Fuel Unloading Safety Procedures
Flow Rate & Pressure Control
- Begin unloading at 50-70 L/min, gradually increasing to 100-150 L/min
- Maintain inlet pressure below 0.3 bar to prevent tank damage
- Use flow meters and pressure gauges for real-time monitoring
Contaminant Prevention
- Use bottom-up loading via submersible pumps to reduce splashing
- Check water draw-off valves before unloading
- Water (density: 1,000 kg/m³) can damage engines if mixed with fuel
Critical Check:
Never unload fuel into tanks with unknown water content - test first using water-finding paste
Vapor & Pressure Management
System | Function | Specification |
---|---|---|
Vapor Recovery | Redirects displaced vapors | Stage II systems required in many regions |
Breather Valves | Maintain pressure balance | Must handle flow rate; prevent vacuum >-0.2 bar |
Static Electricity Prevention
- Ensure grounding system with resistance <10 ohms
- Use static-dissipative nozzles
- Petrol vapors ignite at 1.3-6% concentration in air
Tank Level Monitoring
- Use ATG systems for real-time level monitoring
- Stop at 90-95% capacity for thermal expansion
- Petrol expands ~0.7% per 10°C temperature rise
Training & Emergency Preparedness
- Train staff to recognize abnormal pressure signs
- Maintain spill response kits with absorbents
- Conduct regular emergency drills
Safety Protocol:
Immediately halt unloading if any irregularity is detected - safety takes priority over schedule