SLUDGE CONTROL IN CRUDE OIL STORAGE TANKS
Oil Blending in Tankers
The OPEC SRJ - Submerged Rotary Jet mixer is a well proven system used in above ground shore based crude oil storage tanks. The installation of these is primarily used for the mitigation of crude oil sludge and recovery of valuable soluble hydrocarbons. These units are in use world-wide. The OPEC SRJ is safe and simple to use and is powered by the oil pumps used for filling or re-circulating the oil in the tanks. Now available fitted with Venturi nozzles which dramatically improve efficiency.
Venturi Effect
The OPEC SRJ fitted with the unique patented Venturi Nozzles is the highly efficient blending tool for ships oil cargoes. It is the ideal solution for effective product blending due to the design of the nozzle. The Venturi Nozzle is doubly effective in homogenisation and blending due to the increase in the Jet Flux emission from the gap, in comparison to the Jet Flux leaving the nozzle, see figs 1 & 2. Because of this the time required for blending is shortened dramatically so saving on energy for driving pumps and ensures that the product discharged is thoroughly blended. It also improves the re-suspension process of crude oil and greatly improves sludge control through the recovery of the soluble hydrocarbons in the crude oil cargo. This feature is well proven in the performance of the equipment installed permanently in above ground, shore based crude oil storage tanks.
Benefits
- Dramatic reduction in blending time
- Sludge elimination through effective re-suspension
- Maximise tank storage
- Keeps tanks clean and minimise steel decay
- Only one OPEC SRJ unit required per tank
- No chemicals or water required - uses existing oil in tank as fluid jet
- Blending additives (if required) can be efficiently introduced using the OPEC SRJ technique
- Automated 360 degree coverage using internal rotating body/gearbox combination
- Very low maintenance
- Robust highly engineered construction
- Time proven
Figures 1 & 2
