Pumps, Pipes & Hardware

Don't focus on cargo tank only

All parts of the system that was in contact with the cargo must be cleaned. A common mistake is placing just emphasise on the tank itself. Cleaning the entire system including all equipment and lines is as important as cleaning the tank.
It is very important to review and include, if appropriate, the following items into the cleaning process:

Chem tanker manifold
Chem tanker manifold
  • Vent lines
  • P/V valves
  • Cargo lines
  • Cargo valves
  • Stripping lines
  • Sampling valves
  • Drain valves
  • Connection studs for N2 and Air
  • All dead ends
  • Pump-cofferdams

Proper flow and circulation with sufficient pressure through these parts is very important because it is difficult to verify the cleanliness of pipes and valves.

If circulation is not possible, hoses should be used to enable circulation through drains or dead ends.
The example below shows how these parts of the cargo system should be cleaned.

Both sides of the respective manifold lines to be flushed
3 to 5 times under sufficient pressure ( 3-5 bar).
The drop lines to be cleaned 3 to 5 times by recirculation under sufficient
pressure (3-5 bar).
The stripping lines to be flushed 3 to 5 times under sufficient pressure
(3-5 bar).
All dead ends, drains and low points in the line systems to be flushed
3 to 5 times under sufficient pressure (3-5bar).
Each Side of the manifold collecting line/main line to be flushed 3 to 5 times under sufficient pressure (3-5 bar).
In order to clean the valves seats all valves in the line system including manifold collecting line/main line to be moved 3 to 5 times during flushing.
Additional superstrip lines and vapour lock pipes if installed to be flushed
3 to 5 times under sufficient pressure (3-5 bar).
Pump cofferdams (Framo) to be flushed
During cleaning the vapour lines (vent stacks) and vapour return lines (if applicable) to be flushed and steamed.