- Independent tank is a cargo-containment unit that is not contiguous with, or part of, the hull structure.
- An independent tank is built and installed to eliminate or minimise stressing that results from stressing or motion of the adjacent hull structure.
- An independent tank is not essential to the structural completeness of the ship’s hull and is known as a Type 1 tank.
A recent news article published in the Chemical Solution Tanker talks about Tank types, tank Vents & tank environmental control for chemical tankers.
Tank types, tank Vents
Integral tank is a cargo-containment area that forms part of the ship’s hull that may be stressed in the same manner and by the same loads as the contiguous hull structure. This is normally essential to the structural completeness of the ship’s hull and is known as a type 2 tank.
Gravity tank is a tank with a design pressure of not greater than 0.07 MPa gauge at the top of the tank. A gravity tank may be independent or integral. It will be constructed and tested according to recognised standards and will take into account the temperature of carriage and the relative density of the cargo.
Pressure tank is a tank with a design pressure greater than 0.07 MPa gauge. A pressure tank must be an independent tank and should have a configuration that permits the application of pressure-vessel design criteria of recognised standard.
Tank Vents
Open : An open tank venting system is a system that during normal operations offers no restriction, except for friction losses, to the free flow of cargo vapours to and from the cargo tanks.
Controlled : A controlled tank venting system is a system in which pressure and vacuum-relief valves or pressure/vacuum valves are fitted to each tank to limit the pressure or vacuum in the tank. Controlled tank venting systems fitted to tanks used for cargoes that have a flashpoint not exceeding 60°C (closed-cup test) must be provided with flame arrestors to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks.
Tank Environmental Control
Inerting : This is the process of reduction of the oxygen content in a tank by introducing an inert gas to prevent a flammable/explosive atmosphere developing within the cargo tank.
In the marine industry, a crude oil tanker with cargo tanks of an oxygen content of 8% or less is considered to be inerted. However, on chemical tankers, the general practice is to use large volumes of compressed nitrogen vapour, supplied from the shore, to reduce the oxygen content down to as low as 0.1% by volume. An onboard top-up generator maintains a positive pressure in the tanks.
Padding or Blanketing : Filling a cargo tank and associated piping systems with a liquid, gas, or vapour, which separates the cargo from air. In practice, nitrogen is most often added to a tank that has already been filled with cargo. The principal purpose of the pad is to establish a positive pressure on the tank, preventing the ingress of water or air as the tank cools.
Dry : The cargo tank and associated piping systems are filled with moisture-free gas or vapour, with a dew point of -40°C or below at atmospheric pressure, and then maintained at that condition.
Vent : This refers to forced or natural ventilation.
Gauging
Open : Open gauging is with a device that makes use of a pipe opening in the tank or tank hatch, potentially exposing the gauger to the cargo or its vapour. An example of this is the ullage opening.
Restricted : Restricted gauging utilises a device that penetrates the tank. When in use, this permits a small quantity of cargo vapour or liquid to be exposed to the atmosphere and, when not in use, the device is completely closed. The design ensures that no dangerous escape of tank contents (liquid or spray) can take place when the device is opened.
Closed : Closed gauging uses a device that penetrates the tank. A closed system prevents the tank contents from release. Examples include: float-type systems, electronic probe, magnetic probe and protected sight-glass.
Alternatively, an indirect device that does not penetrate the tank shell, and which is independent of the tank, may be used. An example of this would be a pipe flow meter.
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Source: Chemical Tanker Guide
