A STUDY OF TANK ATMOSPHERES AND ELECTRICAL PHENOMENA ABOARD THE TEXACO NORTH AMERICA AND THE TEXACO HAMBURG

A study of the atmosphere and electrical phenomena aboard a VLCC was conducted during a ballast voyage. Hydrocarbon vapor composition, concentration, and distribution were satisfactorily monitored. The "Yo-Yo" Cleaning System and the Golar Vent system proved to be safe and effective in removing hydrocarbon vapor to 10% LEL, however, the Yo-Yo system was slow and required large quantities of sea water, while appreciable water and oil accumulation tended to limit the latter system's effectiveness and caused a gas buildup. Gun clean tank washing machines were faster and more effective than the Victor Pyrate machines in removing sludge following vapor removal, but both caused rapid gas buildup, which remained stratified in all tanks. Cleaning and gas-freeing procedures were applied to a similar VLCC preparing for drydock and experienced equal success. During tank-washing procedures a maximum (38 KV/sq. m.) electrostatic field intensity was recorded, evidence of light emissions was photographed and rf currents as high as 220 ma were measured.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texaco, Incorporated

  Richmond Research Laboratories
  Richmond, VA  United States 
• Authors:
  • Gunn, K M
  • Schaerer, E V
  • Slough, C M
• Publication Date: 1970-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 49 p.

Subject/Index Terms

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

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00043958
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Mine Safety Appliances Research Corporation
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 4 1973 12:00AM