Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the surrounding medium such as the atmosphere.
API: American Petroleum Institute.
API Gravity (Relative Density): A means used by the petroleum industry to express the density of petroleum liquids. API gravity is measured by a hydrometer instrument having a scale graduated in degrees API. The relation between API gravity and relative density (formerly called specific gravity) is: API Gravity at 60 Deg. F. = (141.5 : Relative Density 60F/60F) – 131.5
ASTM: American Society for Testing Materials. Grade and quality specifications for petroleum products are determined by ASTM test methods.
Barrel: The standard unit of liquid volume in the petroleum industry. It is equal to 42 U.S. gallons.
BS & W: Bottom sediment and water.
Bunkers: Fuel for a vessel. The type will vary depending upon the propulsion mode of the vessel. Steamships will use a heavy fuel oil, diesels use a range of fuels from heavy to light, and gas turbines generally use kerosene
Cargo Pump: Pump used on tankers for discharging cargo and loading or discharging ballast. Located, at the bottom of the pump room, these pumps are usually of the common duplex type, or turbine type of which the centrifugal is the most common.
Clingage: The residue that adheres to the inside surface of a container, such as a ship’s tank or shore tank, after it has been emptied.