During a discussion at work today in the canteen, questions were raised regarding tankers discharging gas oil into a bulk tank, which I’m sure drivers on here would be able to answer. If you could, I’d be grateful, as they’ve got me wondering…
When discharging, are there rules insisting the driver stays with the vehicle, or are they technically free to leave it unattended? Not that I’ve ever seen anyone leave the vehicle, but would any reg’s be broken if they did?
If trying to pump against a closed valve on the tank discharge pipe, is there a relief valve on the pump to stop the hoses over pressurising? If so, does this relief valve vent back into the tank, or would the gas oil just be recirculated through the pump? We all assumed the pumps would be positive displacement pumps, such as gear pumps?
I know it’s a sad conversation for the canteen, but when something is happening outside the window, it often forms the subject of the conversation…
Most pressure release valves on tanks are at the top by the man-lids and vent to atmosphere. No point taking the pressure out of the tank just to put it back in is there?
As for the leaving it alone, its best practice to stay with the vehicle. I suppose you could bog off for a brew if you wanted, but if it all goes wrong, expect everyone from the TC to the Environment Agency to have some very stern words for you after the mess has been cleaned up.
nsmith1180:
Most pressure release valves on tanks are at the top by the man-lids and vent to atmosphere. No point taking the pressure out of the tank just to put it back in is there?
As for the leaving it alone, its best practice to stay with the vehicle. I suppose you could bog off for a brew if you wanted, but if it all goes wrong, expect everyone from the TC to the Environment Agency to have some very stern words for you after the mess has been cleaned up.
Thanks for the reply.
We wondered if the pump continued trying to pump against a closed valve, would the pressure increase until a hose burst, or would the pump discharge pressure relieve itself.