What are the Safety Precautions in Transferring Fuel?
You can transfer a fuel from a tank to another tank, tank to a car, tank to a generator or tank to a cargo ship. The transfer of fuel involves different kinds of pumps. One is the gear pump also known as positive displacement pump. This is utilized when you do fuel transferring from a tank to a generator. This kind of pump can suction up to 20 feet vertically. Centrifugal pump is another type of pump used. When transferring fuel to and from the car, centrifugal pumps are utilized. Another type is named as submersible turbine pump. It is used when transferring from tanks underground and aboveground to the generator. For the proper transfer of fuel to its corresponding recipient containers, these kinds of pump are needed.
Another important thing you must know in transferring the fuel using distirbution loading arms is the proper procedure and precautions. Certain dangerous problems such as spills may arise from the procedure of conducting the fuel transfer.
The following are the things to be considered to avoid the problem of spills and the things to be done once there is already the presence of spill.
When delivering the fuel to a location, use only approved mobile tanks. The delivery tank must be manipulated by a competent driver. During the transfer of fuel using loading arms, the whole dispensing duration must be well attended. The workers involved in the transferring of the fuel must know the dos and don'ts of the procedure to avoid the problem of spillage. The personnel must also do check-ups for possible leaks. In the place where the transfer of fuel is conducted, there should be a ready to use appropriate spill containment emergency kit. Upon unwinding from the reel, make sure that the transfer nozzle is on upright position still to prevent spills.
Do not wait for the overflowing of fuel from the container for you to stop the transfer when conducting the procedure. You must leave a space for expansion especially in refuelling vehicles to prevent overflowing once the vehicle starts. Any action that may start a fire and that is within 3 meters must be stopped immediately. No smoking policy must be strictly imposed. Always take note that fuel can easily start a fire. There must be presence of fire extinguishers on the area. A regular maintenance must be done on fuel systems. Preventing leaks and spills is important because aside from decreasing profit, it can also harm the environment. For more facts and information about fuel transfers, you can go to http://www.britannica.com/technology/fuel.
What if you re already in a state of spills? When spillage happens overboard, take actions to prevent further fuel going into the water. Inform the authorized person in the port and follow their instructions.