Vegetable and Animal Oils (Cleaning Procedure)

For effective cleaning of animal and vegetable oils the first cleaning step is of utmost importance. Vegetable oils are divided in:

•   Non-drying products
•   Semi-drying products
•   Drying products
•   Fatty acids Non Drying Products

1. Pre-Cleaning: Remove all loose cargo residues, dust and solid debris from the cargo hold by sweeping, scraping or high-pressure water washing. Where possible, pre-rinse the surfaces with fresh water to remove loose contamination.

2. Preparation of Cleaning Solution: Dilute the Liquid Alkaline Cleaner with fresh water according to the degree of contamination. A 5-10% solution is suitable for general cleaning. For heavy oil, grease or stubborn cargo residues, the concentration may be increased as required after checking surface compatibility.

3. Application: Apply the prepared solution evenly over the contaminated surfaces using a low-pressure spray, foam applicator, chemical injection system or suitable cleaning equipment. Begin application from the lower sections and work upwards to ensure uniform coverage and reduce streaking.

4. Contact Time: Allow the cleaning solution to remain on the surface for approximately 15-30 minutes. For heavy contamination, a longer contact time may be required. Do not allow the cleaning solution to dry on the surface.

5. Agitation: Where deposits are particularly stubborn, agitate the treated areas using suitable brushes, deck scrubbers or high-pressure washing equipment to improve penetration and removal.

6. Final Washing: Wash the treated surfaces thoroughly with high-pressure fresh water, preferably working systematically from the upper sections downward. Continue rinsing until all loosened residues, cleaner and foam have been completely removed.

7. Inspection & Repeat Treatment: Inspect the hold after rinsing. Areas with remaining contamination may be spot-treated with a stronger solution, allowed suitable contact time and washed again.

Important: Before full-scale application, test the product on a small area to confirm compatibility with hold coatings, aluminium, galvanized surfaces and other sensitive materials. Collect and dispose of cleaning effluent in accordance with applicable vessel, port and environmental requirements.