1.

INTRODUCTION
The cleaning instructions in this manual are meant to be guidelines. Theses guidelines will be updated based
on future experience. The doctor Vervey tank cleaning manual should be consulted as well. The cleaning
suggestions given herein are generally accepted tank cleaning procedures, which assume among others a
reasonable coating condition. The cleaning methods in this manual are to be used for cleaning to water white
standards. The cleaning methods mentioned in this manual are after the mandatory pre-wash, if any.
Ventilation: Time may vary depending on atmospheric conditions and available ventilation equipment.
Tank entry procedures: Safe tank entry procedures in accordance with company instructions should be
followed at all times. Tank cleaning has to be performed after every discharge, irrespective of next cargo to
be loaded. Quality programs developed by shippers require ever-higher standards of tank cleanliness.
Surveyors will perform more and more wall washes. Not only are chlorides and water miscibility
(Hydrocarbons) tested, but more and more the Permanganate Fading Time (PTT) will be performed,
especially after a vegetable or a mineral oil and prior to many sensitive cargo’s. Also wall washes are being
tested for Non Volatile Matter, (NYM). Effective tank cleaning can prevent contamination by previous
cargoes

2. AGGRESSIVE CARGOES (MISCELLANEOUS) IN EPOXY COATED

CARGO TANKS
Epoxy coated cargo tanks and the influence of aggressive cargo on the epoxy tank lining in general.

The epoxy coating film will be influenced by all type of liquid cargoes, but aggressive cargoes are those with
greatest influence.

Miscellaneous Aggressive Cargoes.

Such commodities must only be carried in fully cured epoxy coated tanks.
The rule for all types of epoxy coated tanks, is that no aggressive types of cargoes should be carried within
the first three- (3) months following coating application.
Most of the aggressive cargoes are mentioned in the cargo resistance list with a note, but it must be
remembered that some aggressive cargoes are not mentioned with a note in the resistance list, but
cleaning/ventilation etc. must be done as for aggressive cargoes. The
question will be in case of no note: “what is an aggressive Cargo?” In this cases we have to rely on
experience and common sense. Even if the epoxy coating is fully cured, it must be restored after the carriage
of an aggressive type of cargo. Some aggressive cargoes will be absorbed more than others will. These
cargoes must be carried in clean, dry tanks. Condensation within the ullage space must be avoided and the
moisture content of the cargo must be below 0.0 1% (100 PPM). These products must be completely
removed from the tank and the epoxy coating must be RESTORED before any tank cleaning operations,
involving the use of water or steam. It his is strongly recommended that the remains of such cargoes are
removed by ventilation. THE TANK MUST BE VENTILATED UNTIL GAS FREE”. The serious risk of
damage to the tank lining is encountered in the case of sequences containing aqueous products and water
miscible chemicals. Most aggressive cargoes will soften the epoxy coating to a certain extent and if the
coating is not restored/re-cured (conditioned) by ventilation, the absorbed cargo will not be removed and the
storing/recurring of the coating will not take place. This will result in deep blistering, which will expand and
break open, which will then be visible as a lot of small half round rust striped (hair look alike) so called
‘Horse shoes blistering”.

Restoring/recurring/conditions of an epoxy coated tank after discharge of an aggressive cargo.

After an aggressive type of cargo, the epoxy coating must be restored.

Restoring of aggressive cargo in an epoxy-coated tank can only be done by ventilation until “GAS
FREE” and not by washing with water or cleaning with detergent or other cleaning fluid.
To avoid damage to the epoxy coating an aggressive cargo should never be followed by an aggressive cargo.
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The cargo after an aggressive cargo should be a fully approved non-aggressive cargo without any remark in
the cargo resistant list. The time required for restoring an epoxy coating after an aggressive cargo depends on
the:
a) Type of cargo, volatile properties of the cargo.
b) Film thickness. (High film thickness requires longer ventilation than a low film thickness.
c) The air temperature in the tank (20-30C) is the most suitable for restoring of an epoxy coating.
d) The number of air changes used for ventilation.
If the absorption is water or another less volatile cargo, removal of absorption by ventilation must be done by
ventilation with dry air with a relative humidity below 40%.
A too high a temperature does not speed up the restoring process. The epoxy has become soft due to the
aggressive cargo and with a too high temperature the epoxy film will remain soft even after the absorbed
cargo is ventilated out of the coating. The best circumstances for restoring of epoxy coating is as many air
changes as possible and with an air temperature of 25-30C. Approximate times required for restoring of an
epoxy lining after an aggressive cargo. (This is only a guidance and exact time depends on type of cargo and
the volatile properties of the cargo and temperature and number of air changes).

STEEL TEMP. IN CELSIUS

Rel. humidity 100C 150C 200C 250C 300C.

20% or less 17 days 13 days 9 days 6 days 4 days
20-30% 17 days 9 days 6 days 4 days
30-40% 17 days 12 days 8 days

The coating film thickness in relation to the absorption of aggressive cargo.

The thickness of an epoxy coating is usually specified to be between 280 and 300 microns dry film in a 3-
coat system. Due to circumstances such as accessibility etc., the coating thickness will vary, usually between
290 and 500 microns. In certain areas with overlap, small areas may be above 500 microns.
Damage to an epoxy coating by absorption is usually occurs in overlap areas and in areas where a stripe coat
was applied. During re-coating, extremely high film thickness should not be accepted and small areas will be
repaired by grinding and larger areas by sandblasting. Practically, it is not possible to avoid having a film
thickness over 500 microns on stripe coated areas and areas of overlap.
High thickness coating is more absorbent and will take much longer to restore to a condition suitable for
loading the next cargo.

3. ABSORPTION AND DESORPTION OF EPOXY COATING AFTER AN

AGGRESSIVE TYPE OF CARGO
Phenolic epoxy is resistant to solvents, such as Ketones, low molecular weight alcohol’s, Ethers and
Esters. However, caution must still be used when cleaning the tanks and selecting the next cargo.
After containing these types of solvents, the tank should be well ventilated to remove all traces of the:
chemical prior to cleaning. The next cargo should not be any water ballast or diluted aqueous solutions such
as liquid fertilizer solution or latex emulsions.

Reference notes:

a) ESTERS, PHTHALATES, ETC.

Certain products such as esters (acetates, phthalates etc.) and chlorinated or brorinated materials can react
with water to form acidic compounds. These products are suitable for storage in PHENOLIC EPOXY 373
coated tanks, but the presence of any moisture will make them aggressive and unacceptable. Such products
must therefore be dry, free from acidity and carried in completely dry tanks. Water contamination must be
avoided and water content of the cargo should not exceed 0.02% (200 PPM).

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b) KETONE, ALCOHOLS, NITRITES AND ESTERS.

These aggressive cargoes can only be carried when the coating is fully cured and this will be obtained after a
service period of 3 months with non-aggressive cargoes (without notes). After transportation of cargoes
marked with a note, the coating has to be restored to its original condition. This will be obtained by
ventilating the tank thoroughly until the tank is in a gas-free condition, followed by carriage of non-
aggressive cargoes without a note (in the resistance list) for a period of at’ least 10 days.

c) AGGRESSIVE WATER MISCIBLE CARGOES.

Before loading these aggressive, water miscible cargoes, it is essential to remove all traces of water from the
tanks. After carriage of these cargoes, no steam, ballast water, wash water, slops or aqueous cargoes must
come into contact with the coating before its original coating condition is restored. The coating will be
restored by thorough ventilation until the tank is gas-free, followed by the carriage of non-aggressive cargoes
(without a note) for a period of at least 10 days. Ventilation of the tank must be carried out after an
aggressive/water miscible cargo has been discharged. This is to ensure the removal of any cargo, which may
have been absorbed into the coating.

THIS MUST BE DONE PRIOR TO ANY TANK CLEANING PROCEDURES BEING CARRIED
OUT.

Any residue left in the tank after cleaning must be removed immediately and drying completed by venting.
Cargo residues or absorbed cargoes in the coating, is a potential source of contamination of subsequent
cargoes. Cargo residue and absorbed cargo in the coating film may cause a chemical reaction, and produce
products, which could cause breakdown of the coating system. There is also a category of aggressive
cargoes, which can only be stowed in epoxy coated tanks for a limited number of days. This number of days
must not be exceeded, as the coating will be softened and the absorption of chemicals will increase, which
will obviously damage the tank coating. The limitation of days is mentioned in the cargo resistance list for
the cargo in question.

Explanation of absorption.

When a liquid cargo is loaded into a tank coated with an organic coating (Phenolic epoxy), part of the liquid
will be absorbed by the binder phase of the coating through a diffusion process. Absorption will continue
until the binder phase is saturated with the liquid. When the cargo is later discharged from the tank,
desorption will take place, again by diffusion process and will ideally continue until all absorbed liquid has
been removed from the coating.

Factors affecting drying of epoxy coating.

Reiterating that drying is to be understood as the removal of absorbed chemicals, it will first take place after
a visible dry state of tank surface has been reached. The dry film thickness is very important, especially
during drying. Doubling the film thickness means drying times four (4) times longer in order to obtain the
same degree of drying. The drying time in a given tank, (desorption time) is governed by the largest
thickness. This could be one of the reasons for the premature damage of coatings on the tank top and the
lower part of a tank, as the higher film thickness is usually found here. Also lower temperature and less
ventilation for desorption could be the reason for premature damages to the coating in the lower areas of the
tank. During the coating of new tanks and application during re-coating, extra attention should be given to
the control of the coating thickness. Coating of a traditional constructed cargo tank with specified minimum
thickness of 240 microns dry film for three coats, will often result in an average thickness of approximately
350 microns with peaks up to 500 microns which is 40-50% more than specified. In some overlap zones and
on flat bar faces, a film thickness of more than 500-600 microns may be found. The amount of absorbed
cargo into the coating film finally depends on the coating film thickness and especially areas of extreme
thickness as mentioned above of 500-600 microns will absorb noticeable more chemicals than the minimum
thickness of 240 microns.

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Cargoes such as methanol, benzene, methyl acetate are absorbed into the coating film to a higher degree than
other chemicals. Among the various chemical families, glycol ethers represented by diethylene glycol
monomethyl ether is absorbed most. Followed by the esters, nitriles, aromatic hydrocarbons and alcohols.
The selected families are aggressive to epoxy coating due to their solvency power and water miscibility.

CONCLUSION:

After the carriage of an aggressive cargo it is essential that the tank be ventilated neither to a gas free
condition nor to washing. Washing will stop or delay the absorption of previous cargoes from an epoxy
coating and these absorbed cargoes will cause small blistering and cracked blistering in the coating.
Embedded, absorbed cargoes may also cause contamination to subsequent cargoes as traces of these may be
absorbed by certain cargoes. Absorption of cargo by the epoxy coating may occur and subsequent desorption
purely spends on ventilation and tank cleaning procedures. Insufficient ventilation may lead to cargo
entrapment in the coating, which could damage the coating and contaminate subsequent cargoes.

4. TANK CLEANING PRINCIPLES

Tank cleaning can be done in two ways:
- Evaporation of the residue in the tank
- Washing of the tank with water or an other suitable liquid using tank cleaning machines.

Water is the main washing liquid, however some substances can react vigorously with water, resulting in a
dangerous reaction. Also, the formation of insoluble hard to remove material etc. Some examples of these
reactive substances are isocyanates and sulphuric acid. After the discharge isocyanates, the tanks must be
washed with a non-reactive solvent. After washing the tanks have to be cleaned by another means to remove
any small amounts of product left in the tank in so called shadow areas (areas not reached by the jet of the
tank cleaning machines). This mostly involves re-washing and rigging extra machines to reach the shadow
areas. Additional spot cleaning, steaming and ventilation is required.

WHAT TO CLEAN

Not only the cargo tanks have to be cleaned, also lines and pumps. Special attention has to be paid to vent-
lines, stripping lines and sampling and drain cocks. These small diameter lines, drain cocks and blind
sections can contain sufficient previous cargo to contaminate subsequent cargo. There it is imperative that
they are not forgotten and are thoroughly cleaned and drained. Volatile substances with a melting point
above ambient temperature often solidify in these areas. When not properly cleaned and with a rising
temperature the substance may contaminate the next cargo. It is also imperative that the cargo pump
manufactures purging routines and cleaning instructions are followed.

SELECTION OF THE PROPER CLEANING METHOD.

The planning of the tank cleaning procedure is very important. Starting with the correct initial procedure is
of utmost importance it is very difficult to obtain a good result after an initial failure. If in doubt ask tehnical
department. In general tank-cleaning procedures are based on chemistry and earlier experiences with the
product which is being cleaned.

The choice of a procedure must be based on:

A. Properties of the substance to clean from:

Vapor pressure
Solubility in water
Melting point
Viscosity

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B. Reactivity
-Materials of construction I tank coating.
-Tank coating manufacturer’s instructions.
-Absorption.
C. Specification and purity of the substance to be loaded.

5. PROPERTIES OF THE SUBSTANCE TO BE CLEANED FROM.

5.1 VAPOUR PRESSURE.

Substances with a vapor pressure higher than 50 mbar at 200C may be removed from the tank by
ventilation/evaporation. (Care must be taken with noxious vapors). Tank cleaning by ventilation/evaporation
is restricted to substances, which will leave no residue. The non-volatile matter (NVM) content, indicated in
the specification of the substance can be used to evaluate the possibility residues remaining. Substances
which contain polymerization inhibitors, (although the quantities are low), the tanks must be washed
thoroughly. It is not recommended to clean these tanks by ventilation/evaporation. The inhibitor is difficult
to remove and has often a bad influence on the wall wash and quality of the next product to be loaded.

5.2 SOLUBILITY IN WATER.

Water miscible substances are easy to remove with water and also substances with a reasonable solubility
(down to 0.1 %) will be removed with water. A factor often forgotten, is the fact that the solubility of some
substance increase as the temperature rises.

5.3 MELTING POINT.

When substances are solid at ambient temperatures, the wash water has to be heated to a temperature well
above the melting point of the substance. The wash water should be at least 200C higher than the melting
point. The solidified material will melted and be washed away. Washing as soon as possible after discharge
will prevent some solidification. Also the stowage of solidifying materials in tanks which are not adjacent to
cold (loaded) tanks or in tanks adjacent to the sea, will help to prevent any build up of solid materials on the
tank walls (especially valid for substances with a melting point above 50-600C).

5.4 VISCOSITY.

Substances with a high viscosity also require a higher temperature wash water.
If possible the temperature of the wash water should be such that the viscosity of the pure substance is low,
at least below 20 to 60 mPas (cp.) at that temperature.

5.5 REACTIVITY.

For the cleaning procedure relevant reactions of the substance are:

- Self reaction
- Reactions with water
- Reactions with oxygen
- Inhibited cargo’s
- Smell producing cargo’s

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5.6 SELF-REACTION.

Examples of a self-reaction is the polymerization of monomer substances i.e. styrene and acrylic acid.
Higher temperatures increase the reaction speed of this type of reaction, washing with hot water may result
in polymerized material being left in the tank, which is very difficult to remove. Polymerization may also
take place when a tank is not cleaned and left dirty for a few days. Because the inhibitor is not as volatile as
the monomer substances , condensation of the vapor will allow inhibitor free liquid to be formed. Cleaning
of these cargoes should always start with a cold wash.

5.7 REACTIONS WITH WATER.

In paragraph 4 the reaction of water with isocyanates was mentioned. This reaction will produce two
products, a urethane, which is insoluble and difficult to remove and ‘dioxide gas, which is dangerous when,
formed in large quantities (depending on the amount of isocyanate available for the reaction).
Water cannot be used to clean tanks from this group of substances. Also concentrated sulphuric acid reacts
vigorously with water setting free large amounts of heat (exothermic). When the water contains chlorides
(seawater) hydrochloric acid vapors may also be formed. Hydrochloric acid is very corrosive to stainless
steels. Also the warm diluted sulphuric acid is corrosive to stainless steel. When the tank is rapidly washed
with large amounts of cold water, the water will absorb the heat. Esters and chlorinated products are slowly
hydrolyzed to acids, normally this is no problem except when tank cleaning is stopped in an early stage.
When animal oils, vegetable oils and fats are transported in a zinc silicate coated tank, the formation of
acids be a danger to the coating. Zinc coating is not resistant to oils and fats with a free fatty acid content
above 2.5%. The free fatty acid content may increase rapidly when cleaning is stopped for longer few hours.

5.8 REACTIONS WITH OXYGEN.

Drying and semi-drying vegetable and animal oil react with oxygen to form a varnish like polymeric that is
very difficult to remove. Heat increases the reaction speed, therefore the initial washing has to be done with
cold water. Drying also takes place when the empty tank is left uncleaned, if this is case the air should be
removed from tank. This can be done by filling up the tank with water, however, this should not be done
with zinc coated (see previous paragraph).

5.9 INHIBITED CARGOES.

If the inhibitor is not properly removed, then this will have a negative effect on the PTT test. Common
inhibitors are fully soluble in water. Inhibited cargoes must be thoroughly pre-washed with cold fresh or
seawater, followed by warm water wash. If water wash alone is not sufficient, use teepol injection.

5.10 SMELL PRODUCING CARGOES.

To neutralize the smell of some chemicals (Acrylates, Crude ‘Turpentine), the use of a smell killer is
recommended. Special attention to be paid for seals of tank and butterworth hatches. The use of smell killers
like P3/NA Henkel(CP), Airfresh (Vecom), Nilodor (Int.Medical Zutphen) or an alcohol will help neutralize
the smell. After the carriage of a product with a strong odor and prior to loading a sensitive cargoes the seals
of tank and butterworth hatches maybe have to be renewed / exchanged. Soaking into toluene may help
remove the smell of these gaskets, followed by warm wash.

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5.11 MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION / TANK COATINGS.

The material used to construct the tank determines also the duration of the cleaning process. The surface of
stainless steel tanks and lines is only slightly absorbent, but the surface of coated tanks is more absorbent.
The degree of absorption is dependent on the type of coating and on the substance carried. This absorption
process softens organic type coatings (epoxy, phenolic epoxy and polyurethane).
Absorbed substances are difficult to remove, time (for washing and venting) is an important factor in this
respect.

5.12 TANK COATING MANUFACTURERS INSTRUCTIONS.

When an organic coating which is saturated with a water-soluble solvent like methanol or ethanol is washed
with water, severe blistering of the coating may take place. Tank coating manufacturers give instructions in
their product lists how to deal with this problem. Long term ventilation is always required before water is
introduced into the tank. It is doubtful if a water wash is still necessary after a prolonged ventilation period
(except in cases where the product leaves a non-volatile residue).

5.13 SPECIFICATIONS OF THE SUBSTANCE TO BE LOADED.

The specification of the substance to be loaded has also influence on the required cleanliness of the cargo
tank. Usually on our chemical fleet we ship as follow:

Very pure substances (purity ranging from 99.5 to 99.99% by weight).

Solutions (in water)
Mixtures of homologous series
Animal and vegetable oils and fats
Mineral oil products and feedstock’s

The required degree of cleanliness for the first group is without any doubt higher than for most products
from the last group. When tanks are inspected before the loading of pure substances, tanks are tested for
cleanliness by wall washing and analysis. Before loading substances and products of the other groups, the
tanks will most likely be inspected visually. But more and more inspection companies are convincing
charterers that wall washes are required for more and more cargoes.

6. CLEANING PROCEDURE AFTER A CARGO OF ANIMAL AND

VEGETABLE OILS
6.1 STAINLESS STEEL TANKS AND EPOXY COATED CARGO TANKS.
Pre-cleaning, is the removal of oil and residue before the full cleaning operation starts. The purpose of pre-
cleaning tanks with butterworth machines using either salt or fresh water, is to remove oil and its residue
from bulkheads, tank bottom and under deck. The sooner the pre-cleaning is carried out after discharge, the
easier oils and residues will be removed and the better the final result will be. Pre-cleaning is highly
important since large deposits of oil and/or other residue in the tank must be removed to ensure an effective
cleaning operation. Adding POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE will assist in the pre-cleaning of stainless steel
tanks (KOH). This will saponify the oil residue and create a soft soap, which is water-soluble. Be careful
with CAUSTIC SODA, as this will saponify the oil residue, but leave a hard soap particle that is, not or
almost not water-soluble (insoluble). Caustic Soda can only be used in stainless steel or epoxy coated cargo
tanks. After cleaning with an alkali, the residue has to be removed with warm water. To overcome white
colored deposit, which may occur after cleaning with alkali’s by a forming of insoluble magnesium and
calcium salts, pre-cleaning may be carried out by adding a detergent (teepol) instead of an alkaline cleaning
agent. Alkaline agents like water based alkaline HD cleaners, emulsifiers, detergents and synthetic soap are
generally used.
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If an alkaline cleaner is not allowed, water based neutral cleaner can be used, followed by a hydrocarbon free
cleaner. At all times drying vegetable oils must be pre-washed with cold water first.

6.2 ZINC SILICATE COATED CARGO TANKS.

Adding Potassium Hydroxide or other alkali’s for saponification in zinc silicate coated cargo tanks must
NEVER be done. For zinc silicate coated tanks, pre-cleaning to be carried out by use of cold water or water
with the same temperature as the residue in the tanks. Never use hot water for pre-cleaning.
Explanation:
Vegetable oil and Animal oils have a FREE FATTY ACID content (FFA). By using water with a
temperature above the temperature of the residue the FFA will increase rapidly to a level, which will create
coagulation of the albumen in the Vegetable/Animal oil. This increase of the FFA will have a negative
influence on the surface of the zinc silicate film and part of the film will be damaged. The extent of the
damage depends on the FFA content. It is not possible to remove this white/grayish layer on the zinc silicate
surface without damaging part of the coating. The manufactures of Zinc silicate coating describe a maximum
FFA content of 2.5% as maximum, which in practice is far too high.
During the voyage it is possible that the FFA of certain cargoes will increase, this is due to the heating. If the
moisture content of the oil is above normal, the increase of the FFA content will be faster and reach a level
which will have a negative effect on the zinc coating and even damage the coating entirely.
Vegetable oil and Animal oil are cargoes, which may have a difference specific gravity in one and the same
tank. This will be the case after a few days of transportation. When heating a cargo to the required
carriage/discharge temperature, more heat is transferred to the product closest to the coils. This will result in
the FFA of the cargo closest to the coils increasing faster than the rest of cargo, which then cause more
damage to the lower part of the tank. Pre-cleaning of zinc coated cargo tanks after vegetable or animal oils
are to be carried out by butterworthing. The time necessary for pre-cleaning depends on the extent of oil and
residue. Butterworthing to be carried out for a certain time and then inspect the tank. If there is still oil and
residue on the bulkheads, deck-heads and bottom, pre-cleaning to be continued.

After a thorough pre-cleaning, the standard cleaning of vegetable oil or Animal oil to be continued as follow:
1. Pre-cleaning as mentioned above.
2. Butterworthing with seawater (80 C.) for about 1 hour.
3. Butterworthing with hot water and 0.05% liquid detergent for about 1,5 hrs at each drop.
4. Butterworthing with fresh water for about 0.5 hour.
5. Draining of tank, lines and pump.
6. Drying.
(The detergent is breaking down the water tension and is making the water soft, making cleaning easier).

During pre-cleaning, cleaning and rinsing the by pass valves of the cargo pump and the stripping lines
should be opened and closed several times with the cargo pump working. This to clean the pump and
stripping lines as well. Drop lines should also be cleaned by connecting a flexible hose from butterworth line
top line and allow occasional flush through the drop line during the cleaning operation.

A forced circulation of the cargo during transportation prevents sedimentation in the tanks and a minimum of
sludge is therefore left after discharging the tanks. Circulation of Vegetable oil and Animal oil in coated
cargo tanks is in fact a must to prevent not only sedimentation but also avoid creating a difference in the
FFA content between the lower and upper part of the tanks.
The heating instructions are to be followed and too high temperature of Vegetable oil and Animal oils should
be avoided. A too high moister content will cause extensive increase of the FFA during transportation.

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7.TANK CLEANING PROCEDURES
In general tank-cleaning operations must be carried out in accordance with the ISGOTT manual chapter
9.2.4. Cleaning in undefined atmosphere.
The procedure for tank cleaning may include the following stages:
- Pre-cleaning (washing with water)
- Cleaning (washing with water or water and detergents)
- Rinsing (washing with water)
- Flushing (with fresh water)
- Steaming
- Draining
- Drying

7.1 PRE-CLEANING.

The purpose of pre-cleaning tanks with tank cleaning machines using either salt or fresh water, is to remove
residues from bulkheads, tank bottom and under deck (bulk cleaning). The sooner the pre-cleaning is carried
out after the discharge, the easier residues will be removed. During pre-cleaning the tank cleaning machines
should be moved frequently, in order to cover the entire surface. After pre-cleaning the tank should be
inspected and, if residues are found, the tank cleaning machines should be centered over the areas for further
cleaning.

7.2 MAIN CLEANING.

Cleaning is carried out with the aid of water or water and cleaning chemicals. In most cases we recommend
0,05% of the detergent. The cleaning solution can be applied cold or hot, using tank cleaning machines.
When applying a solvent cleaner by spraying it will be obvious that after the reaction time (minimum 30
minutes) the residues have to be washed away. Tank cleaning machines with cold or warm water should be
used for this, not too hot, otherwise the applied solvent will evaporate.
The machines must be lowered down into the tank at recurring intervals in order to obtain an effective
cleaning throughout the tank. Throughout the cleaning operation the tank bottom has to be kept as dry as
possible by constantly pumping out the water. When using re-circulation, the cleaning solution can be used
two or three times if light petrochemical products are to be removed. However, precautions have to be taken
in order to prevent build up of static electric charges.
When plain water is used as the cleaning agent, the cleaning operation is based on solubility of the substance
in water, re-circulation is not recommended (static electricity) when cleaning from substances with a low
solubility in water.
During the washing operation the washing water is pumped out through the discharge lines, this should
clean the line and pump sufficiently, the stripping lines have to be flushed also. The cleaning of vent lines is
best done by steaming with live steam.
Cleaning procedures should be continued for several hours depending on the product. After the tank has
cooled down, inspection can take place. If traces of residues are found, cleaning has to be prolonged.
We may sub-divide the cleaning procedure after the nature of the general category of cargoes. There are
three categories:
- Animal and vegetable fats and oils
- Mineral oils
- Petrochemicals and solvents

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General cleaning outlines for these groups are:

Animal and vegetable oils: use water and detergent, avoid alkaline cleaners when seawater is used.
When cleaning from drying or semi drying oils cold water during the pre-cleaning has to be used.
An effective pre-cleaning method for non-drying fats is to steam the tanks during a short time prior to
pre-cleaning with hot water.

Cleaning of Mineral Oils can be carried out with water and detergents or water and a solvent cleaner.
Petrochemicals and Solvents are removed by one of the following (general) procedures:
Substances with a low boiling point and a high vapor pressure (50 mbar or more) at ambient temperature can
be removed by evaporation or a light cleaning. In case of evaporation the pre-cleaning step may be omitted,
however evaporation of substances from lines and pump is difficult. Flushing with fresh water of the lines is
recommended.

Substances with a lower vapor pressure are removed by water washing and steaming.
In the first stage cold water is recommended; volatile substances show a higher solubility in cold water.

7.3 RINSING.

Directly after the cleaning operations the tanks should be rinsed with warm or cold water by means of tank
cleaning machines. It is most important that the cleaning solution should not allowed to dry as this will effect
the outcome of the tank cleaning. Rinsing should normally continue until no residue can be found in the
tank.

7.4. FLUSHING.

The tank has to be flushed thoroughly with fresh water to remove salts from seawater.

7.5 STEAMING.

Steaming is an important step in removing traces of volatile substances by evaporation. Also traces of less
volatile material are often successfully removed by steaming. During steaming condense water has to be
continuously pumped out from the tank. Steaming should be performed in a gas free tank for which
ventilation should be performed until the less 1% LEL is reached.

7.6 DRAINING.

Tank line, venting system, stripping line and pump must be well drained. All plugs from drain cocks should
be removed.

7.7 DRYING.

After the cleaning procedure the wet surfaces of tank, lines and pump have to be dried by ventilation. During
this stage of the cleaning procedure absorbed volatile substances will evaporate from the coating of coated
tanks.

CONCLUSION.
Tank cleaning effective solutions?
From the previous pages we have seen that a lot of factors influence the tank cleaning process.
Only when sufficient information is available of the substance to clean from, can one develop a correct
tank Cleaning procedure.

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8. TANK CLEANING CHEMICALS
Tank cleaning chemicals are used to improve the cleaning effect, they may help to reduce the amount of time
and the quantity of water to be used. Not in all cases the addition of chemicals improves the cleaning effect,
the addition of the wrong type of chemicals may leave the tank in such a condition that the tank may only be
cleaned with a lot of effort. In general the use of cleaning chemicals is restricted to the final washing stage,
after the bulk of the substance has been removed from the tank by washing with water. Addition of tank
cleaning chemicals is often not accepted when discharging slop water to reception facilities.

8.1 DETERGENTS.

The surface tension of water is lowered by the addition of detergents. As a result water insoluble substances
are washed away more easily from the tank walls. An emulsion of the substance and water is formed,
depending on the nature of the detergent. The emulsion is more or less stable. Some manufacturers of
detergents have developed emulsion breakers, which may be added to the slop water to separate the
emulsion. Detergents can be used for cleaning of water insoluble substances.
Pure detergents are used in concentrations of 0.05%, commercial preparations may require higher
concentrations. Solutions of detergents may foam very strongly, addition of a small amount of a higher
alcohol (i.e. butanol) breaks down the foam.

8.2 SOLVENT CLEANERS.

Solvent cleaners are a mixture of solvent(s) and detergents. They are used to clean from highly viscous water
insoluble substances. This type of chemicals are mixed with the washing water in concentrations of a few
percent or are sprayed on the tank walls without dilution. In which case the mixture of substance and solvent
cleaner is washed away with water after a soaking period of 30 to 60 minutes.
When it is decided to use a solvent cleaner, one has to be certain that the substance to clean from is
absolutely soluble in the solvent cleaner. If the substance is a complex mixture of components such as found
in heavy mineral oil products and coaltar the substance may separate into a soluble and insoluble part when
using an improper solvent. To find a suitable solvent to remove the insoluble part is most difficult. A small
scale test is recommended, if there is any doubt do not use the solvent cleaner, try water and detergent
instead.

8.2.1 SOLVENT CLEANERS WITH HYDROCARBON TYPE SOLVENTS

The solvents in this type of cleaners are mineral oil based with a flash point of approximately 600C, two
main types are used:
- with a high aromatics content
- with a low aromatics content
The best solvents are the high aromatic type hydrocarbon solvents, which unfortunately have a disagreeable
smell. The solvents, which are very low in aromatic compounds often, are designated as “odor free”. When
mixed with water this type of solvent cleaners will form a milky emulsion because the solvent is not soluble
in water. They are best suited to clean from heavy mineral oils, especially the high aromatic type. Their
purpose is to dilute the substance to clean from and lowering the viscosity. Occasionally the hydrocarbons
are of vegetable origin i.e. orange oil. The transport of methanol and other substances requires hydrocarbon
free tanks, after washing with a solvent cleaner traces of hydrocarbons may be left in the tank, for that reason
hydrocarbon free solvent cleaners were developed.

Page 11 of 28
8.2.2 SOLVENT CLEANERS WITH GLYCOL-ETHER TYPE SOLVENTS (HYDROCARBON
FREE)

The glycol ether type solvents are water miscible at ambient temperatures, when mixed with water they will
form clear solutions. The purpose of this cleaner is also to lower the viscosity of the substance to clean from
by dilution, when the solvent cleaner is sprayed in its pure form this works fine, but what happens when the
cleaner is diluted with water? A diluted solvent does not work very well, here the decrease of solubility of
the glycol-ether at higher temperature will helps. At high temperatures glycol ether is much less soluble in
water, the solvent separates from the solution and does the required job. In short this type of cleaner works
well at higher temperatures, above 500C when 2-butoxy ethanol is used as the solvent.

8.3 ALKALINE CLEANERS

Alkaline cleaners are used to clean from fats and oils, good results are obtainable but a word of caution is
important. When these cleaners are used with seawater a white solid material (magnesium and calcium
carbonate) will be formed, only a diluted acid removes this material (ex metal bright 10% solution re-
circulation). Strong alkaline cleaners may be used in steel, epoxy coated and stainless steel tanks. Strong
alkaline cleaners will dissolve zinc coating. To avoid attack of zinc coatings, buffered alkaline cleaners are
used, the pH value is about 10, and on most zinc coatings this type of alkaline cleaners can be used (safety
alkaline liquids). The oils and fats are partly saponified by the alkaline cleaners.
Fats with a high melting point will form hard soaps when caustic soda is used in the cleaner, when potassium
hydroxide is used softer soaps are formed.

9. STANDARD WALL WASH TESTS

Acid wash color test.
Chloride test.
Water miscibility also known as hydrocarbon test. (Including Tindle Test see drawing)
Permanganate time test.

Standard Equipment to perform a wall wash.

Material and liquids to perform the Acid wash color test.

Funnel.
Test tube lower mark at 7 ml. and upper mark 28 ml.
High purity Toluene — Benzene — or Xylene.
Sulphuric Acid (concentrated).
Color Standards.

Material and liquids to perform the chloride test.

Funnel.
Nester tubes 100 ml. short form lower mark at 25 ml. upper mark 100 ml.
Pipette 2ml.
Dropping bottle.
DI water lab grade
Silver nitrate
Standard Chloride solution.

Page 12 of 28
Material and liquids to perform the water miscibility or hydrocarbon test.
Funnel.
Nester tubes 100 ml. short form lower mark at 33 ml. upper mark 100 ml.
Distilled water Chloride free.
High purity Lab approved METHANOL.

Material and liquids to perform the Permanganate Time Test.

Funnel.
Measuring cylinder 50 ml. long form.
Pipette 2m1.
Stopwatch.
Temperature Bath.
De-ionized water
Ampoule of 0.1 gram of potassium permanganate

Additional material.
Safety labeled (Methanol) Wash Bottle 1000 ml
Safety labeled (Distilled — water) Wash Bottle 1000 ml.
Safety labeled (Hydrochloric Acid) Wash Bottle 500 ml
Safety labeled (Toluene) Wash Bottle 500 ml.
Measuring cylinder 50 ml. long form with stopper.(4x)
Bath / Cooling container.
Approved clean chemical gloves.
Paper filters.

Standard procedure to perform a wall wash.

Method:
Flush the testing liquid as far as reachable against the tank wall and collect it at approximately 2
meters from starting point directly by means of a funnel into a clean sample bottle.
Filter liquid from sample bottle into a Nester test tube, quantity pending test to perform.

Places / spots.
1 Top of tank: First reachable highest point in tank. (Fe. top bulkhead first border)
2 Middle of tank, nearest reachable bulkhead from staircase.
3.Down in tank, all four tank walls and frames if applicable.
5. Bottom in case of loading (Hexene -1)
6 Heating coils ?
7 Pump?

Note!
Spots Heating coils and Pump (in case visual clean and free of greasy spots) calculated in PPM, negligible in
relation to their surface and total cubic meter to load. In case of extreme sensitive cargo recommend to take
these spots as well.

Page 13 of 28
10. WALLWASH TESTS
10.1 ACID COLOR WASH TEST OF INDUSTRIAL AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
(Benzene-Toluene-Xylene) ASTM D848 method

This method is generally used for aromatics. Product is shaken with concentrated sulphuric acid and
discoloration is observed. All carbonisable substances will discolor the sulphuric acid layer due to the
combustion of especially oils and fat.

APPARATUS
Nester tubes short form.
Color Standards
REAGENTS
Sulphuric Acid (concentrated)
PROCEDURE
Transfer 7 ml sulphuric acid (concentrated) in a glass tube and add 21 ml of aromatic (benzene-toluene-
xylene)on top of it. Shake thoroughly at least 150 strokes and store for 15 minutes in the dark. Fill a second
tube with 7 ml sulphuric acid (concentrated) and add 21 ml of the wall wash (taken with benzene, toluene,
xylene) and compare with the standard.
NOTE
Take care for concentrated sulphuric acid. All safety precautions must be taken. Use clean equipment to
perform the wall wash.

10.2 STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETERMINATION OF TRACES INORGANIC

CHLORIDES IN WATER MISCIBLE SOLVENTS

APPARATUS
Nester tubes 100ml. short form.
Pipette 2m1.
Dropping bottle.

REAGENTS
De-ionized water, chlorine free.
Silvernitrate.
Standard Chloride solution (100ppm CL).

PROCEDURE
Transfer 50 ml from wall wash sample into one of the Nester tubes and fill to the upper mark (100ml.) with
d.i. water. Fill a second tube to the upper mark with distilled water, and add 1 ml. standard chloride solution.
Mix both tubes and add abt. 5 drops silvernitrate. Compare the cloudiness of the standard against the sample
tube by viewing downward through the tubes toward a dark background. Add as much ml’s Chloride
standard as necessary to the second tube to compare the cloudiness of the sample. Depending upon standard
required by load port surveyors to have the standard solution done.
NOTE: Use clean equipment to perform the wall wash.
ORGANIC CHLORIDES ARE PRESENT IN:
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS CHLORINATED AROMATICS
Methylene Chloride Monochlorobenzene
Carbon Terachloride Orthonitrochlorobenzene
Ethylene Dichloride Orthonitrotoluene
Perchloroethylene Paradichlorobenzene
Trichloroethylene Paranitrotoluene
Trichloroethane
Chloroform
Organic Chlorides (chlorine) = Total Chlorides - Inorganic Chlorides (salt).

Page 14 of 28
10.3 STANDARD TEST METHOD WATER MISCIBILITY

All organic chemicals are hydrocarbons (hydrogen - carbon in the brut structure), not all of the organic
chemicals show a failure on “water miscibility”. Therefore the test must be called “water miscibility” instead
of “Hydrocarbon test. According to the fact that the surface of a tank or container for the shipping of
Methanol must be free of any hydrocarbons, a test was performed, starting from the principle that
hydrocarbons together with water gives a milky cloudy solution.

APPARATUS
Funnel.
Nester tubes 100ml. short form.

REAGENTS
De-ionized water, chlorine free.
Laboratory grade test Methanol.

PROCEDURE
Transfer 33 ml’s Methanol (used for wall wash) into one of the Nester tubes and fill to the upper mark, with
distilled water. The mixture is shaken and must stand for 20 minutes. Fill a second tube to the upper mark
with distilled water. Examine vertically against a black ground, a difference will indicate the presence of
hydrocarbons (cloudy or blue faint). Very often this can be confused with milky solution given by the
washing with alkaline solution and tank’s surface not being properly rinsed. In this situation wait to see if
any foam will form on top of the sample. If this is the case then re-circulate the tank with fresh water
changing several times the water, and follow the use of highpressure washing machines till foam will
disappear.

REMARKS : When performing the test use clean plastic throw-away gloves, and clean apparatus before
use. A visual check can be made in the tank by means of a penlight. (Tindle test). The light beam will
deviate by contamination.
Tindle Test. (Test in a dark area)
Light bean and look direction.

OK

Bottom will work as a mirror .

Wrong

NOTE: use clean equipment to perform the test.

10.4 PERMANGANATE TIME TEST

APPARATUS
Measuring cylinders 50 ml. long form
Pipette 2m1.
Stopwatch
Bath with a Constant Temperature:
15.0 C for Methanol.
25.0 C for MEK - Acetone.

Page 15 of 28
STANDARD
Cylinder 50 ml. on which put 50 ml. lab grade methanol
Add 2ml of reagent below described.

REAGENT
500 ml. d.i. water on which add the content of an ampoule of 0.1 grams of potassium permanganate. This to
shake until all is diluted. The Potassium permanganate solution should be stored in brown bottles and in the
dark. The solution should be prepared fresh and every 3 days. Cleaned and disinfected with hydrochloric
acid cylinders and bottle must be used. Same to flush three times with d.i. water and then with methanol.

METHOD
Fill the 50 ml. cylinder (stopper) with the wall wash (Methanol, MEK, and MIBK) to be tested just below
the upper mark. Place the sample in a bath with a constant temp of 15.00C or 25.00C depending on product to
be tested (acceptable fluctuation +/- 0.50C). When sample has the required temperature, add 2 ml of the
standard reagent solution. Store in the dark at a controllable temperature and compare with the standard until
the violet color disappears and turns into orange or yellow. Record the time. The permanganate fading time
or PTT, expressed in minutes is the time recorded till color begun changing.

GENERAL NOTES:

Use clean equipment to perform the test.

Check the methanol before starting a wall wash.
Carry out a blank test for wall wash purpose in order to check the real decrease of the initial methanol, where
we have taken the wall wash sample.

The color standard is a salt - mixture that can be maintained for several years.

Straight methanol PTT 90 - 120 minutes

Normal methanol PTT 60 minutes.
Acetone various required specifications PTT 30 - 60 - 90 - 180 minutes.
MEK straight from production a PTT of several hours is normal.
To have a PTT test performed on board you must keep in mind that the circumstances are not ideal.
Try to keep and hold the right temperature.

Is the required time of the wall wash equal to the final product.?

Purity of the Methanol used and tested with same PTT solution?.
Equipment used clean?
No fluctuation in temperature from wall wash samples.

Even if the PTT test taken on board before arrival passed, gives no guarantee to have the same result from
the surveyor’s test. (Different spots taken by surveyor).

For reference please consult as well “SC 6 ALCOHOLS, GLYCOLS, KETONES (TANK PREPARATION
FOR WALL WASH TEST)” of the “Chemical Operation Manual”.

Page 16 of 28
11. CLEANING CHART WHEN OPERATE ANNEX I TYPE OF CARGO

11.1 Oil Product Cargo Codes

1 Aviation Gasoline
2 TJF 2486 (JP4) - Spirit Base
3 Motor Spririt - Danish (Blagent) - Cat Naphtha
4 S.R.Naphtha
5 TJF 2494 2488 - Kerosene Base
6 White Spirit
7 Vap. Oil (Dyed)
8 Regular Kerosene (Undyed)
9 Premium Kerosene (Dyed)
10 Low Sulphur Gas Oil - Hydrofined Cycle Oil
11 Gas Oil
12 Marine Diesel
13 L.F.B.S.
14 Fuel Oil
15 H.V.G.O. (Cat Feed)
16 Crude Oil

11.2 Washing/ Cleaning Sequences

N = Not Suitable for this Grade to follow

H = Hot Water Machine Wash for 25/ 35 minutes

(depending on type of Washing Machine employed)
Lines and Pumps to be thoroughly flushed
Tanks, Lines and Pumps to be drained completely

C = Cold Water Machine Wash for 25/ 35 minutes

(depending on type of Washing Machine employed)
Lines and Pumps to be thoroughly flushed
Tanks, Lines and Pumps to be drained completely
Ventilate with mechanical blowers/ extractors

G = Tanks must be Gas Free before loading this Product

D = Drain Tanks, Lines and Pumps completely

S = Remove Scale and Mop Up Tank Bottoms

B = Wash Bottoms of Tanks and Cargo Lines

Tanks, Lines and Pumps to be drained completely

Page 17 of 28
From Last Cargo To Next cargo

To 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
From
1 D D D D SHG SHG SHG SHG SHG H H H H D D

2 D D D D SHG SHG SHG SHG SHG H H H H D D

3 D D D D SHG SHG SHG SHG SHG H H H H D D

4 D D D D SHG SHG SHG SHG SHG H H H H D D

5 SH D D D D SH D D D D D D D D D

6 SH D D D D D D D D D D D D D D

7 SH C C C C SH D C C C C D D D D

8 SH D D D D SH D D D D D D D D D

9 SH H H H H SH H H D H H D D D D

10 SH H B B H SH D B B D D D D D D

11 SH H B B H SH D B B D D D D D D

12 SH H H H H SH C H H D D D D D D

13 SH H H H H SH C H H D D D D D D

14 N N N N N N N N N N N H D D H

15 N N N N N N N N N H H H H D D

16 N N N N N N N N N H H H H B H

Page 18 of 28
12. CLEANING MEDIUMS AND THEIR METHODS

12.1 SEAWATER CLEANING

Seawater is the most common medium for all tank cleaning. For successfully cleaning when using sea water
certain criteria must be satisfied:

Sea water purity requirement.

Certain precautions must be taken in respect to seawater purity.
When the ship's washing water intake is close to the sea bed(in ports or rivers) sample should be taken in
proper intervals to examine the sea water purity. If the sample is found to be contaminated by mud,
sea bed impurities which may effect the tank cleaning, the washing may to be postponed.
Temperature requirement on washing water.
To determine correct temperature of washing water, the following criteria must be evaluated:
A. The temperature code (A trough F) assigned for each product in the commodity data base must be
observed. This is only based on the product characteristic.
B. Type of tank lining(organic, inorganic coating, stainless steel)
C. Adjacent tank’s surface temperature.
Based on the above criteria, the correct temperature on tank washing water can be determined
for the cleaning period(s).
Pressure requirement on the washing water.
Correct pressure to obtain maximum performance of the cleaning machines must be used. In respect of use
portable and fixed tank cleaning machines, the manufacturers manual must be consulted to evaluate
necessary pressure to be used.
Time requirement for washing
A. Last cargo characteristic.
B. Type of tank lining (organic, inorganic coating, stainless steel)
C. Adjacent tank’s surface temperature.
Based on the above criteria , the tank cleaning time can be established by the number of cleaning machine
cycles required (per drop for portable machines).
For tank cleaning machine cycle time, refer to manufacturers manual.

Page 19 of 28
12.2 CLEANING WITH A SOLVENT BASE OIL AND GREASED REMOVER (CARECLEAN
VOYAGE)

Uses:
For stubborn lube additives and other petroleum based products. The product should not be allowed to dry
on surfaces.

Application Method 1: (hand spraying):

A. Spray product onto area where residues remains after the primary tank cleaning.
B. After 60 minutes, rinse off with warm sea water for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for each
machines).
The temperature can be increased to hot at the end of rinsing. If detergent is still traceable on the end
of discharging line, the rinsing should be prolonged/extended.

Application Method 2: (Re-circulation):

A. Prepare 10% solution of the product using fresh water in the tank.
B. At commencement of re-circulation via tank washing machines, supply heat to the coils.
C. When the chosen temperature (20-50 degrees Celsius) has been reached, the re-circulation should
continue
for two machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
D. Rinse off with warm sea water for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for portable machines),
Temperature can be increased to hot at the end of the rinsing. If detergent is still present at the end
of discharging line, the rinsing should be extended.

Application Method 3: (injection):

A. Inject product into the main tank washing line for one washing machine cycle (per drop for portable
machines). The washing water should be at temperature of 50-70 degrees Celsius.
B. Rinse off with hot seawater for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
If detergent is still present at the end of the discharging line, the rinsing should be extended.

Coatings.
Careclean Voyage is safe for use on zinc, epoxy and phenolic coatings. Do not allow to stand for more than
2 hours.

THIS PRODUCT IS FLAMMABLE AND SKIN IRRITANT THEREFORE ALL PRECAUTION

ARE TO BE TAKEN AND USE OF PPE EQUIPMENT MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For Product information and personal safety, refer to the Product safety data sheets.

Page 20 of 28
12.3 RUST OFF (METAL BRIGHT) CLEANER (CARECLEAN RUST)

Description
The product is a strong Phosphoric Acid solution.

Uses
The product must be diluted prior to being used. Its primary use is to cosmetically upgrade organic coating.
The tank must be thoroughly cleaned prior to using the application methods 1 and 2. The product solution is
also being used for cleaning after acid oils. Do not use the product on inorganic (zinc) coating. While
washing after vegetable/animal oils and after alkaline solution washing, white powder has left on walls, re-
circulation method may help, apart of abundant of fresh water rinsing.

Application Method 1:( Hand Spraying)

A. When used by hand spraying for removal of rust stains from coated surfaces, prepare 10% solution with
FW.
B. Spray areas containing rust stains and leave it for 20 minutes.
C. Hand hose the tank with plenty of fresh water. If sufficient fresh water is available, the tank should be
machine washed with fresh water.

Application Method 2:( Re-circulation):

A. When the hand spraying method 1 is inadequate (overheads), prepare a 5% solution in the tank (using
FW)
B. Re-circulate the solution through tank washing machines for two washing cycles (per drop for portable
machine).
C. Rinse off with fresh water for 1 machine cycle (per drop for portable machines). Check pH at sample of
washing and continue rinsing if necessary.

Application Method 3: ( Re-circulation):

A. After the primary washing from acid oils (stainless steel tank only), prepare 5-10 % solution in the tank,
using fresh water.
B. Start the re-circulation through the tank washing machines and apply heat to the coils.
C. When chosen temperature (50 degrees Celsius) has been reached, the circulation will continue for two
machine cycles (per drop for portable machines)
D. Rinsing off with hot seawater for 2 washing cycles (per drop for portable machines).

Coatings:
Do not use on zinc coatings. The acid mixture might soften phenolic/epoxy coatings.

THIS PRODUCT IS CORROSIVE, THEREFORE ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE TO BE

TAKEN, INCLUDING THE CORRECT USE OF PPE EQUIPMENT

For product information and personal safety, refer to the product data sheets.

Page 21 of 28
12.4 ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OIL REMOVER (CARECLEAN ALKALINE SAFETY OR
CARECLEAN NEUTRAL HCF)

Description
This product is a MILDLY ALKALINE DETERGENT. This blend exhibits a pH value of 9 and is therefore
safe to use on organic and inorganic coatings (zinc).
.
Uses:
The Product has been especially formulated for the cleaning of animal and vegetable oils. It is also used in
the removal of hydrocarbon traces on last stages of cargo tank’s preparation for wall wash standard.
The product should be not allowed to dry on tank surface.

Application Method 1: (hand spraying):

A. Spray the product onto area where residues remains after the primary tank cleaning.
B. After 30 minutes, rinse off with warm seawater for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for each
machines).
C. The temperature can be increased to hot at the end of rinsing. If detergent is still traceable on the end
of discharging line, the rinsing should be prolonged/extended.

Application Method 2: (Re-circulation):

A. Prepare 5-10% solution of the product, (using fresh water) in the tank.
B. At commencement of re-circulation via tank washing machines, supply heat to the coils.
C. When the chosen temperature (50-70 degrees Celsius) has been reached, the re-circulation should
continue for two machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
D. Rinse off with warm sea water for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for portable machines),
C. Temperature can be increased to hot at the end of the rinsing. If detergent is still present at the end
of discharging line, the rinsing should be extended.

Application Method 3: (injection):

A. Inject the product into the main tank washing line for one washing machine cycle (per drop for portable
machines). The washing water should be at temperature of 50-70 degrees Celsius.
B. Rinse off with hot seawater for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
C. If detergent is still present at the end of the discharging line the rinsing should be extended.

Coatings.
The product is safe for use on zinc, epoxy and phenolic coatings. Do not allow stand for more than 2 hours.

THIS PRODUCT IS CORROSIVE TYPE AND SKIN IRRITANT THEREFORE CORRECT USE
OF PPE EQUIPMENT MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For product information and personal safety, refer to the product safety data sheets.

Page 22 of 28
12.5 HYDROCARBON REMOVER (CARECLEAN AQUAFRESH)

Description
Product is a light hydrocarbon remover, teepol type of general industrial purpose detergent.

Uses
The is utilised for removing trace of hydrocarbons when preparing tank for hydrocarbons free specification.
The product should not be allowed to dry on the surface of the tank.

Application Method 1: (Hand Spraying)

A. Spray the tank with product and allow stay for 30-60 minutes.
B. Rinse the tank with warm fresh water for 1 machine cycle (per drop for portable machines). If not
sufficient fresh water, the tank can be rinsed with sea water through washing machines, than hand hosed
with FW.

Application Method 2: (Re-circulation):

A. Make a 10% solution (use fresh water) in the tank.
B. At commencement of re-circulation via the tank washing machines, apply the heat to the coils.
C. When temperature has reached 50 degrees Celsius, the re-circulation should continue for one machine
cycle (per drop for portable machines).
D. Rinse off with warm fresh water for one washing machine cycle (per drop for portable machines). In case
of insufficient fresh water, the tank could be rinsed with warm sea water (trough washing machines) than
Hand hosed with fresh water.

Application Method 3: (injection):

A. Inject the product into the main tank washing line for one washing machine cycle (per drop for portable
machines). The washing water should be at temperature of 50-70 degrees Celsius.
B. Rinse off with hot seawater for 3 washing machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
C. If detergent is still present at the end of the discharging line the rinsing should be extended.

Coatings:
The product is safe for use on zinc, epoxy and phenolic coatings

THIS PRODUCT IS SKIN IRRITANT THEREFORE CORRECT USE OF PPE EQUIPMENT

MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For product information and personal safety, refer to the product data sheets.

Page 23 of 28
12.6 ALKALINE LIQUID CLEANER (CARECLEAN ALKLEEN EXTRA)

Description
The alkleen extra liquid is a very strong alkaline base product.

Uses
The product can be used to remove backed on drying oils. This can also be used for cleaning after animal
and vegetable oils, fish oils, tall oil, tung oil, etc. The product must not be sprayed on hot bulkheads or
allowed to dry.
The product can also be made up on board from caustic soda liquid or flakes and alkleen safety or fresh
water ( 5parts caustic liquid and 1 part of alkleen safety or fresh water)
Prior to the use of caustic soda flakes for solution, check the concentration. When making on board the
solution must be thoroughly mixed and used shortly after mixing. The product should not be allowed to dry
on the tank surfaces.

Application Method 1: (Hand Spraying)

A. Spray the product onto areas where residues remain after the primary tank washing.
B. After 30 minutes, rinse off with warm seawater for 3 washing machines cycles (per drop for portable
machines).
C. If detergent is still present at the end of discharging line, the rinsing should be extended.

Application Method 2 : (Re-circulation):

A. When the hand spraying method (1) is inadequate (overheads), prepare a 2-5% solution in the tank
(use fresh water).
B. Start the re-circulation through the tank washing machines and apply the heat to the coils
C. When the temperature has reached 50 degrees Celsius, maintain the temperature throughout the washing
and re-circulate for two machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
D. Rinse off with warm/hot seawater for 3 machine cycles (per drop for portable machines). If detergent is
still present at the end of discharging line, the rinsing should be extended.

CAUTION :
Do not use on zinc coatings !
Safe for use on epoxy/phenolic coatings, but should not stand for more than 30 minutes. Safe for use on
stainless steel tanks but make sure proper rinsing to be done as build of white powder is probable on
bulkheads.

THIS PRODUCT IS VERY CORROSIVE AND USE OF PPE MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For product information and personal safety, refer to product data sheets.

Page 24 of 28
12.7 RECIRCULATION WITH BLEACH SOLUTION

Description
Bleach is also known as Clorox and Dixichlor. The chemical name is Sodium Hypochlorite solution, which
is strong oxidiser.

Precaution:
The product is very aggressive, in particular to stainless steel. The aggressiveness increases with temp. It can
be more aggressive to stainless steel than seawater. Any bleach solution must not be allowed to dry on tank
lining or stored in cargo tanks as cleaning solution or slop.

Uses:
Bleach solution should mainly be used in coated tanks and when diluted to maximum 1 percent strength.
Bleach is used for following purposes:
1. Removal of odour, if present after normal tank cleaning.
Odour may be present after "not or partially soluble "
2. Removal of colour, if present after normal cleaning.
(Colour may be present after last cargo having a strong colour, which is also the case after dyed gasoline).
3. Improving the PTT, if low after the normal tank cleaning.
Low PTT is often a result of reducer remaining on the tank surface which originates from an inhibitor of the
cargo itself. The Bleach is known to be the contrary to a reducer, which is an oxidation agent.)

Application Method 1: (Re-circulation):

A diluted bleach solution of maximum 1% strength should be re-circulated at a temperature of 50 deg C.
The temperature is important for the purposes of "opening the coating", but the temperature must not
exceeded due to solution's aggressiveness. The method of re-circulation is to be used because it will reach
tank surfaces. Hand spraying is not recommended.

VERY CORROSIVE AND SKIN IRRITANT PRODUCT, PROPER USE OF PPE EQUIPMENT
MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For product information and personal safety, refer to the product safety data sheets supplied with the
containers

Procedure:
1. After any seawater washing, ensure to thoroughly fresh water rinse the tank before preparing the bleach
solution.
2. Prepare the tank for re-circulation.
3. Add minimum 10-13 drums (depending on the bleach concentration in the drums) of fresh water to the
tank (fresh water first).
4. Add 1 drum of bleach into the tank (pump stack or drop line).
5. Secure the tank and start re-circulation immediately.
6. Apply the tank heating system and bring the temperature up to minimum 50 deg Celsius (monitor tank
temperature from remote reading).
7. From the moment the temperature is reached, continue re-circulation for 1 to 2 machine cycles, depending
on the cleaning problem (if portable machines, use 1-2 cycles on each drop).
8. On completion close tank’s heating system.
9. If second tank needs same cleaning method, it should be prepared for re-circulation prior to transferring
the used bleach solution. The same bleach solution may be used in 2 tanks prior to disposing it.

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10. Immediately after the re-circulation, rinse the tank with warm seawater (55 deg Celsius) for at last 3
machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).

11. At the end of rinsing, take the sample from the discharging line and inspect it for trace of remaining
bleach, odour, foam, pH value above 7, etc. If the bleach solution is still present, the rinsing will continue
until same is removed.
12. On completion of rinsing with seawater, continue rinsing with fresh water to remove the salt/chlorides.
If bleach is present on the coating, this will effect the chloride test.

WARNING:
If bleach solution is not washed off immediately after re-circulation or if it is stored in cargo tanks, in
particular stainless steel tanks, corrosion can be expected very soon.

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12.8 SPRAYING WITH METHANOL

IMPORTANT NOTE: DUE TO HIGH COSTS, OFTEN OFF SPEC DELIVERIES AND POOR
RESULTS, IT IS NOT OUR COMPANY POLICY TO USE THIS METHOD. THIS IS TO BE
USED AS LAST RESORT.

Description:
Methanol is a non-static generator as such can be sprayed using the barrel pump. For product information
check the product safety data sheets supplied with the actual product.

Precaution :
For personal protection requirements, consult the product safety data sheets. For coating tanks, check the
manufacturer resistance list.

Uses:
The methanol should be used in the final tank preparation stage for wall wash standard.

Procedure:
1. Dry the tank as much as possible.
2. Each container of methanol must be checked to confirm that is free of contaminants. Check in the
certificate of quality, colour, hydrocarbons (nil), chlorides (nil), permanganate time (greater than 60
minutes), and that the odour is characteristic.
3. Ensure that the spray hose/gun/pump are all clear and of chemical resistant material. Spray sufficient
amount through the gun into suitable container until product coming out of gun is confirmed to be free of
contaminants.
4. Personnel entering the tank must have gas tight and chemical resistant suit, B/A set, and other necessary
Chemical resistant equipment.
5. Place an ejector in the tank sump to continuously eject the product while spraying. The ejector and
associated equipment must be chemical resistant material.
6. Commence spraying into the cargo sump until product is clear. The methanol may pick up some forms of
contamination after sitting idle in the spray gun/hose/pump.
7. Spray the entire tank ensuring all surfaces are flushed. The bulkheads should be sprayed from top to the
bottom, and the top from forward to the aft toward ejector and the top from forward to the aft toward ejector.
8. Gas free the cargo tank.
9. Follow the safety procedures and then wall wash tank.
10. Storage on board for more than one month into metal drums leads to contamination and off spec,
therefore do not order well in advance.

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12.9 B-SOLVE CLEANER

Description
The butyl-cellusolve (glycol-ether EB) is a glycol based solvent (doesn’t contain hydrocarbons).

Uses:
Used for improving the PTT and also has been used to help in removing traces of hydrocarbon after mineral
oil and vegetable/animal oil.

Application Method 1: (Hand Spraying)

A. Spray the product onto all tank’s bulkheads. About one 200 ltrs drum may suffice for a cargo tank. Tank
must completely dry before spray.
B. After 60 minutes, rinse off with abundant d.i. water
C. Vent, dry and mopp tank, then WWT. This is the most used method which will give proper results.

Application Method 2 : (Re-circulation):

A. When the hand spraying method (1) is inadequate (overheads), prepare a 10% solution in the tank
(use fresh water).
B. Start the re-circulation through the tank washing machines.
C. Re-circulate for two machine cycles (per drop for portable machines).
D. Rinse off with abundant d.i. water, vent, dry, mopp then WWT.

Safe for use on all coatings and stainless steel tanks.

THIS PRODUCT IS FLAMMABLE AND SKIN IRRITANT, THEREFORE SAFETY

PRECAUTIONS AND USE OF PPE MUST BE STRICTLY OBSERVED

For product information and personal safety, refer to product data sheets.

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