Chemical Tankers / Day 3 / Day 3 Topic 6 Tank Cleaning Chemicals & Best Industry Practi

Chemical Training

Tank cleaning chemicals.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Some cargoes require the use of a cleaning agent for efficient cleaning. Most cleaning agents are additives which are used in combination with water to improve the water solubility of the cargo to be cleaned.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

The most common used cleaning chemicals manufacturers are:

•Aquamarine Chemicals;

•Ashland Chemicals;

•Henkel;

•Nalfleet Marine Chemicals;

•Unitor Chemicals;

•Enviro-Tech;

•Marichem;

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Always Consult application and safety guidelines contained in

MSDS before using any cleaning chemicals.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Always make sure that you receive the MSDS sheet on delivery of any cleaning chemicals. For sensitive products such as Methanol & Acetone take sample from the drum before using and check for color, odor, Hydrocarbons, Chlorides and, if possible, for PTT.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Most common used cleaning chemicals may be divided into following groups:

•Emulsifying agents;

•Alkaline cleaners or saponificators;

•Acid based cleaners;

•Solvents;

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Emulsifying agents

The largest group of emulsifying agents are soaps and detergents. For example: the Unitor product Enviroclean is micro emulsion water based cleaner/degreaser. Cleaning chemicals of this category are mostly used in cleaning of cargo tanks after heavy hydrocarbon mixture cargoes, lubricating and mineral oils.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Emulsifying agents

Emulsification is the most common process of cleaning and applies for water insoluble cargoes. An emulsion is a permanent mixture of two or more liquids which do not normally dissolve in each other, but are held in suspension, one in another.

6.1 Tank cleaning chemicals

Emulsifying agents

The introduction of chemicals maintains emulsification, therefore it is become possible to remove oil with water. The cleaning chemicals consists of a synthetic soap, a detergent and emulsifiers which all dissolve in water.