Terminology

Gauging: General expression

Measuring and  Ullaging: Measuring the ullage = Free space
above the liquid cargo
Sampling of  Ullage tape (manual)

Liquid Cargoes
 Fixed equipment (Whessoe, radar, etc)
 Electronic equipment (UTI)
 Sampling = Taking a sample
 Manual sample bottle or can
 Automatic sampling systems
 Dipping = Measuring ROB (remaining on board) or
free water beneath the cargo
 Dipping stick
 Electronic device
1 2

Purpose:
Ullaging/Sounding
Measuring the volumetric quantity in a tank.

Ullaging/Sounding Determining if the tank is MT

 Ullage = distance between the liquid surface and
the reference point of the gauging system.
 Innage = also called level, is the height between
the tank bottom and liquid surface.
 Innage + ullage = total height of the tank being the
distance between the bottom and the reference
point of the gauging system.

1
 Gauging/sampling Gauging/sampling
When it is not possible to use a closed
Depending on the toxicity, flammability
or volatility of the cargo it may be or restricted gauging system open
necessary to minimise the release of gauging will need to be employed.
vapour from the cargo headspace Equipment will be passed into the tank
during measurement and sampling via an ullage or sampling port or a
operations. sounding pipe and personnel may
Wherever possible closed gauging therefore be exposed to greater
and/or sampling equipment should be concentrations of cargo vapour. – See
used. PPT Static Electricity
5 6

Level gauges
Level gauges
Level gauges can be divided into 3 categories
 Open systems
 Restiricted systems
 Closed systems
The type of gauging system to be used is
determined by type and equipment of the
tanker and by the properties of the cargo.
Consult Solas, IBC/BCH, IGC or GC code to
know which system has to be used

2
 Open systems Restricted systems
Tank is accessed through an ullage The use of a sounding pipe makes the
system safer (less static electricity, less toxic
cape or explosive gases are liberated).
Sounding is done by means of an Annoying if the tape breaks and the brass
ordinary tape weight falls down.
Used to sound fuel, ballast or FW tanks The sounding pipe can accumulate cargo
residues and be source of cargo
Used to sound cargo tanks as an contamination.
emergency system or on board of Less influence of the movement of the liquid
older/smaller tankers surface on the read out (f.i. when COW).

Ullaging/Sounding of
Closed systems
tanks
Uses a UTI or similar device A single tank can have multiple gauging
Found on board of most modern oil-, systems. Each gauging system has his
own reference point and ullage tables
gas or chemical tankers
Take care to use the correct tables or to
No gases are released when sounding apply the correct corrections
Sounding is permanent and remote
readout is often possible

3
 Ullaging/Sounding of
tanks
Measuring of the interface
Interface is the surface where 2 liquids with a Open and restricted
different density separate
Purpose of measuring the interface is
gauging systems
determing the quantity of water in the cargo
Interface is measured by means of
 Sounding tape or rod and water kut (dipping)
 UTI

14

Tank (open) ullage Port

+ restricted ullage/sampling Sounding pipes
equipment

15 16

4
Manual sounding
equipment Sounding tapes

18

Sounding rods

Closed Level Gauges

19

5
 Whessoe’s
Closed Level Gauges Float Gauge
Mechanically operated float gauges
Electrically powered servo-operated gauges
Electrical capacitance gauges
Bubblers
Pneumatic or hydraulic level gauges using a
closed cell
Other differential pressure type gauges
Ultrasonic or sonic gauges
Radioactive gauges
Surface-sensing-type gauges
22

Mechanically operated Mechanically operated

float gauges float gauges
 The detecting element is a float
 Mechanism is actuated by the movement of the float and
a balancing mechanism
 The float is connected by means of a tape or other
mechanical or magnetic linkage
 The picture shows a system where a perforated
measuring tape drives a counter mechanism
 The springs in the storage drum keep the tape under
tension without lifting the float clear of the product
 As the liquid rises the tension applied to the tape takes
up the slack
 On better types the spring tension increases as the
liquid falls in order to compensate for the additional
weight of the tape used

6
Mechanically operated Whessoes
float gauges
Maintenance of a float level
gauge on board of an oil
tanker

Float Level Isolation Valve (gas

tanker)

25 26

Electrically powered Electrically powered

servo-operated gauges servo-operated gauges
Detecting element is a surface sensing
device which follows the variations of the
level by means of a servo-mechanism.
Indication of the level can by various
electrical and mechanical methods.
In the figure the sensing head is kept by the
control unit at a fixed distance above the
liquid.
A counter is mechanically driven by a
perforated tape.

7
Electrical capacitance
Bubblers
gauges
The circuit measures The head of a liquid of a
the difference in known density is
capacitance between a derived by measuring
fully immerged element the backpressure
« C » and a partly generated by the
immerged element injection of a gas or
«D» vapour.
The number of fully Pressure is displayed
immerged (A, B , C) on a manometer
elements is counted calibrated in level units.
The total capacitance Tank pressure must be
changes in function of compensated for.
the liquid level

Pneumatic or hydraulic level

Bubblers gauges using a closed cell

Pressure sensitive cell

is located near the
bottom
Change in pressure is
transmitted by
electronic, pneumatic or
hydraulic means
The capillary system is
compensated for
normal changes in
ambient temperature
31

8
 Other differential
Pneumatic Gauges
pressure type gauges

Hydrostatic
pressure
measured near
the bottom
compensated
for the
pressure of the
tank
atmosphere
measured near
the top of the
tank 34

Pneumatic Gauges Sonic systems

Tank radar
Time is measured
between emission
and reception of
the signal reflected
on the liquid
surface
Transducer can be
mounted on the
top or at the
bottom of the tank
35

9
Sonic systems Sonic systems

Radioactive Sampling
Gauges

40

10
 Purpose of sampling Samples
Quality issues Samples are used to determine the physical
Cargo samples are evidence of the condition and chemical characteristics of the cargo.
The cargo must be « on spec » after loading
of the product during the various phases of as well as before discharging.
transport (storage at terminal, arriving on
Sample procedures must be followed
board, loading, passage, discharging). meticulously so that it is absolutely sure that
Sampling is done to protect the ship against the sample is representative for the sampled
cargo claims especially when multiple barges product.
are involved. How many samples are taken
depends on the type of cargo.

41 42

Samples overview Samples

Manifold, 1st foot and completion of loading sample
for each tank (3 per tank). Always accompany surveyor during sampling.
Manifold, tank sample prior discharging (2 per tank) How many samples are taken depends on the
conditions in the charter party and the type of cargo.
Cargo sample register to be maintained
Unless specified otherwise, as a general rule a
All samples to be sealed and sampling to be
sealed sample should be taken for every tank
witnessed by ship staff (+ surveyor)
carrying cargo. Samples taken by the vessel bearing
In case of cargo quality dispute, retain ship samples no signature from the surveyor or other authorized
carefully (> 3 months) person, unless a very good documented sample log
Ensure sample bottles, sample lines and closed is kept by the vessel, have no real value as evidence
sampling cans are completely clean prior collecting in legal actions.
samples. Contaminated ropes may also contaminate
samples.
43 44

11
 Different types of Different types of
samples samples
All-levels sample: A sample obtained by submerging Dead bottom sample: spot sample taken from a point
a stoppered sampling can or bottle to a point as near on the tank bottom.
as possible to the draw-off level, then opening the Drain sample: sample obtained from the water draw-
sampler and raising it at a rate such that it is off point on a storage tank.
approximately three-fourths full as it emerges from ‘first foot’ sample: sample drawn from a vessel tank
the liquid. early during a cargo loading, when the depth of
Composite sample (weighted): sample obtained by product in the tank(s) is approximately 300 mm, (one
combining a number of spot samples in defined foot).
proportions so as to obtain a sample representative Lower sample: spot sample taken at a level of five-
of the bulk of the product sixths of the depth of liquid below the top surface

45 46

Different types of Different types of

samples samples
Middle sample: spot sample taken at a level of one- Single tank composite sample: blend prepared from
half of the depth of liquid below the top surface the upper, middle and lower samples from a single
Multi-tank composite sample: a mixture of individual tank
samples or composites of samples that have Skim sample (surface sample): spot sample taken
been obtained from several tanks or ship/barge from the surface of the liquid.
compartments containing the same grade of material Spot sample: sample taken at a specific location in a
Running sample: sample obtained with an apparatus tank or from a pipeline.
which accumulates the sample while passing in both Suction level sample (outlet sample): sample taken at
directions through the total liquid height, excluding the lowest level from which liquid hydrocarbon is
any free water. (80% full as it emerges from the pumped from the tank.
liquid).
47 48

12
 Different types of
When Sampling?
samples
Tap sample: A spot sample taken via a tap, typically Loading operations
located on the side of the shore tank.
 At the start of loading one sample to be
Top sample: spot sample obtained 150 mm (6”)
below the top surface of the liquid taken at the ships manifold on shore
Upper sample: spot sample taken at a level of one- side with the ships manifold valve closed in
sixth of the depth of liquid below the top surface a clear glass bottle, visually checked and
retained.
 The Chief officer or the duty officer must
witness this important sample. The valve to
the tank should be opened up only if the
manifold sample is acceptable.
49 50

When Sampling? When Sampling?

Loading operations Discharging operations
 Start loading in one tank per line at a time  Sample per tank
to avoid contamination of whole cargo  Manifold sample prior discharging
system when loading 1st foot.
 Foot sample (one presumes that any
previous residues in the piping are by then
dissolved into the new cargo (''soak test")).
 Sample (composite or all-level) per tank on
completion of loading
51 52

13
 What to do with the What to do with the
samples? samples?
If there is an alleged claim for contaminated When carrying multigrades it is an excellent
cargo the Master must: practice to have as many samples of the
 Immediately call in the local representative of the vessel’s cargo as possible taken at various stages of
P&I club.
the loading and discharge, including samples
 Notify Operator about the alleged claim and confirm that the
P&I representative is attending. taken from the shorelines. If claims for
 Assist the P&I representative in connection with the relevant contamination arise, the analysis of such
(joint) surveys and analysis. samples will often identify the source of the
 Sign no document related to the alleged contamination other
than after consultation with the P&I representative.
problem and may assist the shipowner in
 Keep a sharp log rejecting liability.

53 54

What to do with the What to do with the

samples? samples?
Sealed and signed ship’s samples should be In general, samples can be disposed off three
taken well care of (sample locker). (3) months after discharge of the cargo,
Samples must only be released to third unless: There is a cargo claim, or there are
parties under direct instructions from special instructions from Charterers.
Charterers and/or Management Office and a Disposal of samples
detailed receipt has to be obtained for each  Samples should only be disposed of to
sample. Samples relating to a cargo claim approved shore reception facilities and
may only be handed over to a representative receipts for the disposal must be obtained
of a P&I Club and after getting a receipt for and maintained onboard.
the same.
55 56

14
 Getting rid of old
samples ??????????

Sampling Equipment
• Open systems
• Restricted/closed systems
• Continuous systems

57 58

Sampling equipment Sampling equiment

Bottom
sampler

Sampling cage Sampling can

59 60

15
Sampling equipment Sampling equipment

Water displacement
Weighted sampling can can
for bitumen

61 62

Open sampling
Ballast water
sampling in
the context of
the ballast
water
management
convention

63 64

16
 Closed sampling
Sampling Cage/Can
systems (Hermetic)

65 66

Closed Sampling Vapour lock

67 68

17
 Vapour lock Sampling equipment

69 70

Continuous sampling Continuous sampling

systems systems

71 72

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 Redwood
Automatic Sampler automatic
sampler

73 74

In line sampler with

Sample grabber
static mixer

75 76

19
 In line sampler (L)
Sampling procedures
External loop sampler (R)
 Directions for sampling cannot be made explicit
enough.
 Clean gloves must be worn and clean sampling
equipment must be used
 Always wear the relevant personal equipment
(goggles, filter masks, self contained breathing
apparatus, gloves …………etc.)
 Take the necessary precautions to avoid sparks
(antistatic clothing, isolating safety shoes(?), spark
free sampling equipment, cotton sampling wire,
relaxing period of at least 30 minutes for static
accumulators (white products)
77 78

Sampling by means of a
Sampling procedures
Petroleum and petrochemical products should be
sampling cage
drawn in the sample bottle by means of a suitable
sampling cage (= no sampling cans).
Various designs and sizes of cages are available
and the use of sampling cans should be
avoided .
Whenever possible, sampling cages should be
reserved for the same group of petroleum or
petrochemical products. If this is not practical,
then the cage to be used should be cleaned to
prevent possible contamination of the material to
be sampled.

79 80

20
Sampling by means of a
Sample procedures
sampling cage
A new and unused sample bottle should be placed in a clean cage. A running (all levels sample) sample (sampling cage)
The cage is lowered into the liquid. will normally suffice to determine the quality of the
The cage is raised to the surface and the liquid contained in the
sample bottle is poured back in the tank.
liquid contained in a tank. However, in some cases an
This rinsing operation of the bottle should be repeated at least upper, middle and lower sample will have to be taken,
twice to prevent possible contamination of the sample by the in which case a sample can may have to be used,
sample bottle or cage. particularly where petroleum products are concerned.
An all level’s sample is taken (running sample).
After the sample has been taken, a suitable quantity should be run
out, to give a safe ullage in the bottle.
The bottle should be closed immediately by means of a stopper to
avoid contamination by the atmosphere (absorption of moisture)
and/or loss of more volatile hydrocarbons (evaporation of C 3 and
C4 from naphtha samples).

81 82

Sampling by means of a Sampling by means of a

sampling can sample can
The sample can has to be absolutely clean, inside and
out.
The cork stopper has to be checked for cleanliness and
to be replaced by a new one if required, considering
that the cork will be in direct contact with the product.
Sample can and stopper should be rinsed at least twice
with the product to be sampled
When the sample is taken, it should be carefully
transferred into a sample bottle or sample tin.
Sample bottle or sample tin should be closed
immediately after filling.

83 84

21
 Rinsing of the can Sample bottles and
between samples sample tins
When bottles are used, it. is a general rule that they
should be cleaned and of a good quality of uncoloured
It is imperative that the sample can is rinsed glass which enables the colour of the sample to be
between the samplings, since, provided lower observed as soon as the sample is taken. The use of low
quality bottles of slightly yellowish or greenish glass
or bottom samples have been taken, the should be avoided as this may give rise to doubts as to
material may contain sediments which can whether an apparent discoloration is due to the sample
easily remain in the sample can. or the color of the bottle itself.
For a wide range of chemicals, polyethylene closure
caps are satisfactory, but in certain cases bottles with
ground glass stoppers may be needed.

85 86

Sample bottles and Samples and cargo

sample tins density
When chemicals are sensitive to light, instructions may be The density of the cargo is calculated after the analysis of
given that brown glass bottles should be used. samples. Shoreline samples may however contain inaccuracies
Nevertheless, in our opinion, it is good practice to take at and cannot always be accepted as being representative of the
least one sample in a clear glass bottle, so that the color cargo loaded.
can be observed immediately. Cases have occurred where The standard sampling ‘thieves’ (cans) should not be used but
brown bottles were used for all the samples, and many insist clean sample bottles to be used for individual samples
hours elapsed before a discoloration was detected. from each level and clearly labeled.
Sampling is often undertaken using a one liter can, each sample
As the use of sample tins may give rise to a contamination
being decanted into a larger sample can. During such an
of the sample, (i.e. lead in naphtha originating from the operation volatile fractions may be lost to the atmosphere and
metal sample tin), we would advise that sample tins should the density established from the final mix does not represent the
only be used for the sampling of petroleum products if no true density of the cargo in each tank.
specification for metal components is required.

87 88

22
 Storage of samples Storage of samples
Whenever samples are kept on board they should be Receptacles shall meet the applicable packing
stowed securely in lockers that have access external requirements and should be placed on board, at a
to the accommodation. specific point in the cargo area, such that under
Samples from petroleum or petrochemical origin normal conditions of carriage they cannot break or be
should be stored in special locations which are well punctured and their contents cannot spill.
ventilated. This ventilation will prevent the formation Fragile receptacles shall be suitably protected
of an explosive gas mixture in the case of leaks.
The sample locker racks and cell divisions must be
On board of a tanker the place to store samples is
well determined. This place is equipped with fire fully resistant to the chemical cargoes intended to be
detection, firefighting and ventilation equipment. stowed. If a bottle breaks inside the sample locker it
There should be 2 lockers so that incompatible must still be contained by a stainless steel tray, and
bottles do not have to be stowed together. should not seep out on deck.
89 90

Storage of samples
Storage and retention time may depend on the type
of the sample. Petroleum and petrochemical liquids
have a normal retention time of three months, unless
otherwise stated. The period during which a sample
has to be retained may also be specified in the
contract between the buyer and the supplier of the
material.

91 92

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 Sample locker
Storage of samples
The number of samples retained on board should be
carefully managed and, when no longer required,
they should be disposed of appropriately.
The Company should have a policy that addresses
the disposal of samples
Certain chemicals like propylene oxide and acrylic
acid samples are disposed off as soon as the cargo
is discharged without claims , due to their hazardous
nature

93 94

Labeling of samples
It is recommended to label the sample
immediately after it is taken. Waterproof and
oil proof ink should be used or a pencil hard
enough to dent the tag, since soft pencil and
ordinary ink markings are subject to
obliteration from moisture and handling.

95 96

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 Labeling of samples
The following information should be included. Sealing of samples
1. Name of the product.
2. Identification of the sample bottom/top/middle.
3. Name and number of the vessel, car, container. Sealing should be carried out in such a manner that the
4. Quantity represented by the sample. seal has to be broken to permit the opening of the
5. Date and if required the time at which the sample has been sample.
taken. Sealing wax should never be used for closing or sealing
6. References in connection with the time of sampling : before/ petrochemical samples. Many chemicals readily
during/after discharge/loading/transfer, etc. dissolve sealing wax. If contamination does not take
7. Place and description - name of installation. berth of vessel, etc. place during the sealing process, it is still possible that
8. Identification of the person taking the sample. small pieces of wax fall into the bottle after it has been
9. Purpose of the sample : opened.
- for retention.
Sealed samples will be retained for 3 months unless
- for analytical purposes.
otherwise required.
- for forwarding purposes.
10. Retention time.
97 98

Gauging/sampling Gauging/sampling
Safety Precautions Safety Precautions
Sampling is risky, vapors or spray from the Depending on the properties of the cargo, suitable
product may cause: protective clothing should be worn as required.
When taking samples from lines under pressure the
 Personnel health problems.
risk of spray from the product should be taken into
 Problems on deck or the environment account.
(terminal, water). Closed sampling to be carried out whenever possible
Stick to safety procedures and MSDS except at manifold.
Measures to avoid static discharges have to be taken
When samples are taken through tank
(bonding & relaxing time)(see PPT static electricity)
openings (hatches), personnel should stay to
the windward side of the opening.
99 100

25
 Gauging/sampling Gauging/sampling
Safety Precautions
Cargo compartments may be in pressurised
condition. Opening of vapour lock valves, ullage ports
or covers and the CONTROLLED release of any
pressure should be undertaken by authorised
personnel only.
When open gauging systems are being employed,
the tank opening should only be uncovered long
enough to complete the operation
When measuring or sampling, care must be taken to
avoid inhaling gas.

101

Measuring and Sampling Measuring and Sampling

Cargoes Containing Cargoes Containing
Toxic Substances Toxic Substances
Ship and shore should advise one another if a cargo When closed gauging or sampling cannot be
contains toxic substances (ship/shore safety check undertaken, tests should be made to ensure that
list). vapour concentrations are below the PELs
(permissible exposure limits). If these tests indicate
Terminal, inspectors and surveyors must be advised that the limit could be exceeded suitable respiratory
if the previous cargo contained toxic substances. protection should be worn.
If possible closed sampling and/or gauging should be Access points should be opened for the shortest time
used or all personal undertaking these activities possible.
should wear protective equipment.

103 104

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Measuring and Sampling
Closed Gauging for
Cargoes Containing
Custody Transfer
Toxic Substances
If vapour concentrations are rising because of; What is custody transfer?
 Defective equipment Modern loading and offloading facilities are largely
 Still air conditions
automated with a metering system monitoring and
 Effective closed operations cannot be maintained
controlling the hydrocarbon transfer process. The
metering systems can be used for varying purposes:
Consideration should be given to suspend all
 Fiscal metering (where taxes are to be paid on the amount of
operations and to close all venting points until;
oil transported),
 Deffective equipment is repaired
 Custody transfer metering (where the oil changes owners)
 Weather conditions change and improve gas  Allocation metering (where product flows from different
dispersion origins and is joined in one pipeline, or where multiple
consumers are supplied through one line).

105 106

Closed Gauging for

Custody Transfer
Custody Transfer
Custody Transfer can be based on; On board ships the custody transfer
 Manual measurements (closed system) system is approved by;
 Automated system based on automatic  API (American Petroleum Institute)
tank gauging  Major Classification Societies
 Automated system based on flow metering

107 108

27
 Closed Gauging for Closed Gauging for
Custody Transfer Custody Transfer
Gauging of tanks for custody transfer SHOULD be Temperatures can taken using
effected by use of a closed gauging system.
electronic thermometers deployed into
For the ullaging system to be acceptable for this
purpose; the tank through vapour locks. Such
 Gauging system should be described in the instrument must be certified and
vessels tank calibration documentation. calibrated
 Correction for datum levels, and for list and trim
should be checked and approved by the Samples should be obtained by the use
classification society. of special sampling devices using
vapour locks
109 110

Example: Kongsberg
Closed Gauging for K-Gauge CTS designed for
Custody Transfer LPG & LNG tankers

The systems consists out of:

• Radar tank gauge +
automatic calibration for
propagation speed in gas
phase
• Trim & list correction via
inclinometer
• Vapor pressure
measurement
• Temperature measurement

111 112

28
 Example: Custody tranfer via
flow measurement
System components
 Flow meter
 Quality system (gas chromatographs for to
measure energy content of natural gas and
sampling systems for liquid)
 Calibration systems

 Supporting automation

113 114

Example: Custody tranfer via Metering Unit on board of

flow measurement the “Excalibur”
Flow measurement via;
 Differential pressure • Ultrasonic type flow meter
 Turbine meters and gas chromatograph

 Positive displacement meters

• Applied extensively on land
based plants
 Coriolis flow and density measurement
(incl. Custody Transfer
 Ultrasonic flow (provide direct mass flow) Systems on land)
• No moving parts => very
Increasingly popular reliable

115

29
Ultrasonic flow meter Doppler Flow Meter
2 types Doppler flow meters
transmit ultrasonic sound
 Doppler waves into the fluid. These
 Time of flight waves are reflected off
particles and bubbles in the
fluid. The frequency
change between the
transmitted wave and the
received wave can be used
to measure the velocity of
the fluid

118

Time of Flight Flow

Meter
Time of Flight flow
meters use the
frequency change
between transmitted
and received sound
waves to calculate
the velocity of a
flow.

119

30