Deck Main Inert Gas (IG) Distribution/Venting System Introduction - Tanker Op

Doc No:

RF0039

Version:

Reference Material

Once the gases have gone through the stages detailed in Inert Gas Overview - Tanker Op (RF0040)
it enters the deck main distribution system piping through which it is delivered to the individual cargo
tank spaces. The system must provide the means to deliver inert gas to the cargo tank spaces
during cargo discharge, ballast and tank cleaning operations and for topping up the pressure of gas
in the system, or fresh air for gas freeing purposes.
Means of venting the tanks during loading and ballasting must be provided. Additional inlet / outlet
points are to be provided for inerting, purging and gas freeing and there must be a means to isolate
individual cargo tanks from the inert gas system for gas freeing. Further, means must be provided to
protect the tanks from excessive pressures or vacuums. These requirements are prescribed under
SOLAS regulations for both inert gas systems (Regulation 62) and venting systems (Regulation 59)
of Chapter ll-2.
These criteria are met on the vessels of the fleet with the following equipment being fitted to the
system.
The deck distribution consists of a main pipe with branch lines fitted and led to each individual cargo
tank. Each branch line to the individual cargo tanks is fitted with an isolating valve which has an
arrangement to prevent inadvertent opening or closing. A bypass line incorporating a pressure /
vacuum relief valve is fitted around each branch line isolating valve (Inert Gas and Venting System
Regulations). The main distribution line is fitted with a mast riser and main venting valve, which is
also fitted with a bypass line and pressure / vacuum relief valve (Venting System Regulation). A
secondary backup system to relieve pressure / vacuum is fitted to the main distribution line in the
form of a pressure / vacuum breaker also referred to as a spill valve, particularly in the U.S. (Inert
Gas System and USSG Regulations).
Schematic - Simplified Diagram-Inert Gas Distribution

The additional inlet for inerting, purging, and gas freeing is provided by an isolated cross connection
between the inert gas main and the cargo discharge lines. The cargo/I.G. cross connection is
isolated and protected by an isolating valve, non-return valve and a blank. The additional outlets are
provided by tank openings such as the tank hatch and ullage ports.

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Deck Main Inert Gas (IG) Distribution/Venting System - Introduction - Tanker Op

Doc No:

RF0039

Version:

Alternative, and sometimes additional, measures to the above are individual tank vent pipes and
breather valves or high velocity vents fitted to each cargo tank and separate purge pipes (Inert Gas
and Venting system regulations).

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