INTRODUCTION
This unit safeguards the quality of product drawn off from the tank and substantially reduces settling times. Although the Offset Type Floating Suction Unit was riginally designed specifically for use in tanks storing aviation fuel where a water and sediment free product is essential, their application has gradually extended throughout other industries.

Jet fuel quality is maintained by regular filtration and checks at all points and stages in its transfer to the airfield. The floating suction unit is but one of a large number of safeguards to ensure fuel quality and safety in air transport. Not only is water contaminated fuel a hazard to jet engine operation, but its presence also promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi which in turn can contaminate and block filters, and cause the fuel to be hazy and out of specification.

Sediment in finished fuel can suspend on the hydrocarbon/water interface and be sucked into the fuel upon transfer. By minimizing water, sediment and bacteria, the Offset Type Floating Suction Unit can help provide a consistent high quality fuel and reduce the time required for filtering, hydrotreating or increased settling time between shipments. It can also help jet, diesel and aviation fuel meet color, filterability and haze specifications.

The Offset Type Floating Suction Unit is ideal for use in crude storage applications where water is present. Bacteria are becoming more prevalent in crude oil due to down-hole water injection and water reuse practices in separation facilities. More water to the crude unit backs out crude from the refinery. Increased sediment and bacteria can upset downstream equipment. These conditions may result in a loss in refinery production. The floating suction unit can help provide a consistent high quality fuel by minimizing water, sediment and bacteria which results in an increase in refinery production.

FEATURE
There are six configurations available for vertical and horizontal tanks with fixed or floating roofs and outlets at the top, center or bottom, in sizes 3 inch to 36 inch[75 mm to 900 mm]. The fuel intake of the floating suction unit is positioned just below the free surface of the liquid level. The area available for drawing fuel into the suction unit is arranged so that it faces substantially downwards, away from the free fuel surface to prevent a vortex from forming which could cause air or vapor entrainment into the liquid stream.

At the heart of the Floating Suction Unit are the swivel joints which are triple-sealed units, specifically designed for floating suction applications. Being fully sealed units, contaminated fuel can not enter the pipework via the swivel joint, and an internal reservoir allows the joint to be grease packed for life with an aviation approved grease. This eliminates the need for tanks to be drained and taken out of service in order to Grease the bearings.

Another benefit of these swivel joints is that they can only rotate in one plane and as such, the movements of the entire system are predictable, unlike systems which use short lengths of flexible hose which can become twisted in several planes.

ADVANTAGES
* To ease installation, all component parts of the Floating Suction Unit can pass through a standard tank shell manhole.

* The arm can not lock in a vertical position - this can be important if the tank diameter is less than the height a stainless steel restraining chain is attached to the upper end of the pipe.

* The Floating Suction Unit is installed in a fixed position, air is not trapped in the arms during tank filling - at the highest point a hole is drilled in the pipe to allow air to escape.

* Long life and trouble free operation is maintained due to the use of swivel joints specifically designed for submerged service.

* At low level, the Floating Suction Unit is located on supports - this avoids the pipe work resting in any sediment on the bottom of the tank.

* The floatation chambers are designed such that if one is punctured the remaining one can keep the unit floating.

* The Floating Suction Unit can be installed and operated in a fixed roof, external floating roof and an internal floating roof tank.

* Because the product is always taken from the top surface and is less likely to be contaminated, this decreases the maintenance of filters in the draw-off lines.

* The Floating Suction Unit is custom designed, taking into consideration the specification of the stored product and operational requirements of the tank.

Offset Type are the ideal choice for floating suction lines. Constructed in rugged Cast iron with plain Ni-Resist bearings (Copper Free ) Offset Type cast iron swing joints are internally & Externally epoxy painted for Jet-A1 service. Offset Type are available in 8 inch through 36 inch size. Larger sizes available on application .All flanges are ANSI 150# Flat Face or Raised Face.