Improving the Reliability of Equipment and Facilities for the Rail Tank Wagon Receiving Process Through Modifications to the SUSI (Support System Direct Dry Coupler) to Achieve Low-Emission Operations and Resource Efficiency

2026-07-17T06:53:25+00:00

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Support System Direct Dry Coupler (SUSI) as a modification of the Direct Dry Coupler (DDC) system in improving Rail Tank Wagon (RTW) receiving process reliability while reducing environmental impact through pollution prevention and eco-innovation approaches. A before-and-after comparative study design was employed, comparing operational conditions prior to and following SUSI implementation at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Tegal. Parameters analyzed included connect/disconnect process time, discharge loss, VOC emission reduction using the IOGP Tier-1 method, A332-1 hazardous waste generation reduction, housekeeping water-use efficiency, and wastewater quality based on pH, oil and grease, and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) levels. Results demonstrate that SUSI implementation reduced connect/disconnect time from 45–90 minutes to 5–10 minutes while eliminating fuel spillage potential at 78 connection points, yielding a total spill reduction of 142,350 L/year. VOC emission reduction potential reached 6.77 × 10⁻⁵ tons of VOC/year based on the IOGP Tier-1 method. Reduced hydrocarbon influx into drainage systems decreased A332-1 oil sludge formation potential, improved wastewater quality with TOC concentration <3 mg/L, and reduced water demand for RTW area housekeeping from 25 kL/year to 5 kL/year, achieving an 80% water-use savings rate. Beyond improvements in operational reliability and occupational safety, this study demonstrates that spill-prevention-based connection system modifications provide simultaneous environmental benefits through air emission reduction, hazardous waste reduction, water-use efficiency, and reduced water pollution load.

International Journal of Engineering Business and Social Science

Improving the Reliability of Equipment and Facilities for the Rail Tank Wagon Receiving Process Through Modifications to the SUSI (Support System Direct Dry Coupler) to Achieve Low-Emission Operations and Resource Efficiency