ASSESSING THE EVAPORATION LOSSES IN FIXED PETROL STORAGE TANK: A CASE STUDY OF NOCMA STORAGE DEPOT IN MALAWI

Evaporation losses from fixed gasoline storage tank are major Challenge, especially in developing nations like Malawi where energy security and economic efficiency are vital. With the purpose to quantify both standing and working losses, this study evaluates the evaporation losses through quantitative analysis of fixed gasoline storage tanks at the NOCMA Storage Depot in Matindi, Blantyre. The results from the study reveal that over 2.8 million liters of petrol are lost each year, representing 1.12% of petrol loss from the depot with the working losses making up 7.68% and the standing losses 92.32%. The nation loses an estimated MWK 7 billion annually as pump selling price due to petrol evaporation losses from each storage tank deport, which have significant financial impact. The report emphasizes the pressing need for workable and affordable mitigation ways, like vapor recovery devices, nitrogen blanketing systems and better tank paint conditions. Malawi can improve fuel storage efficiency and cut down on waste of fuel from storage. On the other hand, fortify its energy security by addressing these losses. Besides that, the study will offer NOCMA useful information, it will also lay the groundwork for further research on fuel conservation in related fields by other scholars.