Bulk Plants
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Bulk plants, the wholesale outlet for
petroleum products with larger tanks, and faster pumping rates, for truck
or rail delivery and receiving. I have been involved with some 28 major projects at
these plants. From grassroots to upgrades consisting of tankage, pumps,
piping, loading, unloading and environmental.
Environmental could be the most expensive if not done properly but it need not be the most expensive part to provide. I have done many and can provide economical designs that work. |
| The next concern is pumping speeds, the major components are the size of pump and motor to push the product and the size and length of piping and the number, size and location of fittings that restrict the flow. Many times I have been able to increase pumping rates by the simple process of analyzing the system and remove or replacing fittings. |  |
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There are 4 methods of product delivery to a
bulk plant and I have worked with all
Each have their own problems to solve. |
| Pump manifolds allow one set of pumps to both fill and empty the storage tanks as well as direct product to either a loading rack or barrel filling. With overhead rail unloading this is the logical point to install a throttling valve to strip all the product from the rail car. |  |
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Load racks may be overhead, or bottom loading. Bottom loading skids are now more popular as they are safer and generally faster. However they are much more expensive due to the amount of equipment required. Also the truck or trailer must equipped for bottom loading |