Indian Maritime University

T2203 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE

Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems

Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

1) Hazards of petroleum
2) Static electricity & bonding wire
3) Intrinsic safety
4) Gas sampling equipment
5) Gas freeing, Tank entry & Tank cleaning
6) Ship / shore safety check-list
7) Pressure vacuum valves
8) Emergency shut down system
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Safety on tankers

1.4.5.1
Gas Freeing

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 Indian Maritime University
T2203 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

Gas freeing

Hydrocarbon vapors from a petroleum cargo

remain in the cargo tank after cargo discharge.
These vapors may be mixed with Inert gas.

Gas freeing a tank means replacing the vapors

in the tank with fresh air. This may be
required for man entry or repairs to be carried
out in the tank
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 Indian Maritime University
T2203 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

Gas freeing

Purging is the introduction of an Inert gas into a tank

already in an Inert condition. This is done to reduce the
existing level of hydrocarbon gas to a level below which
combustion will not be supported if air is subsequently
introduced into the tank.

Purging is therefore carried out prior gas freeing.

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 Indian Maritime University
T2203 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

Gas freeing

Gas freeing is done by portable or fixed fans.

Blowing fresh air through bottom cargo

pipelines is very effective for gas freeing.