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Understanding Crude Oil Washing Operation On Oil Tanker Ships
Understanding Crude Oil Washing Operation On Oil Tanker Ships
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Crude oil tankers play an important role in the global oil industry. Tanker ships are
the finest means of transport for unrefined crude oil products in mass quantity.
As tanker ships carry different grades of fuel oil in the same cargo tanks, it is
important that the tanks are always washed before loading fresh cargo. If you work
on a tanker ship or about to join one, it is important that you know everything about
the crude oil washing operation on tanker ships.
To perform Crude oil washing in correct and efficient manner every ship must have –
Skilled Personnel onboard who are properly trained to perform the complete
operation
The operation can be divided in to three phases where in following checks must be
performed-
Before starting the operation
Confirm all pre arrival checks are performed
The complete COW operation to be discussed with ship and shore staff
Set a communication channel between ship and shore facility for COW
operation-Ship shore interface
Inert Gas plant to be working and oxygen content must be less than 5 %
Portable oxygen analyser should be made available and checked for proper
functioning.
Oxygen reading in swash bulkhead tanks must be taken from both the sides
Assign duties to all responsible ship staff. One person to be assigned to check
the leakage in the pipe line system as soon as the operation starts
Check all the equipments under COW system for proper functioning
Check and Set the line and valves for ship to shore under COW system
The crude oil washing must be done in the designated tanks as per the plan
including the washing cycle
All deck lines and valves must be frequently checked for any leakages
Ullage gauge floats to be raised for the tanks which are being washed
Shut all the valves in the line used for the operation
Stop the COW operation immediately if you sense any kind of trouble such as failure
of IG system or increase of O2 content and drop in the pressure of the cargo tank.