Indian Maritime University

BNA 023 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

1.4.4
Gas sampling equipment

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

General

Detection and measurement of certain gases is

important for the safe conduct of tanker
operations and for the safety of personnel in
all types of ships.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Instruments

A wide range of instruments, both fixed and

portable, is available for shipboard use. It is
important to understand the limitations of the
instruments. Manufacturers’ manuals must be
consulted for details of operations and
maintenance.
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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Instruments calibration

Regular calibration and testing of gas detection

equipment is essential if readings are to be
considered reliable. Adequate supply of
calibration gas must be held on board if the
calibration is to be done on board.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Oxygen analyzers

In ships fitted with Inert Gas System, it is essential to

check that the oxygen content of the gas delivered does
not exceed 8% by volume. A fixed oxygen analyzer is
fitted for this purpose.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Oxygen analyzers

A portable oxygen analyzer is also supplied for the

purpose of checking that the atmosphere inside the
cargo tanks remains below 8% by volume.

All ships will carry a portable oxygen analyzer for the

purpose of checking oxygen levels.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Limits of flammability

The Flammable Range of hydrocarbon gases lie between

the Upper and Lower Flammable Limits. Below the LFL
the mixture of gas and air is too weak to burn. Above
the UFL the mixture is too rich to burn.

The least quantity of oxygen required to support

combustion is about 11% by volume.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Catalytic filament combustible gas indicator

This type of instrument is often called “explosimeter”.

It is used for measuring concentration of gas below the
Lower Flammable Limit.

This instrument will only read accurately in the presence

of fresh air and cannot therefore be used with Inert air.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Non - Catalytic heated filament combustible gas indicator

This type of instrument is often called “Tank Scope”.

It is used for measuring hydrocarbon gas by volume.

The presence of fresh air is not a requirement and can

therefore be used with Inert air.

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 Indian Maritime University
BNA 023 CARGO HANDLING & STOWAGE
Block no. 1 Cargo handling and Care
Unit No. 1 Cargo pumps and Piping Systems
Topic 1.4 Safety on tankers

4) Gas sampling equipment

Chemical tube instruments

This type of instrument is used in chemical

and gas tankers for measurement of toxic
gases in very low concentrations.

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