10 replies to this topic

[Amitabh Saikia]

For Jet A1 Tanks, are there any specific Codes and Standards that specifies Stainless Steel or Aluminium as MOC? My Contractor is providing Floating Suctions of CS with both internally and externally lined material which is same as that of the Tank shell internal and Floating Roof bottom as well as the nozzles. Linings are as per our specifications for Jet A1. Is the Contractor right?

[Amitabh Saikia]

After much desk research, still no answer.

 

But following are some of my findings.

Air BP in their website ( http://www.bp.com/se...contentId=57645 ) says:
 
The tank and all associated fittings need to be constructed from materials that will not adversely affect the fuel quality; typically carbon steel, with an approved lining material, or stainless steel are used.

 
For storage and handling of Jet fuels another standard ( http://www.aacm.gov....0_Appendix1.pdf ) says:
 
The use of a floating suction fitted with a stainless steel check cable is recommended for the delivery of fuel from storage tanks.

 
Only a vendor suggests epoxy coat internal for Jet fuel.
 
http://abovegroundfu...-storage-tanks/
 
Jet Fuel regulation standards:
 
http://abovegroundfu.../2011/jet-fuel/
 
ExxonMobil standards are only on quality of fuel ( http://www.exxonmobi...cations2005.pdf ) and not on facilities!

 

Shall appreciate if anyone can give references of JetA1 Tanks with CS Floating suction in any worldwide installations.

 

Thanks!!

[Art Montemayor]

I have commented on this specific topic on various occasions because I consider it an important safety item that I take very personally - and I believe others would if they knew the way they could be affected by it.   Please go to:  http://www.cheresour...et fuel water

 

If you read through my comments, I think you can appreciate why everyone who has to fly to remote areas should understand the details involved in ensuring that all Jet A fuel quality is of TOP PRIORITY.

 

That is why my feelings and opinion concur with BP's specifications for a stainless steel construction for the material in a floating suction mechanism for this fuel.

[Amitabh Saikia]

Thanks Art. Appreciate the safety concerns. But here the emphasis is on contractual requirements. The FEED that was given for bidding did not specify MOC of bought outs (usually doesnot). EPC Contractor only follows Company specifications, standards and codes and also 'good engineering practices' which are always a debate.

 

Primary function of the Floating suction is to take fuel from the top (without water content). Contractor reasons why cant it be with the same phenolic epoxy coating (here Carboline - both internal and outside of the suction) as that of the floating roof bottom, internal of the tank shell and the nozzles. Moreover the swivels of the suction are CS (cannot be SS or coated as per standards) + what about the guides and other supports of the internal floating roof? These are not SS!

 

By the way, BP site suggests either coated CS or SS (other standards prohibit brass or alloys).

 

My question - is it a taboo to use coated CS suction for JetA1? Can anybody give any references of tanks where CS has been used for JetA1?

 

(I am from the PMT and donot want to approve a change order; I'd rather defend the FEED and stick with CS unless I have a reason).

Edited by Amitabh Saikia, 30 July 2013 - 10:54 AM.

[Art Montemayor]

I can see that I didn't succeed in putting across my point.  I'll word it in a different way:

 

Regardless of who - or why - in dealing with a Jet fuel A storage tank, how would you feel if it was you and / or your family that was taking a trip on a helicopter that was being fueled from a tank that was fabricated under the lowest possible costs and the cheapest materials that could be found?

 

That should explain the justification of using stainless steel internals in the floating suction mechanism.

[Amitabh Saikia]

Thanks. Appreciated!

[vijayabalan]

Is it possible to install a floating suction devise in internal floating roof tank(for jet fuel A-1 system)? The floater may touch the deck bottom

 

 

[Amitabh Saikia]

It is possible...you will need a suspended suction without the floaters. If you do a simple google search you can see some pics of the device.

[Amitabh Saikia]

Here is an illustration of a SUSPENDED suction (tank under construction). No floaters; note how the suction moves on guides on the internal floating roof:

 

[Todd Fitzsimmons]

I have installed about 100 floating suction systems. All were stainless or aluminum. It is important to use swivels with dual bearing seals to keep the fuel out. I use all stainless tubing to minimize galvanic corrosion of dissimilar metals. Coated steel is acceptable. The tanks, filter vessels, relaxation chambers are most commonly coated carbon except JP-5 which uses stainless filter vessels for enhanced static relaxation (JP-5 is only jet fuel sold without static dissipation additive). I locate a pull cable and man way to access floats. The pull cable also acts as a ground and is designed and attached such. I use a 90 ell at the inlet and drill a small vent hole at the apex. I use a 12" foot to keep the inlet out of the water and debris zone on low level.

[Ohm_srinu]

Yes as said above ther will be Galvanic Corrosion, so it better to go for SS floating suction for Jet A1 Fuel, in Middle East its SS, currently we are working on one project. Usually the MOC shall be specified in Tank D/S.

 

But we can look to CS with both internal and externally coated, bez SOAK test is a major issue.

 

Kindly check for IP codes, there it might be written.