Abstract: Oil sludge (15) formed within a storage container (10) is removed by penetrating tubular lances (20) into the sludge body (15) and then pumping dispersant chemicals borne by a water jet through the lances (20) into the sludge body (15) with continuous drawing off and recirculation of emulsified fractions under pressure. The sludge body (15) breaks down both physically and chemically to form a pumpable fluid which is drained and mixed with a larger volume of liquid oil to allow dispersion of the hydrocarbonaceous content of the emulsified fluid as a suspension in the oil volume allowing the water to settle out of the mixture, the settled water layer being thereafter drawn off. This oil mixture is then processed in the process plant. The dispersant chemicals emulsify or form coloidal suspension or solution of the hydrocarbonaceous content of the sludge body (15) in water.

Abstract: Oil sludge (15) formed within a storage container (10) is removed by penetrating tubular lances (20) into the sludge body (15) and then pumping dispersant chemicals borne by a water jet through the lances (20) into the sludge body (15) with continuous drawing off and recirculation of emulsified fractions under pressure. The sludge body (15) breaks down both physically and chemically to form a pumpable fluid which is drained and mixed with a larger volume of liquid oil to allow dispersion of the hydrocarbonaceous content of the emulsified fluid as a suspension in the oil volume allowing the water to settle out of the mixture, the settled water layer being thereafter drawn off. This oil mixture is then processed in the process plant. The dispersant chemicals emulsify or form coloidal suspension or solution of the hydrocarbonaceous content of the sludge body (15) in water.