Long-Term Fuel Storage Monitoring

Extending the storage time for oil products during COVID-19.

The present COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic drop in the demand for refined products. This has resulted in a back-up of the logistics pipeline, along which oil and refined products usually move. Therefore, oil and its products are having to be stored for extended periods in conventional shore tanks, and also in ships and end-user locations – where a fast turnover is expected normally. While this extended storage is unavoidable, it does change the risk profile in terms of product quality and value preservation.

SGS now offers long-term fuel storage monitoring for gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, gas oil and fuel oil. To discuss how we can help you to manage risk, avoid serious deterioration and preserve product value during COVID-19, contact us today.

Contact an SGS expert today to discuss your long-term fuel storage monitoring needs.

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Key Elements in Risk Assessment and Fuel Monitoring

As specific risks differ for different storage types, such as filling station storage, bulk terminal storage and offshore floating storage, there are no generic solutions. SGS offers monitoring programs and remediation for all types.

Effective product stewardship is vital for addressing the current situation. Some of the key questions you need to consider as part of the risk assessment and design of an effective monitoring and stewardship campaign are outlined below.

The Formulation of the Product in Storage

Consider the:

Olefin content
Aromatic content
Water content
Percentage of biological components, such as Fame

Consider any additives presents, such as:

Antioxidants
Flow improvers

In addition, is the lot homogenous?

Circumstances of Storage

What are the circumstances of the storage?

Is the tank coated, and if so what type of coating is it and what condition is it in?
Is the product subject to temperature cycling?
Is a strict housekeeping regime operating, specifically periodic water monitoring and draining?
Is monitoring in place for microbiological activity?
Is the lot completely static or is there some limited turnover in the tank?

SGS Long-term Fuel Storage Monitoring

All of these and similar profiling questions need to be answered, after which a sound plan can be formulated for product value preservation by monitoring and managing in-tank product lots for extended periods.

SGS offers a bespoke profiling and plan formulation package to those faced with this new situation.