Tanker Assignment

Project Leader: Alex Caron November 4th, 2011

Students were asked to read through the chapter assigned to them, make a brief summary of what they had learned and to formulate five questions and answers. My main source that I used was Tanker Operations by Mark Huber (2001), and some additional material could be found in Cargo Work by DJ House. For this project, I will compile together all assignments. I will leave the students content as is; I will only correct spelling mistakes.

Matthew Jennex did Hull Construction. (Page 3) Tim Macdonald did the Inert Gas System (Pages 4 and 5) Melanie Wynter did the Piping system (Page 6) Mallori Theriault did the Venting system (Page 7) Leslie Boudreau did Cargo pumps (Page 8 and 9) Evan Hardy did Transfer Operations (Page 10 and 11) Adam Tapper did Tank Cleaning(Page 12) I did Cargo Measurement (Pages 13 and 14) Marks: Matthew Jennex 4/5 Tim Macdonald 5/5 Melanie Wynter 5/5 Mallori Theriault 5/5 Leslie Boudreau 5/5 Evan Hardy 5/5 Adam Tapper 4/5 Me 5/5

Matthew Jennex Hull Construction My chapter includes, transverse and longitudinal sections. The chapter goes into detail about comparing the Exxon Valdez in 1989 and newly constructed oil tankers. There is a lot of controversy that goes in with double-hull requirements.

1. What does the United States Coast Guard (USCG) define a tank vessel as? Chapter 1 Page 3 Par.2 A vessel that is constructed or adapted primarily to carry, or that carries, oil or hazardous material in cargo residue. 2. How is free surface created? Chapter 1 Page 5 Par. 2 Free surface is an effect created when liquid moves about in an unrestricted fashion within a compartment such as a cargo or ballast tank. The resultant shift of weight has an adverse impact on the stability of the vessel, so every effort is made to minimize shifting. 3. What are typical methods of reducing the free surface effects? Chapter 1 Page 5 Par. 2 The typical methods of reducing the free surface effect include keeping the number of slack cargo and ballast tanks to a minimum, constructing smaller compartments( subdivisions), and utilizing partial bulkheads( swash plates or swash bulkheads). 4. In regards to hull requirements, what did the grounding of the Exxon Valdez in 1989 prompt in domestic and international newly constructed oil tankers? Chapter 1 Page 5 Par. 3 The grounding of the Exxon Valdez in 1989 prompted domestic and international requirements calling for newly constructed oil tankers to be fitted with a double hull. 5. What created tremendous controversy within United States and international shipping communities in regards to hull requirements? Chapter 1 Page 7 Par. 2 The double-hull requirement created tremendous controversy.

Tim Macdonald

Inert Gas Systems Inert gas systems came about after a series of explosions occurred aboard three VLCCs in December of 1969. After an extensive investigation to determine the source of the explosions, it was concluded that static electrical discharge was the probable ignition point which was generated by high-capacity (fixed) washing machines. Because these washing machines were recognized as a valuable tool for cleaning tanks, the industry began pursuing methods of controlling the atmosphere in the tank, primarily oxygen. A gas or mixture of gases containing insufficient oxygen to support the combustion of hydrocarbon is called an inert gas. On most ships, inert gases are created from the vessels own exhaust, whether it be a flu gas systems on steamships or oil-fired inert gas generators on motor ships and barges. The exhaust is drawn from the uptakes and run through a scrubber which performs four main functions: cooling, removing solids (soot), removing the corrosives (sulfur oxides), and removing entrained water. It is then delivered to the cargo tanks by large fans. In some cases where concerns about flammability or the contact of sensitive cargoes with oxygen or moisture are present, a nitrogen system is used. After a tank is inerted, it must be carefully monitored. A positive deck pressure must be maintained to prevent ingress of air and a high pressure must also be avoided. A series of pipes and valves allow the tank to be purged or topped up as necessary and audio and visual alarms are required for both high and low pressure conditions. Five Questions Inert Gas Systems 1. Name the main system components of an Inert Gas System. Ans. Boiler, Uptake Bellows, Scrubber , Fresh-Air Inlet, Inert Gas Fans, Gas Pressure Regulating Valve (GRV), Vent Line, Deck Seal, Non-return Valve, Deck Isolation Valve, Deck Distribution System, Cargo Tank Isolation, and Pressure-Vacuum Relief Devices (pgs 308-316 Huber) 2. Name four types of gas replacement and the two methods used. Ans. Primary inerting, Purging, Gas-freeing, and Re-inerting (pg 322 Huber) Methods Dilution and Displacement (pg 323 Huber)

3. What percentage of oxygen content should an inert gas system be capable of producing? Ans. 5% (General Requirements for an Inert Gas System, pg 308 Huber) 4. What are some typical causes of an elevated oxygen reading in regards to the IGS? Ans. Poor combustion control, Low boiler load, Leaks on the suction side of the fans, Prolonged recirculation, Failure to secure the air seal arrangement of the uptake valve, and Faulty oxygen analyzer (pgs 321-322 Huber) 5. What are the four functions of the scrubbing process? Ans. Cooling, Removing the solids (soot), Removing the corrosives (sulfur oxides), and Removing entrained water (pg 309 Huber)

Melanie Wynter

What are the different types of piping systems? Bottom Piping Deck piping Pumproom piping The Bottom piping is the piping system that networks through the bottom of the tanks. There are 2 main structure, they are direct piping system and loop or ring main system. The direct piping system is designed to service a certain number of tanks referred to as cargo systems or group. Whereas the loop system is a continuous circle throughout the bottom of the vessel, interconnecting the cargo tanks and pumps. 1.Identify the purpose of blanks.( Huber pg. 95) A blank is a device that is generally inserted at one of various locations in cargo piping systems to provide a positive means of segregation between cargoes. 2.List 5 guidelines to be followed when swinging a blank. (Huber pg 96) -Inspect the blank for any leakage after it is installed -Check the disk for proper alignment in the pipeline and secure the blank -Inspect blank for corrosion and physical damage -Do not stand in a position that could result in contact with the cargo -Verify that piping is not under pressure 3.Name the categories valves are divided into. Valves are categorized as followed: -Rising and non-rising stem -Throttling and non-throttling -Manual or motor-operated -Local or actuation 4. Define what a valve is. Valves are the devices installed at various points in the cargo system to enable the control of the flow of liquid through the piping. 5.What is the name of the piping system on a tanker containing the necessary equipment to deliver the cargo to shore? Pumproom piping

Mallori Theriault Venting Cargo ventilation is a vital component of tanker operations. Controlled ventilation systems direct cargo tank atmospheres aloft by means of mast risers, which direct the gases high above the deck, and high velocity vents, which rely on building tank pressure to release gases at desired heights above deck. Vapors released into the atmosphere during ventilation have become major pollution concern. This has led to the development of vapor control systems. This allows vapors to be pumped ashore for processing. Major components of this system are vapor control piping systems and vapor control hoses. The success of this system requires close monitoring and gauging of loading to avoid overloading and spills.

1) What is the minimum exit velocity of high velocity vents? AnsHuber Pg. 102 The minimum exit velocity of high velocity vents is 30 metres per second. 2) What type of warning do both high and low pressure alarms give? AnsHuber Pg. 111 High and low pressure alarms must give both an audible and visual alarm. 3) Name three potential causes of tank over or under pressurization. Ans1) Excessively high loading rate 2) vapor line construction 3) Cargo sloshing

4) What's the maximum oxygen content that a tank can contain prior to engaging in vapor control operation? AnsHuber Pg. 114

Prior to engaging in vapor control operations, vessel personnel must test each cargo tank to verify that the oxygen content does not exceed 8 percent per volume. 5) What is the most common cause of a cargo spill during loading? AnsHuber Pg. 109 The most common cause of a spill while loading is overfilling.

Leslie Boudreau Cargo Pumps: There are two types of classifications for cargo pumps, kinetic or positivedisplacement. Kinetic pumps are divided into three groups: centrifugal, verticalturbine (deepwell), and submerged. Positive-displacement pumps include reciprocating and rotary (lobe, gear, screw, and vane). Kinetic are your main pumps because they pump high volumes of cargo at a fast rate of discharge. Positivedisplacement pumps are more reliable because they can always provide the suction to strip the cargo. Their main disadvantage is that they are painfully slow. How does an operator prevent lose of suction in the main cargo pump when the cargo level is low in the tank? By lowering the rpms to slow, you could also partially close the valve or even switch to another tank. Define cavitation. What are the short and long term effects of cavitating a pump? Cavitiation occurs when the pressure in the suction line falls below the vapour pressure of the cargo, resulting in the formation of vapour pockets in the liquid stream; these pockets eventually reach the inlet of the pump. This is frequently referred to as gassing up the pump. When these pockets of vapour collapse on the impeller veins, they create undo noise and vibration in the pump. In the short term, cavitiation results in lower pump efficiency as evidenced by a poor discharge rate. In the worse case it can cause physical damage, actually eroding metal services and possibly contributing to bearing or fatigue failure of the pump, resulting in a shorter service life. What are the advantages of stripping with an educator? When is an educator of little value in the stripping of the vessel? 1) They have no moving parts, which generally translates to less maintenance and greater reliability. 2) Eductors can be upgraded in size to far surpass the stripping capacity of a positivedisplacement pump. 3) There is no risk of overheating or inadequate lubrication when the educator loses suction.

The eductor is of little value at the bitter end of the discharge when it is necessary to strip the last cargo tank and drop and strip the pipelines. When is a shore booster pump employed in tandem with the vessel`s cargo pumps? What concerns does the shore booster pump create for the operator of the vessel? The shore booster is used in tandem with the vessels cargo pumps when the shore tanks are elevated or at a great distance. The concern for the operator of the vessel would be that once the booster pump is engaged that the drop in the load may cause the vessels pump to overspeed and trip out. During a cargo discharge, what are the telltale signs that a centrifugal pump is being starved of adequate liquid? If the centrifugal pump is starved of adequate liquid it will have to be reprimed because it is not self-priming. Also centrifugal pumps require a continual flow of cargo for proper cooling, internal lubrication, and gland sealing. Operating this type of pump in a starved condition can result in overheating, leading to damage and the possibility of fire. Under these conditions there may be noise and vibrations.

Evan Hardy Cargo Transfer Operations Chapter Summary This chapter addresses the precautions that should be followed by a vessel PIC(Person in Charge) whenever a cargo transfer is undertaken, and it focuses on the critical points of the loading and discharging operations. Preparation for the cargo transfer begins prior to the vessel's arrival at the berth. It involves the development of a cargo plan outlining such things as the identity of the cargoes, tank layout, sequence of cargo transfer, cargo quantity and calculations, and other details of the upcoming operations. 1.) Q) What precautions should be taken into consideration in regards to mooring length and strength when a vessel is moored during cargo transfer? A) Pg. 182 Title 33 CFR Part 156.120 - 1: Moorings shall be strong enough to hold the vessel during all expected conditions of surge, current, and weather. The moorings must be of sufficient length to allow adjustment for changes in draft, drift, and tide during a cargo transfer. 2.) Q)What must be done with and overboard discharge.sea suction valves during transfer operations? A) Pg.185 Title 33 CFR Part 156.120 - 8: Each overboard discharge or sea suction valve that is connected to the vessels cargo piping or tank system must be sealed or lashed in the closed position. 3.) Q)List the information that should be exchanged between the PIC's during a pretransfer conference. A) Pg.189 Title 33 CFR Part 156.120 - 21: The person in charge of the vessel and the person in charge of the facility must hold a conference to ensure that each individual understands the following: * Identity of the product to be transferred * Quantity to be transferred

* Sequence of the transfer operation * Transfer rate * Name or title and location of each person participating in the transfer * Details of the transferring and receiving systems * Critical stage in the transfer operation * Federal, state, and local rules that apply to the transfer of oil or hazardous cargo * Emergency procedures * Discharge containment procedures * Discharge reporting procedures * Watch or shift arrangements * Transfer shutdown procedures 4.) Q)What is good practise in regards to topping off multiple tanks simultaneously? A) Pg.200 Topping-off Operation - 2: To prevent too many cargo tanks approaching the topping-off point simultaneously, it is considered sound practice, when possible, to stagger the cargo levels in the tanks. 5.) Q)If at any time there is question or a problem with discharge operations, what should the PIC do? A) Pg.209 Discharging Operation - 13:If any question or problem arises during discharge operations, the PIC should shut down.

Adam Tapper

TANK CLEANING OPERATIONS

On tankers a cleaning plan is one of the most important operations that will take place. The reason it is so vital is, because if done incorrectly it could potentially cost a company millions of dollars in contaminated cargo. Thats why the cleaning plan should include things such as, tank sequence, method of cleaning, number of machines, line pressure, temperature, stripping methods, slop tank use. To maximize the tank cleaning process tank cleaning manuals have been developed. 1: Standard valves for portable water washing operate at what psi? A: 100-180 psi Pg.254 2: can valves be operated simultaneously? And if so what risks are involved? Pg.257 A: Yes they can, but the pressure may be too low if the supply main is too small. 3: Why are fixed machines used? A: With larger ships comes a larger cargo tank. This in turn proved old, inefficient methods inadequate. Pg.259 4: Why is it necessary to clean pipelines and pumps? A: Failure to do so will result in contamination. Pg.267 5: Prior to crude oil washing where must the oxygen levels be taken at? A: 1 metre below deck and at half the ullage space. Pg.268

Alex Caron Cargo Measurement

Accurate measurement of cargo using manual as well as automatic means is essential. Accurate measurements lead to more profit, and an accurate knowledge of what the bill of lading claims will be pumped aboard and what is actually on board. Also, quality testing of the cargo is essential, so that cross contamination can be ruled out and the grade of cargo being received or discharged can be confirmed. Also, for certain cargoes such as heavy fuels, temperature is an important factor that has to be closely monitored. For other cargoes, the flashpoint has to be taken into close consideration. Examples of measuring equipment includes: Gauging tapes Water finding paste Thermometers Tank radars Sample bottles Ullage gauges 1. What is the basic working principle behind a tank radar? (Pg. 127 Huber) Tank radars bounce radar waves off the surface of the liquid in a tank. These systems are safe(they will not emit static shocks and thus there is no danger of cargo igniting) as well as being extremely accurate( +/- 5mm). 2. How can you determine if a cargo of fuel has been contaminated with water? Since water is heavier than fuel, it will settle in the bottom of the tank. Using a gauge tape, smear the end of the weighted bob with special water finding paste and lower into the tank. If there is no water in the tank, the paste will remain the same colour. If there is water, the paste will change colour, going from brown to red/pink to the level indicated on the bob.(Pg 137-138 Huber) 3. How do you calculate the rate of loading or discharge? Gauge the tanks to determine amount of cargo currently aboard. Find difference between this figure and last total. Divide by number of hours elapsed between these readings. This is the loading or discharge rate per hour. To determine when the operation will finish, divide amount of cargo to be loaded or discharged by the hourly rate to determine hours remaining.(Page 156-157 Huber) 4. How do you determine the true weight in long tons of a cargo? Determine the volume correction factor by entering the API tables with the observed temperature and the API gravity of the cargo. Multiply the observed gross volume of the cargo by the volume correction factor. To determine standard volume. Enter the volume to weight conversion table with the API gravity of the cargo to find the appropriate conversion factor. Either multiply the standard volume by the long tons per barrel, or divide by barrels per ton. (Page 143, Huber)

5. How can ullage tapes be used in a tank that is pressurized with inert gas? By using a special ullage gauge that connects to the sounding pipe, and which has a vapour control valve that permits sounding the tank while keeping the tank pressured. (Page 124-125 Huber)