9.1.2 There are
four different types of control for cargo tanks, as follows:
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Inerting: by filling the cargo tank and associated piping systems and,
where specified in chapter 15, the spaces surrounding the cargo tanks,
with a gas or vapour which will not support combustion and which will not react
with the cargo, and maintaining that condition.
-
Padding: by
filling the cargo tank and associated piping systems with a liquid,
gas or vapour which separates the cargo from the air, and maintaining
that condition.
-
Drying: by
filling the cargo tank and associated piping systems with moisturefree
gas or vapour with a dewpoint of -40°C or below at atmospheric
pressure, and maintaining that condition.
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Ventilation: forced
or natural.
9.1.3 Where inerting or padding of cargo tanks is required by the Code in column
"h" of Chapter 17 of the IBC Code:
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An adequate supply
of inert gas for use in filling and discharging the cargo tanks shall
be carried or shall be manufactured on board unless a shore supply
is available. In addition, sufficient inert gas shall be available
on the ship to compensate for normal losses during transportation.
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The inert gas system
on board the ship shall be able to maintain a pressure of at least
0.007 MPa gauge within the containment system at all times. In addition,
the inert gas system shall not raise the cargo tank pressure to more
than the tank's relief-valve setting.
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Where padding is used,
similar arrangements for supply of the padding medium shall be made
as required for inert gas in Ch 1, 9.1 General 9.1.3 and Ch 1, 9.1 General 9.1.3.(b).
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Means shall be provided
for monitoring ullage spaces containing a gas blanket to ensure that
the correct atmosphere is being maintained.
-
Inerting or padding
arrangements or both, where used with flammable cargoes, shall be
such as to minimize the creation of static electricity during the
admission of the inerting medium.
9.1.4 Where drying
is used and dry nitrogen is used as the medium, similar arrangements
for supply of the drying agent shall be made to those required in Ch 1, 9.1 General 9.1.3. Where drying agents are used
as the drying medium on all air inlets to the tank, sufficient medium
shall be carried for the duration of the voyage, taking into consideration
the diurnal temperature range and the expected humidity.