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They are used in conjunction with all
types of OPEC marine pollution equipment and others to store
recovered oil from polluted water.
- Standard capacity range between 5 and 100 tonnes.
- As well as for oil, the tanks can be made to order for use to store potable water and chemicals.
- flexitanks are a perfect ancilliary to force 5 and force 7 oil recovery systems.
General Description
The TOWED FLEXIBLE STORAGE TANKS are
available in various sizes and consist of a long cylindrical
bag with a tapered nose constructed from high tenacity nylon
fabric coated each side with polyurethane.
All seams are glued welded and stitched
where necessary, and sealed with tapes, also of polyurethane
coated nylon cloth. The tapered nose is finished with a
strong aluminium fabrication to which the tow rope is shackled.
The tail of the cylinder is less finely
tapered and is closed by means of aluminium clamps which,
when removed, allow the T.F.S.T to be entered for cleaning
and inspection.
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The T.F.S.T floats at the surface
when loaded with a cargo, having density less than
that of the surrounding water and, because of built-in
buoyancy, it also floats when empty and therefore
may be easily towed or moored if required in the unloaded
condition.
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5 TONNE FLEXITANK COMPACT |
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Loading
Filling is by means of flexible
hoses attached to the upper surface of the T.F.S.T
in such a position that it may be easily reached when
the T.F.S.T is lying alongside the towing Vessel.
There is a screw-down vent valve
to bleed off any air that may become trapped in the
container during the pumping operation.
The T.F.S.T are designed to accept
the stated nominal carrying capacity of liquid at
80% of their absolute maximum capacity.
This is because 80% full is the
optimum state for containers of this type in order
to reduce surging and porpoising in sea states.
Discharging
Cargo is removed from the containers by using a positive
displacement pump connected to the loading/discharge
hose and pumping out with the air bleed valve closed.
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CLOSE-UP OF FLEXIBLE HOSE CONNECTION
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FLEXITANK SCREW DOWN VENT |
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CLOSE-UP OF MOORING ROPE |
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Cleaning
The outside of the T.F.S.T can
be cleaned with a high pressure water hose, scrubbing
brushes and detergent.
To clean the inside, the T.F.S.T
should be laid out on a flat surface and a small quantity
(about 500 litres) of water/detergent mixture pumped
into it. This can be agitated inside the T.F.S.T by
treading it well before discharging it.
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5 TONNE FLEXITANK COMPACT |
For more thorough cleaning, inspection
or repair purposes, the end fitting may be removed by undoing
the bolts at either end of the clamping bars on the nose
and tail.
The T.F.S.T can then be partially inflated
by means of a low pressure blower attached to the nose and
an Operator, wearing suitable protective clothing, can then
climb into the tail.
Normal precautions should be taken to
avoid risk of fire or explosion, and it should be borne
in mind that some oil fuels contain toxic chemicals such
as lead and that in some cases, the fumes can also be dangerous.
The normal precautions necessary when entering a tank that
has contained oil fuel should naturally be taken.
Repair
In the event of damage, the T.F.S.T is
relatively easily repaired. It is necessary to dry and thoroughly
clean the material adjacent to the damage before starting
the repair. A sealing kit is supplied with each T.F.S.T
and includes sealing tape, spare fabric, solvent, adhesive
and instructions to enable minor repairs to be effected.
If major damage is incurred we should be consulted.
Removing aluminium clamping bars
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These bars are situated at the
tail of the T.F.S.T. and in their relaxed state are
bowed approximately 30mm. When they are clamped together
they a pulled straight and provide a uniform clamping
force between the bolts. To avoid the use of overlong
bolts which would stick out beyond the clamping bars,
they are assembled using G-Clamps. The nuts should
therefore only be undone after G-Clamps are used to
prevent the bars from springing apart which would
happen with considerable force if the nuts are merely
undone, and this could be extremely dangerous.
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For inland and shoreline spill recovery
storage containers, see Pillow Tanks.
Home / Products / Oil Pollution Containment / Flexitanks
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