DEMSI says that for terminal operators, reliable handling and high transfer speeds are critical for dockside transfer, bunkering and re-distribution of petroleum fluids, oil and liquid chemicals, fuel oils and other bulk liquids. Therefore, it is required when you’re running a dockside petroleum liquid products, chemicals and LPG/LNG or multiple bulk liquids terminal, high quality of the fluid-handling equipment and pumping systems are required.
”Energy-savings are important, certainly, but the first priority for storage terminal operators is the system’s loading and unloading speed and its reliability,” says Mr. Jimmy Ng, DESMI Singapore’s General Manager.
“Operators must deliver customer-stored products to specific destinations on time and avoid port delay costs or contract penalties, for example, so a very stable pump throughout the whole operation is crucial.”
DESMI introduces its rotary pumps under the brand name ROTAN® which can transfer up to 250m3 per hour for a wide range of fluid materials. The company claims they are ideal for loading into road tankers, ISO road tank containers or small vessels, and for drumming. Typical applications include oil and chemical transfer, often for distributed bunkering, and bitumen transfer.
In the past, terminal operators preferred to operate specialised pumps for each application. Now, the tendency is to use a single pump for multiple functions. DESMI says it has answered this relatively new need by incorporating, for example, a frequency inverter with system control devices such as meters, sensors and gauges, enabling pump speed to match the variable flow and variable system operating pressure, as well as the variable viscosities of pumped fluids. Naturally, working with a variety of bulk liquids can be tough on pumps, but it also demands more of the terminal operator’s staff, too.
“You need to know about pumping systems, processes and operations,” says Mr Ng. “Achieving the best results demands awareness of all operational aspects, including the challenges and the impact on the pump of each operational mode – whether it’s loading ships or trucks, drumming, stripping to completely empty the storage tanks, or tank clearing. Almost every order we get is backed by solution selling – the ability to knowledgeably discuss with the customer, the operator and the maintenance guy not just the pump itself but the entire operation. Some units are used for handling different grades and viscosities of petroleum oil with huge differences in operating conditions and expectations, so you need to understand the whole picture – will the specified pumps and accessories be able to meet the complete operational expectations? And where are the strengths and weaknesses in relation to the entire operation requirements?”
To achieve a reliable, ready-for-action pumping system, DESMI suggests to have operational staff who are familiar with the equipment and able to adjust the various operational parameters required to ensure optimal flow. In Singapore, many of the equipment operators in bulk oil terminals are contracted workers with little knowledge of handling pumping equipment. They have limited operational experience, a narrow understanding of the overall pumping system and terminal operation, and are typically under time pressure. It’s important, therefore, to choose pumping equipment and solutions from a supplier that can offer the technical support – and application know-how – to operate an efficient storage terminal.
Source & Image Credit: DESMI
