clean lube oil transfer system general locations and operations

Clean Lube Oil Transfer System

General Locations and Operations

The Clean Lube Oil Transfer System is designed to provide clean lube oil to all the engines in the machinery spaces from a central outlet in the engine room. It also provides a means for filling small make-up oil cans for daily filling needs.Clean lube oil is pumped directly from the Clean Lube Oil Storage Tank, to the dispensing outlet, and out through a connected hose/nozzle combination for filling lube oil into each engine’s lube oil fill.


Note:The manifolds for the Clean Lube Oil, Dirty Lube Oil and Oily Water System are mounted closely together, on the same tonnage frame in the engine room. This creates quite a bit of visual confusion in tracing the piping runs, so be patient as we work through this, and it will become more clear to you when you actually see it first hand.


The system has the following main components:1. Clean Lube Oil Storage Tank – 400 US Gallons. Aft Hold, Port,

Forward.2. Piping, valves, distribution manifold, vent and fill connection.3. Pneumatic, positive displacement diaphragm pump – Yamada NDP,

25 gpm @ 50 psi. Starboard Engine Room, on aft side of aft tonnage frame.

4. Digital flow meter: MacNaught Volume Totalizer with PR Digital Register. Battery operated – replaceable lithium battery with 3 year service life.

5. Discharge hose with nozzle.6. System air supply, with electric-over-air solenoid switch and

adjustable air-flow needle valves.



Clean Lube Oil Fill and Storage

Clean Lube Oil fill is located in containment area on Starboard Side Main Deck, Aft.

Clean Lube Oil Transfer SystemClean Lube Oil Fill and Storage

In the containment area you’ll see the vents for the Clean and Dirty Lube Oil Tanks, Oily Water Tank, Fuel Oil System, and the fill/discharge connections for these tanks.

Clean L.O. Vent



Clean Lube Oil Fill is the 1 inch Male Cam-Lock connection.

The 1 inch Female Cam-Lock connections are for Dirty Lube Oil Pump off, and Oily Water Pump Off.

Clean Lube Oil Fill

Dirty Lube Oil Discharge

Oily Water Discharge


Clean L.O. will pass from the fill connection in the containment area, through the deck and descend into and across the Engine Room.


The Clean L.O. travels across the E/R Overhead and towards the manifold on the forward side of the Starboard Aft Tonnage Frame.

This is where the distribution is configured to direct Clean L.O. to the Tank (or if desired, directly to the Clean L.O. Pump suction).

Like we said, there is a lot going on here, and even in person it is a little confusing, but once you get hands on the boat, and trace these systems out a few times, you’ll get it!


See what we mean…

This is the distribution manifold for the Clean L.O., Dirty L.O., and Oily Water Systems. Although they appear interconnected, they are not.

The three pumps are just on the aft side of this tonnage frame.

Just pick one system and trace it out, from source to destination, identifying valves as you go.

Now, let us continue with the Clean L.O. Transfer System…


From Main Deck Clean L.O. Fill

Clean L.O. Transfer Pump Suction ValveTo Clean L.O. Transfer PumpNormally Closed

To/From Clean L.O. Storage Tank


Clean L.O. travels down toward the bilges, then cuts across and aft. Note that the tubing at this point is both fill/suction depending on whether you are filling the tank from shore, or dispensing oil using the transfer pump.

Here it takes a turn around the tonnage frame and heads aft

Aft side of Starboard GenSet


Clean lube oil tubing heads aft, under E/R plates near the Starboard F.O. Day Tank, and then through the aft E/R bulkhead into the Aft Hold. You have to trace the 1 inch stainless tubing aft to where it penetrates the bulkhead near the E/R 120 VAC panel seen above.


This is what the Clean L.O. Fill/Suction line looks like at the penetration between Aft E/R Bulkhead and the Aft hold. This is viewed from under the floor plates beneath the E/R 120 VAC panel.

Dirty Lube Oil Fill/Suction Line

Clean L.O. Fill/Suction Line


When you enter the Aft Hold, looking to the starboard side of the fireboat, you will see the Dirty L.O. Tank.

If you lift up the fiber-grate, and go underneath this tank you will see where the Clean L.O. Line comes in from the aft E/R Bulkhead

Dirty L. O. Tank


View of Clean L.O. fill/suction line from under Dirty L.O. Tank

Clean L.O. fill/suction line traveling under fiber-grate in Aft Hold, Forward Bulkhead

To Clean L.O. Tank, Port side of aft hold


Clean L.O. finally arrives at the Clean L.O. Tank on the Port side of the Aft Hold.

There is a Remote Closing Tank Isolation Valve here. Operates by either service air or nitrogen -depending on type of shutdown initiated.

Normally Open

Visually verify this valve is open before any Clean L.O. transfer operation!

This valve remotely closes in the event of fire or emergency in the following ways…



Clean L.O. Fill/Suction Isolation Remote Closure

Hitting the E-Stop on Fire Control Station in the Wheelhouse or Port Main Deck Entry: Service Air will close the Clean L.O. isolation valve.

Activation of NOVEC Fire Suppression System: Regulated nitrogen pressure will close the Clean L.O. Tank Isolation valve. (Will review when we go over that system).


Once past the Clean L.O. Tank Isolation Valve, the tubing passes underneath the Clean L.O. Tank.

Extra Credit:This is the Crane Pedestal Drain Line to Oily Water Tank

Review:Afterpeak Ballast Line


Underneath Clean L.O. Tank

You can clearly see where the Clean L.O. Fill/Suction enters the Clean L.O. Tank

Clean L.O. Sample/Drain. Check for water accumulation and pull test samples here.

Extra Credit:Crane Pedestal Drain to Oily Water Tank ValveNormally Open


Clean L.O. Tank

Aft Hold, Port Side, Forward

Clean L.O. Tank Sight Glass


Clean Lube Oil Tank electronic tank level as viewed from Alarm Monitoring System (AMS) Tank Page


Clean Lube Oil Tank Filling Procedures

LBFD Lube Oil/Oily Water Transfer SOPs1. Person In Charge (PIC) – LBFD Fireboat Qualified individual (usually Fireboat Engineer), trained to

supervise Fuel Oil, Lube Oil or Oily Water transfer operations on the fireboats. Conducts pre-transfer conference, completes Declaration of Inspection (fancy name for check list mandated by USCG regulations) as required, operates all valves and pumps associated with transfer, verifies and monitors tank soundings/volumes/weights and distribution of liquids, establishes primary and secondary means of communications to be used by all personnel, ensures all federal, state and local regulations are followed. Supervises entire transfer operation from start to finish and must be present during entire operation unless relieved by other PIC or Assistant PIC.

2. Assistant PIC – LBFD Fireboat Qualified individual (usually second Fireboat Engineer) trained supervise and/or assist the PIC. Double checks and verifies PIC’s procedures.

3. Safety Officer – LBFD Fireboat Qualified Captain. Monitors overall transfer operation for safety of personnel and environment. Has authority to stop operation at any time.

4. Fireboat Pilot – Assist with transfer operation as directed by PIC. In charge of Deck Watch during transfer operation. Ensures vessel secure to pier, wharf, or dock. Maintains anchor watch or underway watch depending on type of transfer operation.

5. Fireboat Deckhands (2) – Assist with transfer operation as directed by PIC. Assist PIC or Assistant PIC in Engine Room or on deck as directed. Assist Fireboat Pilot with Deck Watch as directed by Fireboat Pilot, but with permission of PIC.



1. Display Bravo flag during day or all around red light at night

Clean Lube Oil Transfer SystemClean Lube Oil Tank Filling Procedures

2. Put scupper plug into containment area. 3. Ensure containment area deck drain cap is in place.


4. Always have rags, spill pigs, buckets, and absorbent material available at containment/fill station during entire transfer. Place (1) 20# Dry-Chemical fire extinguisher near containment area.

(This is a fuel oil discharge operation in the picture, just an example of having absorbent around)



5. Ensure diverter valve for containment area deck drain to Pump Engine #3 Overboard Discharge is closed (Position shown).

Note: We advise that this valve ALWAYS BE closed.The containment deck drain was designed to drain the containment area into the Oily Water Tank in the event of an accidental fuel spill, lube oil spill, or oily water spill.Diverting overboard is for absolute emergency only!


6. Measure level of Clean L.O. in tank, calculate volume and determine what volume of Clean L.O. you want to receive.

Always use two independent means of determining tank levels and volumes. Manual is generally more accurate then electronic gauging. One method verifies the accuracy of the other.

7. Conduct Pre-Transfer Conference with shore facility, delivery truck, or barge operator (Delivery PIC): Establish primary and secondary means of communications. Determine lube oil being delivered is correct type. Agree on quantity to be delivered Agree on delivery rate and pressure maximums, and if delivery

by gravity or pump. Complete Declaration of Inspection (safety checklist) and sign if

applicable. Verify delivery hose is in compliance with current hydrostatic

test date and is rated for petroleum service. Make sure hose has compatible connections and/or adaptors.



8. Connect delivery hose to Clean L.O. Fill.

Do not open valve until ready to receive!

This should be the last valve opened.


9. Clean L.O. Transfer Pump Suction Closed



10. Clean L.O. Dispensing Discharge Valve Closed(Dead center of the engine room)


11. Ensure make-up oil fill spout valve is closed

(This is outboard of the transfer pumps, between aft tonnage frame and Starboard F.O. Day Tank)


12. Ensure your Clean L.O. Tank Isolation Valve is Open

Indicator shows open


Note: Fiber-grate removed for clarity


13. Double check your line up. (Good opportunity for Assistant PIC to check your work).

14. Put all support personnel in place: One person to remain at fill/containment station through entire transfer to verify connection does not leak, and no outflow from Clean Lube Oil Tank Vent. Other personnel can keep an eye on other stuff, check mooring lines, and make occasional checks of surrounding environment.



15. You are now ready to receive Clean Lube Oil. Direct the person at containment/fill station to open the Clean L.O. Fill valve.

16. You may now tell the Delivery PIC to commence transfer at a slow initial rate (10 to 15 gpm < 40 psi).


17. Verify flow into tank both visually and electronically. There is an AMS panel in the Engine Room near the F.O. Manifold.


18. Verify no leaks, and don’t forget to visualize tank vent.

19. If everything looks good, go ahead and increase to maximum fill rate of 25-30 gpm @ no greater then 50 psi.


20. Continue to monitor tank levels, connections, and vent through out the filling operation. Do leave containment/fill area or Engine Room unattended during transfer.21. You may fill Clean Lube Oil Tank to no more then 90% of its capacity. DO NOT PRESS UP Clean L.O. Tank!


22. As you are starting to approach your stopping point, give the Delivery PIC a 5 minute warning you are about to shut down. If necessary you can have the rate slowed down as you approach your stop level. Just prior to stopping alert Delivery PIC “stand-by to shut down.”23. When you reach the mark tell the Delivery PIC “shut down.” Leave your fill valve open so the delivery hose can drain into the Clean L.O. Tank by gravity.


24. Once you are satisfied the delivery hose is drained, close the fill valve, disconnect the delivery hose, and replace the fill cap.


24.Clean up and don’t forget to take the Bravo flag down. You may leave the Clean L.O. Tank Isolation Valve open. (It is Normally Open)

Clean Lube Oil Transfer SystemClean Lube Oil Dispensing

The main purpose of the Clean L.O. Transfer System is to dispense clean lube oil to the engines during lube oil and filter changes.

The Clean L.O. Pump pulls lube oil out of the Clean Lube Oil tank and pumps it to a centrally located fixed discharge outlet in the center of the Engine Room.

A 1 inch flexible hose with dispensing nozzle is attached to this outlet, and is capable of reaching all machinery lube oil fills in Engine Room.

A digital metering system measures quantities dispensed.


Lube Oil Dispensing Outlet – 1 inch Male Outlet.

Center of Engine Room, Just aft of Pump Engine #1

Oily Water Suction Station

Dirty L.O. Suction Station


Clean L.O. Metering Gauge

Wish we could show you a picture of the Clean L.O. dispensing hose, but we don’t have it yet…

It will have 1 inch Female Cam-Lock connection to plug into outlet, and a nozzle on the discharge end.


The Clean L.O. Transfer Pump (as well as the other two diaphragm pumps) are activated by an electric-over-air solenoid system.

Each pump’s operation is controlled by individual needle valves. These valves control On/Off and pump speed by turning the knob (CW = off, CCW = on/ increase speed.

Common service air line from solenoid switch, regulator, and water filter


Service air powers all three pneumatic pumps from a single air supply manifold.

Service air is de-humidified through an air/water separator, and regulated down to a maximum of 50 psi.

It must then pass through an electrically operated solenoid valve.

There are two (2) switch controls that open/close this solenoid: One just above the solenoid pictured here, and one at the main deck containment area.

From service air branch line

Solenoid

To pneumatic pumps

Clean Lube Oil Dispensing


“On/Off” Switches actually Open/Close the solenoid, providing air to the common manifold. The individual needle valves (Normally Closed) are manually controlled to start which pump you want to operate.The purpose of the electric switches is to have a means of remotely shutting down pump(s) as a form of emergency stop.

Clean/Dirty L.O. and Oily Water On/Off Switch (to be mounted on bulkhead)

Extra Credit: F.O. Transfer Pump E-Stop

Clean/Dirty L.O. and Oily Water Transfer Pumps On/Off SwitchJust to port of the pumps.


Close-up of one of three needle valves for the pneumatic transfer pumps.

Always Normally Closed.

Clockwise is closed, pump off.

Counter Clockwise is open, pump running and increase speed.


Machinery Filling Procedure

1. Connect the Clean L.O. hose/nozzle combination here.

2. Open dispensing valve

To be done under supervision of Fireboat Engineer (PIC – F.O., L.O., Oily Water Transfers)



3. Reset the flow meter to zero:• Press a and buttons simultaneously.• Then press for “YES” to clear total/batch.

P SS



4. Line up the system:• Ensure Clean L.O. Tank Isolation Open

(Normally Open)

• Ensure Deck Fill Valve Closed (Normally Closed)



• Ensure Make-up oil (oil can fill) discharge valve is closed (Normally Closed) and capped.

• Open Clean Lube Oil Transfer Pump Suction Valve. (Normally Closed)



• Open Clean L.O. Transfer Pump Discharge Valve (Normally Closed)

You are now ready to pump into machinery fills:5. Place nozzle into machinery fill port.6. Press pump “On” Switch (opens air solenoid)



7. Turn on Clean L.O. Transfer pump @ needle valve. Quarter to half turn should get some action.

8. Open your dispensing nozzle and start filling your machinery.You may have to adjust needle valve to increase or decrease the pump rate (this will require someone to assist you - good thing we have two Engineers now!).These pumps usually pump well at about 60 to 80 cycles per minute.



9. Keep track of the quantity you are dispensing into the machinery right on this gauge. 165 gallons for CAT 3512 4.6 gallons for Gensets 7.4 CAT C-12 pump engine

10. When your done, shut needle valve, hit “off” button on solenoid switch, drain your dispensing hose, clean up your stuff, and put all valves back to their normal positions.


Make-Up Oil Jug Filling Procedure

Same line up and procedure as for filling machinery, accept you would open this valve, and fill the jugs at this fitting.(Note drip pan under)

And you would make sure this valve is closed

That’s it!Remember these final things:• Return all valves and, replace all Cam-Lock caps and plugs (The Clean

L.O. Tank Isolation may be left open) when finished with transfer operation.

• Take your time and trace your systems.• Know how to calculate your measure tank levels and calculate

volumes.• Always turn OFF air solenoid switch, and turn off all three pneumatic

pump needle valves when done.• Follow all Fuel Oil, Lube Oil, and Oily Waste PIC SOPs. Follow all

federal, state and local regulations.• Don’t be complacent.


clean lube oil transfer system general locations and operations

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