General Hydrocarbon gas normally encountered in petroleum tankers cannot burn in an atmosphere containing less than approximately 11% oxygen by volume. One way to provide protection against fire or explosion in the vapour space of cargo tanks is to keep the oxygen level below that figure. This is usually achieved by using a fixed piping arrangement to blow inert gas into each cargo tank in order to reduce the air content, and oxygen content and render the tank atmosphere non-flammable. Sources of Inert Gas Possible sources of IG on tankers and combination carriers are:Uptake gas from … [Read more...]
OIL TANKER OPERATIONS (Discharging) – Conventional Tanker Basics
OIL TANKER OPERATIONS (Discharging) Good planning is the hallmark of efficient tanker operations.Prior arriving at the discharge port an exchange of information between the ship and the terminal will take place. Once the vessel is tied up at the terminal, a ship-shore checklist will have to be filled out. The general safety checks and precautions will be the same as given for the loadport. Since pumps will be running at the discharge port, special attention will have to be given to monitor the safe running of the pumps. Pumproom ventilation should be running throughout operations. Proper … [Read more...]
Tanker Terminology used in Shipping
Tanker Terminology Anti-static additiveA substance added to a petroleum product to raise its electrical conductivity to a safe level above 50 picoSiemens/metre (pS/m) to prevent accumulation of static electricity. Auto-ignitionThe ignition of a combustible material without initiation by a spark or flame, when the material has been raised to a temperature at which self-sustaining combustion occurs. BondingThe connecting together of metal parts to ensure electrical continuity. Brush dischargeA brush discharge is a diffuse discharge from a single blunt … [Read more...]