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Due to processing different types of crude oils at a petroleum refinery, the density of ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) produced varies wildly resulting in layering in storage tanks. This is not acceptable and there is apprehension that if a jet nozzle is used in the storage tank and is subjected to circulation, the electrostatic charge will accumulate (considering low conductivity of ATF) and would be unsafe. Do you experience such problems? If so, how you prevent or correct the layering problem? What method and precautions are taken? Please confirm whether use of a jet mixer in the tank for ATF circulation would be wise.
 
Answers
04/06/2009 A: raju mondal raju, BPCL, mondalr@bharatpetroleum.in
For such kind of problem, in order to avoid density layeration, tank receiving to be started when it is entirely empty (i.e base dip is 200cms or less), or if density layeration is observed in tank (i.e after ASA injection) then that layer which appears to have density variation should be emptied out to production receiving tank or similar. In general practice there is no provision of circulating ATF tank as you have rightly mentioned. In brief, any ATF tank whether it is production rec. or finished product receiving, should be fully empty before rec.