Module P-9 TANKS

AL FURAT PETROLEUM COMPANY TASK DETAILING MANUAL
MODULE NO. : P– 9
MODULE SUBJ. : TANKS
Tasks:
9.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank and a floating roof tank
and when are floating roof tanks used.
9.2 Describe the working of the pressure vacuum valve (PVV) on a fixed roof
tank.
9.3 Describe the function of the gas blanketing system for the tank and record
the blanketing gas pressure.
9.4 Describe the cause and effect of static electricity in a tank and how its
build up is controlled.
9.5 Perform the routine operational checks on a tank.
9.6 Carry out sampling of a tanks contents
9.7 Carry out stock calculation taking a tank dip.

9.8
Describe how to isolate a tank for inspection, repair and decommission.
9.9
Perform checks to prepare a tank for filling.
9.10
Check a tank’s safety and fire protection system.
9.11
Check a floating roof tanks seals
9.13 Describe the effect of a change in temperature on the contents of a tank.
IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 1

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS
TASK NO. 9.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank
and a floating roof tank and when are floating roof
: tanks used.
SUBTASKS 9.1.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank

: and a floating roof thank.
9.1.2 When are floating roof tanks used.
Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field
Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

equipment and procedures

TASK NO. 9.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank
and a floating roof tank and when are floating roof
: tanks used.
SUBTASKS 9.1.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank

: and a floating roof thank.
The main differences between a fixed roof tank and a floating roof tank are:
Oil inlet
 This flows from the top for fixed roof tanks and strikes an expanding plate to
assist in gas separation.
 It flows via the bottom for floating roof tanks.
Evaporated gas
 Any remaining gas is connected to the low pressure flare for fixed roof tanks.
 The roof floats on the liquid and eliminates the vapour space above the liquid for
floating roof tanks
Ventilation
 The fixed roof tank is equipped with a double breather valve for pressure to
bleed off or for air to suck in.
 The floating roof tank is equipped by an automatic bleeder vent.
Sealing
 The fixed roof tank contents can evaporate so a nitrogen blanket is maintained
over the liquid surface as a seal.
 Floating roof is sealed to the side of the tank by weights, rubbers or springs
loads. (see sketch attached)

FLOATING ROOF TANK

FIXED ROOF TANK
PRESSURE VACUUM SAFETY VALVE

TASK NO. 9.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof

thank and a floating roof tank and when are
: floating roof tanks used.
SUBTASKS 9.1.2 When are floating roof tanks used.

:
Floating roof tanks are used for higher vapour pressure products such as:
 Crude Oil
 Gasoline
They are also used for high API crude oil.

TASK NO. 9.2 Describe the working of the pressure vacuum

valve (PVV) on a fixed roof tank.
:

The pressure vacuum valve (PVV) on a fixed roof tank are used to:
 Bleed off air into the atmosphere when the internal pressure increases (exceeds 20 mm
of water).
 Suck in air from the atmosphere when a vacuum is created from inside (Vacuum 10
mm of water).

TASK NO. 9.3 Describe the function of the gas blanketing system
of the tank and record the blanketing ga pressure.
:
SUBTASKS 9.3.1 Describe the function of the gas blanketing system
: for the tank.
9.3.2 Record the blanketing gas pressure.


:
SUBTASKS 9.3.1 Describe the function of the gas blanketing system
: for the tank.
The gas blanketing system is employed when the tank contents can evaporate under
atmospheric conditions. A nitrogen blanket is maintained over the liquid surface. If the
liquid does evaporate the tank will vent nitrogen, then cooling occurs and contraction of
the liquid takes place. Air will be drawn into the tank but the nitrogen blanket will form a
barrier between the air and the hydrocarbon thus reducing the fire hazard.

:
SUBTASKS 9.3.2 Record the blanketing gas pressure.
:
Under supervision – see AFPC log sheets for tank readings.
IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

10
TASK NO. 9.4 Describe the cause and effect of static electricity in
a tank and how its build up is controlled.
:
SUBTASKS 9.4.1 What is Static Electricity.
: 9.4.2 How do we control the buildup of Static
Electricity in tanks


11
:
SUBTASKS 9.4.1 What is Static Electricity.
:
Static Electricity
The term “static electricity” means electrification of materials (in our case hydrocarbon
vapours) through physical contact and separation resulting in
positive and negative charges being formed that constitute a fire or explosion hazard.
Hydrocarbons transferred from one metal container to another can generate a large
quantity of charged particles. Also, running crude oil or any hydrocarbon product to an
empty or low level storage tank results in a vapour cloud of charged particles.
This is a major concern in oil plants, refineries and tankers at sea. There have been many
disasters caused by static electricity resulting in a great
many fatalities.

12
:
SUBTASKS 9.4.2 How do we control the buildup of Static
: Electricity in tanks.
The danger of generating static electricity in storage tanks is greatest when running
product to storage if the tank is empty or at a low level.
A floating roof tanks which is empty and has been landed on its roof legs will contain an
air space below the roof. Flowing crude oil at a high rate to this tank will generate a
cloud of charges particles and result in a potentially dangerous situation , especially if
there is lightning in the area.
By reducing the rundown flow rate the problem can be minimised. Once the roof is
floating the air space is removed and normal flow rates can be restored.
Tank dipping can also be hazardous unless precautions are taken. Dropping a metal tape
too quickly through a tank containing an air and hydrocarbon vapour mixture can result in
an explosion. A spark can be generated between the tank and tape.
Operators need to be aware of the hazards of static electricity precautions when

transferring chemicals) and take the necessary precautions to prevent incidents.

13
TASK NO. 9.5 Perform the routine operational checks on a tank.

The routine operational checks on a tank are as follows:
 Gauging the tank level by hand dip to calculate liquid volume.
 Temperature readings should be taken from a point midway between the top and
bottom oil levels.
 Collecting a sample from a point midway for liquid analysis.
 Tank draining to dump water level.

14
TASK NO. 9.6 Carry out sampling of a tank contents.

equipment and procedures.
To collect a sample of a tank contents
 Measure tank by hand dip.

 Calculate the depth between tank level and the bottom of the tank.
 Collect the sample from this midway point.

15
TASK NO. 9.7 Carry out stock calculation taking a tank dip.

To calculate tank stock all parameters must be taken in consideration:
 Tank dip
 Tank temperature
 Tank sample Analyses
 Roof weight ( in case of floating roof tank)
 Calculated correction factor (from tank temperature and sample).
 Dead volume of the tank
These parameters will be used in stock calculations performed by production department

to calculate the storage remaining.

16
TASK NO. 9.8 Describe how to isolate a tank for inspection,

repair and recommission.
:
Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee needs a very basic idea of the

main steps involved.
The basic steps involved are:
Remove tank contents

The tank contents will have been transferred to a neighbouring tank.
A bottoms pump will be needed to remove all the remaining oil.
Isolation
Isolate all block valves at the tank wall including:
Rundown:
Suction to pumps
Recirculation line
Water drawoff line
Blinding
Install blinds at the tank side of all blockvalves
Rundown:
Suction to pumps
Recirculation line
Water drawoff line

17

: repair and recommission.
Cont.
Water Wash
The tank must now be water washed using a detergent to remove all traces of oil.
Following two water washes, the tank mandoors may be opened to visually inspect the
tank for cleanliness.
Further washing may be done from the mandoors using fire hoses (precautions must be
taken to avoid the risk of static electricity as the tank will now contain some sludge,gas
vapours and air).
Air Movers
At this point all mandoors can be opened and air movers installed to remove all traces of
hydrocarbon vapours. This may take several days.
Oxygen and gas tests must be taken periodically to determine when the atmosphere in the
tank is safe for entry.
NOTE – There may be a risk of spontaneous ignition if sludge in the tank dries when the
air is introduced . The sludge should be kept wet until tests are conducted,
Internal Cleaning
A decision must be made when to enter the tank – initial entry will be done using air
breathing apparatus and taking all the required precautions.
The correct permit must be completed before tank entry is allowed
Cleaners will be needed to remove all sludge by hand – breathing apparatus will be
required until a safe atmosphere is established.
Inspection & Repairs
Constant checks must be conducted to ensure the tank atmosphere remains safe for work
inside the tank. Once the oxygen test shows 20% and the gas 0% - breathing apparatus
will no longer be required.
Inspection and repairs can now take place.
Should repairs involve hot work a special permit must be issued and the normal
precautions taken.

18

: repair and recommission.
Cont.
Recommissioning
Following a final inspection the tank can be boxed up – this will require written
certification.
When all blinds have been removed , tank recommissioning can begin.
Initial rundown rates must be carefully controlled , especially to floating roof tanks to
ensure the roof rises correctly – excessive rates may cause the roof to tilt or stick.
A newly comissioned tank needs frequent monitoring to ensure there are no flange or
mandoor leaks,etc.

19
TASK NO. 9.10 Perform checks to prepare a tank for filling.

To prepare a tank for filling:
 Carry out stock calculation.

 Calculate storage remaining
 Calculate the present actual flow rate
 Calculate the duration (time) to fill up the storage remaining

20
TASK NO. 9.11 Check a tank’s safety and fire protection system

Tank’s safety and fire protection system
 Check foam tank

 Check water tank
 Check fire pump and fixed monitors
 Check all ring around the tank
 Check all roof seal spray nozzles for any plugging.
Regular checks must be made on a each tank’s safety and firefighting features.

21
TASK NO. 9.12 Check a floating roof tanks seals.

See sketch attached.
To check a floating roof tanks seals:
 Check for any visual wear on the seals on the roof surface.
 Check for any residual rubber at the internal wall of the tank.
 Check the leaf springs to ensure there is good contact between seal and tank wall.

22
TASK NO. 9.13 Describe the effect of a change in temperature on

the contents of a tank.
:

A change in temperature in a tank’s contents will directly effect the tank volume. An
increase in temperature will result in a corresponding increase in the volume of the
contents.
Running down to storage at higher than normal temperature can have serious effects on
product stored in both fixed and floating roof tanks.
Crude oil flowing to tanks at high temperature will cause large quantities of gas to be
released from the storage tank vents. This can be a serious fire risk especially when there
is lightning in the area.
The crude oil may also “belch” and pour oil through the floating roof vents resulting in
crude oil covering the roof. This can also be a serious fire risk.
The problem will be greater if the level is low and the tank mixers are started.
A different problem arises if heavy fuel oils are stored at too cold a temperature. The
tanks are usually fitted with a heating medium to maintain the correct oil temperature.
Every effort must be made to carefully monitor the rundown temperature to storage tanks
to ensure the contents are stored at the optimum temperature.

23

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AL FURAT PETROLEUM COMPANY TASK DETAILING MANUAL

9.5 Perform the routine operational checks on a tank.

9.6 Carry out sampling of a tanks contents

9.7 Carry out stock calculation taking a tank dip.

9.13 Describe the effect of a change in temperature on the contents of a tank.

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 1

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

SUBTASKS 9.1.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 2

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

SUBTASKS 9.1.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof tank

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 3

FLOATING ROOF TANK

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 4

FIXED ROOF TANK

PRESSURE VACUUM SAFETY VALVE

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 5

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

TASK NO. 9.1 Describe the differences between a fixed roof

SUBTASKS 9.1.2 When are floating roof tanks used.

They are also used for high API crude oil.

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 6

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

TASK NO. 9.2 Describe the working of the pressure vacuum

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 7

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 8

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page. 9

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

Operators need to be aware of the hazards of static electricity precautions when

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

TASK NO. 9.5 Perform the routine operational checks on a tank.

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

The routine operational checks on a tank are as follows:

 Gauging the tank level by hand dip to calculate liquid volume.

 Collecting a sample from a point midway for liquid analysis.

 Tank draining to dump water level.

IHRDC Module – P – 9 (REV.1) Aug. 1999 Page.

MODULE NO. : P9 TANKS

TASK NO. 9.6 Carry out sampling of a tank contents.

Reference: The AFPC manual for the respective field

Requirement – By Trainees : The trainee must be conversant with tank

To collect a sample of a tank contents