ALL-K Marine supplies high-performance tank washing machines designed for safe, efficient cleaning of cargo tanks on crude oil tankers, chemical carriers, and product tankers. Our portable and fixed tank cleaning equipment is built from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel , we deliver reliable solutions that reduce crew exposure and maximize operational efficiency.
What Is a Tank Washing Machine?
A tank washing machine (also called a tank cleaning machine or Butterworth machine) is a high-pressure rotary nozzle device used to clean the interior surfaces of ship cargo tanks. It sprays heated seawater, freshwater, or cleaning solvents through twin or single nozzles that rotate 360° horizontally and vertically, ensuring complete coverage of tank tops, bulkheads, and bottom plating.
On modern tankers, these machines are essential for Crude Oil Washing (COW), pre-wash operations under MARPOL Annex II, and routine tank maintenance. By removing cargo residues, sludge, and contaminants, tank washing machines help prevent cross-contamination, ensure gas-free certification, and maintain vessel safety standards.
Key Features & Advantages
- Fluid-Driven Safety: Water-driven turbine mechanism eliminates electrical or pneumatic components, making it intrinsically safe for operation in explosive atmospheres.
- 360° Full Coverage: Programmable or pre-programmed rotation patterns sweep entire tank interiors—deck heads, longitudinal bulkheads, transverse frames, and bottom plating.
- 316L Stainless Steel Construction: Superior corrosion resistance against crude oil, chemicals, and saltwater, ensuring long service life with minimal maintenance.
- Portable & Fixed Options: Portable machines for flexible deployment through Butterworth ports; fixed deck-mounted machines for large tankers requiring automated COW systems.
- Adjustable Pressure & Angle: Single-nozzle programmable models allow vertical pitch adjustment (e.g., 1° and 3°) and speed control to match cargo residue types and tank dimensions.
- High Impact Cleaning: Effective jet lengths optimized for tanks up to 45m diameter, with operating pressures from 5 to 12 bar (190 psi max).
- Self-Draining & Easy Maintenance: Nozzle assemblies designed to drain completely after use; gear boxes are media-lubricated and accessible for inspection without tank exposure.
Applications & Vessel Types
Our marine tank washing machines are widely used across the maritime and industrial sectors:
- Crude Oil Tankers (COW): Fixed and portable machines for crude oil washing during discharge, reducing clingage and slop tank volume.
- Chemical Tankers: Pre-wash and final wash operations for switching between incompatible cargoes under MARPOL Annex II.
- Product Tankers: Cleaning of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel tanks to prevent contamination between voyages.
- Industrial Storage Tanks: Onshore tanks in chemical plants, refineries, and food processing facilities requiring high-impact rotary cleaning.
- Ballast & Slop Tanks: Removal of sediments, wax, and asphaltene residues before tank inspections or repairs.
Technical Specifications
The following specifications cover our standard range of marine tank washing machines. Custom inlet connections, stand pipe lengths, and nozzle sizes are available upon request.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Types Available | Portable (Butterworth) / Fixed (Deck-Mounted) |
| Nozzle Configuration | Twin Nozzle (Pre-programmed) |
| Drive Method | Cleaning-fluid driven turbine (water-driven) |
| Material | 316L Stainless Steel (optional 316 SS / Brass components) |
| Horizontal Rotation | 360° continuous |
| Vertical Movement | -25° to 155° (programmable models) |
| Operating Pressure | 5 – 12 bar (recommended 8–10 bar); Max 190 psi |
| Max Temperature | Up to 95°C (203°F) |
| Max Tank Diameter | Up to 45 meters (model dependent) |
| Cycle Time | Approx. 8–60 minutes depending on model and pressure |
| Inlet Connection | JIS 16K 40A/50A/65A/80A/100A; DIN/ANSI flanges available on request |
| Installation | Vertical facing downward; stand pipe length customizable |
Note: Inlet connection and stand pipe length can be customized according to order. NAKAJIMA coupling and other specialized adapters available on request.
How to Select the Right Tank Washing Machine
Choosing the correct tank cleaning equipment depends on your vessel type, cargo, and operational requirements:
- Vessel Size & Tank Dimensions: Larger crude carriers require fixed deck-mounted machines with longer effective jet lengths. Smaller chemical tankers may use portable machines lowered through Butterworth ports.
- Cargo Residue Type: Heavy crude sludge and wax require high-impact single-nozzle machines with adjustable pitch. Lighter product residues can be handled with standard twin-nozzle units.
- Installation Constraints: Fixed systems need permanent deck openings and control valves. Portable systems offer flexibility but require crew handling and hose management.
- Pressure & Flow Capacity: Match the machine specification to your tank cleaning pump capacity. Typical systems require 40–125 m³/h flow at 0.6–1.2 MPa.
- Material Compatibility: 316L SS is standard for chemical and crude oil service. Confirm nozzle and body material compatibility with your cargo list.
Not sure which model fits your fleet? Contact our technical team with your tank dimensions and cargo types for a tailored recommendation.
Why Choose ALL-K Marine?
As a trusted supplier of marine equipment and ship spares, ALL-K Marine combines manufacturing expertise with global logistics support:
- Direct Manufacturing: We produce and source high-quality tank cleaning equipment from certified facilities, ensuring competitive pricing and consistent quality.
- Custom Configuration: Inlet flanges, stand pipe lengths, nozzle sizes, and coupling types can be customized to match your existing deck arrangements.
- Global Shipping: Based in Ningbo, China, we ship to major ports worldwide with experience handling urgent vessel supply needs.
- Technical Support: Our team can assist with installation guidance and spare parts selection.
Request a Quote for Tank Washing Machines
Ready to upgrade your vessel’s tank cleaning system? Send us your requirements—tank dimensions, cargo types, preferred installation type (portable or fixed), and required certifications—and we will respond with a detailed quotation and technical datasheet within 24 hours.
