Approved General Manager

CHEMICAL TANKER MANUAL Date 15.02.2017

Chapter 11
Revision 2
Page 1 of 4

11. CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARGO EQUIPMENT

11.1 Handling of Cargo Hose

To perform smooth cargo transfer operations, the cargo hoses are to properly used and kept in good condition as
per maker’s instruction. The cargo hose compatibility chart should be readily available with the Chief Officer in
CCR and same is to be referred prior using cargo hose for intended transfer operation

11.1.1 The Custody of Hoses

1. The hose should be cleaned up properly and drained out completely.

2. Store the hose in straight line raised off the ground preferably in a cool dark area.
3. Visually check any damage on inside and outside of the hose. (Displacement of the wire, tear, abrasion
and any other abnormal features)
4. Never use hot water above 80 C when water is used for cleaning.
5. When live steam is necessary for cleaning, the hose must be open ended, vertically raised and limited
steam should be allowed to pass through the hose to avoid damage to the inner lining. (Never blank the
end of hose during cleaning by live steam)
6. After cleaning and draining, the hose should be blinded on both ends

11.1.2 Precautions Before Cargo Transfer

1. The cargo hose must be inspected and approved by the cargo surveyor for the cleanliness prior being
used for cargo transfer.
2. The cargo hose must be supported at appropriate points with the slings provided.
3. Support the hose near manifold connections.
4. Protect the hose against sharp edge. (e.g. jetty edge, ship’s sharp upper structure, etc.)
5. Never allow sharp bends during cargo transfer operations.
6. Never allow hose to drop between ship and jetty/ship.

11.1.3 Regular Inspection of the Hose and Testing

The cargo hose test should be carried out as specified in the ism form 3401

11.2 Care and Maintenance of Tank Cleaning Equipment

On oil and chemical tankers care & maintenance of tank cleaning is one of the most important aspects of
operational maintenance. Equipment that has been properly maintained and cared for will give reliable and trouble
free service resulting safe, smooth and efficient tank cleaning operations.

11.2.1 Tank Cleaning Hoses

Hoses should be handled with care and kinks and twists should be avoided.

1. Hoses should be clearly marked.

2. The electrical continuity of hoses should be checked regularly and recorded. Defective hoses should be
removed from service and discarded.
3. Couplings should be checked and tightened as required.

11.2.2 Tank Cleaning Machines

1. During operations machines should be checked to ensure that they are rotating freely and operating as
designed.
2. Check that nozzles are not clogged.
3. Check that there are no loose parts that could drop off and cause a spark.
4. Carry out overhauls as recommended by the maker using appropriate spares.
5. All wear parts should be changed at the recommended intervals.
 Approved General Manager
CHEMICAL TANKER MANUAL Date 15.02.2017
Chapter 11
Revision 2
Page 2 of 4

11.2.3 Portable Gas Freeing Fans

1. Check that the impeller is turning smoothly without any wobble or imbalance and that blades are not
touching the sides of the casing.
2. Check that there are no loose parts.
3. Check that all couplings are tight.
4. Check condition of supply and discharge hoses and repair / renew as necessary.
5. Check the condition of vent chutes. These should be free of holes and gashes and the securing
arrangements should be in good order.

11.2.4 Portable Submersible Pumps

1. Check that all hoses and connections are in satisfactory condition and that there are no leaks or soft spots.
2. Carry out routine maintenance in accordance with maker’s instructions and renew all wear parts at
recommended intervals.
3. Test the pump every 6 months

11.3 Calibration and Servicing of Cargo Related Equipments

All cargo related equipments shall always be kept in good working condition. Portable equipments shall be kept
under the custody of Chief Officer.

1. Portable UTI / MMC tapes are to be checked against standard thermometer every 6 months and sent
ashore for servicing and calibration on yearly basis.
2. All portable thermometers are to be checked against standard thermometer every 6 months.
3. All cargo tank remote reading thermometers are to be checked against standard thermometer on 6
monthly basis.
4. Standard Thermometer is to be sent ashore for accuracy calibration on yearly basis. MMC tape which has
been sent ashore for test/ calibration within last 12 months can be used in lieu of Standard Thermometer.
5. IG pressure sensors should be checked before each loading operation against to open atmosphere
6. All pressure/ compound gauges related to cargo operation are to be checked against standard pressure
gauges provided onboard every 6 months.
7. Standard pressure/compound gauges are to be sent ashore for accuracy calibration on yearly basis .

11.4 Cargo Pump Purge

Purging of the cofferdam is one of the most important operations to be done when operating a submerged Cargo
Pump. This is because the only way to check the pump’s seals, and thus the conditions of the pumps, is by
purging possible leakages in the cofferdam.

The pump’s cofferdam must be purged regularly according to cargo pumps instruction highlighted in service
manuals and records to be kept under ISM File 3205 manufacturer purge form.

Remember:

1. Purge the pump’s cofferdam regularly

2. Purging medium can be air or IG (nitrogen or flue gas)

3. Do not forget use IG for purging if the cargo is flammable or if there is undefined atmosphere in the tank.

4. Make sure that cargo pump’s cofferdam is open,that purging medium is coming out of the exhaust trap

5. Clean and open cofferdam gives, trouble free, cargo pumping

6. If air is used as purging medium, drain air line for possible water condensation regularly

7. Make sure that the drain hole from the pump's cofferdam never is blocked.
 Approved General Manager
CHEMICAL TANKER MANUAL Date 15.02.2017
Chapter 11
Revision 2
Page 3 of 4

¶Personel Protection During Pump Cofferdam Purging

1- Use basket under cargo drain. Basket material should be made of stainless steel or compatible material
which will not react with last cargo remainings,

2- Boiler suit, helmet and safety shoes shall be donned.

3- Use long chemical gloves.

4- Use face shield. Soley usage of chemical google is not acceptable.

5- Use chemical apron.

6- Not use purging medium pressure more than manufacturer instruction.

7- Stay at winward

8- Take care of possible remaining cargo moisture and liquid splash.

9- After completion of purging, pipe disconnection need some precaution.

i- Close purging medium main valve (air valve, Nitrogen valve etc)

ii- Close purging medium pump connection valve

iii- Disconnect to purging medium pipe both from main pipe and pump

iv- Close drains valve¶

Evaluation of the purging result

As a general information (but manufacterer instructions to be followed)

Cargo leakage

In the Hydraulic driven pumps, a small cargo leakage rate of up to about 0.5 l/day(and higher with light cargoes)
during pump operation is normal. Acceptable leakage rate depends on the type of cargo and possible
consequences in case of leakage.- Risk for clogging of pump cofferdam Cargoes like naphtha, condensate etc.
penetrates the shaft seals more easily than lubricating oils, vegetable oils and other viscous cargoes. It is therefore
recommended to carefully monitor the leakage rate over a period of time, preferable with different type of cargoes.
For critical cargoes, when the leakage rate is about 2 litres/day or higher, the pump must be purged a couple of
times daily. Increase the number of purging if the leakage rate is exceeding acceptable limits. If this is not sufficient
to keep the leakage under control it must, depending on the nature of the cargo, be considered to discharge the
tank using the portable pump. Cargo leakage to cofferdam normally indicates shaft seal leakage. But the leakage
might come from flange connections or damage (cracks/pin holes) in pump/pipe stack. The development of a
cargo leakage can be monitored if purging is done according to instructions. Thereby maintenance work can be
planned, and unexpected shut down due to leakage can be avoided.

Hydraulic oil leakage

Hydraulic oil in the cofferdam normally indicates shaft seal leakage, but might come from flange face seals in pipe
stack/ pump head or damage in the pipe stack/pump head. A small leakage rate into the cofferdam up to about 10
ml/h (0.25 l/day)from the mechanical oil seal or lip seal during pump operation is normal. For short periods of time,
higher leakage peaks can occur. If the leakage rate is increasing above acceptable level, the pump must be
purged a couple of times daily, and inspected as soon as possible to find the reason for the leakage. Increase the
number of the purging if the leakage rate is increasing above the acceptable level. Depending of the nature of the
cargo consider to use the portable pump to discharge the cargo.
 Approved General Manager
CHEMICAL TANKER MANUAL Date 15.02.2017
Chapter 11
Revision 2
Page 4 of 4

Blocked cofferdam

In general operate the cargo pump with blocked cofferdam is not recommended.

Always remember to pressure test the cofferdam with not more than 3 bar to locate the leakage prior to any
dismantling of the cargo pump.

To prevent damage from hazardous cargoes, take necessary precautions, wear safety gear and avoid contact with
spray/gases.

- Check valves, hose connections and purging medium relief valve (open at approx. 3 bar).

- Check the exhaust trap and the piping on deck for blockage. Open if possible.

- Disconnect check pipe from pump unit watch out for possible pressurized liquid in cofferdam!!

By carefully purging check if the blockage is located in the check pipe or in the pump/ pipe stack cofferdam.
Depending on the nature of the medium blocking the cofferdam system use steam or solvent to dissolve the
blockage. Dismantling of pump might be required.

Precautions to be taken when handling special types of cargoes

The main rule is to have the cofferdam clean, dry and vented to atmosphere through the exhaust trap vent line, in
order to detect leakages easily. However, when handling certain groups of cargoes it may be an advantage to fill
the cofferdam with liquid to improve the seal lifetime and to avoid solidifying cargo blocking the cofferdam.
Recommended type of liquid to be filled into the cofferdam for some groups of cargoes is given below. This is a
general advice, only experience can define which liquid gives the best result for the great number of different types
of cargoes.

Acid cargoes

After discharging and purging is finished, it may be an advantage to circulate freshwater through the cofferdam to
remove all residues after a leakage.

Phenol, caustic soda etc.

A circulation of hot water through the cofferdam can avoid clogging. Remember that some of these types of
cargoes are very hazardous.

Polymerizing cargoes. (TDI, MDI)

Fill cofferdam with dioctylphthalate (DOP) to limit the risk of blocking the cofferdam.

Crystallizing cargoes (molasses, etc.)

Fill cofferdam with freshwater. The cofferdam may also be arranged with a small water circulation.