GAS CONCENTRATION AND STATIC ELECTRIFICATION STUDIES DURING TANK WASHING ON THE S.S. MOBIL MERIDIAN

This report contains the results from gas concentration and static electrification studies performed in expoxy-coated tanks of a 50,000 DWT vessel during a 6-day ballast voyage. Gas concentration data are presented after cargo discharge and before, during and after tank washings consisting of sea water, sea water and detergent, and heated sea water with detergent. The electrification studies include measurements of field strength and polarity, corona current, and radio noise compiled under similar conditions in the center and wing tanks that were both clean and oil coated. The report suggests further investigation into the relationship between gas concentration and maximum field strength, time to reach maximum field strength, and field polarity. It concludes that electrical discharges occur in tanks during wash proceedings and can pose a dangerous situation.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This report is supplemental to previous reports dealing with on-shore studies, Report No. 70.33-AD, and on the S.S. Mobile Transporter, Report No. 70.34-AC.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mobil Research and Development Corporation

  Paulsboro, NJ  United States 
• Authors:
  • Lange, R F
• Publication Date: 1971-3-26

Media Info

• Pagination: 42 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cleaning; Electric discharge; Electrostatics; Storage tanks
• Old TRIS Terms: Electric corona; Gas vapor concentration; Tank cleaning
• Subject Areas: Maintenance and Preservation; Marine Transportation; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00043956
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Mine Safety Appliances Research Corporation
• Report/Paper Numbers: 78.1-AD
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 4 1973 12:00AM