COURSE OVERVIEW:

Tank farm operations represent the critical backbone of midstream and downstream oil and gas infrastructure, serving as the primary hub for the storage and distribution of volatile fluids. This course explores the multifaceted nature of managing these facilities, focusing on the sophisticated engineering controls and operational protocols required to maintain the integrity of large-scale storage units. Participants will examine the lifecycle of product movement, from receipt via pipeline or vessel to the final dispatch, while analyzing the physical and chemical properties of the stored media that dictate specific handling requirements.

The scope of this training extends deeply into the regulatory and safety frameworks that govern containment systems, specifically addressing the prevention of catastrophic loss of primary containment. We will investigate the design and maintenance of primary and secondary containment structures, including bund walls, liners, and drainage systems designed to mitigate environmental impact. The curriculum covers the technical specifications of atmospheric and pressurized storage tanks, ensuring that operators understand the structural limitations and the critical importance of overfill protection and vacuum relief systems in high-stakes environments.

Coverage also includes the mechanical and operational nuances of product transfer systems, emphasizing the synchronization of pumps, manifolds, and metering skids. By focusing on the integration of automated tank gauging and leak detection technologies, the course provides a comprehensive roadmap for optimizing throughput while minimizing risk. Through this detailed study, attendants will gain the expertise necessary to manage complex transfer sequences, conduct rigorous safety audits, and implement emergency response strategies tailored to the unique hazards of tank farm environments.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1.  Identify the various types of storage tanks and their specific applications within a refinery or terminal.

2.  Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of API 650 and API 653 standards for tank construction and inspection.

3.  Analyze the principles of primary and secondary containment to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.

4.  Execute safe product transfer procedures between marine vessels, pipelines, and storage units.

5.  Manage the risks associated with static electricity and grounding during high-velocity fluid transfers.

6.  Evaluate the effectiveness of different tank gauging systems, including radar and servo technologies.

7.  Implement rigorous overfill prevention protocols in accordance with API 2350.

8.  Diagnose potential failure modes in tank roofs, including floating roof seals and drainage systems.

9.  Oversee the calibration and maintenance of flow meters and pressure relief valves.

10.  Develop emergency response plans for tank fires, spills, and toxic gas releases.

11.  Coordinate the cleaning and gas-freeing processes required for internal tank inspections.

12.  Assess the impact of vapor recovery units on reducing emissions and maintaining pressure balance.

13.  Apply best practices for the sampling and quality control of stored petroleum products.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

This course is designed for Tank Farm Operators, Terminal Supervisors, Maintenance Engineers, HSE Officers, and Technical Managers involved in the storage and handling of bulk liquids.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.