the integrity of the tank, due to the separation of the bottom, contributes to temperature and power stresses, the value of which increases with increasing temperature of their heating and increasing pressure, respectively. The values of temperature stresses are added to the power stresses caused by pressure, and when the critical value is reached, destruction occurs.
 We investigated the stress-strain state of a steel vertical tank for the storage of oil products and toxic substances. The analysis of the reasons for the occurrence of admissible pressure in the tank, which is the reason for the loss of its integrity, is carried out. Using the differential equation of a closed cylindrical shell, which is under the action of internal pressure, analytical expressions are obtained to find deformations and stresses in the side cylindrical surface and bottom. Were calculated axial and annular stresses for the tank of RVS-900. Based on the basic relations of the theory of elasticity of thin plates and shells analytical expressions of the stress-strain state of the cylindrical tanks are obtained for conditions for changing of pressure on their structural elements. It is shown that the greatest values of axial stresses are obtained on the surface of the connection of the cylindrical surface with the bottom. The researches results are presented graphically.

Analysis of the pollution degree of the geological environment on a petroleum product storage & distribution site

The study presented in this paper was conducted on a site pertaining to the distribution & storage component of the oil industry, the business of which was mainly the supply, using railroad and road transportation means, followed by storage in tanks and trading of petroleum products (e.g. gasoline, diesel oil, various oils). To carry out its activity, the site had the following technological equipment: vehicle loading platform/railway unloading platform, storage tanks, pumping station, hydrocarbon separator, technological transport pipes, storage areas, administrative buildings, etc. Based on the characteristics of industrial sites, a synthesis of the particularities of these site types was made. To that effect, the direct connections in terms of the specificity of the main and auxiliary activity were taken into account, as well as the handled chemicals and raw materials, but also how the waste was managed during the operational processes.

Microbial Population of Soil and Water around Petroleum Depot Suleja, Nigeria, and their Hydrocarbon Utilisation

Contamination by petroleum products is a common occurrence in various depots in Nigeria. Suleja depot in recent times has recorded several petroleum spillages and fire incidence attributed to petroleum products storage and distribution. This study was aimed at determining the microbiological quality of soil and water sources in communities around petroleum products depot in Suleja, Nigeria. Soil samples and water samples were collected from defive communities around the petroleum products depot and a control site. Microorganisms in the soil and water samples were enumerated by spread inoculation on general purpose media and selective media. Bacterial and fungal isolates were tested for their potential to utilise petroleum products in a Bushnell Haas Broth containing 0.05 mL of petroleum products (diesel, kerosene, engine oil, crude oil) as a source of carbon and energy. The utilisation rate was determined by spectrophotometry. The capacities of selected bacterial and fungal isolates to mineralise crude oil were further tested in minimal salt medium. The bacteria isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. The microbial isolates were not evenly distributed in the six experimental and control plots. Soil samples had higher aerobic heterotrophic bacterial counts than the water samples. Crude oil was most utilized by the microbial isolates. Bacterial isolates from genera Pseudomonas and Bacillus had the highest capacity in utilizing the petroleum products. Among the fungal species, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum exhibited greater capacity to utilise the petroleum products. Results revealed isolates capable of utilising the various petroleum products which can be useful in oil spill bioremediation in the tropical environments.

PREDICTION TECHNIQUE UPDATE FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTS LOSSES DUE TO TANK «MINOR BREATHING»

Background Reducing the loss of oil products from evaporation is a very urgent task. Therefore, this problem continues to be the focus of attention of researchers. In the process of long-term low innage storage of petroleum products in tanks, excessive losses are often caused by «minor breathing». In addition, the total annual «minor breathing» losses of petroleum products from tanks with a capacity of up to 1000 m3 at a low turnover rate (less than 5) may exceed the total annual “major breathing” losses. This is due to the fact that losses associated with tank gas space temperature changes occur every day, and when tank filling - occasionally. Therefore, a proper assessment of petroleum product losses due to tank «minor breathing» is highly relevant. Aims and Objectives The purpose of this article is to update the methodology for predicting petroleum product losses caused by tank «minor breathing». Results An updated technique for predicting petroleum product losses caused by tank «minor breathing» is proposed, including: - an improved formula for estimating the value of losses; - a refined calculation technique for hydrocarbon concentrations and tank gas space temperature during the day.

Evaluation of the Thermal Radiation Intensity During a Fire in the Oil Tank Farm Dike

Petroleum product storage facilities are explosion and fire hazard systems. The occurrence of an accident with oil spillage followed by a fire creates the danger of exposure of humans and the environment to thermal radiation. The most typical emergency is a fire of spills in the dike. This paper proposes a technical solution aimed at reducing the fire and explosion hazard for oil tanks. The thermal radiation intensity during a fire of spills in the dike has been calculated. The need to protect the oil storage tank farm with a fence wall with a wave deflector baffle has been proposed and mathematically justified. Along with reducing the likelihood of oil spills at the destruction of a vertical steel tank, this appliance will reduce the environmental consequences of a man-made accident.

On Knowledge-Based Forecasting Approach for Predicting the Effects of Oil Spills on the Ground

The oil industry carries enormous environmental risks and can cause consequences at different levels: water, air, soil, and, therefore, all living things on our planet. In this regard, forecasting the environmental consequences of oil spill accidents becomes relevant. Moreover, forecasting of oil spill accidents can be used to quickly assess the consequences of an accident that has already occurred, as well as to develop a plan of operational measures to eliminate possible accidents, facilities under construction, associated with the transportation, storage or processing of petroleum products. Consequently, the aim of this paper is to present a knowledge-based approach and its implementing system for forecasting the consequences of an accidental oil spills on the ground and groundwater. The novelty of the proposed approach is that it allows us to forecast the oil spill in a complex and systematic way. It consists of components for modelling geological environment (i.e., geological layers, oil spill form, the oil migration with groundwater), forecasting component for an oil spill and pollution mitigation component. Moreover, the forecasting component is based on experts’ knowledge on oil spill. In addition, the paper presents a general architecture for the implementation of the proposed knowledge-based approach and its implementation into a prototype named SoS-Ground.