What material is used for the main component of a COW system?

What material is used for the main component of a COW system?

• A. Rubber
• B. Steel
• C. Plastic
• D. Copper

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is material selection for heavy-duty, load-bearing shipboard systems. Steel is used for the primary components of a Cargo Oil Washing (COW) system because it provides the necessary strength and structural integrity to handle high-pressure spray, rugged vessel motion, and continuous exposure to hydrocarbon cargo. Piping, manifolds, and supports must resist mechanical stresses and maintain reliability over long service life, and steel—with appropriate coatings or corrosion-resistant variants when needed—meets these demands and is readily welded and fabricated on ships. Rubber or plastic are used for flexible hoses or seals, not for the main load-bearing parts, since they would not withstand the same pressures or long-term durability. Copper is not suitable due to cost and incompatibility with hydrocarbons and seawater.

The main concept here is material selection for heavy-duty, load-bearing shipboard systems. Steel is used for the primary components of a Cargo Oil Washing (COW) system because it provides the necessary strength and structural integrity to handle high-pressure spray, rugged vessel motion, and continuous exposure to hydrocarbon cargo. Piping, manifolds, and supports must resist mechanical stresses and maintain reliability over long service life, and steel—with appropriate coatings or corrosion-resistant variants when needed—meets these demands and is readily welded and fabricated on ships. Rubber or plastic are used for flexible hoses or seals, not for the main load-bearing parts, since they would not withstand the same pressures or long-term durability. Copper is not suitable due to cost and incompatibility with hydrocarbons and seawater.