Liquid Bulk Storage and Product Compatibility
Why product compatibility drives tank allocation, cleaning and commingling decisions in liquid bulk storage.
Why compatibility matters
Two products that meet their own specifications can produce an off-spec mix when combined. Residues left in a tank, line or pump can contaminate the next cargo. Compatibility checks prevent both.
Previous cargo
Terminals look at what a tank last held. Going from a heavier or dirtier product to a cleaner one usually needs cleaning; the reverse may not. Products with strict limits, such as jet fuel or 10 ppm diesel, need the most care.
Commingling
Commingled storage, where several customers' product of the same specification shares a tank, is efficient but only works when every parcel meets the same specification. Segregated storage keeps one customer's product apart.