4.2.5 Internal insulation tanks
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1983 IGC Code - International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk - Chapter 4 Cargo Containment - 4.2 Definitions - 4.2.5 Internal insulation tanks

4.2.5 Internal insulation tanks

  4.2.5.1 Internal insulation tanks are non-self-supporting and consist of thermal insulation materials which contribute to the cargo containment and are supported by the structure of the adjacent inner hull or of an independent tank. The inner surface of the insulation is exposed to the cargo.

  4.2.5.2 The two categories of internal insulation tanks are:

  1. .1 Type 1 tanks which are tanks in which the insulation or a combination of the insulation and one or more liners functions only as the primary barrier. The inner hull or an independent tank structure should function as the secondary barrier when required.

  2. .2 Type 2 tanks which are tanks in which the insulation or a combination of the insulation and one or more liners functions as both the primary and the secondary barrier and where these barriers are clearly distinguishable.

The term “liner” means a thin, non-self-supporting, metallic, nonmetallic or composite material which forms part of an internal insulation tank in order to enhance its fracture resistance or other mechanical properties. A liner differs from a membrane in that it is not intended to function alone as a liquid barrier.

  4.2.5.3 Internal insulation tanks should be of suitable materials enabling the cargo containment system to be designed using model tests and refined analytical methods as required in 4.4.7.

  4.2.5.4 The design vapour pressure P o should not normally exceed 0.25 bar. If, however, the cargo containment system is designed for a higher vapour pressure, P o may be increased to such higher value, but not exceeding 0.7 bar if the internal insulation tanks are supported by the inner hull structure. However, a design vapour pressure of more than 0.7 bar may be accepted by the Administration provided the internal insulation tanks are supported by suitable independent tank structures.


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