Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
(OP)
Hello
We have to fully unload a vessel containing 2000m3 of fuel oil. To do this we use a 60m3/h vane pump installed on the docks platform
The unloading process is done ok until the las 0,5m deep of fuel oil. The pump does not suck anymore because the remainig fuel oil is too "thick"
What can we do to pump out from the vessel the remaining fuel oil?
Regards
lukin1977
We have to fully unload a vessel containing 2000m3 of fuel oil. To do this we use a 60m3/h vane pump installed on the docks platform
The unloading process is done ok until the las 0,5m deep of fuel oil. The pump does not suck anymore because the remainig fuel oil is too "thick"
What can we do to pump out from the vessel the remaining fuel oil?
Regards
lukin1977





RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
You can try a positive displacement pump, eg diaphragm pump.
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
Yes. I am sure the suction pipe is submerged to the base. On very warm days the vessel is fully unloaded because the fuel oil is "thinner"
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
What is the configuration and size at the bottom of the pipe - It could easily be you're sucking in air by vortexing. Consider enlarging the pipe at the bottom and introducing vanes on the outside to prevent swirl.
To be a bit pedantic, pumps don't suck. The fluid is driven in atmospheric pressure when you create a lower pressure downstream. I realise most people thing of this as "sucking", but it is not correct terminology.
A submersible pump would probably be better to avoid all these issues.
By the way- does it take 33 hours to offload your vessel?? Seems a very long time to me.
My motto: Learn something new every day
Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
yes. It usually takes 33 hours and more!
The vertical distance asked is 5m aprox
I have already searched for a submergible pump for fuel oil but could not found one yet. Still looking
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
If it is Bunker C , then yes perhaps viscosity is a legitimate consideration. If it is diesel fuel, throw in an air powered Wilden or equivalent. Yes all the rubber components will be toast and the end of the exercise but you get all the benefits of a submersible without having to deal with explosion proof motors , or confined space entry etc etc.
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
I hate Windowz 8!!!!
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
The F.O. is used to feed the furnace of a cement factory. The fuel oil is pumped from the vessel to the furnace tank which is about 700 m from the vessel and at 15 m height.
Suction pipe: 6"
Outlet pipe: 6" and after 30m it is increased to 10"
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
Or just solve the problem with the diesel mix. Your cement probably won't care a bit if it was heated with fuel oil, or fuel oil and a little bit of diesel.
I hate Windowz 8!!!!
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
What is the arrangement at the bottom of your pipe in the tank? - sketch it and post it - it will help a lot.
My motto: Learn something new every day
Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
I have some pics
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel
RE: Fuel Oil Pumping form a vessel