Assessor Resource
PMAOPS307
Transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility
Assessment tool
Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to transfer bulk fluids into/out of storage facility. The storage facility may be a land-based tank farm or a tanker at sea. The storage facility will integrate several plant items (single unit operations). Operation of the storage facility includes the operation of ancillary equipment that is integral to the operation of the production unit, such as:
pumps (e.g. transfer and circulation pumps, and stripping pumps)
compressors (e.g. boil-off gas compressors)
gauges
deluge systems and other fire protection systems, such as flares, fire pumps, jockey pumps, fire monitors and sub-surface foam injection
gas detection systems and equipment
fire detection and reporting systems
emergency shutdown systems
tank dipping and measurement equipment
instrumentation.
The unit of competency applies to storage facilities, such as:
tanks, such as concrete bunded storage tanks, atmospheric pressure tanks, floating roof tanks, and temperature controlled tanks (heated, chilled and refrigerated)
vessels (e.g. pressure storage vessels).
This unit of competency applies to operations technicians who are required to demonstrate a significant understanding of the process and the equipment operation in order to identify and rectify operational problems, prepare for and undertake load-out/transfer, and ensure effective safety and communications systems are applied.
In a typical scenario involving land-based tank farms or tankers at sea transferring liquefied gas, the control room operator, from the main panel, will monitor and control the transfer of product into storage facilities, including controlling product levels, flows, temperatures and pressures. The operations technician will also prepare and complete all necessary documentation for the control, transfer and calculation of product volumes.
The storage facility or vessel will be monitored through the use of gas and fire detection (or other safety) equipment. Automatic sprinkler systems, deluges or other emergency response equipment will be activated in the event of fire/emergency detection and emergency shutdown systems will operate.
The equipment to be used in the transfer of product will be checked and tested before use. In some cases, before transferring, the circulation of product through pipelines will commence. This is usually for the purpose of pipeline chilldown and is required to minimise vapour pressure build-up in warm pipework.
A comprehensive fire water supply main may encompass the facility and/or be located on the vessel, and a suitable fire pump would be able to provide fire water requirements in emergencies.
This unit of competency applies to an individual operating independently in a plant with local control or in liaison with the control room operator in a plant with a centralised control panel such as distributed control system (DCS) type controls.
This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate.
This competency does not require the operation of a central control panel.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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