Abstract:
This project includes the designing of the floating roof tank and impeller in order to restrict
the sludge formation inside the tank for storage of hard waxy crude oil. This crude oil results
in settling when left undisturbed for longer duration which results in causing of the hard
sludge. This sludge thus formed is then removed by cleaning which brings many hazardous
situation in play. In order to restrict this, impellers ability to create disturbance inside the tank
is studied on ansys fluent cfd. Side entry impeller is an efficient converter of energy into fluid
motion. Unlike jet mixer systems, they do not suffer significant energy losses at the pump, in
the pipework, in the bends, or most significantly, at the jet nozzles. In addition, capital costs
are lower and access to in-tank components is not restricted, while the problem of frequent,
urgent maintenance on tanks that must be emptied and cleaned, is eliminated.
Side Entry impellers are also more efficient than top entry impellers, and are significantly less
expensive for larger diameter tanks. Side Entry mixers are ideal for use on tanks with floating
roofs where practical considerations preclude the use of top entry mixers. To control or
prevent the accumulation of bottom sludge and water pockets (BS&W) especially in crude oil
storage tanks at refineries, or terminals. High velocity circulation is necessary to scour
completely the bottom of the tank by maintaining the heavy solids, water and corrosive salts
in suspension. The developed jet flow is used to lift the BS&W into the body of the crude oil
to maintain a relatively clean tank floor.
