Crude oil tank mixers

[dkf]

Hi everyone!
Talking to local maintenance people, their main challenge is to keep side entering mixers operative for 10, 15 years.
In some instances the tank that cannot stop for maintenance operates without mixers for years. And in those cases we have to remove huge ammounts of sludge prior to opening for maintenance.
We are also considering the instalation of jet mixers, but would like to see what is the global tendency. Get better side entering mixers or change to jet mixers.
All comments will be wellcome!
Tya
dkf

 

[JAS]

Hi DKF,
I did a project last year for one of our client in the Middle East with 100% same conditions which you have mentioned above.
We did a comparative study for Side Entry mixers/Jet mixers and Alternative technique for online sludge mitigation.
The only problem with the SEM is the vibration of the Tank shell and wear/tear.
Submerged Jet Mixers (type P43) has various advantages over SEM, but a bit difficult during maintenance.
However, we proposed SEM (due to the existing SEM in other tanks & also for other official reasons).
You can recommend P43 submerged (Fixed type) Jet mixers and let the Client decide the same.

Thanks,
Jay,

 

[dkf]

Hi JAS,
We are aware that P43 Jet Mixers are more efficient than SEM for crude homogenizing and minimizing sludge formation.
But they are more expensive for installation, difficult to maintain and require more energy to run.
In your comparative study did you consider all these parameters?
Thank you for your comments.
DKF

 

[JAS]

Yes, all the parameters were considered and that's the reason we proposed SEM for our client (I have mentioned in the 4th & 5th line).
Moreover, the mixing does not happen everyday. Mixing is required on regular intervals when the Sludge reaches a certain level.

 

[dkf]

In most cases we do mixing for every batch once we have to dilute heavy locally produced crude. Our mixing is to homogenize and to decrease the sludge formation.
We use locally supplied mixers, not the sturdiest type. And this is the headache for maintenance.
By the way how do you measure the sludge level?
TIA
DKF

 

[JAS]

Hello DKF,
Sludge levels are measured by the third party appointed by the Client. We get only the final reports, based on which we get the quotation from the Mixer vendor for the type of the Mixer and its specifications.
Thanks,
Jas