oilhandling

Oil handling refers to the management of petroleum oils and lubricants across their lifecycle, including receipt, storage, transfer, processing, blending, packaging, and disposal or reuse. It covers crude oil, refined products, lubricants, and related substances, and aims to protect workers, equipment, and the environment while preserving product quality.

Receiving and storage: crude and products arrive by pipelines or tanker trucks and are stored in tanks designed with secondary containment and venting. Inventory control, temperature and level monitoring, and spill detection are standard. Materials compatibility and corrosion protection are considered in tank design and linings.

Transfer and handling: operations involve pumps, piping, hoses, meters, and valves. Bonding and grounding reduce static ignition risks; compatible materials and proper sealing prevent leaks; procedures address pressure control, leak testing, and isolation during maintenance.

Safety and environmental protection: risk assessments, training, PPE, fire protection, and explosion prevention are required. Spill prevention and response plans, containment and cleanup, and proper management of oily water and wastewater are mandated. Vapor control and air emissions considerations are addressed through systems such as vapor recovery. Regulatory compliance with national and local authorities is maintained.

Quality and regulation: product sampling and testing ensure specifications for density, viscosity, sulfur content, and contaminants. Accurate documentation and inventory records support traceability and reporting. Standards and guidelines from bodies such as API, NFPA, and OSHA are referenced in internal procedures.

Equipment and trends: typical assets include storage tanks, pipelines, pumps, valves, meters, and filters, along with vapor recovery and monitoring systems. Automation, leak-detection, and improved safety controls continue to enhance efficiency and environmental performance.