INERT GAS: HOW AND WHY IT IS USED IN TANKERS TO PREVENT EXPLOSIONS

The Author considers that part of the IMCO regulations dealing with inert gas. A series of recommendations has been made in the U.S. with regard to tanker explosions and, when implemented, all tankers above 20,000 dwt entering U.S. ports must be equipped with inert-gas systems. The systems will have to meet U.S. Coast Guard regulations and inspection, and the new regulations will establish a five-year time frame for retrofitting existing vessels. The mechanics of what an inert-gas retrofit involves are explored and two ways of inerting a tanker are discussed, namely: The flue-gas system, where gas from the boiler uptake is scrubbed, cooled, and delivered to the tanks by relatively high-pressure blowers. If insufficient flue gas is available it must be generated. The artificial-load system. The steam desuperheater auxiliary boilers can be loaded artifically. In addition to being exceptionally economical, this system has the distinct advantage of eliminating the need to operate and maintain a flue-gas system for the auxiliary boilers or a relatively expensive low-capacity generator for topping-up. In operation the auxiliary boiler is fired up and excess steam beyond that required for other purposes, such as heating coils, is passed through a spray chamber to the auxiliary condenser. Pressure and temperature of the steam is monitored and controlled automatically.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/07325460
• Corporate Authors:

  Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corporation

  P.O. Box 530
  Bristol, CT  United States  06010
• Authors:
  • Franklin, T
• Publication Date: 1977-6

Media Info

• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Marine Engineering/Log
  • Volume: 82
  • Publisher: New York: Simmons-Boardman Publishing Corp.
  • ISSN: 0732-5460

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design standards; Explosions; Marine safety; Noble gases; Policy; Tankers
• Identifier Terms: International Maritime Consultative organization
• Uncontrolled Terms: Inert gas systems
• Old TRIS Terms: Explosion prevention; Imco design standards; Tank inerting systems; Tanker safety
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Policy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00168342
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Ship Research Association
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1978 12:00AM