Currently, a tense situation persists due to a sharp rise in geopolitical risks, effectively resulting in a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The release of oil reserves by governments and various companies is also planned. In this situation, the greatest concern on the ground is the risk that "equipment will not function when needed."
Why is a "hose system" necessary now?
Typically, fixed loading arms are used for loading and receiving oil, but these are always at risk of failure due to earthquakes, aging, or overload.
- Time lost until recovery: If the loading arm malfunctions, repairs by a specialist will require a significant amount of time and expense.
- Redundancy of supply lines: By having our own highly mobile hose system, we can immediately set up an alternative line in the event of an arm failure.
- Completion of energy supply: Having stockpiles is not enough. A true BCP (Business Continuity Plan) is one that has multiple means of "dispatching" those supplies.
「"We have the supplies, but the arm won't move"—to avoid this worst-case scenario.
The loading arm is the core component of pier cargo handling.
In the event that the original function cannot be maintained and use becomes difficult, establishing a system to continue fuel supply smoothly and safely is surely one of the most important aspects of a facility's business continuity plan (BCP).
Having such a system in place beforehand will be a great asset in enabling quick decision-making in unforeseen circumstances and supporting a more robust and stable supply system.
Our company proposes an "emergency fuel delivery system using hoses" to ensure safe and continuous fuel delivery even in situations where the use of loading arms is difficult.
Here are four main features of this system, which achieves both "safety" and "smooth operation" on-site.
- WEFLAT coupling ensures secure connection.
The connection points utilize a special WEFLAT coupling made of anodized aluminum.
Equipped with a specially designed O-ring with excellent oil resistance, it maintains superior liquid-tightness and reliably ensures the safety of the connection. - Static electricity countermeasures to support safe oil delivery
As an essential measure against static electricity when handling flammable liquids, the hose itself is woven with anti-static wire. This safely dissipates static electricity generated by friction through the coupling, eliminating the risk of ignition. - It follows changes in elevation due to fluctuations in tidal levels and draft.
By incorporating swivel couplings at key points along the hose line, the hose can flexibly adapt to changes in tidal levels and changes in the tanker's draft (difference in height) due to oil transfer. This prevents excessive loads and ensures stable oil transfer. - Oil residue recovery using a pigging system
This system uses a dedicated pig launcher to pump out pigs and remove any remaining oil in the hose after oil delivery. This enhances safety during removal and achieves a high level of both environmental protection and improved work efficiency at the site.
The oil supply hose can accommodate up to 6 inches (150A). It also features a special hose that lies flat when not pressurized, allowing for quick deployment. It can be stored compactly even in limited spaces.
▼ You can find detailed information and specifications of the system on our website.
https://fpec-demo.yusei-design.com/business/special-hose-systems/#specialHose-system
When implementing this system, we are happy to provide consultation from the design stage, tailored to your specific circumstances, such as the shape of your pier, connection diameter, and the type of oil you handle.
If there is anything we can do to help, such as creating a concrete image that is tailored to the specific environment on site, please feel free to contact us, even if it's just to exchange information.
