Enhancing Crude Oil Tank Inventory Stock Availability at PT Kilang Pertamina for National Fuel Security

Abstract

In 2022, PT Kilang Pertamina International (KPI) Unit VI Balongan initiated the RDMP project to increase crude oil capacity to 150 MBSD (Million Barrels per Stream Day) by adding equipment to the CDU. However, refinery capacity growth faced challenges due to corrosion and leaks in the crude oil tank walls. Repairing these issues through welding while the tanks were onstream posed safety risks, including explosions. As an alternative, the COMPACT team implemented the FEA + Composite Patch solution, using a cold work method to minimize risk and avoid downtime. Laboratory testing confirmed that the repair increased material strength by up to 10%. Further structural analysis of tank 42-T-101B using standard fitness-for-service (FFS) procedures revealed that the tank initially failed to meet safety criteria due to metal loss. However, local defect analysis indicated that, if mitigated, the tank could meet the required standards. Proposed mitigation measures, such as reducing the maximum allowable fill height (MAFH) or adjusting the RSFa value, would ensure compliance. Composite patch repairs also showed significant improvements in the tank's ability to withstand collapse, extending its lifespan by up to 62 years, supporting the continued safe operation of the storage tank and contributing to national fuel security.