By Capt. Soren Ibsen, VP of Milbros Systems

What is the Risk Level in Damaging Your Tank Linings?
Historically some fertilizer/crude grade phosphoric acid cargoes with low inhibitor levels combined with high fluoride and chloride levels have caused significant and expensive damage to stainless steel (SS) tank linings. In addition, some damages have led to premature scrapping of chemical tankers.

To date, when chemical tanker owners, operators and/or managers want to assess the risk level for damages prior to carrying certain cargoes, they rely heavily on their SS Manufacturers to provide information about the compatibility of the cargo, but that can take days and the response may be vague and not helpful in determining the risk.

Introducing Q88’s Stainless Steel/Phosphoric Acid Compatibility Calculation Tool 
To provide users accurate damage risk information, we have launched a new calculation tool within our Milbros solution. Available to Milbros Premium Subscribers, this new compatibility calculation tool uses a unique combination of scientific and SS producers testing information in an easy-to-use format to allow users to quickly determine if a prospective, phosphoric acid cargo specification is:

  • Well within tolerances – low risk of SS damage
  • Borderline within tolerances – some risk of SS damage
  • Outside tolerances – high risk of SS damage

Instant Results at your Fingertips
Our calculation tool is based on compatibility with SS grade AISI 316L / EN 1.4404 / 17-12-2.5, the tool also works for SS grades AISI 316LN, AISI 317L as well as 2205 Duplex which have higher tolerance for fluoride and chloride levels in phosphoric acid. Easily input eight typical specifications for phosphoric acid, including expected loading/carriage temperature to receive instant results.

For the tool to provide reliable results and reduce the risk of SS damage, users must ensure that the stainless steel is in good condition prior to loading, which means tanks are properly passivated and have no indication of corrosion or discoloration. Suppliers of the acid must provide true and accurate specifications for the cargo loaded.

Captain Soren Ibsen, VP of Milbros Systems says, “This is a great tool for our customers and the industry at large; owners, operators, and/or managers considering carrying crude phosphoric acid are provided with useful information as to which parameters are close to, or exceeding, the maximum allowed limits which in turn increases the risk for tank lining damage.” He continues, “Preventing SS damage by using this tool is better than any insurance policy that covers damage repairs because users will be given the needed information to not fix or not load high-risk cargoes in advance.”

Q88 has been a maritime tech innovator for 20 years and providing the right solution like the Phosphoric Acid Compatibility Calculation Tool is another example of our commitment to providing chemical tankers with the tools they need to manage the hectic demands they face.

Contact us today for more information or to get started with a Milbros Premium Subscription!