standpipes are inaccurate and should not be used for custody transfer purposes. When this condition exists. Note in the report the existence of this condition and issue an LOP. In the case of heavy viscous materials, before a tank is gauged, time should be allowed to permit the oil to free itself of entrained air, gas, and water. In operations involving lightering, both vessels should be gauged before and after lightering. Vessel cargo measurements should not be taken during bunkering operations. 3.3.3 Free Water Measurement Measure the Free Water (FW) during the course of gauging each compartment. Record whether water indicating paste(s), or a device is used to determine the oil/water interface. Record the interface and any oil emulsion that is detected. FW should be sampled when possible. Products with densities heavier than water may need to water cut on top of the product. If an increase in free water is detected, a LOP should be issued to the vessel’s representative and to the transfer facility, and all interested parties should be notified. 3.3.4 Vessel Temperature Individual compartment temperatures on the vessel should be taken concurrent with ullaging. Single or
Any significant event should be reported and included in the inspection report. When more than one product and/or grade of product is to be loaded, close communication must be maintained between personnel on shore and on the vessel in order to avoid contamination and off specification material. This is of special importance when switching from one product and/or grade to another. If any event occurs that could affect subsequent procedures at any stage of the cargo transfer operation, all key personnel should be notified promptly so that timely action can be taken. Any action or refusal to act that is not in accordance with API / Energy Institute (EI) procedures or specific contractual agreements must be reported to the parties concerned and may be documented by the issuance of a Letter of Protest (LOP). 3.2.2 Line Samples Line samples are taken for quality control purposes. Line samples should be drawn at the commencement of loading and in some cases periodically throughout the loading. Line samples can be inspected visually or by laboratory testing. 3.2.3 First Foot Samples During loading, if a first-foot sample is required, it should be taken when ~1 ft (0.3 m) of cargo has been loaded into the tank. A sample is then drawn from the tank. The sample should be examined or tested to determine conformity with cargo specifications. If the sample indicates potential
contamination, cargo transfer operations should be suspended, and all interested parties must be promptly notified before resuming operations.
3.3 After Transfer
3.3.1 Vessel Lines Before measuring the vessel, request that the vessel lines be drained. Caution should be exercised on multigrade cargoes in order to avoid commingling the line contents of different products. All internal transfers of cargo should be completed, and all tank valves should be secured prior to gauging. Transfer lines should be vented prior to gauging.
3.3.2 Vessel Measurements Record cargo measurements, water
measurements, and temperatures on all cargo compartments at the reference point indicated on the vessel’s capacity tables. Inspect for the presence of cargo in void spaces, ballast tanks, cofferdams, and non-designated cargo compartments. If cargo is found, measure and report it in the same manner as the petroleum in cargo compartments and notify all concerned parties. Observed gauge heights should be recorded and compared with reference gauge heights. Investigate and report any discrepancies. Vessel measurements taken through non-slotted
25
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker