2014 Fuel Regulation ATP 4-43-2
2014 Fuel Regulation ATP 4-43-2
2014 Fuel Regulation ATP 4-43-2
July 2014
PREFACE..............................................................................................................iv
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................v
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Contents
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Appendix F
Appendix G
Appendix H
Figures
Figure 3-1. Petroleum management ...................................................................................... 3-2
Figure 3-2. Petroleum pipeline & terminal operating company .............................................. 3-4
Figure 3-3. Petroleum support company................................................................................ 3-5
Figure 4-1. Advanced Aviation Forward Area Refueling System .......................................... 4-3
Figure 4-2. HEMTT Tanker Aviation Refueling System ......................................................... 4-4
Figure D-1. Graph paper ........................................................................................................ D-2
Figure D-2. Elevation changes ............................................................................................... D-3
Figure D-3. Ground profile ..................................................................................................... D-3
Figure D-4. Net Available Head ............................................................................................. D-4
Figure D-5. Friction loss distance .......................................................................................... D-4
Figure D-6. Pump station locations ........................................................................................ D-5
Figure D-7. Ground profile with significant elevation change ................................................ D-6
Figure D-8. Ground profile with significant elevation change pump station locations ........... D-6
Figure D-9. Pressure-reducing valve locations ...................................................................... D-7
ii
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Contents
Figure E-1. Relationship between static head and dynamic head .........................................E-8
Figure E-2. Illustration of Pascals law ...................................................................................E-9
Figure E-3. Kinematic viscosities for common military fuels ................................................E-11
Figure E-4. Pressure loss (Feet/Head) due to friction in pipe ..............................................E-13
Figure E-5. Pipe lengths equivalent to valves and fittings....................................................E-14
Figure E-6. Hydraulic gradient ..............................................................................................E-16
Figure E-7. Downhill flow ......................................................................................................E-16
Figure E-8. Uphill flow ..........................................................................................................E-17
Figure E-9. Varying size of pipe ...........................................................................................E-17
Figure F-1. Single ring tank .................................................................................................... F-3
Figure G-1. Typical American Petroleum Institute gravity ranges (corrected to 60
degrees) ............................................................................................................. G-2
Figure G-2. Hydrometer ready to be read ............................................................................. G-3
Figure H-1. Data plate on 210,000-gallon fuel tank............................................................... H-2
Figure H-2. Blank Bulk Storage Tank Record ....................................................................... H-3
Figure H-3. Completed Bulk Storage Tank Record ............................................................... H-4
Tables
Table 1-1. Joint Publication 4-0 .............................................................................................. 1-1
Table 4-1: Black, Red, Amber, Green rated allowable fuel quantities.................................... 4-9
Table 5-1. Configurations ....................................................................................................... 5-1
Table C-1. Flow conversion table .......................................................................................... C-1
Table E-1. American Petroleum Institute gravity equivalents at 60F (15.6C) .....................E-2
Table E-2. Kinematic viscosity converted to Saybolt Universal viscosity ...............................E-5
Table E-3. Pipe lengths equivalent to lubricated plug valves ...............................................E-12
Table F-1. Tank measurements and deadwood..................................................................... F-3
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
iii
Preface
Army Techniques Publication (ATP) 4-43, Petroleum Supply Operations, provides techniques on how to
accomplish petroleum supply operations while deployed in an operational environment.
The principal audience for ATP 4-43 is personnel of all grades and levels performing in petroleum supply
positions. It is also applicable to personnel assigned to operational commands and staffs and provides both of
these groups with information necessary to conduct effective petroleum supply operations. Furthermore, ATP 443 provides information pertinent to multi-service partners and to units that must interact with multi-service
partners.
Commanders and staffs of Army headquarters serving as joint task force or multinational headquarters should
also refer to applicable joint or multinational doctrine concerning the range of military operations and joint or
multinational forces. Trainers and educators throughout the Army will also use this publication.
Commanders, staffs, and subordinates ensure that their decisions and actions comply with applicable United
States, international, and, in some cases host-nation laws and regulations. Commanders at all levels ensure that
their Soldiers operate in accordance with the law of war and the rules of engagement. (See Field Manual [FM]
27-10.)
ATP 4-43 uses joint terms where applicable. Selected joint and Army terms and definitions appear in both the
glossary and the text. Terms and definitions for which ATP 4-43 is the proponent publication (the authority) are
italicized in text and are marked with an asterisk (*) in the glossary. Terms and definitions for which ATP4-43
is the proponent are boldfaced in the text. For other definitions shown in the text, the term is italicized and the
number of the proponent publication follows the definition.
ATP 4-43 applies to the Active Army, Army National Guard/Army National Guard of the United States, and
United States Army Reserve unless otherwise stated.
The proponent of ATP 4-43 is the United States Army Quartermaster School. The preparing agency is the G3
Doctrine Division, Combined Arms Support Commend. Send comments and recommendations on a Department
of the Army (DA) Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) to Commander,
United States Army Combined Arms Support Command and Ft. Lee, ATTN: ATCL-TS (ATP 4-43), 2221 A
Avenue, Fort Lee, VA 23801 or submit an electronic DA Form 2028 by e-mail to: [email protected].
iv
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Introduction
ATP 4-43, Petroleum Supply Operations, provides a single, ready reference for commanders, staff personnel,
and Soldiers performing petroleum storage and distribution operations. ATP 4-43 expands the discussion of
basic petroleum operations introduced in FM 4-40, Quartermaster Operations, and petroleum distribution
discussed in ATP 4-93, Sustainment Brigade. Combined with these publications, ATP 4-43 provides the reader
with a complete understanding of petroleum operations within a geographical area of responsibility to include
greater fidelity and detailed techniques for actual operations.
ATP 4-43 contains information and techniques for petroleum operations ranging from basic planning, safety,
quality control, systems, and systems maintenance requirements. It also contains discussion on petroleum
organizations that could be expected to operate in-theater to provide an understanding of organizations and
coordination requirement capabilities.
ATP 4-43 contains five chapters and eight appendices.
Chapter 1 provides a brief discussion of the Armys role in petroleum supply in a theater of operations to give
the reader a basic understanding of the mission and responsibilities but without duplicating the information
found on sustainment ADPs, ADRPs, and FMs.
Chapter 2 provides information on safety aspects of petroleum supply operations to include grounding,
bonding, fire prevention and suppression, and introduces petroleum quality surveillance.
Chapter 3 introduces petroleum supply organizations at brigade and echelons-above-brigade levels to give the
reader an understanding of where he fits in the petroleum supply hierarchy. It also gives the reader an
understanding of units located at echelons above and below to enhance coordination efforts.
Chapter 4 describes the various petroleum storage and distribution systems and the capabilities of each to give
the reader an understanding of the types of equipment that is organic to his organization.
Chapter 5 introduces multiservice units and equipment to provide the reader with a basic understanding of
other services with which his organization might need to coordinate for either support or replenishment.
ATP 4-43 does not introduce any new terms, rescind any terms or modify any terms.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
Chapter 1
1-2. JP 4-03, Joint Bulk Petroleum and Water Doctrine, describes the Armys role in bulk petroleum
supply as, The Army normally provides management of overland petroleum support, including inland
waterways, to U.S. land-based forces of all Department of Defense (DoD) components. To ensure wartime
support, the Army shall fund and maintain tactical storage and distribution systems to supplement fixed
facilities. The Army shall also provide the necessary force structure to install, operate, and protect tactical
petroleum storage and distribution systems, including pipelines. In an immature theater, this also includes
providing a system that transports bulk petroleum inland from the high-water mark of the designated ocean
beach. Thus, the Army is responsible for receiving, storing, transporting, and distributing fuels to all landbased forces from the high-water mark at sea to the using customer.
1-3. To supplement Army petroleum force structure, storage and distribution systems, contracted support
may be used in varying capacities, from facilities and equipment to drivers and laborers. The use of
contracted support may generate requirements (contracting officers representative, fuel, housing, meals,
maintenance, security, transportation, etc.) that are not immediately visible to the planner. Therefore,
supporting contractors, if used must be a consideration for successful planning.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
1-1
Chapter 1
1-4. Under the United States House of Representatives U.S. Code Title X, subtitle b, part I, chapter 307
The Department of the Army, includes land combat and service forces and such aviation and water
transport as may be organic therein. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and
sustained combat incident to operations on land. It is responsible for the preparation of and forces necessary
for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint
mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peacetime components of the Army to meet the needs of war.
1-5. DOD 4140.25-M Army shall provide:
Wartime planning and management of overland petroleum distribution support, including inland
waterways to US land base forces of all DOD components. To ensure wartime support, the
Army shall fund and maintain tactical storage and distribution systems to supplement fixed
facilities 1-2.
The necessary force structure to operate and install tactical petroleum storage and distribution
systems, including pipelines. The Army shall maintain laboratories for certification testing of
petroleum and related products used in ground vehicle and equipment system applications, and
other than fixed-wing aircraft.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1-6. Organizations and designated responsibilities of each during petroleum operations are described as
follows.
The direct delivery fuels commodity business unit acquires and manages ground, aviation, and
ship propulsion fuels delivered directly to the customer from commercial vendors and through
posts, camps, and stations program.
The bulk fuels commodity business unit is the principal advisor and assistant to the Director
DLA-Energy/Deputy Director of Operations in directing the accomplishment of mission
responsibilities to provide worldwide support of authorized activities in the areas of contracting,
distribution, transportation, and inventory control of: Bulk fuels, including jet fuels, distillate
fuels, residual fuels, automotive gasoline (for overseas locations only), specified bulk lubricating
oils, aircraft engine oils, fuel additives (i.e., fuel system icing inhibitor ), and crude oil in support
of the Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program. The Bulk Fuels commodity
business unit also provides quality and product technology support for all of the commodity
business units in the DLA-Energy.
Executive agent actions are strategic in nature, involve all the Services, and are designed to
improve interoperability and create efficiencies.
The executive agent initiatives offer the greatest potential of shaping the DOD fuels community
to best support long-term Army transformation goals.
1-10. Additional missions of the Army Petroleum Center include but are not limited to:
1-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Validate class III (B) requirements for Army operating locations worldwide.
Provide technical assistance and readiness assessments.
Manage sustainment, restoration and modernization requirements for Army capitalized facilities
and provide engineering support for those projects.
Provide technical expertise for installation and operation of tactical bulk petroleum handling
systems and automated fuel management systems.
Establish overall Army quality surveillance programs and manage tactical and base laboratory
certification and correlation programs.
The combatant commander has the predominant petroleum responsibility within a theater, and
this responsibility is discharged by the JPO. The JPO works in conjunction with Service
components, SAPO, and DLA-Energy to plan, coordinate, and oversee all phases of bulk
petroleum support for U.S. forces employed or planned for possible employment in the theater.
The planning conducted at this level plays a critical role in crisis action and deliberate planning.
It yields a significant portion of the logistics annex and petroleum appendix of virtually all plans
and orders. This level of planning focuses on specifying the concept of bulk petroleum support,
delegating responsibility, and identifying required reports. The JPO establishes a SAPO when
and where one is needed to support specific requirements. The order establishing a SAPO
specifies the mission and additional instructions needed to execute the mission.
Plans should consider: the mission, fuel requirements, fuel quality surveillance, infrastructure,
equipment, support units, interoperability of fuel transfer systems, sustainability and
survivability, theater-specific factors, and the threat environment. When demand exceeds
availability, the JPO develops an allocation system to support the mission that is approved by the
combatant commander.
A mature theater may have available host nation assets (i.e., fuel sources, terminal facilities,
pipelines, railways, and trucks) that should be used to offset U.S. requirements. Because the
capabilities of host nations, allies, and coalition partners are theater-unique, the JPO/SAPO is
responsible for assessing these capabilities and integrating them into plans and operations.
Be under the operational control of the JTF commander. Key duties and responsibilities of the
SAPO are to:
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
1-3
Chapter 1
1-13. The theater sustainment command (TSC) is the materiel manager for a geographic area of
responsibility. A TSC may support one or more expeditionary sustainment commands (ESC) as required.
1-14. The ESC, if employed, manages materiel within an AO/JOA.
1-15. The sustainment brigade provides area and direct support to aviation support battalion /brigade
support battalion (BSB) and to forward support companies as required.
What responsibilities do the service components have for petroleum support? Have components
provided estimates of POL requirements?
Have arrangements been made to contract for host nation support or theater support contractor
resources with the supported combatant commander, JPO, or DLA-Energy?
Have POL storage methods and sites been selected? Have security arrangements for the sites
been established?
Have arrangements been made for transportation of POL within the assigned theater?
The mission, along with planned size and composition of the forces to be supported, should be
guiding parameters for planning efforts. The Army uses factors such as troop strength; numbers
and types of aircraft, vehicles and equipment; deployment times; intensity and duration of
engagement to determine time-phased petroleum requirements. Plans should include these
1-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
requirements, all pre-positioned stocks, and sources for resupply. Accurate fuel requirement
forecasting is critical to supporting the combat mission. Petroleum requirement planners must
receive the necessary training and resources to accomplish this task.
The capability of petroleum units in the operational area to provide fuel, storage, distribution,
and laboratories must be considered. Size, capability, and maintenance status of offshore
unloading facilities, terminals, distribution points, and bases are important to the logistic
feasibility of the fuel plan. Addressing this data can help determine the need for and method of
employment of tactical petroleum terminals, pipelines, hose-lines, and other fuels handling
equipment.
To ensure that petroleum handling and distribution equipment is available for support of
operations (e.g., Inland Petroleum Distribution System [IPDS], Advanced Aviation Forward
Area Refueling System equipment onboard maritime prepositioning ships, and equipment
onboard Offshore Petroleum Discharge System [OPDS] tankers), fuel deployment packages and
operational project stocks should be identified and considered for use. In addition, each
Services operating units for the specific petroleum handling systems should be linked to those
systems and identified for movement in the plan.
Identifying the types and arrival dates of units not tied to specific equipment systems and needed
for various support roles is critical to any operational success. Timely arrival of engineer units or
Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) contractors for construction of petroleum
facilities and underwater construction teams for OPDS setup are just some of the diverse types
of support units that must be identified.
Interoperability of fuel transfer systems should be considered and resolved in the planning
process for at least the following interfaces:
Seaport load and off-load facilities and Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore systems.
Airbase fuel storage and dispensing systems to receive fuel from commercial or military
sources and issue fuel to Service component and multinational aircraft.
Shore distribution systems to tactical fuel systems and equipment (e.g., IPDS, Fuel Unit,
Fuel System Supply Point (FSSP) and fuel tanker vehicles).
Sustainability and survivability should be factored into the plan to ensure petroleum support
feasibility. Assumptions made should be critically reviewed. Where appropriate, security
requirements beyond general user security must be identified.
Consideration must be given to theater-specific factors such as available commercial and host
nation supply sources and transportation assets. Many of these sources of petroleum supply will
have political, technical, and economic factors that limit their availability. These commercial and
host nation limiting factors must be taken into account when developing the plan to support the
deployment, employment, sustainment, and redeployment of forces. Some factors that
commanders and planners must take into account include:
REQUIREMENTS COMPUTATION
1-19. Regardless of the method used to determine petroleum requirements, the result is an estimate based
on inputs. For this reason it is important to use the most critical assumptions in determining requirements.
1-20. Petroleum requirement estimates are generated by Soldiers, equipment density, and operational
characteristics (defense, offense, terrain differences, etc.). Changes in force structure, equipment density,
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
1-5
Chapter 1
pace, weather, and other factors will all affect the accuracy of the estimate. The way you determine
requirements will be effected by the information you have available.
Amount and type of products (requirements) based on force size, composition and mission. The
integration of joint and foreign forces may have requirements that you would not normally
anticipate. Plan for a worst case scenario to ensure that you can support increased operational
requirements, to include additional forces on short notice.
What resources are available in country (host nation) that can be used to meet operational
requirements? This would include resources that can be brought in from neighboring countries.
Using host nation resources will free US military resources for other duties.
How and where will products be received? Different types of bulk fuels as well as packaged
fuels may be delivered by different means (i.e., ship versus rail) and arrive in theater at separate
locations. One product may even have multiple entry points.
Storage and distribution points should be located near customers and the bulk fuel main supply
route. The bulk fuel main supply route should be separate when possible, but may parallel the
normal distribution main supply route.
Size of individual storage areas will be based on the stockage objective, daily operational
requirements and the available tankage and systems used to store and distribute fuels.
Distribution systems or methods (transportation mode) depend on many factors to include the
quantities of fuel, the distance to transport it, how secure the lines of communication are,
availability of paved road, railroad among others. Know your area and your requirements for
fuel.
Once the preferred distribution method is determined, are the organizations and personnel
required to install, construct, operate, and maintain the system available? If not, adjustments will
have to be made.
1-26. The combatant command plan is the basis for all subordinate tactical and sustainment support plans
for the theater. This plan sets forth broad concepts, establishes objectives, assigns missions, and allocates
1-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
available resources. The Joint Petroleum Officer is the combatant commander's key staff member on
petroleum matters. Furnishes supply and distribution data for inclusion in the command plan.
1-27. The theater Army commander and staff use the combatant command plan as their guide in preparing
the theater Army tactical plan and the theater Army sustainment plan. The theater Army G4 first develops
sustainment support concept based on the tactical plan. He then prepares the implementing theater Army
sustainment support plan. This type of planning provides the guidance and broad policies upon which
operational planning is based. Theater Army planning is started before the theater is established. During
operations, the job of theater Army planners is to revise basic plans for the conduct of the operation and for
developments in the tactical situation.
1-28. The TSC/ESC is responsible for theater petroleum planning and the theater Army petroleum
distribution plan. When a TSC/ESC is not available, planning is done by the designated senior sustainment
commander in theater. The theater Army distribution plan is prepared and published as an annex to the
theater Army logistic support plan.
The petroleum distribution plan specifies the storage facilities to be used with required
capabilities. Shore storage facilities should be large enough to allow tankers to unload in
minimum time. The plan should give the size of terminals, tank farms, laboratories, and other
facilities and where they should be placed on a time-phased basis to support the tactical plan.
The distribution plan must specify troop units needed on a time-phased basis to support the
tactical plan. Timely arrival of engineer units to construct petroleum facilities and quartermaster
and transportation units to distribute petroleum supplies is critical.
To make sure that petroleum handling and distribution facilities will be available when needed,
the TSC/ESC petroleum officer prepares a projected requirement. All long-range materiel
requirements, including facilities, materials, and equipment needed to install and operate the
petroleum distribution system, are submitted as a theater operational projected requirement.
Procedures are prescribed by AR 710-1 and AR 710-3.
The TSC/ESC petroleum officer coordinates with other key staff members, senior, adjacent, and
subordinate and the Army Petroleum Center to insure that the distribution plan is adequate and
can be supported. Transportation, engineer, G3, G5, and others may need to assist in the
planning and coordination of plan elements. In addition, if additional support is rendered, it will
need to be identified and a part of the planning.
1-29. When Army sustainment support either is not available or not desired, U.S. forces may be supplied
through agreements with a host nation. The host nation supplies U.S. forces with common items and
services. The type and amount of support provided should be specified in signed agreements and included
in wartime sustainment plans of all nations concerned. The amount of support -- civil or military -- that a
host nation can provide varies based on its national laws, industrial capability, economy, and willingness to
give such support. Regardless of the difficulty in obtaining host nation support agreements, they should be
aggressively pursued. Host nation resources will most likely support above brigade combat team (BCT)
operations and can significantly reduce support requirements.
1-30. Procedures for mutual support among allied nations are contained in directives agreed upon for civil
military cooperation. A host nation can be requested to provide civil resources, including facilities, food,
services, or labor. National or allied commanders submit requests for civil military cooperation support to
the territorial command of the host nation. Where possible, and preferable, national/allied civil military
cooperation agreements are made with the host nation in peacetime.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
1-7
Chapter 1
1-32. Bulk fuels may be procured in the theater if available and the situation permits. The fuel is then
transported to the operational area by ocean going tankers or other means. Low use fuels supporting special
purpose equipment such as unmanned aircraft systems may arrive in either as a bulk fuel that has to be
packaged by Soldiers, or may already be packaged for forward shipment to outlying sites.
1-33. Large-scale combat operations may justify construction of coupled pipelines or hose-lines to move
bulk fuel from receipt and storage areas to other storage/distribution points. When used, the
pipeline/hoseline system should extend as far forward as possible to reduce requirements for rail and
highway transportation that can result to congestion. Pipeline/hoseline systems can be supplemented by
other means (rail, vehicle, barge, aircraft, etc.) for surge capacity or special situations which might not
otherwise be met.
1-34. Branch lines (Pipeline/hoseline) are used where practical to supply major users such as airbases and
tactical airfields from the pipeline. Tank vehicles, rail tank cars, and hose-lines are used to move bulk
petroleum products from operational to the tactical level. Using units are authorized organic equipment to
receive bulk fuel and to refuel their internal assets such as generators, vehicles and aircraft without
resorting to cans and drums.
1-35. The following are basic principles of petroleum distribution:
The basic petroleum operating concept is to keep storage tanks full at all times. The schedule for
movement of fuel through the system is based on ullage and product demand.
Daily inspections and quality surveillance throughout the theater of petroleum storage and
distribution systems is essential to detect leaks, sabotage, damage, pilferage and contamination.
Pipelines and hose-lines reduce the need to distribute fuel by road or rail and may reduce the
number of Soldiers needed to distribute fuel.
Distribution is made from bulk terminals and storage areas to the consumer by pipeline,
hoseline, rail tank car, barge, tank vehicle, and aircraft. Line-haul operations are usually carried
out by transportation medium truck companies (petroleum) assigned to petroleum supply
battalions or combat sustainment support battalions.
The use of packaged fuel is limited to the minimum amount needed for continuous support. Bulk
reduction is performed as near to the intended consumer as practical and subsequently
distributed by land or air transport.
In areas where lines of communication are not secure, alternative means of supply, such as air,
can be used and the days of supply can be increased to overcome the threat risk to the lines of
supply. Air Force capabilities for delivering petroleum products are discussed in chapter 5.
OPERATIONAL ENERGY
1-36. Operational energy is the sum of energy and associated systems, information and processes required
to train, move, and sustain forces and systems for military operations. Commanders at all levels must
consider ways to conserve or reduce the amount of operational energy resources used in military
operations. Through conservation of energy resources, commanders can reduce resupply operations,
increase vehicle and equipment efficiency, and reduce environmental damage. A continuous process,
commanders must plan and oversee operations to reduce consumption, use alternative energy means, and
incorporate the latest energy saving technologies. Employing a combination of best practices, technologies,
and discipline in managing and executing supply and field services operations will extend operational reach
and reduce mission risk.
1-8
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Chapter 2
General Petroleum
This chapter discusses general petroleum topics to include safety, fire prevention and
fighting procedures, grounding and bonding, fuel characteristics, quality surveillance,
sampling and testing of fuels.
SECTION I SAFETY
2-1. Petroleum products can be handled and stored safely if users understand and respect the unique
safety hazards that they present. This section gives POL receipt, storage, and issue safety techniques to
include safety, storage, precautions, and hazard control measures. Explosions and fires caused by ignition
of combustible mixtures of POL vapors and air cause some of the most serious POL related accidents.
Thus, controlling POL vapor formation and ignition sources at all times is critical in accordance with
Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA Pam) 385-90, Army Aviation Accident Prevention Program.
2-2. Safety training is the key to preventing accidents. Safety training must start during the Soldiers
initial entry training and it must continue throughout his military service. All fuel handlers should know
about petroleum and the safety principles for handling and using petroleum products. In addition, they
should know self-care techniques, fire prevention, first aid, and emergency safety procedures.
2-3. An ignition source must be present in order for fires or explosions to occur; a combustible material
(i.e., petroleum vapor) and oxygen are also required. Little can be done to control oxygen in a field
environment; however, the following work techniques and guidelines will assist in controlling ignition
sources, vapors, and increase the safety of personnel and equipment.
2-4. Control sources of ignition for personal safety, environmental considerations, and conservation and
protection of fuel supplies. Static electricity, open flames, equipment sparking, and even sunlight can
constitute ignition sources.
Friction and impact between tools and materials can create sparks. Use only authorized tools,
equipment, and clothing. Use explosion proof lights and flashlights.
Do not use open flames, heating stoves, or other devices (i.e., cell phones, electronic devices)
which give off heat, sparks, static electricity and other sources of ignition in petroleum storage
and work areas.
Cigarettes and matches/lighters are the single greatest cause of fires. Their use must be
prohibited in the vicinity of POL storage.
Electrical equipment and wires create fire hazards when they produce exposed electrical currents
(arcs and sparks) or when they create excessive amounts of heat. Keep tools and equipment in
safe and good working condition.
Spontaneous heating of a combustible material takes place when its characteristics and the right
environmental conditions cause a heat-producing chemical reaction. Pay particular attention to
safety data sheet for cleaning and storing instructions. Storing rags and waste in proper
containers and disposing of them properly can prevent this.
Strictly enforce NO SMOKING rules and place NO SMOKING WITHIN 50 FEET signs
where they can be seen before the individual is within 50 feet of the operation.
For all petroleum operations, always ground and bond petroleum equipment being used (e.g.,
pump, filter separator, tank truck, storage tanks, etc.) and the equipment receiving fuel. For more
information on grounding and bonding see paragraph 2-16.
Ensure spark arrestors are on all equipment used in and near petroleum storage areas.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-1
Chapter 2
2-5. Control and minimize vapors and combustible materials in order to prevent fire in the event that an
ignition source overcomes your protections. In the event a fire occurs, minimizing vapors and combustible
materials will ensure that the fire presents less danger and risk.
You cannot just pay attention to your own area. In the event of a spill, vapors will travel outside
the immediate area to other areas that may contain ignition sources. Ensure that someone warns
adjacent activities that flammable vapors may enter their work area.
Always inspect tank seams, joints, piping, valves, pumps, and other equipment for leaks. Repair
leaks at once. Replace defective hoses, gaskets, and faucets.
Make sure work and storage areas are well ventilated. Beware of unventilated spaces such as the
inside of tank vehicles.
Use drip pans, catch basins, or absorbent materials. Place them where they are accessible in the
event of a leak or spill.
Fill container carefully (whether filling a 5-gallon can, tank vehicle, or storage tank) and avoid
overflow.
Empty fuel pipelines, storage tanks, drums, cans, or containers contain residual vapors and are
more dangerous than a filled container.
Inspect drums and containers before using. Mark them with some sign of approval if they are fit
for use.
Carefully open containers that have or may have had flammable products. Heat can cause
pressure to build up, which may suddenly release vapors when the container is opened.
Inform others in the general area when conducting ventilating and vapor-freeing operations to
ensure that no sources of ignition are in or brought into the area.
Overhead filling is not authorized unless approved and signed by the commander or the
commanders designated representative. If you cannot avoid overhead filling, put the filling line
inside the tank so that the fuel will be disturbed as little as possible. This helps prevent vapors
and the buildup of static electricity.
Ensure notched handles are only on nozzles with automatic shutoffs. Tend all nozzles constantly
while they are being used in refueling operations. If you must use notched handles on nozzles
that do not have automatic shutoffs, make sure the notches are modified so that the nozzles must
be held open by hand.
Inspect areas for cleanliness often and properly store and dispose of materials as necessary.
Relatively small heat sources easily ignite trash, rags, scrap wood, and other such items.
Use fire resistant wall lockers and cupboards for storage in petroleum supply areas. Never store
newspapers or rags in them.
Label safety cans or other flammable liquid waste containers with a flash point below 100F
(37.8C) (e.g., gasoline or JP-4) in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 172.
PERSONNEL PROTECTION
2-6. Personal protection is the key to preventing personal injury. It is the individual Soldiers
responsibility to take the necessary measures and precautions (i.e., wearing personal protective equipment,
using safe working practices and techniques, learning proper first responder procedures, etc.) that keep him
and his fellow Soldiers safe. It is the command's responsibility to ensure that all protective clothing
required by the safety data sheet is provided to the fuel handler.
2-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
Inspect equipment, safety devices, and work areas frequently to ensure safety and to correct
hazards.
Keep the work area free of loose tools, lumber, and other objects that may cause accidents.
Wear fuel-resistant or rubber gloves and protective clothing to keep fuel off the skin.
Wear shirt sleeves rolled down and buttoned and do not carry loose items on your person.
Do not wear any wool clothing items or jewelry that may spark against metal surfaces.
Avoid exposure to fuel vapors for long periods.
Use only authorized solvents for cleaning. Do not use gasoline and carbon tetrachloride (or other
toxic agents) for cleaning.
Use walkways on tank vehicles, tank firewalls, and berms.
Do not load, transfer, or move petroleum fuels if an electrical storm is within three miles.
2-7. Despite all other actions taken, fire may still occur and may erupt forcefully. The following
techniques and guidelines will assist you to prepare and take appropriate actions in this event.
Have a fire evacuation and firefighting plan as applicable and ensure your Soldiers are
knowledgeable on what they are required to do.
Inspect all fire extinguishers/suppression units (hand held, trailer mounted, vehicle mounted, and
built in) as required.
Place fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment within easy reach (e.g., near equipment,
refueling points, etc.) but where it will be safe from a fire.
The priority is to prevent personal injury and death. Clear a path by spraying at the base of the
fire near the feet of Soldiers who are trapped by a fire. Continue making a path until they are
clear of the fire.
In the case of larger fires, the priority is to prevent the spread of the fire to structures, equipment,
and fuel storage areas. This may be accomplished by spraying aqueous film forming foam where
you do not want the fire to spread. Another method is to stay vigilant for burning debris and
extinguish it as it lands near areas that are to be protected.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-3
Chapter 2
Connect the ground wire from the refueling nozzle to a grounding point on the vehicle
(remember that refueling hose has a wire connection from end to end and leads back to the
vehicle).
Maintain the bond until the refuel operation is complete and the nozzle dust cap and vehicle fuel
cap are replaced reducing fuel vapors. All equipment being used in a petroleum handling
operation should remain bonded throughout the operation.
STATIC ELECTRICITY
2-15. Static electricity is an energy charge built up in a material through friction with another electricallydissimilar material. You can create static electricity yourself by rubbing your feet across a carpet and then
you can dissipate the charge by touching something metal such as a doorknob or car door. This produces a
spark and a shock to you as the charge dissipates.
2-16. In the same way, the flow of petroleum through hoses and pumps as well as into and out of tanks
produces static electricity. Also, the flow of steam, air, and other gases through tank, pump, and hose
systems produces these charges. Aircraft or vehicles moving through the air or along roads produce static
electrical buildup on them. This buildup cannot be predicted or prevented. However, it is not a danger until
it builds into a charge that can spark.
2-17. Static electricity is impossible to eliminate; however, it can be controlled and dissipated. Petroleum
handlers should always assume that static electricity is present during all phases of an operation, including
long-term storage of products. Sparking (and subsequent fire and explosion) from static electricity is a real
and ever-present danger during petroleum operations. The two primary ways to control and dissipate static
electricity are bonding and grounding.
2-18. The human body conducts electricity. Outer clothing, especially if it is made of wool or synthetic
fiber, builds a charge not only by absorbing part of the body charge but also by rubbing against the body or
underwear. When the wearer takes the charged clothes off or moves them away from the body, the
electrical tension or voltage increases to the danger point. If the clothes are wet with fuel, they may burst
into flames when removed due to the dissipation of static electricity. Exposed nails on worn footwear can
also cause sparks. This is a serious danger since fuel spills in refueling areas are common and fuel vapors
near the ground ignite easily.
2-19. Before opening aircraft or vehicle fuel ports or doing any other operation that would let fuel vapors
escape into the air, fuel handlers should bond them to the container by taking hold of it with a bare hand. If
it is an aircraft or piece of metal equipment, they should take hold of a bare metal part with both hands for a
2-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
few seconds. Although this type of bonding will not completely discharge static electricity, it will equalize
the charge of the body with the charge on the equipment.
Do not remove any piece of clothing (source of static electric spark) within 50 feet of a refueling
operation or in an area where a flammable vapor-air mixture may exist.
Do not enter a flammable atmosphere after removing a garment without grounding yourself first.
If a Solider gets fuel on his clothes, he should leave the refueling areas as soon as possible or
when refueling is completed. Petroleum handlers should wet their clothes with water before
taking them off. If there is not enough water at the site to wet the clothes thoroughly, he should
ground himself to a piece of grounded equipment by taking hold of it before taking off the
clothes. A skin irritation from fuel is not fatal; the fire that may follow a static discharge from
clothes can be fatal.
When possible, conduct petroleum operations on level ground. Always stop the engine, and set
the brakes.
Always chock the vehicle wheels when it is stopped. Chock the tractor and trailer of tractortrailer combinations.
Space tank vehicles a minimum of 25 feet during transfer operations and when parked. Be aware
that the tank on an empty tank vehicle is at least as dangerous as a full tank, if not more, due to
residual vapors.
During all loading, unloading, and fuel-servicing operations, keep tractors coupled to tank
semitrailers.
Make sure manhole covers stay open during all loading, unloading, and fuel-servicing
operations. This prevents tank collapse or rupture if the tank vent fails. When opening the
manhole cover, stand upwind of the cover to avoid inhaling petroleum vapors.
Check the pressure vacuum relief valves frequently in cold weather to be sure they are operating
properly.
Top load vehicles only during an emergency when bottom loading is not possible and it has been
authorized by the commander. Top loading greatly increases the production of static electricity
and fuel vapors in the vehicle and also increases the chances of a fuel spill. When top-loading,
make sure the drop tube or discharge hose is close to the bottom of the tank. Pump fuel at a
reduced rate until the end of the tube is covered; then switch to a normal rate. Have someone
constantly observe the fuel level in the tank to prevent overfilling.
PETROLEUM FIREFIGHTING
2-21. The following sub sections discuss the classes of fires, types of firefighting equipment, and key
planning considerations.
CLASSES OF FIRES
2-22. Fires are distinguished by four categories:
Class A fires involve combustibles such as wood, brush, grass, and rubbish. Water is the best
agent for extinguishing class A fires.
Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline and other fuels, solvents, lubricants,
paints, and similar substances that leave no embers. A smothering or diluting agent best
extinguishes class B fires.
Class C fires involve live electrical equipment such as motors, switches, and transformers. A
smothering agent which is not an electrical conductor best extinguishes class C fires.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-5
Chapter 2
Class D fires involve combustible metals such as titanium, zirconium, sodium, and potassium. A
smothering agent best extinguishes class D fires.
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
2-23. The primary method for fighting petroleum fires at smaller class III supply points is portable, carbon
dioxide fire extinguishers. Place one at each pump, receiving and issuing point and packaged product
storage area. Place other extinguishers where Soldiers can access them and critical areas of the supply point
quickly. Develop a supply point map showing extinguisher locations. Place a map at each checkpoint and at
several locations in the area of operation.
2-24. Locate fire extinguishers (or signs indicating the closest one) throughout the supply point. The
extinguishers must be in working order. The following are general rules for the use of fire extinguishers:
Loaded-stream. The loaded stream extinguisher is charged with an alkali-metal salt solution
and other salts. Potassium salts are part of the charge. Loaded stream is well suited to extinguish
Class A fires immediately and helps keep them from starting again.
Carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide extinguisher comes in many sizes. The charge of liquid
carbon dioxide under 800 to 900 pounds per square inch (psi) pressure is released by a hand
valve at the top of the unit. carbon dioxide dilutes air in Class B fires. It works well on Class C
fires because it is not a conductor.
Dry chemical. The dry chemical extinguisher is available in a wide range of sizes. The chief
agent is sodium bicarbonate powder with additives that produce water repellency and free flow.
The extinguisher puts out the fire by smothering it. It works well on Class B and C fires.
Purple-K. The Purple-K extinguisher is a dry chemical extinguisher using the extinguishing
agent potassium bicarbonate , commonly called Purple-K. This fire extinguisher is designed for
use on Class B and C fires. Purple-K is highly corrosive. Purple-K extinguishers usually have a
20-pound capacity.
Twin Agent Unit. This is a fire suppression system that is standard with large Class III bulk
supply systems. It has the capability of extinguishing 1500 sq. ft. petroleum fire with two agents;
potassium bicarbonate powder and aqueous film forming foam.
FIREFIGHTING PLAN
2-27. To fight and extinguish petroleum fires effectively requires a good plan. Every Class III supply point
operation should have a fire prevention and firefighting plan. This plan should cover all possible fire
problems in detail. It should also cover firefighting resources, to include fire departments and engineer
firefighting teams (where available). Soldiers and their supervisors at the Class III supply point have the
primary responsibility for controlling and extinguishing fires. However, they should immediately notify
their chain of command and outside support agencies, such as the fire department, when a fire breaks out.
Ensure your firefighting plan covers these areas.
2-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
FIRE INSPECTIONS
2-28. The key to petroleum fire safety is an active prevention program. Where the tactical situation allows
for periodic fire inspections, make sure all possible fire prevention precautions are in place and are being
followed. Ensure the inspection program covers the entire operation. Here are some key inspection points:
Make sure fire extinguishers are fully charged, properly placed, and clearly marked. They must
also be protected, ready for use, and available in the number and type required.
Check all equipment, grounds, bonds, and cathodic protection devices. Correct any conditions
that may be a source of ignition. If they cannot be corrected immediately, report it.
Check dikes around storage tanks for serviceability and adequacy. Ensure dike drains are closed
except during supervised draining.
Inspect pumps for leaks and spills. Ensure leaks and spills are cleaned up and reported
immediately. Inspect pump houses, if present, for proper housekeeping and proper ventilation.
Inspect permanent tank farms to see that dry grass and weeds have been cut. Ensure the cuttings
are removed from dikes and tank areas.
Check areas near where open flames for possible sources of flammable vapor release. Ensure
NO SMOKING signs are posted in such locations to ensure that there is no smoking within 100
feet of fuel operations.
Post and enforce rules covering those areas that permit hot work, such as cutting and welding.
PERSONNEL
2-30. Assign two people to each fire extinguisher in the supply point (three personnel per Twin Agent Unit
operation). Make sure all Soldiers in the supply point know and practice procedures for using the fire
extinguishers. Also, form a fire fighting team that drills extensively on fire fighting techniques to quickly
react to and extinguish larger fires. A five person team is appropriate for the unit level supply point.
EVACUATION ROUTES
2-31. Setup evacuation routes for vehicles and personnel. If a fire breaks out, all vehicles must be quickly
moved from the area. Never lock steering wheels on petroleum vehicles. Personnel not involved in fighting
the fire must also leave. Evacuation routes should be the most direct route out of the supply point. Show
these routes on the maps with the fire extinguisher placement.
FIRE DRILLS
2-32. Use fire drills to train personnel to react quickly to fires. Fire drills should be as realistic as possible.
Evacuation routes should be used and fire extinguishers manned. Conduct a fire drill as the tactical
situation permits.
FIRE INVESTIGATION
2-33. Investigate all fires to gain knowledge that may help prevent future fires. It is important to know how
and why a fire started. Check for an unsafe working condition or an improper act done by a Soldier.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-7
Chapter 2
The mission is also to recommend and assist in recovering, upgrading, downgrading, or disposing of
products.
The Joint Petroleum Officer, responsible to the theater commander, insures there is a quality
surveillance program within the command and monitors and assists in this program. He may be
assisted by Joint Petroleum Offices (JPOs) or Subarea Petroleum Offices (SAPOs).
The theater army command is responsible for setting up and maintaining a quality surveillance
program for fuels and lubricants furnished to users by the theater army. The program for bulk
and packaged products is carried out by the petroleum group through its petroleum pipeline and
terminal operating battalions. A petroleum quality surveillance program is required at all levels
of command and will be accomplished by the appropriate petroleum personnel assigned.
2-37. To accomplish this mission, the appropriate petroleum organization:
Operates and maintains laboratories to test all petroleum products in the command in a
reasonable time. Data on testing procedures are contained in the appropriate American Society
for Testing and Materials or Federal Test Method Standard . The most current Military Standard
(MIL-STD) 3004 and technical manual (TM) 4-43.31 provide guidance and requirements for a
quality surveillance system.
As required, gives technical assistance and performs laboratory analysis for Air Force, Navy,
and other commands and agencies.
Maintains an appropriate fuel sample log to track quality surveillance for storage tanks,
facilities, refueling systems, vehicles, and bulk deliveries. The sample log should contain the
following: date sampled, name of person taking the sample, sample source, type of sample, date
sample results are received, results, and a remarks block.
PERSONNEL COMPETENCE
2-38. An effective quality surveillance program requires properly trained personnel. Everyone concerned
with handling fuels and lubricants should be suitably trained and able to perform his or her duties.
Although the handling of fuels and lubricants presents many hazards, products can be handled safely if
product characteristics are understood and precautions are taken. Good housekeeping practices will insure
order and cleanliness and will promote safety.
PRODUCT CONTAMINATION
2-39. Basic sources of product contamination are water, dirt, rust and scale, and intermixing of products.
Products may also be contaminated with chemical or biological materials that may not be readily visible.
Contaminants change the quality of a product by adding undesirable characteristics that make the product
unsuitable for its intended use.
2-8
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
PRODUCT DETERIORATION
2-40. Certain changes occur in stored products and become more marked as the product ages. These
changes, which are forms of product deterioration, are mostly the result of natural causes. Although
deterioration may be initiated or hastened by storage conditions, it is not usually observable to fuelhandling personnel. The most common forms of product deterioration are weathering, which is the loss of
the more volatile components, gum formation, and the loss of oxidation inhibitors, and anti-icing agents.
The degree of deterioration can be determined only by periodic laboratory testing.
Type A.
The Type A test is a procurement inspection test. Types B-1, B-2, B-3, and C are performed
in quality surveillance testing (see current MIL-STD 3004). In addition, visual checks for
appearance, water, and sediment are made on samples at filling points for rail tank cars, tank
vehicles, and containers before filling and when changing to fresh fuel tanks and containers.
Such checks are also made on delivery-line samples or all-levels samples from tank cars and
tank vehicles after loading and before discharge. The types of tests and minimum test
requirements are given in the current MIL STD 3004:
All laboratory tests are performed in accordance with the method prescribed in the
appropriate specification. Specifications and deterioration limits are absolute and are not
subject to correction for tolerance of test methods. Whether or not a test and its results can
be reproduced may determine if the results are acceptable. When the same test is conducted
more than once on a given sample, the results are considered suspect if they differ by more
than the amount specified in the test method. Minimum test requirements are given in MIL
STD 3004C.
Sampling.
All samples are taken in accordance with standard procedures based on American Society
for Testing and Materials standards on petroleum products and lubricants. Many precautions
must be taken to ensure that samples are representative. The types of precautions depend on
the type of products being sampled; the tank, carrier, or container; and the sampling
procedure used. Each sampling procedure is suitable for a specific product under definite
storage, transportation, and container conditions. Since a sample is used for determining
physical and chemical characteristics of a product, the basic principle of each procedure is
to take a sample in such a manner and from such a location in the tank or container that the
sample will be truly representative of the product.
2-43. Petroleum products that do not meet specifications are reclaimed for use by downgrading, blending,
purifying, or removal of water. Products that cannot be used for their original intended purpose may be
furnished for use as a lower grade of the same or similar product or for another use. If this cannot be done,
they are reported not suitable for use and are disposed of in accordance with Army Petroleum Center
guidance. The Army Petroleum Center is the only Army organization authorized to provide disposition
instruction for Army-owned petroleum products that are off-specification.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-9
Chapter 2
products (particularly bulk products) is adequately measuring them. This section discusses petroleum
accounting records, reports and petroleum measurement techniques. AR 710-2, Supply Policy Below the
National Level; DA Pam 710-2-1, Using Unit Supply System (Manual Procedures); and DA Pamphlet 7102-2, Support Activity Supply System provide detailed accountability instructions. These include the
frequency of conducting an inventory; the percentages of allowable loss of product; determination when a
Financial Liability Investigations of Property Loss (FLIPL) is required; amounts of fuel that must be
adjusted for temperature; and when accountability is suspended or not required.
Gage the product by measuring the bottom sediment, water, temperature, and height of the
product. The height of product in a storage tank can be determined by measuring innage or
outage (outage is often referred to as ullage). Innage is the depth of the product from the tank
bottom or datum plate to the surface of the product. Outage is the height of space above the
liquid from a reference point on the tank to the surface of the product. Gauging is used to
determine the amount of product on hand and the amount of water in storage tanks. Also, it is
used to detect leaks or unauthorized withdrawals and to determine tank outages for receiving
shipments. You must get two identical readings to get an accurate gauge.
Gauging collapsible fabric tanks will be done using the string and stick method as outlined in
Technical Bulletin (TB) 10-5430-253-13. A maximum fill line will be installed on all collapsible
fabric fuel tanks to ensure maximum capacity is not exceeded.
After gauging, calculate the net quantity of the product at 60F (15C). This step is needed
because petroleum volume varies with temperature. The standard temperature on which to base
accountability measurement is 60F (15C). AR 710-2 gives gauging and volume correction
policies.
MEASURING EQUIPMENT
2-46. Special equipment is needed to measure bulk petroleum. Innage and outage are the two basic ways of
measuring bulk petroleum. Innage is the depth of the product from its surface to the tank bottom or datum
plate. Outage is the height of space above the liquid from a reference point on the tank to the surface of the
product. This equipment is given below:
2-10
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENT
2-52. Take product temperature (When required by AR 710-2 or the command) when a tank is gauged to
enable the conversion of measured quantity to the net quantity at 60F (15C). When gauging large
amounts of product, take multiple temperature readings based upon the height of the product in the tank
and then average the temperatures for a more accurate representation.
VOLUME CALCULATIONS
2-53. Do volume calculations according to AR 710-2 and this paragraph. Capacity tables showing
quantities of either innage or outage gages should be based on certified tank calibration data. The certified
calibration charts should be checked when repairs and modifications are made to the tank. The following
paragraphs discuss volume calculations for liquid petroleum products:
If the tank capacity table is an outage table and an innage gage has been obtained, convert the
innage to outage gage. To do this, subtract the innage gage from the reference height.
To convert outage gage to innage gage, subtract the outage gage from the reference height.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-11
Chapter 2
recorded on the gage sheet to get the factor. Enter this factor as the multiplier on the gage sheet. Appendix
G gives more detailed procedures for computing volume correction factors.
DA Form 3644 (Monthly Abstract of Issues of Petroleum Products and Operating Supplies)
2-64. Soldiers doing accountability post summarized information from DA Form 3643 to DA Form 3644
to show total monthly issues and receipts. Soldiers at the supply point or their next higher headquarters may
prepare this report. If Soldiers at the supply point prepare the report, they must send it to the responsible
centralized stock accounting section for accounting record adjustment.
2-12
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
General Petroleum
Stock/Property Records
2-67. Keep day-by-day stock/property records on a DA Form 1296 (Stock Accounting Record) to show
where and how much of each product is on hand at a storage facility.
DA Form 3853-1
2-68. This form is used to record physical inventories of bulk fuel. The use of this form is given in DA
Pamphlets 710-2.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
2-13
Chapter 3
PETROLEUM UNITS
3-1. With the advent of modular, multipurpose units it is important to recognize that mission changes
affect capabilities. As an example, a unit capable of operating two 300K FSSP in separate locations may be
capable of operating only one 800K FSSP. All petroleum units are dependent on higher-echelon units for
administrative services, force health protection, supplemental transportation, and maintenance support that
are beyond the ability of unit-level support design.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
3-1
Chapter 3
to the BCT. When supporting multifunctional or functional support brigades performing Corps missions
such as out-of-sector operations, the combat sustainment support battalions (CSSB) will also be specifically
organized with the same multi-capable composite supply company and composite truck company to
augment the support brigade logistics capability. Other CSSBs are organized with functional logistics units
based on mission requirements.
Battalion command section provides necessary command, control, and supervision over
petroleum support companies of the battalion and its assigned and attached transportation units.
3-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Current Operations-Intelligence/S2 section provides supervision for the security and operations
of the battalion's military petroleum supply and distribution system.
Current Operations-Ops/S3 section provides supervision over those activities not classified as
sustainment functions but charged to the battalion as tactical missions. The S3 advises and
assists the battalion commander in planning, coordinating, and supervising battalion
communications, tactical operations, unit training, security, and intelligence functions.
Sustainment 1 (S1/S2/S4/S6/Unit ministry team) provides personnel management and
administrative support throughout the battalion; technical assistance on supply and maintenance
to the subordinate units in the battalion; provides 24-hour communication and message service
within the battalion headquarters; and advises the commander on ethics, morale and morale
development, and religious matters.
Sustainment 2 (Support Operations) provides a central dispatching element and coordinates bulk
petroleum movement by means other than pipeline.
The Petroleum lab branch conducts analysis of petroleum products received and stored in
operating units and provides area petroleum lab support as directed. Equipped with the
Petroleum Quality Analysis System Enhanced, the branch can be employed throughout the
operational area to support petroleum operations when total testing (types A & B1) is not
required.
The detachment headquarters provides the necessary command and supervision to include
administration, organizational supply, security, and training activities.
3-12. In a theater, there may be multiple petroleum support battalions with two or more petroleum support
companies, petroleum pipeline and terminal operating company, and/or transportation medium truck
companies (petroleum). This unit plans for the storage, distribution, and quality surveillance of bulk
petroleum products required by BCTs and echelons above BCTs, and ensures that a prescribed portion of
the corps/theater petroleum reserve is maintained by attached petroleum supply units.
The company headquarters provides mission command, administration, and sustainment support
required to conduct unit operations.
The petroleum products control section receives detailed operating instructions from the system's
dispatcher/scheduler or higher headquarters and directs the company elements executing the
instructions; performs supply control and accounting functions for bulk petroleum products
received, stored, and issued by the company; monitors bulk petroleum requests from operating
platoons; and consolidates and forwards appropriate reports to higher headquarters.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
3-3
Chapter 3
The maintenance section provides unit maintenance on the organic wheeled vehicles, materials
handling equipment, compressors, and power generating equipment.
The terminal operating platoon headquarters supervises the receipt, storage, issue, and
distribution of bulk fuels; provides platoon administration, internal safety, and security; and
inspects and performs quality surveillance on bulk fuels it handles.
The tank farm sections provide personnel to operate two fixed bulk petroleum terminals or one
TPT. The hoseline allows portable dispensing beyond the reach of the pipeline or as a branch
line. Components of the TPT may also be configured to establish a class III supply point for
receipt, storage, and issue of three types of fuels from tank trucks or other means of supply. Tank
farm and/or storage and issue section personnel may be tasked to operate a beach termination
unit for ship-to-shore receipt of fuel from offshore tankers.
The storage and issue section operates the FSSP, two 5,000 gallon tankers, four tank and pump
units, and when required performs limited bulk reduction of petroleum fuels.
The pipeline operating platoon headquarters supervises and directs operation of approximately
75 miles of multiproduct pipeline and up to five pump stations.
The service support section provides field and sustainment maintenance on pipeline pump
stations and related equipment peculiar to the pipeline system and the TPTs throughout the
units area of responsibility. Maintenance functions include ordering equipment parts, repairing
and replacing valves, blinds, pressure gauges, meters, line strainers, pump units, welded
pipelines, coupled lines, hose-lines, and other related pipeline equipment.
The pipeline sections operate up to five pump stations and patrol the pipeline for leaks, sabotage,
and other problems.
Operate three receipt, storage, and issue facilities, with each capable of storing up to 600,000
gallons (50K Tanks) or 1,680,000 gallons (210K Tanks), receive and issue up to 400,000 gallons
(50K Tanks) or 645,000 gallons (210K Tank) per day.
Operate a fuel storage facility connecting into pipeline systems with the use of an emergency
take-off point kit.
Operate bulk fuel railheads and/or fixed class III installations as required.
3-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Operate up to three area supply support points in direct support of non-brigade units with
combined receipt, storage, and issue capability of 360,000 gallons and a distribution capability
of 146,250 gallons of bulk petroleum daily, based on 75 percent availability of fuel dispensing
vehicles making two trips per day.
The petroleum support company receives, stores, and issues bulk fuels in support of BCTs and
echelons above BCTs. Normally assigned to a petroleum support battalion, the company is
employed throughout the echelon above brigade area to provide wholesale and retail POL
support. Elements of the company may operate in the brigade support area and can be attached
to any of the companies of the combat sustainment support battalion (CSSB) to provide a
tailored capability. Normally there is one per petroleum support battalion, but there may be
more, based on stated requirements.
3-19. The company headquarters provides mission command, administrative, sustainment support to the
petroleum support company and attached elements. This unit is normally assigned to a petroleum support
company (50K Bags or 210K Tanks) and employed in the CSSB or theater support area to provide mission
command for two to four platoons. Normally, there is one headquarters element per two to four Platoons.
This unit provides mission command, administrative, sustainment for all assigned and attached elements.
3-20. The petroleum support company headquarters has the following elements:
Company headquarters provides mission command, administrative, and sustainment support for
assigned and attached units.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
3-5
Chapter 3
3-23. This unit has a support operations section which directs, coordinates, and monitors receipt, storage,
and issue of bulk petroleum, including the delivery of bulk fuels by organic fuel dispensing vehicles to
local high-volume use customers. Coordinates the control, purification, storage, and distribution of potable
water. This section is responsible for planning of all operations to comply with national, state, local, and
host nation environmental protection laws.
The platoon headquarters provides daily inventories, quality surveillance, and coordination of
transportation support based on customer requirements.
Tank Farms (x2) provide general support mission capability and can store 600,000 gallons
(210K Tanks = 1,680,000 gallons) at one location or 300,000 gallons (210K tanks = 840,000
gallons) each at two locations, utilizing 50,000 gallon bags and two Fuel System Supply Points
(FSSPs). They can receive and issue up to 400,000 gallons of bulk petroleum.
Area support section provides direct support mission capability and can store up to 120,000
gallons of bulk petroleum at one location and 60,000 gallons when at two locations. It can
receive and/or issue in any combination up to 120,000 gallons daily.
Distribution section provides local delivery and fuel services with its five 5K tankers and four
tank and pump units. It can distribute 48,750 gallons of fuel daily based on 75 percent
availability of fuel dispensing vehicles at two trips per day. It can also establish and operate four
hot refueling points using one Advanced Aviation Forward Area Refueling System systems for
transitory aircraft.
3-27. The company headquarters provides mission command, administrative, sustainment, operational, and
field feeding support, and field level maintenance management to the petroleum support company.
Normally assigned to a petroleum battalion or a CSSB, the company is normally located within a CSSB or
echelons above brigade. There is one per petroleum support company.
3-28. This unit has the following elements:
Operations section comprised of Soldiers and non-commissioned officers from across all major
Quartermaster occupational specialties provides subject matter experts to complement the first
sergeant.
Field feeding section provides field feeding for the company. This section can provide remote
field feeding support to one site using an assault kitchen.
3-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
organized to company-level sustainment headquarters. This unit is dependent on the company headquarters
for all normal unit-level support and Engineer support for site preparation.
3-30. The petroleum support platoon is a modular sustainment unit which may operate independently, or as
part of a larger unit within a sustainment brigade area of operations. It provides direct and area support to
all units within a specified area of operations. It offers full-spectrum POL support that is deployable
independent of the parent organization. Normally, three are assigned to a petroleum support company.
However, each platoon is capable of operating at a geographically remote location.
3-31. This platoon has the following elements:
The platoon headquarters provides technical guidance and supervision, daily inventories, quality
surveillance, and coordination of transportation support based on customer requirements.
The bulk storage section (x2) provides general support mission capability of 600,000 gallons of
bulk petroleum. This section contains two separate 300K FSSPs, with each location utilizing
50,000 gallon bags, and can receive and issue up to 400,000 gallons of bulk petroleum daily.
The area support section provides direct support mission capability. This section can store a
120K FSSP and two tank and pump units mounted on medium trucks and trailers for retail issue
of petroleum to support units. It can receive and/or issue in any combination up to 120,000
gallons daily.
The distribution section consists of 5,000 gallon tankers (x5) and medium tractors (x5). The
distribution capability of 48,750 gallons of fuel daily, based on 75 percent availability
dispensing vehicles at two trips per day.
The maintenance section attaches a company field maintenance section to augment their
capability or perform field maintenance for the platoon when operating independently.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
3-7
Chapter 3
3-36. This team has a petroleum liaison team, which provides liaison and coordination for bulk petroleum
support between U.S. forces, allied forces, and host nations.
3-8
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
company requires assets from the composite transportation company or other transportation units to
distribute mobile fuel storage systems. The petroleum quality analysis system which resides in the
composite supply companys fuel and water platoon provides direct support quality assurance and testing
capabilities to the BCT and on an Area basis.
3-44. There is also a composite supply company that resides in the CSSB located in the Corps area. Its
mission is to provide bulk petroleum quality assurance, storage and distribution on an area basis and it is
capable of supporting the CSSB operating in the divisional area.
PETROLEUM EQUIPMENT
3-45. The following section describes the types of petroleum equipment used during operations and gives a
brief description of its employment.
PIPELINE/HOSELINE
3-46. Petroleum units utilize hose-lines and/or pipelines for use over short and long distances to replace or
supplement vehicle delivery. This reduces the number of trucks on the main and secondary supply routes
while ensuring that petroleum requirements are met efficiently and effectively. These lines must be
patrolled sufficiently to reduce and mitigate sabotage and theft. Generally, hose-lines can be installed
rapidly and be in an operational condition in much less time than pipelines. Pipelines offer durability and
the capability to operate at higher pressures meaning pump stations can be further apart.
VEHICLE
3-47. Vehicles and trailers specifically designed to receive, transport and off-load or issue petroleum fuels
are used throughout the theater at all levels. These will incorporate safety features required for use with
liquids such as baffling in the tanks to mitigate product movement in transit. These will be designed to
carry fuel quantities appropriate for the mission anticipated for the vehicle. Vehicle missions include linehaul, bulk fuel dispensing, support of refuel-on-the-move (ROM) and aviation refueling missions as well as
retail issue into ground vehicles.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
3-50. Equipment maintenance, to include preventative maintenance checks and services and regularly
scheduled services are among the most important tasks to ensure mission success. Most equipment has
established routine inspection intervals. Equipment in storage also requires inspections and services. These
inspections can be incorporated with unit training to ensure it remains operational.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
3-9
Chapter 4
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
4-1
Chapter 4
containerized system issued in different fuel storage sizes depending on unit mission. The sizes are as
follow:
4-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
4-3
Chapter 4
4-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
CONCEPT
4-23. The Armys highly mobile force depends on fuel to sustain it on the battlefield more than it ever has
in the past. A maneuverable force needs large amounts of fuel in a timely fashion to maintain its offensive
posture. Combat vehicles must be refueled efficiently, rapidly, and safely. For combat forces to remain
maneuverable, fuel resupply must be flexible and innovative. A ROM operation is normally accomplished
as far forward on the battlefield as the tactical situation permits, prior to the tactical assembly area. The
doctrinal purpose of ROM is to extend the time that ground maneuver forces can spend on the objective,
although ROM can be tailored to other situations as well. When vehicles enter a ROM site for refueling,
they receive a predetermined amount of fuel (usually timed) and they move out to return to their convoy or
formation. This distinguishes it from routine convoy refueling operations.
WARNING
4-24. Due to safety considerations, normal vehicle refueling is done with the engine off. AR 385-10 states
that commanders will apply all normal safety standards to their operations unless it is necessary to change
to do the mission. In training situations, changes may be authorized only by the commander. Commanders
will evaluate the significance of the assumed risk versus the training benefit. In combat operations,
commanders will make decisions based on METT-T and risk analysis.
CONSIDERATIONS
4-25. In planning a ROM operation, METT-T must be considered. Based on these considerations, identify
plan, and conduct the type of ROM operations that best support the commanders scheme of maneuver.
MISSION
4-26. The mission drives the need for ROM operations. Since the ROM site is a vulnerable, high value
target, consider other refueling options which will do the mission. ROM missions are most often used to
support extended moves to a tactical assembly area before an attack or before retrograde moves.
ENEMY
4-27. Known or expected enemy activity in the area of operations and area of interest must be considered.
Clear and secure the ROM site before the fuel semitrailers arrive. Risk increases significantly as the ROM
gets closer to the forward line of own troops. Consider enemy artillery range when choosing the ROM sites
and concealing its operations. Air defense assets should support the ROM site if there is any enemy air
threat.
TERRAIN
4-28. A thorough terrain analysis is an essential part of a successful ROM operation. Examine the routes of
march, supporting road networks, cover and concealment, the locations of check points, and whether or not
the terrain can support loaded fuel semitrailers and high traffic flow. A movement using multiple routes of
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
4-5
Chapter 4
march may require several ROM sites. Wet, swampy, or restrictive terrain will not support most ROM
operations due to the weight of the fuel trailers and the high traffic flow.
TROOPS
4-29. The status of combat vehicle crew and supporting unit soldiers must be analyzed. Do they have
enough crew members to operate the issue nozzle themselves and let the driver remain in the vehicle during
refueling? Are the soldiers trained on ROM operations? Analyze the forces available to secure the ROM
site and perform traffic control.
TIME
4-30. Time must be considered. Consider the time it will take to cover the distances vehicles will be
moving; the amount of time available to coordinate, secure, establish, and camouflage the ROM site; the
acceptance rate of unit vehicles and the number of minutes of fuel they will receive. Also, determine how
far in advance of the main body the security force and fuel semitrailers can deploy while still concealing
the projected unit move. The ROM site personnel must ensure each vehicle receives the correct number of
minutes of fuel. If not, the following march units will back up.
PRIOR PLANNING
4-32. Plan a contingency for equipment failure. Make sure there is enough room in the site to move
equipment. Make the most use of natural cover and concealment. Include a signal system to coordinate the
operation. Use signals to start and stop refueling operations, and coordinate the vehicle serials to and from
the holding areas. Use the arm and hand signals or flags during the day. Long distances may require radio
communications. At night or in low visibility conditions, use chemical light or flashlights for signals.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
4-33. Enforce grounding and bonding procedures for fuel semitrailers, pumps, filter/separators and each
refueling point.
4-34. Make sure fuel handlers wear protective clothing (for example, standard combat uniform, hearing
protection, goggles, and gloves). With the exception of the standard uniform, other items are normally
provided by the organization.
4-35. Locate fire extinguishers at each refueling point and source of fuel (but not so close that they cannot
be reached in the event of a fire).
4-36. Place fuel drip pans at each refueling point and fuel source. When draining drip pans, observe fire,
safety, and environmental precautions.
4-37. Ensure the fuel spills procedures and equipment should include, as a minimum, sorbents, shovels,
and containers. A standard operating procedure should detail equipment and procedures for response in a
field environment. Ensure that the standard operating procedure follows federal, state and local
requirements.
4-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
RESPONSIBILITIES
4-38. For the ROM operation to be expedient and personnel to be proficient on the battlefield, prior
coordination and planning must be conducted throughout the chain of command. Successful conduct of
ROM operations will require all units to work together. Planning must include both supporting and
supported units. It must cover in detail the organization, sustainment, and protection of ROM site(s) and the
organization and conduct of the overall operation.
PLANNING STAFFS
4-39. Determine if you need more support requirements to conduct ROM operations and coordinate their
requirements with your higher headquarters. Coordinate with higher headquarters for operational and
intelligence data. Analyze all factors involved, including the METT-T, to determine the type of refueling
operation needed to support the mission. The recommendation is then forwarded to the commander. Select
the location for the ROM site based on the METT-T, the ROM configuration, and the established march
route. Coordinate ROM security support before setting up the ROM site. Coordinate with the military
police for traffic control support at the site. Receive and review estimated fuel requirements and coordinate
with the Class III section of the sustainment brigade or TSC. Review and coordinate the vehicle movements
into the refueling area to prevent convoy backup.
ROM
4-43. The ROM kit consists of enough hoses, valves, and fittings to refuel up to eight combat vehicles at
the same time. The kit takes care of transporting the ROM. Any cargo vehicle with a payload capacity
greater than 1.5 tons can be used. The ROM weighs about 2,900 pounds. It cannot be loaded on the fueltransporting semitrailer due to the weight limit of the semitrailer. The main fuel source is the 5,000- gallon
fuel semitrailer (model, M969s) using onboard pump and filter/separator. The average flow rate at each of
the eight nozzles, using the fuel semitrailer, is 35 GPM. The area to set up and operate the eight-point ROM
kit is about 550 feet long by 150 feet wide. Multiple tankers can be connected to the ROM kit by means of
a Y- or T-fitting and valves. One tanker will be dispensing fuel through the ROM to refuel vehicles. The
remaining tanker is backup and ready to replace the issuing tanker when it is empty.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
4-7
Chapter 4
Note. If conducting multiple tanker operations, fuel should not be received into and dispensed
out of the same tanker at the same time. This would only be possible through top loading, which
is a safety hazard.
4-44. As a tanker is emptied, the fuel dispensing source is transferred to the backup tanker by the resetting
of the values at the Y and/or T. This will allow fuel issues to continue to the combat vehicles. Fuel
semitrailers can be shuttled to and from the ROM site to maintain a fueling tanker on-site.
MINI-ROM
4-45. Setting up several Mini-ROMs (four-point ROM), dispersed within the same general area, can reduce
the vulnerability of the operation. More security personnel may be required to cover the larger operational
area. More traffic control personnel may be required as a result of the multiple ROM sites. Set up a main
TCP along the route of march before the mini-ROM sites. Set up communications to coordinate traffic
control between the main TCP and the mini-ROM sites. When a march unit reaches the TCP, direct it to
break down into sub elements that equal the number of refueling points at each individual mini-ROM site
and proceed to a designated location.
Due to the friction that exists between the hose and the fuel (head loss due to friction), the
farther the pump is from the fuel source (in feet of hose), the harder it is to prime the pump and
maintain the prime once established.
Because of head-loss due to friction, the further an issue point is from the pump, the less
pressure will be available at that point. In a line with multiple issue points, the point closest to
the pump will receive the most flow and the farthest point the least flow.
In a line with multiple issue points being operated simultaneously, the difference in flow rate
between those points closest to the pump and those farthest from the pump may be significant.
(NOTE: This is important during any time-based refueling operation.)
4-8
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Traffic flow should be one way through the refueling site. This helps with security, safety, and
mission command within the site.
Utilize concealment and camouflage as much as possible to include standby crew facilities and
sleeping areas.
Mark the area prominently for ground traffic to discourage unnecessary traffic and hazards, such
as someone smoking in an unsafe area or a vehicle entering from the wrong location.
Berms should be constructed before the system is constructed. If you are unable to do this,
construct the system partially while berms are being built for the tanks you have not emplaced.
Once these tanks are emplaced, recover the original tanks and construct those berms.
Pad preparation is the most important part of emplacing a collapsible fabric tank. It must be level
and free of holes, hills, ruts, and debris.
Ensure that the berms are constructed with enough room to walk around and inspect the tank
(approximately two-feet when the tank is empty) and for conducting gauging.
Berms should always be constructed to maintain 100% of the capacity of the enclosed tanks
PLUS one-foot of additional height (freeboard). This is in case of a catastrophic failure.
Class I: Seepage of fluid (as indicated by wetness or discoloration) not great enough to flow (wet
spots).
Class II: Leakage of fluid (as indicated by wetness) great enough when wiped dry to reappear
and flow within 30 seconds. Flow is not great enough to form a puddle on ground.
Class III: Leakage of fluid great enough to flow from the tank and form a puddle of fuel on
ground.
4-52. The tanks are rated as black, red, amber, or green based on the number of the leaks, their location,
and size, and the ability to repair the leaks using standard repair kits. Based on the tank rating, the storage
capability of the tank is adjusted to reduce risk of a tank rupture or further damage to the tank. TB 10-5430253-13, Technical Bulletin for Collapsible Fabric Fuel Tanks, discusses the black, red, amber, green
system and reporting requirements, to include quality discrepancy reports, in complete detail.
Table 4-1: Black, Red, Amber, Green rated allowable fuel quantities
STATUS
210,000
50,000
20,000
10,000
3,000
BLACK (0%)
RED (50%)
105,000
25,000
10,000
5,000
1,500
AMBER (70%)
147,000
35,000
14,000
7,000
2,100
GREEN (100%)
210,000
50,000
20,000
10,000
3,000
4-53. The black, red, amber, green system can be expanded to incorporate all petroleum equipment and
systems into a standardized, theater-wide reporting system. It is important that regardless of the system
used, all systems should be reported using the same terms and format to reduce confusion and the spread of
misinformation.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
4-9
Chapter 4
Skill Level -10 Soldiers are expected to know how to perform preventative maintenance checks
and services on their equipment correctly; assist in inspecting fabric collapsible tanks in
accordance with the black, red, amber, green rating system and other petroleum tanks as
required; report changes in status (fully mission capable ) to their supervisors; assist in
performing scheduled services; perform services and repairs as called for in the maintenance
allocation chart; and fill out the appropriate maintenance forms.
Skill Level -20 Soldiers are expected to be able to accomplish those duties prescribed above, as
well as: Assign duties, spot check, supervise, and instruct work techniques and procedures;
inspect collapsible fabric tanks in accordance with the black, red, amber, green rating system and
document proper forms as required; assure adherence to safety procedures and a safe, clean, and
efficient work environment; and review maintenance forms for completeness and correctness.
Skill Level -30 Soldiers are expected to perform the supervisory duties shown above, as well as:
Estimate requirements for personnel, equipment, unit/sustainment level maintenance and repair
of petroleum facilities (to include field systems) and equipment; ensure the accuracy of forms
generated at lower levels and track and schedule petroleum routine services.
Skill Level -40 Soldiers are expected to perform the duties shown above, as well as: Oversee
platoon maintenance program on petroleum equipment; consolidate tank inspection forms and
generate the black, red amber, green report; and coordinate with maintenance support above unit
level.
4-55. For most equipment, routine inspections are performed on a daily or weekly basis at most if the
equipment is in operation. It is important, however, to note that equipment that is storage requires routine,
periodic inspections and services to ensure that it is in and maintains a fully mission capable status. As an
example, some collapsible fabric tanks require an inspection each quarter. These inspections can and
should be incorporated with unit training and if the item (such as a 20K tank) is a component of a larger
end item, all of the equipment can be laid out and inspected at the same time. This can also be combined
with routine supply inventories conducted for equipment accountability reasons.
4-10
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Chapter 5
NAVY
5-1. The navy is responsible for delivering fuel to the high water mark of the shoreline. It is not equipped
to provide fuel on land. The only Navy fuel equipment likely to be encountered is the vessel designed to
transport the fuel and pump it ashore.
5-2. The Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS) provides bulk transfer of petroleum directly from
an offshore tanker to a beach termination unit located immediately inland from the high watermark. Bulk
petroleum then is either transported inland or stored in the beach support area (JP 4-03). It is designed to
discharge petroleum products to USMC elements, U.S. Army tactical petroleum terminals (TPTs), or U.S.
Army inland petroleum distribution system pipelines in accordance with JP 4-01.6, Joint Logistics Overthe-Shore.
5-3. The OPDS can be installed up to eight statute miles off-shore and supports ship-to-shore fuel
replenishment rates of up to 1.7 million gallons per day for a single product (based on a 20-hour operating
day).
5-4. The OPDS ship utilizes dynamic positioning which requires no anchoring system. The vessel can
maintain ship position within 2 meters using thrusters and screws.
5-5. The system is installed by Military Sealift Command civilian crews with the assistance of naval
support personnel. The OPDS ship provides the hose and pumping capability for a separate fuel tanker
which provides petroleum product for transfer to shore
AIR FORCE
5-6. The Air Force is designed to operate from fixed facilities (air bases) and has a limited amount of field
equipment suitable to support Army field operations particularly at a forward air field. These consist mostly
of trailer mounted pump, filter-separator and hose systems that can be rapidly emplaced to support
expedient operations that may not be moved on a daily or weekly basis.
21 July 2014
Aircraft
3K Bladders
Total Capacity
C-130
Two
6,000 gallons
ATP 4-43
5-1
Chapter 5
3K Bladders
Total Capacity
C-17
C-5
Three
Eight
9,000 gallons
24,000 gallons
Receipt Camlock Couplers Refilled via 2 -inch standard pressure bottom loading adapter
5-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
MARINE CORPS
5-14. Like the Army, the Marine Corps use the ability to alter fundamental system configurations, and
interchangeability of components which allows the creation of limitless combinations of tailored systems to
meet mission requirements.
Receiving assembly.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
5-3
Chapter 5
gallon drums may be defueled using the drum-unloading portion of the tactical airfield fuel dispensing
system. With the single fuel on the battlefield concept, the tactical airfield fuel dispensing system can
supply aviation and ground fuel for airfields.
5-20. The tactical airfield fuel dispensing system consists of six 20,000-gallon and four 50,000-gallon
collapsible tanks for a storage capacity of 320,000 gallons. Each tactical airfield fuel dispensing system has
seven pumps (either 350 or 600 GPM.) With its designed pumping rate and equipment to set up 12
dispensing points, the tactical airfield fuel dispensing system has a multi-plane fueling capability. The
tactical airfield fuel dispensing system may also be used to replenish tank vehicles. Filtration of the fuel to
meet aircraft requirements is accomplished using filter-separators and fuel quality monitors. The tactical
airfield fuel dispensing system is used for hot or cold aircraft refueling.
Meter assembly.
Hose reel.
Three of the modules and can be connected to form a standard 20-foot ISO container compatible
unit.
5-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
5-5
Appendix A
Fuel Testing
AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE GRAVITY
A-1. The American Petroleum Institute gravity is one of three measures of density (mass per unit volume
at a specified temperature) used in the petroleum industry. The American Petroleum Institute I gravity scale
was developed to eliminate the problem of working with decimals associated with specific gravity. An
American Petroleum Institute gravity of 10 is equal to a specific gravity of 1.000. As the American
Petroleum Institute gravity goes up, its corresponding specific gravity goes down. American Petroleum
Institute gravity, corrected to 60oF, is needed in order to select volume correction factors to be used in fuel
accounting procedures. Used as a quality control measure, a change in American Petroleum Institute
gravity means a change in composition of the product. For example, when the American Petroleum
Institute gravity of a product rises more than 0.5, the cause is usually contamination by a lighter petroleum
product. A drop in American Petroleum Institute gravity is generally caused by contamination with a
heavier product. Results that vary more than 0.5 indicate a problem, and further tests must be performed to
determine the cause. Always know the temperature to which the American Petroleum Institute gravity
corresponds.
APPEARANCE/WORKMANSHIP
A-2. This determination is made by observation of the fuel in a clear container. Depending on the product,
it will be clear (free of suspended matter or particles), bright (sparkle in transmitted light), homogeneous
(uniformly mixed), separated (stratified or bleeding), or has visual sediment or water. To make these
determinations, care should be taken that nothing is overlooked. Solid and liquid contamination can lead to
restriction of fuel metering points, improper seating of inlet valves, corrosion, fuel line freezing, gel
formation, filter plugging, or failure to lubricate. Product containing visual sediment and water should be
allowed to settle and then filtered before use.
AQUA-GLO
A-3. The Aqua-glo test measures very small concentrations of free water that cannot be seen with the
naked eye. Water can become a petroleum contaminant at any stage from the refinery to ultimate use.
Extreme care must be taken to eliminate it from fuel. Water in aviation fuels can freeze and form ice. The
resulting ice can clog on-board fuel filters and prevent fuel flow to the engine. For this reason, water is
generally limited to 10 parts per million, maximum. If the result is higher, a resample should be taken and
tested. If a resample fails, the fuel distribution system should be evaluated for proper settling times and
filter elements checked. Water in diesel fuels can cause severe corrosion in cylinders and stop a diesel
engine. Fuel line freezes can occur in ground equipment as well as aircraft.
CLOUD POINT
A-4. The cloud point of a diesel fuel is the temperature at which the fuel first begins to freeze. Under lowtemperature conditions, paraffinic constituents of a fuel may be precipitated as a wax. The cloud point of a
fuel is a guide to the temperature at which it may clog filter systems and restrict flow. Contamination with
a heavier product can raise the cloud point. When deployed, a property called cold filter plugging point is
used in place of the cloud point. For the cold filter plugging point test, the temperature at which sufficient
wax builds up to clog a standard fuel screen is reported. The cold filter plugging point temperature is
usually lower than the cloud point, but not as low as the pour point.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
A-1
Appendix A
COLOR
A-5. In refining, a color test is used to determine the uniformity of a product batch. Once the product is in
the distribution system, a color test is used as a quick check for deterioration and contamination. If a color
test reveals a color darker than expected, the test may indicate contamination by a heavier product or
deterioration due to age. If a test reveals a color lighter than expected, the test may indicate contamination
by a clear or straw-colored product. Color may be reported either as a visual color (for example, straw,
water white, yellow) or as it relates to a reference scale. Two examples of a reference scale are the
Saybolt Color (used for aviation fuel) or an American Society for Testing and Materials Color (used for
diesel fuel). In these tests, the color of a fuel is compared in a device to reference color standards and
reported as a numerical digit.
CONDUCTIVITY
A-6. The ability of a fuel to dissipate electrical charges that have been generated during pumping and
filtering operations is controlled by its electrical conductivity, which depends upon its content of polar
species. If the fuel conductivity is sufficiently high, charges dissipate fast enough to prevent their
accumulation and dangerously high potentials at a fuel dispensing point. The use of a static dissipator
additive can increase fuel conductivity to safe levels. Moreover, conductivity can be affected by filtering
and transferring operations and by temperature changes. For this reason, the fuel sample for the
conductivity test is taken close to where the fuel enters the aircraft.
COPPER CORROSION
A-7. This test is a qualitative measure of the corrosiveness of a product. Fuel is heated in the presence of
an immersed polished copper strip for a specified period of time at a specified temperature, and any
resulting corrosion of the copper strip is rated against a corrosion standard. This corrosiveness comes from
the presence of free sulfur or sulfur compounds. When properly refined, these products are non-corrosive,
with American Society for Testing and Materials D 130 ratings of 1A or 1B. Test results of greater than 1B
indicate the presence of corrosive compounds. This is usually unacceptable; however, in the case of some
products, short-term use of the product may be authorized. In bulk storage tanks, corrosion results from
H2S being formed in water bottoms and percolating up through the product. Off specification corrosive
fuel must be blended with a better, less corrosive fuel to bring it within acceptable limits. Sulfur tests
should also be performed to determine the exact amounts of sulfur compounds present.
DISTILLATION
A-8. The distillation test is used to evaluate vaporization characteristics of a fuel as it progresses through
initial engine start-up, operation at low and high loads, and at engine operating temperatures. Distillation
points of 10, 20, 50 and 90 percent are specified in various ways to ensure that a properly balanced fuel is
produced with no undue proportion of light or heavy fractions that will operate property in the engine. The
distillation end point and distillation residue excludes any heavy material which would give poor fuel
vaporization and ultimately affect engine combustion performance
EXISTENT GUM
A-9. The existent gum is the weight of material left over in a test beaker after the fuel sample is
evaporated under test conditions. High gum content indicates that the fuel might cause deposits in the
induction system and sticking of intake valves. The existent gum test can tell the user the amount of
oxidation that has taken place before the test was performed. Storage tanks that are vented to the
atmosphere breathe when temperatures fluctuate. This causes the fuel to oxidize and form gum.
Contaminated fuel will show an oily gum; deteriorated fuel will show a dry gum.
FLASH POINT
A-10. The temperature at which sufficient vapors from the fuel are present to ignite the fuel with a flame or
hot coil. Flash point is a guide to the fire hazard associated with the fuel. The flash point generally is
A-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Fuel Testing
associated with the lower combustible limit for fuel. If the flashpoint drops by more than 6F,
contamination with a lighter product should be suspected. This should also show up in a lower initial
boiling point in the distillation. If the flash point goes up more than 6F, contamination with a heavier
product should be suspected. A higher distillation end point, higher viscosity, and possibly a color change
will verify this. To a limited degree, off specification product can be upgraded by blending.
FREEZING POINT
A-11. The freezing point is measured for aviation fuel and is the temperature at which the last wax crystal
disappears. Wax and excess aromatic components in fuel raise the freezing point. These components can
be present as a result of contamination or poor refining. Modern aircraft fly at high altitudes where
temperatures can be as low as - 67 F. At these low temperatures, wax and aromatics can freeze and clog
fuel line strainers, shutting off the engine. A fuel failing the freezing point test usually indicates
contamination with diesel fuel or fuel oil. This can be confirmed by high distillation end points, oily gum
results, and water reaction interface test failures. Fuels failing the freezing point test can be upgraded by
blending with on specification product.
PARTICULATE CONTAMINANT
A-13. The weight of solid contaminants per unit volume obtained by filtering a known volume of fuel
through special filter paper and weighing the solid trapped on the paper. From the time a fuel is refined
until it is used, it comes in contact with iron, rust, sand, and other solid contaminants. Generally, fuel is
allowed to settle and then filtered in order to remove these contaminants. The particulate contaminant test is
performed at various distribution locations to determine the effectiveness of the cleaning process. If the test
result is too high, an immediate resample should be taken as high results may be due to poor sampling
technique. If a resample also fails, the entire system should be evaluated to detect the problem. The high
result could be caused by inadequate settling times or unserviceable filter elements.
POUR POINT
A-14. The temperature at which the diesel fuel still flows is the pour point. Below this temperature, the
entire fuel volume is frozen. The test is important in determining the use of products in cold climates. The
pour point of a petroleum specimen is an index of the lowest temperature of its utility for certain
applications. If a product will not pour below a certain temperature, it will have restricted use. Products that
have a pour point that does not meet specifications usually are contaminated by a heavier product.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
A-3
Appendix A
THERMAL STABILITY
A-16. This test measures the uptake of nitrogen or air and the deposits formed on a test strip under test
conditions. Thermal stability is the resistance of fuels to chemical and physical change upon exposure to
high temperatures that tend to decompose them. Fuel is expected to perform a cooling function by
providing a heat sink; that is, by absorbing the heat generated in high-speed flight. Fuel cannot do this
unless it resists decomposition. A coke-like substance forms in thermally unstable fuels and plugs fuels jets
and manifolds. Aircraft are routinely exposed to temperatures of -65 to 400F. Presence of aromatics and
olefin components are restricted in jet fuels because they are less heat resistant.
VISCOSITY
A-17. Viscosity is a resistance to flow of a liquid at a specified temperature. The viscosity of fuels at low
temperature is limited to ensure that adequate fuel flow and pressure are maintained under all operating
conditions and fuel injection nozzles and system controls will operate down to design temperature
conditions. Viscosity can affect significantly the lubrication property of the fuel, which has an influence on
fuel pump service life.
WATER REACTION
A-18. In this test, a buffered water solution and fuel are shaken together in a graduated cylinder and the
interface of the fuel/water layers is rated for material at the interface. This test is performed on aviation
fuels to determine the presence of excess alcohol or aromatic components and to evaluate the presence of
surfactants on the fuel/water interface. Aromatics absorb water, and excess amounts of them will cause
excess water to be held in fuel. This water will freeze at high altitudes, clogging fuel lines. Surfactants can
cause excess sediment and water retention, which causes fuel filter clogging.
A-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Appendix B
SECTION 1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Contains the name of the product, technical and
emergency contact information and other information required to identify the product.
SECTION 2. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION These are the ways that short and long term this
product can affect individuals.
SECTION 4. FIRST AID MEASURES - The measures that should be taken if any of the hazards
listed above present symptoms.
SECTION 7. HANDLING AND STORAGE Hazards that can occur during handling and
storage of the material; actions you can take to mitigate risks and other storage and handling
requirements.
SECTION 10. STABILITY AND REACTIVITY How stable the product is, materials with
which it is incompatible, conditions to avoid, and any hazardous products produced by
decomposition.
SECTION 13. DISPOSAL CONSIDERATIONS Things for you to consider if you dispose of
the product or contaminated waste.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
B-1
Appendix B
B-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Appendix C
TO
MULTIPLY BY
1.75
0.0292
0.0936
0.00156
0.7
0.1337
0.000037
0.0166670
34.2857
1.4286
0.02381
192.5
0.13368
1,440.0
0.06309
0.002228
0.1247
0.472
472.0
0.646317
448.831
0.45
3.367
12.74
0.0005886
0.004403
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
C-1
Appendix D
TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEY
D-1. Prior to installing assault hoseline system equipment, a thorough study of the terrain is required,
using a topographic map supplemented by aerial surveys, maps, photographs, and charts. Based on this
survey, the optimum trace is selected and a hydraulic profile of the assault hoseline system is constructed.
Using the profile and the hydraulic limitations of the pumps, mark the assault hoseline system trace and the
required locations for pump stations, pressure reducing valves, and any other pieces of equipment required
to be placed. Items to consider when completing the survey follow:
Whether the assault hoseline system will operate independently or as part of a large system.
Expected length of time the assault hoseline system will be required to operate.
Elevation changes and total distance the assault hoseline system will encounter along its route.
The route should be direct and present a minimum number of obstacles and obstructions.
If roadways do not exist or cannot be utilized, select a route that is accessible to vehicles
required for laying the assault hoseline system.
Keep security precautions in mind. Utilize natural camouflage wherever possible and avoid
routing the assault hoseline system through populated areas.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
D-3. When installing the assault hoseline system consider the following:
Plan to locate the junction of two assault hoseline system lengths at installation sites for each
pump station.
Pump stations must be located in accordance with the hydraulic profile. The pump station should
be on firm ground and should be as level as possible.
Pressure-reducing valves must be located in accordance with the hydraulic profile. These valves
are placed on the downward side of hills to reduce pressure increases due to gravity.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
D-1
Appendix D
intervals between pump stations. When substantial rise or fall in elevation occurs between two consecutive
pump stations, the following pump station movements must be performed:
If the next downline pump station is substantially higher in elevation than the upline pump
station, decrease distance between the pump stations.
If the next downline pump station is substantially lower in elevation than the upline pump
station, increase distance between the pump stations.
D-5. Adjusting distance between pump stations when elevation changes occur assures that the assault
hoseline system pressure will be maintained within optimum operational range. Under optimal spacing
conditions, the assault hoseline system will deliver fuel to the suction port of each pump station at a
pressure of 20 pounds per square inch. Whenever pressure falls below 20 psi, pumping assemblies are
designed to begin reducing speed when operated in the electric automatic mode. Therefore, if an upline
pump station is substantially lower than the next downline station and the elevation difference has not been
offset by spacing adjustment between pump stations, suction pressure at the downline pump station may
fall below 20 psi and cause that pump to slow down. This in turn will cause remaining downline pump
stations to slow down, seriously degrading overall performance.
Divide the horizontal base of the ground profile graph, figure D-1, into spaces that represent
uniform distances, such as 1,000-foot intervals. However, any suitable scale can be used. The
ground profile base represents the horizontal distance the assault hoseline system will cross.
Divide the vertical left-hand edge of the ground profile graph, figure D-1, into spaces that
represent uniform changes in elevation, such as 100-foot intervals. Again, any suitable scale can
be used. However, the scale must include at least the highest and lowest elevations along the
assault hoseline system route.
D-2
At left-hand edge of the ground profile graph, figure D-2, mark a point that represents the lead
pump station elevation.
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Continuing across the ground profile graph, Figure D-2, mark points where significant changes
in elevation occur along the assault hoseline system route.
To complete the ground profile, figure D-3, join the points marked on the ground profile graph
with a straight line.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
D-3
Appendix D
Using the information shown below, determine the specific gravity of the fuel type that will be
transported through the assault hoseline system.
Convert the 20 psi needed by each pump to feet of head using this formula: Feet of head = (2.31
x psi) / specific gravity. Using this formula the feet of head for this scenario is 57.3.
To determine the net available head use this formula: Total discharge head feet of head.
Using this formula the net available head for this scenario is 218.
Divide the vertical, left-hand edge of the pump spacing triangle, figure D-4, into spaces on the
same uniform scale used to represent elevation changes on the ground profile graph. Mark off
spaces along the vertical side of pump spacing triangle to the net available head:
To determine friction loss, or the horizontal side of the pump spacing triangle, use this formula:
Net available head/Friction loss of hoseline. Friction loss is approximately 2 psi per 100 feet of
assault hoseline system. Using this formula the friction loss for this scenario is 2.064 miles. To
convert friction loss distance from miles to feet use this formula: Friction loss distance (in
miles) X 5280. Using this formula the friction loss distance in feet for this scenario is 10,898
feet.
Divide the horizontal base of pump spacing triangle, figure D-5, into spaces on the same uniform
scale used to divide the ground profile graph base. Mark off spaces along the pump spacing
triangle base to the friction loss distance.
D-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Draw a straight line, or hypotenuse, figure D-5, from the net available head mark on the vertical
scale to the friction loss distance mark on the horizontal scale. This line will form the long side
of the triangle, or the hydraulic gradient.
Making sure all lines have a straight edge, cut the triangle along the three sides drawn
(horizontal, vertical, and hydraulic gradient), figure D-5.
Align the vertical side of the pump spacing triangle with the vertical (elevation) side of the
ground profile graph. Ensure the zero mark of the pump spacing triangle is on the lead pump
station mark of the ground profile graph.
Ensure the horizontal side of the spacing triangle is exactly parallel with horizontal base of
ground profile graph. Horizontal space on both the pump spacing triangle and ground profile
graph should be exactly aligned.
Note: If the level of the ground profile is below the base of the pump spacing triangle, extend the
pump spacing triangle hydraulic gradient until it crosses the ground profile.
Mark the point at which the hydraulic gradient crosses the ground profile. This will be the
second pump station location, or PS #2.
To determine the next pump station location, PS #3, place the pump spacing triangle zero mark
on the PS #2 mark of the ground profile graph. Mark the point at which the pump spacing
triangle hydraulic gradient crosses the ground profile. This identifies PS #3 location.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
D-5
Appendix D
Figure D-8. Ground profile with significant elevation change pump station locations
D-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
CAUTION
To prevent damage to assault hoseline system components do not
allow hydraulic pressure to exceed 150 pounds per square inch (psi).
If pressure builds to more than 150 psi, the assault hoseline system can rupture and equipment
failure may result. Therefore, when a sharp elevation drop along the assault hoseline system
route is indicated by the ground profile graph, a pressure-reducing valve assembly must be
installed in the assault hoseline system. To determine pressure-reducing valve assembly
locations, refer to ground profile graph and proceed as follows:
Determine the feet of head for 150 psi using the formula at the third bullet under paragraph D-6.
In this scenario the feet of head is 430 feet.
Mark crest of hill on ground profile graph, figure D-9 on page D-8.
Draw a vertical line from the crest of hill down the that equates to the feet of head (430 for this
scenario), figure D-9 on page D-8.
Draw a horizontal line outward from the vertical line until it intersects the ground profile line.
Ensure the horizontal line is parallel to horizontal base of ground profile graph, figure D-9 on
page D-8.
Where the horizontal line intersects the ground profile line is the location of the pressurereducing valve, figure D-9 on page D-8.
Draw a vertical line from the first pressure-reducing valve down the identified feet of head,
figure D-9 on page D-8.
Draw a horizontal line outward from the vertical line until it intersects the ground profile line.
Ensure the horizontal line is parallel to horizontal base of ground profile graph, figure D-9 on
page D-8.
Where the horizontal line intersects the ground profile is the location of the next pressurereducing valve. If the horizontal line does not intersect the ground profile, no additional
pressure-reducing valves are needed, figure D-9.
Repeat this process for all sharp declines until all pressure-reducing valve locations are
identified.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
D-7
Appendix E
Pipeline Hydraulics
In Section I, this appendix covers the petroleum product chemical and physical
properties that are pertinent to pipeline/hoseline hydraulics. Both physical and
chemical properties are of concern to the scheduler and dispatcher; however, only
physical properties as they affect product storage and movement in pipelines are
covered in this appendix. They include density, gravity, viscosity, compressibility,
effect of temperature, and vapor pressure. Section II discusses the mechanics and
mathematical formulas required to determine pipeline hydraulics. Section III
provides a basis for determining the hydraulics of a hoseline operation.
DENSITY
E-2. All substances have weight. Their weight depends on the number and arrangement of molecules of
which they are composed. Weight is a measure of the force of gravity. The weight of a definite mass of a
substance varies slightly in different parts of the country because gravity varies. For this reason, weight and
mass are not identical. Mass stays constant, but weight may not stay constant. The weight density or
specific weight of a substance is its weight per unit volume. The term specific refers to a unit quantity. In
the metric system of measurement, the mass of 1 cubic centimeter of water is 1 gram. Therefore, the
density or specific weight of water is 1 gram per cubic centimeter. In the English system of measurement,
the density or specific weight of water is expressed as 62.3 pounds per cubic foot. Specific volume is the
space occupied by a unit quantity. In the metric system, 1 gram of water occupies 1 cubic centimeter. In the
English system, 62.3 pounds of water occupies 1 cubic foot.
GRAVITY
E-3. Gravity is the attraction between matter and the earths center. It is properly referred to as
acceleration due to gravity, which is the change in speed of a body falling freely toward the earth. This
change in speed is 32.2 feet per second. This means that during each second of fall, the speed increases
32.2 feet per second. Gravity is measured by weight. Petroleum operations are concerned with specific
gravity and American Petroleum Institute gravity. Specific gravity and American Petroleum Institute
gravity and formulas for converting one to the other are described below.
American Petroleum Institute Gravity. The petroleum industry uses the American Petroleum
Institute gravity scale almost exclusively to designate gravities of products. American Petroleum
Institute gravities are based on reciprocals of specific gravities. They are whole numbers with a
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-1
Appendix E
greater numerical spread. The American Petroleum Institute scale has a range of 0 to 100.
Water has a gravity of 10. This leaves a spread of 90 between the heaviest and lightest
petroleum products. American Petroleum Institute gravity is inversely proportionate to specific
gravity. In other words, the higher the specific gravity, the heavier the product and the lower the
American Petroleum Institute gravity. The lightest products have the highest American
Petroleum Institute gravities.
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10a
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
1.0679
1.0599
1.0520
1.0443
1.0368
1.0291
1.0217
1.0143
1.0071
1.0000
0.9930
0.9861
0.9792
0.9725
0.9659
0.9593
0.9529
0.9465
0.9402
0.9340
0.9279
0.9218
0.9159
0.9100
0.9042
0.8984
E-2
POUNDS PER
BARRELS PER
US
GALLON
IMPERIAL
GALLON
BARREL
LONG
TON
METRIC
TON
SHORT
TON
8.895
8.828
8/762
8.697
8.634
8.571
8.509
8.448
8.388
8.328
8.270
8.212
8.155
8.099
8.044
7.989
7.935
7.882
7.830
7.778
7.727
7.676
7.627
7.578
7.529
7.481
10.683
10.602
10.523
10.446
10.369
10.294
10.219
10.146
10.074
10.002
9.932
9.863
9.794
9.727
9.661
9.595
9.530
9.466
9.404
9.341
9.280
9.219
9.160
9.101
9.042
8.985
373.59
370.78
368.00
365.32
362.63
359.98
357.38
354.82
352.30
349.78
347.34
344.90
342.51
340.16
337.85
335.54
333.27
331.04
328.86
326.68
324.53
322.39
320.33
318.28
316.22
314.20
5.996
6.041
6.087
6.132
6.177
6.223
6.268
6.313
6.359
6.404
6.449
6.495
6.540
6.585
6.630
6.676
6.721
6.766
6.812
6.857
6.902
6.948
6.993
7.038
7.084
7.129
5.901
5.946
5.991
6.035
6.080
6.124
6.169
6.213
6.258
6.303
6.347
6.392
6.437
6.481
6.525
6.570
6.615
6.660
6.704
6.749
6.793
6.838
6.882
6.927
6.972
7.017
5.353
5.394
5.435
5.475
5.516
5.556
5.596
5.637
5.677
5.718
5.799
5.799
5.839
5.880
5.920
5.961
6.001
6.042
6.082
6.122
6.163
6.204
6.244
6.284
6.325
6.365
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
0.8927
0.8871
0.8816
0.8762
0.8708
0.8654
0.8602
0.8550
0.8499
0.8448
0.8398
0.8348
0.8299
0.8251
0.8203
0.8156
0.8109
0.8063
0.0817
0.7972
0.7927
0.7883
0.7839
0.7796
0.7753
0.7711
0.7669
0.7628
0.7587
0.7547
0.7507
0.7467
0.7428
0.7389
0.7351
0.7313
0.7275
0.7238
21 July 2014
POUNDS PER
BARRELS PER
US
GALLON
IMPERIAL
GALLON
BARREL
LONG
TON
METRIC
TON
SHORT
TON
7.434
7.387
7.341
7.296
7.251
7.206
7.162
7.119
7.076
7.034
6.992
6.951
6.910
6.870
6.830
6.790
6.751
6.713
6.675
6.637
6.600
6.563
6.527
6.491
6.455
6.420
6.385
6.350
6.316
6.283
6.249
6.216
6.183
6.151
6.119
6.087
6.056
6.025
8.928
8.872
8.817
8.762
8.708
8.654
8.603
8.550
8.498
8.448
8.399
8.348
8.299
8.251
8.203
8.155
8.109
8.062
8.017
7.971
7.927
7.882
7.838
7.794
7.752
7.710
7.668
7.626
7.586
7.546
7.505
7.465
7.427
7.387
7.349
7.310
7.273
7.236
312.23
310.25
308.32
306.43
304.54
302.65
300.85
299.00
297.19
295.43
293.71
291.94
290.22
288.54
286.86
285.18
283.58
281.95
280.35
278.75
277.20
275.65
274.09
272.58
271.11
269.64
268.17
266.70
265.27
263.89
262.46
261.07
259.73
258.34
257.00
255.65
254.35
253.05
7.174
7.220
7.265
7.310
7.356
7.401
7.446
7.492
7.537
7.582
7.628
7.673
7.718
7.764
7.809
7.854
7.900
7.945
7.990
8.036
8.081
8.126
8.172
8.217
8.262
8.308
8.353
8.398
8.444
8.489
8.534
8.850
8.625
7.670
8.716
8.761
8.807
8.852
7.061
7.106
7.150
7.194
7.239
7.284
7.328
7.373
7.418
7.462
7.506
7.552
7.597
7.641
7.686
7.731
7.774
7.819
7.864
7.909
7.953
7.998
8.043
8.088
8.132
8.176
8.221
8.266
8.130
8.354
8.400
8.444
8.488
8.534
8.578
8.623
8.668
8.712
6.406
6.446
6.487
6.527
6.568
6.603
6.648
6.689
6.730
6.770
6.810
6.851
6.891
6.931
6.972
7.013
7.053
7.093
7.134
7.175
7.215
7.256
7.297
7.337
7.377
7.417
7.458
7.499
7.539
7.579
7.620
7.661
7.700
7.742
7.782
7.823
7.863
7.904
ATP 4-43
E-3
Appendix E
SPECIFIC
GRAVITY
65
0.7201
66
0.7165
67
0.7128
68
0.7093
69
0.7057
70
0.7022
71
0.6988
72
0.6953
73
0.6919
74
0.6886
75
0.6852
76
0.6819
77
0.6787
78
0.6754
79
0.6722
80
0.6690
81
0.6659
82
0.6628
83
0.6597
84
0.6566
85
0.6536
86
0.6506
87
0.7476
88
0.6446
89
0.6417
90
0.6388
91
0.6360
92
0.6331
93
0.6303
94
0.6275
a
Water (H2O) AT 60
POUNDS PER
BARRELS PER
US
GALLON
IMPERIAL
GALLON
BARREL
LONG
TON
METRIC
TON
SHORT
TON
5.994
5.964
5.934
5.904
5.875
5.845
5.816
5.788
5.759
5.731
5.704
5.676
5.649
5.622
5.595
5.569
5.542
5.516
5.490
5.465
5.440
5.415
5.390
5.365
5.341
5.317
5.293
5.269
5.245
5.222
7.199
7.163
7.127
7.091
7.055
7.020
6.986
6.951
6.917
6.883
6.849
6.817
6.784
6.752
6.720
6.687
6.656
6.624
6.595
6.563
6.533
6.503
6.473
6.443
6.415
6.385
6.357
6.328
6.300
6.273
251.75
250.49
249.23
247.97
246.71
245.49
244.31
243.10
241.88
240.70
239.53
238.39
237.26
236.12
234.99
238.86
232.76
231.67
230.62
229.53
228.48
227.43
226.38
225.33
224.32
223.27
222.31
221.30
220.33
219.37
8.897
8.943
8.988
9.033
9.079
9.125
9.169
9.215
9.260
9.305
9.351
9.396
9.442
9.487
9.532
9.578
9.623
9.668
9.714
9.759
9.805
9.850
9.895
9.941
9.986
10.031
10.077
10.122
10.168
10.213
8.757
8.801
8.846
8.891
8.936
8.980
9.024
9.069
9.114
9.159
9.204
9.248
9.292
9.337
9.382
9.427
9.472
9.516
9.559
9.605
9.649
9.694
9.738
9.784
9.828
9.874
9.917
9.962
10.006
10.050
7.944
7.984
8.025
8.065
8.107
8.147
8.187
8.227
8.269
8.309
8.350
8.390
8.430
8.470
8.511
8.552
8.593
8.633
8.672
8.713
8.754
8.794
8.835
8.876
8.916
8.957
8.996
9.038
9.077
9.117
VISCOSITY
E-5. Viscosity is the internal resistance of a liquid to flow. A liquid is said to be viscous if it is sluggish or
thick. Lubricating oil must be viscous enough to maintain a lubricating film under all operating conditions.
However, it must not be so viscous that it becomes a drag or causes a power loss. Absolute viscosity is a
measure of the force required to produce motion. The unit of force in the metric system is called the poise.
One poise is equal to 100 centipoises. Viscosity is measured by noting the time in seconds for a standard
amount of product to flow through a viscosimeter. The Saybolt Universal instrument is the type of
viscosimeter commonly used for such measurements. A more accurate instrument for measuring viscosity
E-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
is the Ubbelohde viscosimeter. Conversions from kinematic to Saybolt viscosity can be taken from the
American Society forTesting and Materials table. (See table E-2.)
Table E-2. Kinematic viscosity converted to Saybolt Universal viscosity
KINEMATAIC
VISCOSITY cSt
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
EQUIVALENT SAYBOLT
UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY,
SECONDS
AT 100F
BASIC
VALUES
AT 210F
32.6
34.4
36.0
37.6
39.1
40.8
42.4
45.6
48.8
52.1
55.5
58.9
62.4
66.0
69.8
73.6
77.4
81.3
85.3
89.4
93.6
97.8
102.0
106.4
110.7
115.0
119.3
123.7
32.9
34.7
36.3
37.9
39.4
41.0
42.7
45.9
49.1
52.5
55.9
59.3
62.9
66.5
70.3
74.1
77.9
81.9
85.9
90.1
94.2
98.5
102.8
107.1
111.4
115.8
120.1
124.5
KINEMATAIC
VISCOSITY cSt
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
55
60
65
70
Over 70
EQUIVALENT SAYBOLT
UNIVERSAL VISCOSITY,
SECONDS
AT 100F
BASIC
VALUES
AT 210F
128.1
132.5
136.9
141.3
145.7
150.2
154.7
159.2
163.7
168.2
172.7
177.3
181.8
186.3
190.8
195.3
199.8
204.4
209.1
213.7
218.3
222.9
227.5
232.1
255.2
278.3
301.4
324.4
Saybolt
seconds =
centistokes X
4.635
129.0
133.4
137.9
142.3
146.8
151.2
155.8
160.3
164.9
169.4
173.9
178.5
183.0
187.6
192.1
196.7
201.2
205.9
210.5
215.2
219.8
224.5
229.1
233.8
257.0
280.2
303.5
326.7
Saybolt
seconds =
centistokes X
4.667
Note: To obtain the Saybolt Universal viscosity equivalent to a kinematic viscosity determined at F, multiply the equivalent
Saybolt Universal viscosity at 100F by 1+(t - 100) 0.000034: For example, 10cSt at 210F is equivalent to
58.9 X 1.0070 or 59.3 seconds Saybolt Universal at 210F.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-5
Appendix E
COMPRESSIBILITY
E-6. All fluids are compressible to an extent. That is, they can be made to occupy less space by increasing
the pressure or decreasing the temperature. Liquids have perfect elasticity. They return to their original
volume when the pressure is lowered or the temperature is increased. Products of the highest American
Petroleum Institute gravity have the greatest compressibility. They can generate the highest surge pressure,
known as hydraulic shock or water hammer. Products of high American Petroleum Institute gravity can
also be transferred at the highest rate of flow. This also increases the possibility of surge pressure. Surge
pressure must be avoided. Apart from surge pressure, compressibility has little significance in military
dispatching of petroleum products.
TEMPERATURE
E-7. The effects of product temperature and its measurement and correction are described below.
E-8. Effects. Product temperature affects all of the properties discussed above. Volume, American
Petroleum Institute gravity, compressibility, and volatility increase with temperature. Density, specific
gravity, and viscosity decrease when the temperature increases. Pipeline throughput is higher in summer
than in winter and requires less power. A pipeline heated by the sun delivers a greater volume. The
American Petroleum Institute gravity is also higher in a pipeline than in the cool interior of a storage tank.
Lubricating oil may be too thick to lubricate an engine properly when the engine is started on a cold
morning. The same engine oil may thin out under operating temperatures. The change in viscosity with
temperature is called viscosity index. It varies from product to product.
E-9. Measurements. Product is measured and tested many times between manufacture and consumption.
Input stations report to the dispatcher temperatures and quantities pumped every hour. Takeoff stations
report temperatures and quantities received every hour. Quantities are determined by gauging and because
of the effects of temperature on volume and gravity, all measurements are corrected to 60F (15.6C).
E-10. Corrections. Volume correction to 60F (15.6C) requires observation of both gravity and
temperature. They should be taken as close to the same time as possible. Combination hydrometers and
thermometers make this easier. If specific gravity is taken, it must be converted to American Petroleum
Institute gravity. Gravity at the observed temperature is corrected to 60F (15.6C). Volume correction
factors are based on true or corrected gravity. Corrections are made according to the American Society for
Testing and Materials/American Petroleum Institute/Institute of Petroleum measurement table 5B and 6B,
volume correction. Table 5B gives factors for correcting observed American Petroleum Institute gravity to
true gravity at 60F (15.6C). Table 6B gives correction factors for each degree or half degree of American
Petroleum Institute gravity and each degree or half degree of temperature. Gravity must be corrected to
60F (15.6C) to ensure that the multiplier is selected from the proper group. This is most important near
the ends of the eight gravity ranges. The multiplier is a ratio volume at 60F (15.6C) to volume at the
observed temperature. If the observed temperature is higher than 60F (15.6C), the multiplier is less than
one and the corrected volume will be smaller. If observed temperature is less than 60F (15.6C), the
multiplier is less than one and the corrected volume will be larger.
PRESSURE
E-12. Pressure is the main element in pipeline hydraulics. All forces producing pipeline flow and those
opposing it can be measured in terms of pressure or head. Coupled military pipelines are low-pressure
systems that operate at pressures of not more than 600 psi. The low pressure requires closer pump station
spacing than in commercial pipeline. Pump stations are spaced about 12 to 16 miles apart in military
E-6
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
systems on level terrain. Welded lines constructed for the military operate at higher pressures. The two
types of pressure in a pipeline are static and dynamic.
STATIC PRESSURE
E-13. Static pressure is a measure of pressure in liquids at rest. At any level in any size or shape of
container, static pressure depends solely upon the vertical height of liquid above that level. Unit pressure at
the bottom of all containers is the same, 1 psi. A column of water one inch square and about 27 inches high
weighs one pound. The force of one pound acts on an area of one square inch in the first container. A
second container would hold 4 pounds of water distributed over 4 square inches. The third container would
hold 16 pounds distributed over 16 square inches. A fourth would hold 64 pounds distributed over 64
square inches. Total pressure varies at the bottom of all containers, but unit pressure is the same, 1 psi. The
height of water in all the containers, 27 inches or 2.31 feet, is the head required to produce a pressure of 1
psi. Static pressure in any column of water is the head in feet divided by 2.31 or multiplied by 0.433. Static
pressure is proportionally less in a petroleum product because of its lower specific gravity. The formulas
for converting head to pressure and vice versa are as follows:
Pressure (psi) = [head (in feet) x sp ecific gravity] / 2.31
or
Pressure (psi) = 0.433 x head (in feet) x specific gravity
or
Head (in feet) = psi / 0.433 x specific gravity
DYNAMIC PRESSURE
E-14. Dynamic pressure or head is a measure of pressure in liquids in motion. Dynamic head is also a
measure of potential energy or energy of position. Figure E-1 on page E-8, shows the relationship between
static head and dynamic head. Static head at ground level behind the nozzle is measured by the vertical
height of liquid in the tank above the ground. When liquid starts to flow down the pipe, it loses static head,
but it gains in dynamic head. Potential energy becomes kinetic energy or energy in motion. Dynamic head
or velocity is greatest at ground level where the stream changes direction and starts to rise. Dynamic head
decreases after that until all velocity is lost. Meanwhile, the stream regains some portion of its initial static
head and final static head is the head loss because of friction and change in direction. In other words,
dynamic head is the static head required to accelerate the stream to its flowing velocity. It is the elevation
to which a pump can push a column of liquid.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-7
Appendix E
PASCALS LAW
E-15. Pascals law states that pressure, applied to the surface of a liquid, is transmitted equally in all
directions through the liquid. It adds that, at any point, pressure acts at right angles to the confining
container with undiminished intensity. Figure E-2 shows Pascals law and the effect of total pressure. Unit
pressure is the same on both pistons, 10 psi. This pressure is transmitted throughout the liquid. Therefore, a
total pressure of 30 pounds on one piston can exert a total pressure of 1,000 pounds on the other. This
principle is used in hydraulic presses, jacks, and brakes.
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
E-16. Atmospheric pressure is caused by the weight of air above the earth. It is the same everywhere at any
given elevation. Atmospheric pressure is similar to static pressure in liquids. The height of a column of air
depends upon the height of the column. It is measured by the height in inches it raises a column of mercury
in a barometer. Atmospheric pressure is 14.695 psi at sea level and proportionally less at higher altitudes.
Maximum suction lift of centrifugal pumps at sea level is 33(+) feet of water (14.695 psi x 2.31). Pump
engines are affected at elevations greater than 3,000 feet because of thinner air. This same condition lowers
atmospheric pressure. Design loads on pumps are usually reduced by 4 percent for each 1,000 feet of
elevation above 3,000 feet. Normal suction pressure of 20 psi is based on a design fuel of 0.725 specific
gravity. This pressure should be increased to 30 psi for elevations over 5,000 feet.
E-8
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
VACUUM
E-17. A vacuum is created when pressure is reduced below atmospheric level. The theoretical limit of
pressure reduction is absolute zero or perfect vacuum. Vacuums are measured as absolute pressure in
inches of mercury. Pump suction reduces atmospheric pressure at the point of intake. This allows
atmospheric pressure on the source of supply to push liquids into the pump.
VAPOR PRESSURE
E-18. All liquids, especially light petroleum products, tend to vaporize. This results from motion of the
molecules of which they are composed. Motion of molecules near the surface causes some to escape into
the air. The tendency to vaporize is called volatility. Volatility increases with temperature and decreases
with pressure. Vapor pressure is formed when a vaporizing liquid is confined in a closed container like that
used in the Reid vapor pressure test. The temperature at which a substance boils or is converted into vapor
by bubbles forming in the liquid is the boiling point of the liquid. For this reason, liquids boil at lower
temperatures at high elevations than at sea level. Vapor pressure reduces the effect of atmospheric pressure
acting on the liquid. Maximum net suction lift is reduced accordingly. For this reason, pump suction
pressure always must be greater than the vapor pressure of the product. Normal suction pressure of 20 psi
should be increased to 30 psi for operating temperatures over 100F.
NATURE OF FLOW
E-19. The three types of flow are laminar, transitional and turbulent. Liquids flow in pipelines because of
gravity or pump action. In both cases, they flow because of pressure. Pressure is supplied by weight of the
liquid in gravity flow and by pump action in discharge flow. While pressure and head are almost
synonymous, they are actually proportional to each other.
RESISTANCE OF FLOW
E-20. Flow in a pipeline continues until the head producing it has been lost. The loss of head or the
difference between pressure at the source and at any point downstream is caused by factors that resist flow.
The main factors that resist flow are friction of the pipe walls and viscosity of the liquid. To calculate
friction loss several factors and equations are used.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-9
Appendix E
Determine the kinematic viscosity of the fuel used in the pipeline system. Use figure E-3, page
E-11 to determine kinematic viscosity using the following steps:
Determine the type of fuel to be used in the pipeline system and the temperature.
Find the temperature along the bottom axis of the figure and use a straight edge to make a
vertical line that intersects the graphic line of the fuel type used.
At the point of intersection, turn the straight edge horizontal and make a horizontal line to
the vertical axis showing kinematic viscosity on the left.
The point where the horizontal line intersects the vertical axis is the kinematic viscosity
value in centistokes. If a reading in feet squared per second is needed use this formula: Feet
squared per second = centistokes /92,900.
Determine the Reynolds Number using this formula:
Design data formula. Reynolds Number = velocity in feet per second x inside diameter of
the pipe in feet/kinematic viscosity in feet squared per second.
Field data formula: Reynolds Number = 3160 x flow rate in gallons per minute/inside
diameter of the pipe in inches x kinematic viscosity in centistokes.
Determine the friction factor using this formula: Friction factor = 64/Reynolds Number.
Determine head loss due to friction over a given length or distance of pipe using the DarcyWeisbach Equations:
Design data formula: Head loss = friction factor x length of pipe in feet x velocity squared
in feet per second/64.4 x inside diameter of pipe in feet.
Modified formula: Head loss = 0.031 x friction factor x length of pipe in feet x flow rate
squared in gallons per minute/inside diameter of the pipe in inches to the fifth power.
E-21. Figure E-4 on page E-13 provides additional information useful in determining head loss due to
friction. Less important factors in flow resistance include:
RATE OF FLOW
E-22. The rate of flow depends on pump pressure and differences in elevation. It also depends on gravity
and viscosity of the product, diameter and length of the pipe, and roughness of the pipe.
PRESSURE
E-23. There is friction between the liquid and the pipe walls. The pressure needed to overcome this
resistance is expressed as head loss or loss in feet of head per mile of pipe as shown in figure E-5 on page
E-14. The feet of head needed to overcome the resistance of valves and fittings is similarly expressed in
equivalent lengths of pipe, table E-3 on page E-12 and figure E-5 page E-14. The total pressure needed to
overcome all resistance in the line is pressure drop per mile multiplied times length of the line in miles.
There is a direct relationship between pressure and rate of flow.
E-10
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-11
Appendix E
250-POUND
CAST IRON
150-POUND STEEL
300-POUND STEEL
Nominal
Size
(inches)
Regular
(feet)
Short
Pattern
Wedge
Gate
(feet)
Venturi
(feet)
Regular
(feet)
Venturi
(feet)
Regular
(feet)
Short
Pattern
(feet)
Venturi
(feet)
12
44
36
12
36
9.6
14.4
36
18
54
54
18
54
12
48
54
10
24
60
60
24
60
54
60
12
30
72
78
78
72
84
E-12
ATP 4-43
Regula
r
(feet)
Short
Pattern
(feet)
Venturi
(feet)
42
9.6
54
54
66
60
77
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-13
Appendix E
E-14
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
ELEVATION
E-24. Pressure needed to overcome friction is not the total pressure supplied if the product is to be pumped
over a hill higher than the pump. The pressure equivalent of the difference in elevation in feet must be
added to the pressure needed to overcome friction. If the liquid is to flow downhill from the pump, the
difference in elevation can be subtracted. Otherwise, the liquid will flow proportionally farther at the same
pump pressure. Elevation or static pressure acts at all times on a filled line whether the liquid is flowing or
not.
GRAVITY
E-25. Specific gravity of the product is important because the liquid being moved has weight. The greater
the specific gravity, or the lower the American Petroleum Institute gravity, the greater must be the pump
pressure to move it. As heavier products are pumped in the line, pressure must be increased to keep the
same flow rate. At the same pressure, flow rate falls off to suit the heaviest product being pumped.
Observed gravity should be used in rate-of-flow computations instead of true gravity. This is because the
computation will be concerned with an actual, not theoretical, condition. Changing from 40 American
Petroleum Institute gravity to 60 American Petroleum Institute gravity lessens pressure requirements 10
percent. At the same pressure, changing from 40 American Petroleum Institute gravity to 60 American
Petroleum Institute gravity increases rate of flow about 7 percent.
VISCOSITY
E-26. Viscosity and specific gravity of product affect pump pressure in the same way. Both gravity and
viscosity vary with temperature. Therefore, locations with temperature differences of about 50F (10C)
require 10 to 20 percent higher pumping pressures in winter.
DIAMETER OF PIPE
E-27. The pressure needed to pump at a given flow rate decreases rapidly as pipe diameter increases. It
requires about 85 feet of pressure drop per mile to pump gasoline at the rate of 550 GPM through a 6.407inch pipeline. Only about 22 feet of pressure drop are needed to pump at the same rate through 8.407-inch
pipeline as shown in figure E-4, page E-13. The decrease is about 74 percent. The same rate of flow
requires about 600 feet of pressure drop for 4.344-inch pipeline. This is an increase of more than 500
percent. At any given pressure, throughput may be increased about threefold by increasing the pipe
diameter 50 percent.
LENGTH OF PIPE
E-28. Required pumping pressure increases directly with distance pumped. In other words, pressure drop
per mile is proportional to distance pumped. If distance is doubled, pressure must be doubled. If pressure
stays constant, rate of flow varies inversely as the approximate square root of length. For example, if
station spacing is decreased by one half, flow rate will increase by about one half.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-15
Appendix E
The head that has been lost at each point is proportional to the length of pipe through which product has
flowed. Pressure head is lost uniformly from A to B. This uniform loss of head is the hydraulic gradient. It
is shown by the line connecting points C, D, E, F and B.
DOWNHILL FLOW
E-31. Figure E-7 shows a situation in which the product flows downhill. Conditions are the same as in
figure E-5, page E-14, except that point B is 10 feet below the tank connection A. This change increases the
head to 20 feet. The new C to B line is the hydraulic gradient. This gradient is steeper than in figure E-5,
page E-14. The rate of flow or velocity is also greater.
E-16
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Pipeline Hydraulics
UPHILL FLOW
E-32. Figure E-8 shows a situation in which product flows uphill. The point of discharge B is 5 feet above
the tank outlet A. Effective head has been reduced to 5 feet. The hydraulic gradient is not as steep as that in
figure E-6, page E-16. The rate of flow is also less. The tank could not be emptied by gravity below point
D.
SIZE OF PIPE
E-33. Figure E-9 shows a situation in which size of the line is increased at point X. Pressure lost because of
friction is greater in smaller pipe than in the larger pipe. Therefore, the hydraulic gradient is not a straight
line from A to B. Instead, it has a steeper slope from A to X and a lesser slope from X to B.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
E-17
Appendix F
Tank Strapping
TERMS
F-1. There are a number of terms used in describing tank strapping procedures. Some of these terms are
defined below.
Tank height is the distance from the top of the tank shell to the inside surface of the tank floor.
Product height is the highest fill point of the tank. This is not necessarily the top of the tank.
Deadwood is any part of the interior of the tank that reduces or adds to the volume. Such items
as ladders, supports, bolts, nuts, and channels are deadwood in the tank.
METHODS
F-2. As a rule, a strapping chart is prepared for each storage tank because tanks of the same size may vary
in capacity. Storage tanks must be filled before they are strapped, because the walls expand slightly when
the tanks are filled. Tank strapping methods are given below.
ALL-RINGS
F-3. The all-rings method is very accurate. Its error rate is only 1/50 of 1 percent. This method requires
the following:
AVERAGE CIRCUMFERENCE
F-4. The average circumference method is less accurate than the all-rings method. This method results in
an average of 1/10 of 1 percent error. The average circumference method requires the following:
Measurement of the outside circumference of all rings of the tank and the average of these
measurements.
ONE-RING
F-5. The one-ring method has an error rate of about 1/5 of 1 percent. This method requires the following:
COMPUTATION
F-6. This paragraph gives an example of a tank strapping computation on a single-ring tank as shown in
figure F-1 on page F-3. The information on tank measurements and deadwood that is needed in the
strapping procedure is given in table F-1 on page F-3.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
F-1
Appendix F
Find the volume of the pipe connection and the cleanout door.
Now find the volume of the deadwood. The only deadwood in this tank is the roof support.
V roof support = D2 H x 7.48 / 4
Now, subtract the deadwood from the total volume to get the total corrected volume of the tank.
19,417.97 - V roof support = total corrected volume
F-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Tank Strapping
21 July 2014
TANK
MEASUREMENTS
Outside circumference
Wall thickness
Height
Pipe connection
Cleanout door
40 feet 6 inches
1/2 inch
20 feet
2 feet long, 8 inches in diameter
3 feet by 5 feet by 1 foot
DEADWOOD
MEASUREMENTS
Roof support
Pipe connection
Cleanout door
6 inches in diameter
2 feet long, 8 inches in diameter
3 feet by 5 feet by 1 foot
ATP 4-43
F-3
Appendix G
Volume Conversion
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS/AMERICAN
PETROLEUM INSTITUTE/INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM TABLE
5A/B
G-1. Table 5A/B gives the values of American Petroleum Institute gravities at 60F (15.56C)
corresponding to American Petroleum Institute gravities observed with a glass hydrometer at temperatures
other than 60F (15.56C). In converting American Petroleum Institute gravity at the observed temperature
(hydrometer indication) to the corresponding American Petroleum Institute gravity at 60F (15.56C), two
corrections are necessary. The first correction is the change in volume of the glass hydrometer by
temperature. The second correction is the change in volume of the oil. Both corrections have been applied
to this table.
Note: This table must be used with American Petroleum Institute gravities (hydrometer
indications) measured with a soft glass hydrometer calibrated at 60F (15.56C).
Taking the Readings. Described below are the procedures that must be followed during fuel
classification.
Step 1. Draw a 300-milliliter sample of fuel from the drum, nozzle, or other fuel source. Put
it into a clean dry sample bottle, quart bottle with lid, or a sample can. Cover the sample
container. Take the sample to a tent, building, or other sheltered place to conduct the test.
Conduct the test promptly while the sample is fresh.
Step 3. Slowly and carefully pour the sample down the inside of a clean, dry hydrometer
cylinder, filling the cylinder approximately 3/4 full.
Step 4. Allow any air bubbles that are deep in the liquid to rise to the surface. Hold the
cylinder just below the rim with one hand, and tap the top of the cylinder sharply with the
cupped palm of the other hand to remove surface air bubbles.
Step 5. Set the cylinder on a level surface where it is protected from air currents.
Step 6. Use the hydrometer with the range closest to the American Petroleum Institute
gravity range of the fuel you think you are testing. (See figure G-1 on page G-2.) For example, if
you think the fuel is diesel and the American Petroleum Institute gravity range of diesel is
between 30.0 and 42.0, use the third or fourth hydrometer from the equipment list.
Step 7. Check the mercury column if the hydrometer being used has a built-in thermometer.
If the mercury has separated, the hydrometer will not take acceptable temperature readings, and
you should use another hydrometer. If a hydrometer with an accurate thermometer is not
available, you may use a calibrated tank thermometer to measure the temperature.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
G-1
Appendix G
Step 9. Stir the sample gently by raising and lowering the hydrometer, and watch the
movement of the mercury in the thermometer. (A fast-registering thermometer should give an
accurate reading in 30 to 45 seconds.) When the mercury stops moving, take a temperature
reading and record it.
Step 10. Allow the hydrometer to come to rest, but not touching the side of the cylinder. If it
moves to the side, move it back to the center of the liquid and spin it gently.
Step 11. When the hydrometer is floating freely at rest, read it to the nearest scale division.
Have your eye slightly below the level of the liquid, and raise it slowly until the surface of the
liquid appears to be a straight line across the hydrometer scale. Record the gravity reading to the
nearest scale division as shown in figure G-2.
Step 12. Stir the sample gently again by raising and lowering the hydrometer, and take a
second temperature reading. If the temperature of the fuel has not varied more than 1 F from the
previous reading, record the temperature to the nearest 1F. This is your test temperature
reading. If the temperature of the sample has changed more than 1F, repeat steps 9 through 12
until the temperature are stable (within 1F).
Figure G-1. Typical American Petroleum Institute gravity ranges (corrected to 60 degrees)
G-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Volume Conversion
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
G-3
Appendix G
Step 1. Find the Table 5B page that lists American Petroleum Institute gravity of 40 through 45
at observed temperature across the top and the observed temperature range of 60F (15.56C)
through 90F (32.22C) down the left side.
Step 2. Read down the left side until you find the observed temperature (83.0 F or 28.3C). The
observed American Petroleum Institute reading of 40.4 is rounded to 40.5 (The American
Petroleum Institute gravity is in increments of 0.5, so the observed American Petroleum Institute
gravity must be rounded to the nearest 0.5). Read across the table to where the observed
American Petroleum Institute gravity of 40.5 intersects the observed temperature of 83.0F
(28.3C). The American Petroleum Institute gravity at 60F (15.56C) is 38.7.
Note: For more precise American Petroleum Institute gravity correction to 60F (15.56C),
interpolation is used. See American Society for Testing and Materials 1250. However, when
American Petroleum Institute gravity is corrected to 60F (15.56C) for the purpose of volume
correction using Table 6A/B, interpolation is not required.
Step 3. American Petroleum Institute gravity that is recorded on the gage worksheet for volume
correction use only must be rounded off to the nearest 0.5. Round off to the nearest 0.5 as
follows:
If the fraction is 0.1 or 0.2, round down to the nearest whole degree. (For example, 42.2
become 42.0.)
If the fraction is 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, or 0.7, round to the nearest 0.5 degree. (For example 38.3
becomes 38.5, or 38.7 becomes 38.5.)
If the fraction is 0.8 or 0.9, round up to the nearest whole number. (For example, 42.8
become 43.0.)
Step 1. Compare the corrected American Petroleum Institute gravity with the American
Petroleum Institute gravity ranges shown in Figure G-1, page G-2. If the corrected American
Petroleum Institute gravity of the product is lower or higher than expected, it indicates possible
commingling with either heavier or lighter products.
Step 2. If the corrected American Petroleum Institute gravity is NOT within range for the fuel
you are testing, isolate and mark the fuel container; sample the fuel; and send the sample to your
supporting laboratory for identification, complete analysis, and disposition instructions. Do not
use the fuel until you receive disposition instructions from the laboratory.
G-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Appendix H
The DOD representative or military site supervisor providing oversight of the fuel site is
responsible for ensuring that the record is complete and maintained.
A bulk storage tank record will be completed for all tanks in service.
The bulk storage tank record will be updated as tank inspections note changes in the tank. All
changes to the condition of the tank will be annotated.
Information for the bulk storage tank record heading will be obtained from the data plate (figure
H-1) located on the tank. Record all information in ink. This information may also be found
stenciled on the packaging crate.
Mark the bulk storage tank record (figure H-3 on page H-3) with the tanks orientation based on
another tank or other immovable object.
Use the legend located on the bulk storage tank record to provide a snapshot of current
conditions. This is to be done in pencil.
Document the initial inspection and all changes to the tanks condition with the date, which is
necessary for documenting deterioration and repairs over time.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
H-1
Appendix H
H-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
H-3
Appendix H
H-4
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Glossary
SECTION I ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Bbl
barrel
BCT
BSB
CSSB
DA
DA Pam
DLA
DoD
Department of Defense
DOS
days of supply
ESC
FARE
FM
FSSP
GPM
IPDS
ISO
JP
JPO
MIL-STD
OPDS
POL
PS
ROM
refuel on-the-move
SAPO
TSC
TM
TPT
SECTION II TERMS
Offshore Petroleum Discharge System (OPDS)
Provides bulk transfer of petroleum directly from an offshore tanker to a beach termination unit located
immediately inland from the high watermark. Bulk petroleum then is either transported inland or
stored in the beach support area. Also called OPDS. (JP 4-03)
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
Glossary-1
References
REQUIRED PUBLICATIONS
These documents must be available to intended users of this publication.
ADRP 1-02, Terms and Military Symbols, 24 September 2013.
JP 1-02, Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, 08 November 2010.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
These documents contain relevant supplemental information.
ARMY PUBLICATIONS
Most Army doctrinal publications are available online: <http://www.apd.army.mil/>.
AR 385-10, The Army Safety Program, 27 November 2013.
AR 710-1, Centralized Inventory Management Of The Army Supply System, 20 September 2007.
AR 710-2, Supply Policy below the National Level, 28 March 2008.
AR 710-3, Inventory Management Asset And Transaction Reporting System, 25 February 2008.
ATP 3-04.94, Army Techniques Publication for Forward Arming and Refueling Points 26 January
2012.
ATP 4-93, Sustainment Brigade, 9 August 2013.
DA Pam 710-2-1, Using Unit Supply System (Manual Procedures) 31 December 97.
DA Pam 710-2-2, Supply Support Activity Supply System: Manual Procedures, 30 September 1998.
FM 4-40 Quartermaster Operations 22 October 2013.
FM 27-10, The Law of Land Warfare (INCL C1), 18 July 1956.
TB 10-5430-253-13, Technical Bulletin for Collapsible Fabric Fuel Tanks, 8 December 2009.
TM 4-43.31, Petroleum Laboratory Testing and Operations, 30 May 2012.
JOINT PUBLICATIONS
Most joint and Department of Defense doctrinal publications are available online:
http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/new_pubs/jointpub.htm.
JP 4-0, Joint Logistics, 16 October 2013.
JP 4-01.6, Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, 27 November 2012.
JP 4-03, Joint Bulk Petroleum and Water Doctrine, 9 December 2010.
21 July 2014
ATP 4-43
References-1
References
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
United States House of Representatives United States Code, Title X:
http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title10&edition=prelim.
MIL-STD-3004: Quality Surveillance Handbook for Fuels, Lubricants, and Related Products,
7 December 1012: http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/stresources/standards/.
RECOMMENDED READINGS
These readings contain relevant supplemental information.
ARMY PUBLICATIONS
Most Army doctrinal publications are available online: <http://www.apd.army.mil/>.
AR 200-1, Environmental Protection and Enhancement, 21 February 1997.
AR 385-30, Safety Color Code Markings and Signs, 15 September 1983.
TM 5-315, Firefighting and Rescue Procedures in Theaters of Operations, 20 April 1971.
PRESCRIBED FORMS
None.
REFERENCED FORMS
Unless otherwise indicated, DA forms are available on the Army Publishing Directorate (APD)
website : <http://www.apd.army.mil/>.
DA Form 1296, Stock Accounting Record.
DA Form 2028, Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms.
DA Form 2064, Document Register for Supply Actions.
DA Form 2765-1, Request for Issue or Turn-In.
DA Form 3643, Daily Issues of Petroleum Products.
DA Form 3644, Monthly Abstract of Issues of Petroleum Products and Operating Supplies.
DA Form 3853-1, Innage Gage Sheet (Using Innage Tape and Bob).
DA Form 3853-2, Outage Gage Sheet (Using Innage Tape and Bob).
DA Form 3853-3, Outage Gage Sheet (Using Outage Tape and Bob).
DA Form 4702-R, Monthly Bulk Petroleum Accounting Summary.
References-2
ATP 4-43
21 July 2014
Index
A
Advanced Aviation Forward Area
Refueling System, 4-4
Aerial Bulk Fuel Delivery System,
5-1
Air Transportable Hydrant
Refueling System, 5-2
Amphibious Assault Fuel System,
5-3
Aviation Refueling Capability, 5-5
B
brigade combat teams, 3-8
Bulk Fuel Storage System,
200,000 Gallons, 5-3
C
C-300 Ground Products Refueler,
5-2
captured petroleum products, 2-9
classes of fires, 2-5
E
echelons above brigade, 3-1
equipment maintenance, 3-9
evacuation routes, 2-7
Expedient Refueling System, 5-4
F
fire drills, 2-7
fire extinguisher types, 2-6
fire extinguishers, 2-6
fire inspections, 2-7
21 July 2014
H
Helicopter Expedient Refueling
System, 5-4
Hemtt-Tanker Aviation Refueling
System, 4-5
I
IPDS, 4-1
Q
quality surveillance organization,
2-8
R
R-11 Tank Truck Aircraft Refueler,
5-2
R-9 Tank Truck Aircraft Refueler,
5-2
ROM, 4-9
P
personnel, 2-7
personnel competence, 2-8
petroleum accounting, 2-10
pipeline/hoseline, 3-9
planning for bulk petroleum
supply, 1-6
ATP 4-43
V
vehicle, 3-9
volume calculations, 2-11
Index-1
RAYMOND T. ODIERNO
General, United States Army
Chief of Staff
Official:
GERALD B. OKEEFE
Administrative Assistant to the
Secretary of the Army
1418902
DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army, Army National Guard, and United States Army Reserve: Distributed in electronic media
only (EMO).
PIN: 104439-000