CARGO PIPELINES ON A TANKER SHIP

Understanding Pump Room Operations

Slope Tank Connections

• The slope tanks are interconnected to various lines using valves, allowing flexibility in cargo management. This setup enables the connection of slope tanks to any line as needed.

Overview of the Pump Room

• Inside the pump room, three main lines (number one, two, and three) enter from the cargo tanks. Each line has a corresponding valve known as bulkhead masters that can isolate the pump room by closing them. If closed, no cargo will flow into the pump room from these lines.

Pumping Mechanism

• Each line connects to its respective pump (number one, two, and three). A common line allows for cross-pumping between different lines using specific valves called pump room crossovers. This means you can use one pump to draw cargo from another line if necessary.

Discharging Cargo

• To unload or discharge cargo using a specific pump (e.g., number one), ensure that suction valves are fully open while keeping discharge valves closed initially. The system includes both pneumatic and hydraulic valves for controlling flow during unloading operations.

Line Master and Manifold Operations

Cargo Loading and Unloading Procedures

Manifold Operations

• The manifold is not connected at number two; it must be kept closed on the port side. Two valves need to be opened to allow cargo to flow into a common line.

• Opening the two valves allows cargo to reach the number one line, enabling discharge through this manifold. These valves are referred to as top crossovers.

• The system allows interconnection between different lines (number one, two, and three), facilitating cargo movement through a common line by opening specific valves.

Cargo Discharge Process

• To load cargo, open the number one manifold last for clarity. Once opened, cargo flows into the tank via a drop line at deck level.

• The drop line should be closed after loading begins to prevent cargo from entering the pump room. Cargo can then flow into any desired tank by opening corresponding valves.

Ring Main System

• A ring main system is utilized for efficient loading and unloading of tanks. This setup allows flexibility in directing cargo flow into various tanks based on operational needs.

• Top and bottom crossovers facilitate loading from different points in the system, allowing for bulk loading and unloading operations.

Stripping Tanks with Stripper Pump

• When stripping tanks, stop the main pump and close all pipelines before using a stripper pump designed for low-level suction efficiency.

• Open the suction valve of the stripper pump to create suction from either a common line or directly from specific lines as needed.

Reciprocating vs Centrifugal Pumps

• For reciprocating pumps, ensure that discharge lines are not pressurized before starting; keep them clear while ensuring suction lines are appropriately managed.

• Cargo flows through various connections until reaching manifolds where it can be discharged effectively using designated drain valves.

Eductor Usage in Stripping Operations

Cargo Discharge and Pipeline Operations

Overview of Cargo Discharge Process

• The discharge valve must be opened to allow cargo flow into the common line, while the main controllable valves should remain closed.

• The inductor's discharge leads to the starboard slop tank, creating a vacuum on the suction side when operational.

• Stripping is performed using multiple lines (number one, two, or three), directing all cargo into the slop tank for normal discharging procedures.

Direct Suction and Slop Tank Management

• A direct suction can be taken from the slop tank to facilitate external discharge by opening specific valves and utilizing any available pumps.

• The pipeline diagram includes a tank cleaning line used alongside the inductor during crude oil washing operations.

Simultaneous Tank Cleaning and Stripping

• While washing tanks, simultaneous stripping occurs; cargo or wash medium is drawn into the slop tank via the inductor.

Cargo Pipelines on Border Tankers

• Crew members must trace actual pipelines on board to understand valve locations as depicted in diagrams.

Introduction to Cargo Pipelines

Top Line Drainage and Vacuum Management

• The video introduces the complexity of cargo pipelines on border tankers, contrasting them with ballast pipelines discussed in a previous video.

• During cargo recharging, gravity assists in draining top lines; specific valves need to be opened for effective flow management.

• It emphasizes that understanding ballast pipelines is essential before delving into the more intricate cargo pipeline systems.

Overview of Cargo Pipeline Structure

• When pumping out cargo from top lines, maintaining effective suction requires breaking any created vacuum within a closed system.

Breaking Vacuum with Inert Gas (IG)

• A diagram illustrates the cargo pipeline layout, applicable to various tanker types including Aframax and Suezmax crude oil tankers.

• To replace extracted cargo and maintain suction efficiency, inert gas (IG), rather than air due to explosion risks, is introduced into pipelines.

• The structure is divided into three main sections: the manifold section, pump room pipelines, and cargo tank area.

Detailed Breakdown of Cargo Tanks

• A common line connected to a goose neck allows IG or vapor from cargo tanks to enter as stripping occurs, effectively breaking any vacuum created during operation.

Conclusion of Pipeline Operations Discussion

• The cargo tank area consists of multiple tanks labeled from one to six, with specific designations for port and starboard sides.