Exam Question
Give an outline sketch of Heavy F.O. settling tank heating system and briefly explain the system. Sketch only the low pressure steam inlet upto condensate collection tank. (16)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
MEKG
📅 Oct 2024
Reference Answer
### Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) Settling Tank Heating System
**1. Introduction and Purpose of Heating**
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) as bunkered typically contains a significant amount of impurities, including water, sludge, and asphaltenes, and has a very high viscosity at ambient temperatures. For safe and efficient handling, pumping, and subsequent purification (centrifuging) and combustion, its viscosity must be significantly reduced. The settling tank serves as an initial stage for gravity separation of water and heavy particulate matter from the HFO before it proceeds to the service tank and purifiers. Heating the HFO in the settling tank achieves the following:
* **Viscosity Reduction**: Lowering the HFO's viscosity facilitates its flow through pipelines and pumps, preventing cavitation and ensuring adequate supply to the purifiers. Typical settling temperatures range from 40°C to 60°C.
**1. Introduction and Purpose of Heating**
Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) as bunkered typically contains a significant amount of impurities, including water, sludge, and asphaltenes, and has a very high viscosity at ambient temperatures. For safe and efficient handling, pumping, and subsequent purification (centrifuging) and combustion, its viscosity must be significantly reduced. The settling tank serves as an initial stage for gravity separation of water and heavy particulate matter from the HFO before it proceeds to the service tank and purifiers. Heating the HFO in the settling tank achieves the following:
* **Viscosity Reduction**: Lowering the HFO's viscosity facilitates its flow through pipelines and pumps, preventing cavitation and ensuring adequate supply to the purifiers. Typical settling temperatures range from 40°C to 60°C.
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