The recovery of oil from sludge in oil tankers¹

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Lamb, John

Note: [1] Paper read before the North East Coast Institution of Engineers and Shipbuilders on 11th April 1958.

Abstract: The 31,000 ton d.w. oil tanker Vexilla upon which the paper is written, is unique in many respects, one being that she was designed with a view to expediting turn-round at loading and discharging terminals by providing compartments to be used only for clean water ballast when “black” cargoes are carried. After describing the present almost universal method employed to clean tanks after the discharge of a “black” cargo, particulars of a new method, called the re-cycling system, are given, and the results obtained with cold and hot sea-water washing compared. Also described is a method evolved for cleaning by hot fresh water prior to a tanker’s entering drydock. Apart from the undesirable effect upon beaches and bird life of the discharge of oil into the sea, the estimated cost is given of wastefulness which results from the present practice of cleaning the cargo spaces of oil tankers and disposing of the oily sludge. The Vexilla is provided with equipment intended to separate the sludge left after tank washing into its components, oil, water and sediment, by settling and distillation. Following a description of the equipment, which is the first to be installed in an oil tanker, particulars are given of the tests carried out and the results obtained.

DOI: 10.3233/ISP-1958-54704

Journal: International Shipbuilding Progress, vol. 5, no. 47, pp. 324-338, 1958