Methods for preventing the sticking of crude oil on radar antennas used for oil level measurement in oil tanks

Abstract

This master thesis have investigated a problem arising on oil tankers in rough sea and cold weather water and oil sticks to radar antennas used for level measurements in their tanks and prohibits operation of the radar system. Limiting factors from safety rules on tankers placed the focus on chemical treatments which gives hydrophobic and superhydrophobic properties to the surface. However another lead was also investigated further, were the ability to create and maintain a thin water film to protect a surface from crude oil was researched. A firm root in the physics of the process, when a liquid meets an interface, is discussed before experiments are conducted and results presented. The best case solutions are proposed based on the experimental data, also possible future studies to verify that the solutions work in the real application. Today's best commercial repellent coating is not able to withstand the worst of the oils transported in tankers, but they are able to withstand some of the more refined products. The only options available for protecting an antenna from the worst oil product is using a thin water film sustained through a hydrophilic coating.