Inert Gas Generator

8.10 Gas-freeing Using the IGG Blowers

FIG. 10 Gas-freeing Using the IGG Blowers

Gas-freeing with IGG blowers is used when all tanks are to be gas-freed
before the ship enters dry dock.

Ship's state : All tank washed and inerted.

The graph below illustrates the effect on the atmosphere of the gas-freeing operation. During gas-freeing,
the oxygen level can rise to 21% without the risk of creating a potentially flammable mixture.

Reference must be made to the section on oxygen deficiency and toxicity of hydrocarbon vapours
16

OXYGEN DEFICIENT TOO RICH

14
12
PERCENT H YDROCARBO N G AS
10

IT
8

I M
L EL
MAB
M
6

A
FL
CRITI P ER
CAL D UP FLAMMABLE OR
ILU TI
O N LI
4

NE EXPLOSIVE REGION

COMMENCE LO WE
R FLAM
2

GAS FREEING MA BL
E LIMIT
1

(LFL)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
PERCENT OXYGEN(O2) GAS FREE

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 Inert Gas Generator

All tank must have an oxygen content of 8% by volume or less with a positive gas pressure at all times.

The tanks can be gas-freed when it has been established that a flammable atmosphere will not be created
in any tank as a result of introducing fresh air, i.e. the tank has first been purged with inert gas.
The quickest and best results are obtained when a maximum of two tanks are inerted at the same time.

1. Arrange the deck distribution and ventilation system as shown in Fig. 10

2. Supply fresh air to the tanks by carrying out the procedure

3. Gas-free until the tank has an oxygen content of 21% by volume and a reading of less than 1% LFL is
obtained on the combustible gas indicator.

4. A responsible person wearing appropriate breathing apparatus may enter the gas-free tank and take
further oxygen content measurements.
When it has been established that the atmosphere throughout the tank containes 21% oxygen, further
personnel may be allowed to commence inspection or repair-work within the tank.

5. The conditions given in Chap. 1.6, Safety Procedures, must be observed and a fresh air supply to the
tank must be maintained at all times when personnel are working in the tank.

6. On completion of maintenance or repair-work all tanks must be subsequently inerted as described in

Chap. 8.3, Inerting Empty Tanks at Sea.

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 Inert Gas Generator

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 Inert Gas Generator

8.11 Inerting to water ballast tanks under Hydro-Carbon Gas Detecing

CAUTION
If hydro-carbon gas is detected in ballast tanks, then inerting to ballast tanks at
any time.

FIG. 11 Inerting to water ballast tanks

Ship's state : Cargo vapour is detected in the water ballast tanks.

Inerting to water ballast tanks

The graph below illustrate the effect on the tank atmosphere as inert gas introduced.
The air is displaced and the oxygen content is reduced to approximately 5%.

Reference must be made to the section on oxygen deficiency and toxicity of hydrocarbon vapours
16

OXYGEN DEFICIENT TOO RICH

14 12
PERCENT HYDROCARBON GAS
10

IT
8

IM
L EL
AB
M
AM
6

FL
R
CRI T PE
ICAL UP FLAMMABLE OR
D ILU
4

TI ON EXPLOSIVE REGION
LI NE

LOW
2

ER FL
A MM A
B LE LI
1

M IT (LFL)

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
COMMENCE PERCENT OXYGEN(O2)
BELOW 8 %
COMMENCE
INERTING

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 Inert Gas Generator

Carry out the following procedure :

1. All ballast tanks are connected to the inert gas generator and all isolating valves in the deck inert gas
pipework are locked open.

2. All other cargo tank openings are shut.

3. All valves isolating the mast risers from the inert gas generators are shut.

4. The arrangements required by the Fire Protection, Detection and Extinguished Equipment Regulations,
are used to isolate the cargo main from the inert gas main.

5. The inert gas plant is producing gas of an acceptable quality

6. The deck isolating valve is open.

7. The oxygen content of the inert gas and its pressure in the inert gas main should be recorded.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Inerting water ballast tank is, only if hydrocarbon gases are detected indicating leakage
between cargo tanks and double hull spaces.

During the inerting double hull spaces(ballast tanks) the press. of the inert gas in the ullage
space of the tanks and in the inert gas deck main must be maintained above 200 mmWG.
If the pressure falls to a negative value there is danger of fresh air ingress into the tanks.

Most hydrocarbon gases from crude oil, hydrogen sulphide and inert gas are heavier than air.
With requirements for connections for inert gas supply to ballast tanks, inerting of ballast
tanks will probably be a normal procedure.

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 Inert Gas Generator

NOTE.
Breather valves for the ballast tank.
Suitable pipe reducers to be provided and installed on the vent pipe od ballst tank
(After removing the vent head) if necessary.

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