Is it necessary to empty the tank when storing different materials in it?
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A storage tank needs to be filled with different storage media depending on the various operating conditions, but the fire hazards of these two media are identical, their flash points are similar, and their compositions are alike; no chemical reaction occurs when they come into contact with each other. Examples include naphtha and 6# solvent oil. In such cases, is it necessary to clean the tank every time the medium is changed? Are there any specific regulations regarding this? Thank you.
If there are no requirements regarding the purity of the two materials, it is not necessary to empty the tank
It is not required, but during the review by standardization experts, analysis results for the two materials along with the approval form for the change will be requested. Alternatively, if the tank is designed to store two types of materials from the outset, there are already operating procedures and relevant regulations for switching between these two materials, so those regulations should be followed ； If this tank was originally used for storing naphtha and now needs to be used for storing solvent oil, it is necessary to check whether the relevant process piping conditions are suitable, whether there is a risk of cross-contamination between the two types of materials, and what safety measures need to be taken; in such cases, change approval procedures must be followed.
This is definitely not a matter of whether someone says it’s okay or not. There definitely needs to be a risk assessment report for this.
Which entity issues the risk review report?
I’m not entirely familiar with the properties of your various oil products, but when a storage tank is used to store a different type of material, internal modifications are required, or a report from a third-party safety assessment company is necessary. By then, when the experts come to examine you, they will ask you this question and you won’t be able to answer it. Because just saying no isn’t enough.
At the very least, there should be a technical change within the company.