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JUNE 2004
Copyright 2004
American Bureau of Shipping
ABS Plaza
16855 Northchase Drive
Houston, TX 77060 USA
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Foreword
The main purpose of this Guide is to provide vessel Owners with design criteria for inerting ballast
tanks on double hull tankers. The ballast tanks are to be inerted for the following reasons:
• To minimize risk of explosion in ballast tanks
• To minimize corrosion
ABS welcomes comments and suggestions for improvement of this Guide. Comments or suggestions
can be sent electronically to rdd@eagle.org.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 iii
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GUIDE FOR
INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS
CONTENTS
SECTION 1 General Conditions ................................................................1
1 Application .............................................................................1
3 Objective ................................................................................1
5 Definitions ..............................................................................1
7 Plans and Data to be Submitted ............................................2
9 Class Notation........................................................................2
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 v
3 Ballast Tanks Venting ..........................................................13
3.1 General Principles ...........................................................13
3.3 Venting Capacity .............................................................13
3.5 Vent Piping ......................................................................13
3.7 Self-draining of Vent Piping .............................................14
3.9 Protection for Tank Overpressurization and Vacuum ......14
3.11 Position of Pressure/Vacuum Valves ..............................14
3.13 Pressure/Vacuum Valve Bypass .....................................15
3.15 Vent Outlets for Large Flow Volumes ..............................15
5 Ballast Tank Gas Detection System ....................................15
5.1 Portable Gas Measuring Detectors .................................15
5.3 Fixed Gas Sampling System ...........................................15
5.5 Piping of Gas Sampling Lines .........................................15
5.7 Gas Sampling System Installation...................................16
7 Ballast Tank Level Gauging .................................................16
7.1 Tank Overfill Protection ...................................................16
9 Ballast Pump Operation .......................................................17
11 Operating Manuals...............................................................17
vi ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
FIGURE 1 Ballast Tank with Discharge Pipe ..............................24
FIGURE 2(a) Inerting at 0.5 hr (1800 seconds), 0.33 Atmosphere
Changes.....................................................................26
FIGURE 2(b) Inerting at 1.0 hr (3600 seconds), 0.67 Atmosphere
Changes.....................................................................27
FIGURE 2(c) Inerting at 1.5 hr (5400 seconds), 1.0 Atmosphere
Change.......................................................................27
FIGURE 2(d) Inerting at 2.25 hr (8100 seconds), 1.5 Atmosphere
Changes.....................................................................28
FIGURE 2(e) Inerting at 3.0 hr (10800 seconds), 2.0 Atmosphere
Changes.....................................................................28
FIGURE 3(a) Gas-freeing at 0.5 hr (1800 seconds), 0.33
Atmosphere Changes ................................................29
FIGURE 3(b) Gas-freeing at 1.0 hr (3600 seconds), 0.67
Atmosphere Changes ................................................30
FIGURE 3(c) Gas-freeing at 1.5 hr (5400 seconds), 1.0
Atmosphere Change ..................................................30
FIGURE 3(d) Gas-freeing at 2.25 hr (8100 seconds), 1.5
Atmosphere Changes ................................................31
FIGURE 3(e) Gas-freeing at 3.0 hr (10800 seconds), 2.0
Atmosphere Changes ................................................31
FIGURE 4 Averaged Oxygen Concentrations.............................32
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 vii
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SECTION 1 General Conditions
1 Application
The requirements in this Guide apply to vessels equipped with inert gas systems designed to
continuously inert the ballast tanks. Application of the requirements of this Guide is optional. When a
vessel is designed, built and surveyed in accordance with this Guide, and when found satisfactory, a
classification notation, as specified in Subsection 1/9, will be granted.
3 Objective
The objective of this Guide is to provide requirements which will:
i) Prevent the risk of explosion in ballast tanks caused by the ignition of hydrocarbon gas
leaking in from adjacent cargo tanks
ii) Reduce corrosion in ballast tanks
This is achieved by means of replacing the atmospheric content of the tanks with a gas such as
nitrogen, or a mixture of gases such as flue gas, containing reduced levels of oxygen.
5 Definitions
The following definitions are applied to the terms used in this Guide:
Inert gas: Inert gas is a gas such as nitrogen or a mixture of gases such as flue gas, containing a
reduced level of oxygen, which will decrease corrosion rate and is insufficient to support the
combustion of hydrocarbons.
Inert condition: An inert condition exists when the oxygen content throughout the atmosphere of a
tank has been reduced to 5% or less by volume by addition of inert gas.
Inert gas generating plant: An inert gas generating plant pertains to all equipment specially fitted to
supply, cool, clean, pressurize, monitor and control delivery of inert gas to cargo and ballast tank
systems.
Inert gas distribution system: The inert gas distribution system pertains to all piping, valves and
associated fittings to distribute inert gas from the inert gas generating plant to cargo and ballast tanks,
to vent gases to atmosphere and to protect against excessive pressure or vacuum.
Inert gas system: The inert gas system is the inert gas generating plant and inert gas distribution
system together with means for preventing backflow of gases to the machinery spaces, fixed and
portable measuring instruments and control devices.
Inerting: Inerting refers to the process of the introduction of inert gas into a tank with the object of
attaining the inert condition.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 1
Section 1 Class Notation
Gas-freeing: Gas-freeing is the introduction of fresh air into a tank with the object of removing toxic,
flammable and inert gases and increasing the oxygen content to 21% by volume.
Off specification inert gas: Inert gas which quality exceeds the limits specified in 2/1.9 of this Guide.
Purging: Purging is the introduction of inert gas into a tank already in the inert condition with the
object of: (1) further reducing the existing oxygen content; and/or (2) reducing the existing
hydrocarbon gas content to a level below which combustion cannot be supported if air is subsequently
introduced into the tank.
Topping up: Topping up is the introduction of inert gas into a tank which is already in the inert
condition with the object of raising the tank pressure to prevent any ingress of air.
9 Class Notation
Where requested by the Owner, an inert gas installation, supplying inert gas to ballast tanks, which is
found to comply with the requirements specified in this Guide and which has been constructed and
installed under survey by the Surveyor, will be assigned and distinguished in the Record with the class
notation IGS – Ballast.
2 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
SECTION 2 System Design
1.1 General
The inert gas system is to be so designed and operated as to render and maintain the atmosphere of the
ballast tanks as specified in 2/1.9 at all times, except when such tanks are required to be gas free.
1.5 Common Inert Gas Systems for Ballast Tanks and Cargo Tanks
For vessels equipped with an inert gas system that services both ballast tanks and cargo tanks, the
following are also required, as applicable, in addition to the requirements of 2/1.7 through 2/1.43:
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 3
Section 2 System Design
4 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
1.15.1 General
A flue gas scrubber is to be fitted which will effectively cool the volume of gas specified in
2/1.3.1 or 2/1.5, as applicable, and remove solids and sulfur combustion products. The
cooling water arrangements are to be such that an adequate supply of water will always be
available without interfering with any essential services on the vessel. Provision is also to be
made for an alternative supply of cooling water.
Scrubbers, blowers, non-return devices, scrubber effluent and other drain piping which may
be subjected to corrosive action of the gas and liquid are to be either constructed of corrosion-
resistant material or lined with rubber, glass epoxy resin or equivalent coating. See the ABS
Guidance Manual for Material Selection and Inspection of Inert Gas Systems 1980.
1.15.2 Filters
Filters or equivalent devices are to be fitted to minimize the amount of water carried over to
the inert gas blowers.
1.17 Blowers
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 5
Section 2 System Design
1.19.1 General
Special consideration is to be given to the design and location of scrubbers and blowers with
relevant piping and fittings in order to prevent flue gas leakage into enclosed spaces.
1.23.1 General
At least two non-return devices, one of which is to be a water seal, are to be fitted in the inert
gas supply main in order to prevent the return of hydrocarbon vapor to the machinery space
uptakes or to any gas safe space under all normal conditions of trim, list and motion of the
vessel. They are to be located between the gas regulating valve required by 2/1.21 and the
aftermost connection to any ballast tank.
6 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
1.25.1 General
The inert gas main may be divided into two or more branches forward of the non-return
devices required by 2/1.23.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 7
Section 2 System Design
1.31.1 General
One or more pressure/vacuum-breaking devices are to be provided on the inert gas supply
main to prevent the ballast tanks from being subject to:
i) A positive pressure in excess of the test pressure of the ballast tank if the ballast were
to be loaded at the maximum specified rate and all other outlets were left shut; or
ii) A negative pressure in excess of 700 mm (27.5 in.) water gauge if ballast was to be
discharged at the maximum rated capacity of the ballast pumps and the inert gas
blowers were to fail.
Such devices are to be installed on the inert gas main unless they are installed in the venting
system required by 2/3.1 or on individual ballast tanks.
8 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 9
Section 2 System Design
1.41.3 Automatic Shut-down of the Inert Gas Blowers and Gas Regulating Valve
Automatic shut-down of the inert gas blowers and gas regulating valve is to be arranged on
predetermined limits being reached in accordance with 2/1.41.1i), 2/1.41.1ii) and 2/1.41.1iii).
10 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
1.43.1 Application
The requirements of 2/1.43 apply where inert gas is produced by separating air into its
component gases by passing compressed air through a bundle of hollow fibers, semi-
permeable membranes or absorber materials. Where such systems are provided in place of the
boiler flue gas or oil-fired inert gas generators, the following requirements are also applicable
for the piping arrangements, alarms and instrumentation downstream of the gas generator:
2/1.21.1 2/1.21.2 2/1.25 2/1.27 2/1.29
2/1.31 2/1.35.1i) 2/1.35.2 2/1.35.3 2/1.37
2/1.39 2/1.41.1vi) 2/1.41.1viii) 2/1.41.1ix) 2/1.41.3
2/1.41.4 2/1.41.6 2/1.41.8 2/1.43
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 11
Section 2 System Design
1.43.5 Instrumentation
1.43.5(a) Compressed air. Instrumentation is to be provided for continuously indicating the
temperature and pressure of air:
i) At the discharge side of the compressor
ii) At the entrance side of the nitrogen generator
1.43.5(b) Inert gas. Instrumentation is to be fitted for continuously indicating and
permanently recording the oxygen content of the inert gas downstream from the nitrogen
generator when inert gas is being supplied. This instrumentation is to be placed in the cargo
control room and in the machinery control room (or in the machinery space).
1.43.5(c) Alarms. Audible and visual alarms are to be provided to indicate:
i) Low air pressure from compressor, as referred to in 2/1.43.5(a)i)
ii) High air temperature, as referred to in 2/1.43.5(a)i)
iii) High condensate level at automatic drain of water separator, as referred to in
2/1.43.2(d)
iv) Failure of electrical heater, if fitted
v) Oxygen content in excess of that specified in 2/1.43.2(b)
vi) Failure of power supply to the instrumentation, as referred to in 2/1.43.5(b)
12 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
These alarms are to be fitted in the machinery space and cargo control room, where provided,
but in each case, in such a position that they are immediately received by responsible
members of the crew.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 13
Section 2 System Design
Additionally, combined vent pipes from ballast tanks are to be arranged with spectacle flanges
installed at each ballast tank. The operating manual (see Subsection 2/11) is to contain
instructions that the vent lines are to be blanked off when the corresponding ballast tanks are
in a gas free condition.
14 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 15
Section 2 System Design
16 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 2 System Design
11 Operating Manuals
Detailed operating manuals are to be provided onboard, covering the operations, safety and
maintenance requirements and occupational health hazards relevant to the inert gas system and its
application to the ballast tank system. The manuals are to include guidance on procedures to be
followed in the event of a fault or failure of the inert gas system. Also, the manuals are to include
detailed requirements for gas freeing operation. Reference is to be made to the IMO document
MSC/Circ.282, 353 and 387 Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 17
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SECTION 3 Survey Requirements
1 New Construction
The inert gas generating plant, inert gas distribution system, alarms, shutdowns and control equipment
are to be installed and tested under working conditions to the satisfaction of the Surveyor. The fuel
oil pumps and cooling water pumps are to be provided with certificates (see 2/1.11.3 and 2/1.15.4).
3 Annual Survey
3.1.1 General
3.1.1(a) External Examination. External examination of all components and piping,
including scrubber, fans, valves, stand pipe and screens.
3.1.1(b) Inert Gas Blower. Confirmation of proper operation of inert gas blowers. In the gas
generator type system with one inert gas blower and/or one fuel oil pump, sufficient spares for
the blower and/or fuel oil pump and its prime mover are to be verified onboard.
3.1.1(c) Air compressor. Confirmation of proper operation of air compressors and feed air
treatment system for nitrogen generator system. In the system with one air compressor,
sufficient spares for the air compressor and its prime mover are to be verified onboard.
3.1.1(d) Scrubber Room Ventilation System. Observation of the operation of the scrubber
room ventilation system.
3.1.1(e) Air compressor, nitrogen generator and nitrogen receiver/buffer tank room.
Observation of the operation of the ventilation system and low oxygen alarm system for the
compartment
3.1.1(f) Non-return device. Deck seals or double block and bleed assemblies, and non-return
valves are to be examined externally and proven to be in operation. Automatic filling and
draining of the deck seal, operation of non-return valves and double block and bleed
assemblies, and the water carryover are to be checked.
3.1.1(g) Control Valves. Verify the operation of all remotely operated or automatically
controlled valves and, in particular, the flue gas isolating valves.
3.1.1(h) Interlocking Feature. Verify the operation of the interlocking feature of soot
blowers.
3.1.1(i) Gas Pressure Regulating Valve. Verify the automatic operation of the gas pressure-
regulating valve.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 19
Section 3 Survey Requirements
3.1.1(j) Operation and Maintenance Records. The Surveyor is to examine the permanent
records to verify the operation and maintenance of the system. Consideration may be given by
the Surveyor for the crediting of certain items that have been properly documented and
recorded.
20 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Section 3 Survey Requirements
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 21
Section 3 Survey Requirements
5.1 General
All valves, including valves at boiler uptakes, air seal valves at uptakes, scrubber isolating valve, fans
inlet and outlet isolating valves, main isolating valve, re-circulating valve (if fitted), pressure/vacuum
breaker and cargo tank isolating valves, are to be examined.
i) Scrubber(s) is to be examined.
ii) Fans (blowers), including casing drain valves, are to be examined.
iii) Fan (blower) drives, either electric motor or steam turbine, are to be examined.
iv) Bellows expansions pieces are to be examined.
v) Sea water pumps, valves and strainers for scrubbers and water seals together with piping
connections at the scrubber, water seals, shell plating and the remainder of the sea water
piping are to be examined.
vi) Stand pipe, where fitted, for purging in each cargo tank is to be examined.
vii) Deck seals or double block and bleed assemblies, and non-return valves are to be examined
externally and internally.
22 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
APPENDIX 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing
Analysis of Ballast Tank
1 Introduction
There are two reasons for replacing the atmosphere in a ballast tank:
• To inert the atmosphere, which prevents explosion of any hydrocarbon gas leaking in from
adjacent cargo tanks and reduces tank corrosion.
• To gas-free the tank so as to allow safe personnel entry.
The IMO Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems (1990 Edition) proposes two theories regarding the
replacement of the atmosphere in a cargo tank: dilution theory and replacement theory. The dilution
theory assumes that the incoming gas mixes with the original gas to form a homogeneous mixture
throughout the tank, resulting in the concentration of the original gas decreasing exponentially. The
replacement theory requires a stable horizontal interface between lighter gas entering at the top of the
tank and heavier gas at the bottom, and results in the heavier gas being displaced from the bottom of
the tank through some suitable piping arrangement.
However, a ballast tank structure is unlike a cargo tank in that it is subdivided into smaller
interconnected compartments by the transverse webs and longitudinal girders in the double bottom,
and stringer platforms in the sides. This complex arrangement makes the theories proposed by IMO
inappropriate.
The purpose of the analysis required by 2/1.29 of this Guide is to establish the time required to
effectively inert or gas-free the ballast tanks. Gas-freeing, for example, should be carried out when it
is necessary for personnel entry into a ballast tank, and it should be certain that 21% oxygen by
volume is achieved throughout the tank. Any pockets of gaseous mixtures with an oxygen level
below 21% by volume should be removed.
One method that may be used to confirm the effectiveness of inerting or gas freeing as required by
2/1.29 is to apply numerical simulation using the principles of fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer
with proper approximations. The example analysis in this Appendix investigates gas replacement
inside a typical ballast tank, and estimates the required number of atmosphere changes for satisfactory
inerting and gas-freeing, including the removal of any air or inert gas pockets.
There are a number of commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software
packages that may be used to predict the distribution of multiple gas species (i.e. oxygen, carbon
dioxide and nitrogen) inside of a ballast tank. Such programs should be carefully evaluated before
being used.
In this analysis, a suitable CFD software package was chosen to simulate the flow patterns inside of a
ballast tank. By solving the complex governing equations of the flows with multiple species, the
software provides steady and transient analysis of turbulent flows with complex boundary conditions
in the tank.
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 23
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
3.1 Dimensions
The geometry of the ballast tank in the computer model was taken from a typical ULCC with the
following principal dimensions:
Length: 58.70 m
Depth: 34.00 m
Breadth: 34.00 m
The analyzed ballast tank has a volume of 14,267 m3. All of the surfaces of the ballast tank in the
model were assumed to be adiabatic, i.e., no heat transfer between the gases and the surfaces is
considered. Also, no structural deformation was assumed in the model. Appendix 1, Figure 1 shows
the schematic diagram of the ballast tank with discharge pipe in this analysis.
FIGURE 1
Ballast Tank with Discharge Pipe
Discharge
pipe inlet Gas
outlet
Discharge
pipe outlet
24 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
3.5 Stringers
Three stringers are located at 9.6 m, 16.6 m and 24.6 m above the base line (A/B), respectively. There
are two access holes of 750 mm by 1800 mm on every stringer, one located at the aft end and the
other at the forward end. Between transverse frames on each stringer, at the sides of the longitudinal
inner skin bulkhead and side shell plating, there are four drain holes of 120 mm by 240 mm with
1.468 m of spacing.
3.7 Girders
One side girder is located 13.00 m off the centerline, and another side girder under the longitudinal
bulkhead is located 25.35 m off the center line. On each side girder, there is one access manhole of
1200 mm by 800 mm at the aft end and two of 1000 mm by 800 mm at the forward end.
Between transverse frames on each girder, there are four drain holes of 150 mm by 300 mm at the
side of the bottom shell plating and two of 100 mm by 200 mm at the side of the inner bottom plating.
5 Results
Full-scale, 3D simulations were carried out for inerting and gas-freeing, respectively. Each numerical
simulation resulted in determining if and when the applicable threshold value was reached. For
inerting operation, the threshold value of oxygen was 3% by volume (3.2% by mass), whereas for gas-
freeing the threshold value of oxygen was 21% by volume (23.3% by mass).
The compositions of inert gas and fresh air used throughout this analysis are listed in Appendix 1,
Table 1:
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 25
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
TABLE 1
Composition of Gases
Inert gas Fresh air
By volume By mass By volume By mass
% % % %
Oxygen 3 3.2 21 23.3
Carbon dioxide 14 20.3 0 0
Nitrogen 87 76.5 79 76.7
During the full-scale 3D simulations, the flow velocity and the concentrations of oxygen, carbon
dioxide and nitrogen inside of the ballast tanks were recorded. The recorded data were written out to
graphic and text files.
5.1 Inerting
The inert gas was discharged into the ballast tank with a flow rate of 9500 m3/hr. At the initial stage,
the ballast tank was filled with air. To illustrate the timeline distribution of gases during the inerting
operation, two plane cuts were made in the ballast tank model: one horizontally through the middle of
the tank bottom, and the other vertically through the middle of the tank side. Appendix 1, Figures
2(a) to 2(e) show the oxygen concentration by mass on both planes at intervals 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.25 and
3.0 hours, respectively.
After three hours (two atmosphere changes) of inerting, the results of the model calculations show
that the air inside the ballast tank was completely replaced by the inert gas [see Appendix 1, Figure
2(e)].
FIGURE 2(a)
Inerting at 0.5 hr (1800 seconds), 0.33 Atmosphere Changes
26 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
FIGURE 2(b)
Inerting at 1.0 hr (3600 seconds), 0.67 Atmosphere Changes
FIGURE 2(c)
Inerting at 1.5 hr (5400 seconds), 1.0 Atmosphere Change
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 27
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
FIGURE 2(d)
Inerting at 2.25 hr (8100 seconds), 1.5 Atmosphere Changes
FIGURE 2(e)
Inerting at 3.0 hr (10800 seconds), 2.0 Atmosphere Changes
28 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
5.3 Gas-freeing
In the gas-freeing operation, a flow rate of 9500 m3/hr of fresh air was discharged into the ballast tank
initially filled with inert gas.
As per the inerting simulation, two plane cuts were made in the ballast tank model: one horizontally
through the middle of the tank bottom, and the other vertically through the middle of the tank side.
Appendix 1, Figures 3(a) to 3(e) show the oxygen concentration by mass on both planes at intervals
0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.25 and 3.0 hours, respectively.
After three hours of simulation, the results show that the inert gas inside of the ballast tank was
completely replaced by fresh air [see Appendix 1, Figure 3(e)].
FIGURE 3(a)
Gas-freeing at 0.5 hr (1800 seconds), 0.33 Atmosphere Changes
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 29
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
FIGURE 3(b)
Gas-freeing at 1.0 hr (3600 seconds), 0.67 Atmosphere Changes
FIGURE 3(c)
Gas-freeing at 1.5 hr (5400 seconds), 1.0 Atmosphere Change
30 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
FIGURE 3(d)
Gas-freeing at 2.25 hr (8100 seconds), 1.5 Atmosphere Changes
FIGURE 3(e)
Gas-freeing at 3.0 hr (10800 seconds), 2.0 Atmosphere Changes
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 31
Appendix 1 Examples of Inerting/Gas Freeing Analysis of Ballast Tank
Appendix 1, Figure 4 shows the averaged oxygen concentrations by mass during the inerting and gas-
freeing operations in the ballast tank. The values in Appendix 1, Figure 4 were obtained by averaging
the oxygen concentration at every discrete cell over the entire ballast tank at each time step.
FIGURE 4
Averaged Oxygen Concentrations
0.25
0.233
Oxygen mass fraction
0.20
0.15
Gas-freeing
Inerting
0.10
0.05
0.032
0.00
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
Time of discharge, (hour)
7 Conclusions
Using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package, two sets of simulations were
performed: one for the inerting and one for gas-freeing in a ballast tank. Despite the complex
structures and boundary conditions of the tank, the full-scale 3D simulations provided the timeline
concentrations of gaseous compositions for any location in the ballast tank. For gas-freeing, the
simulation results showed that three hours of operation were sufficient to replace the atmosphere
inside of the ballast tank with fresh air. Similar results were also found for the inerting operation, in
which the air was completely replaced by the inert gas after three hours of operation.
The simulation results can be used to confirm whether or not the arrangement of the discharge pipe
and the system capacity are effective for gas replacement. In this analysis, the arrangement of the
discharge pipe prevented the creation of pockets of gases which may be difficult to replace during the
inerting or gas-freeing operation. In any case, the operating manual should indicate that portable
oxygen detectors are to be used to verify the condition of the tank atmosphere prior to personnel
entry.
32 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004
APPENDIX 2 Pump Certification
(4-6-1/7.3 of the Rules for Building
and Classing Steel Vessels)
The requirements in this Appendix are reprinted verbatim from 4-6-1/7.3 of the Rules for Building
and Classing Steel Vessels for the convenience of users of this Guide.
The latest requirements in 4-6-1/7.3 of the Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels will take
precedence over requirements in this Appendix.
7.3 Pumps
ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004 33
Appendix 2 Pump Certification (4-6-1/7.3 of the Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels)
iv) Pumps associated with propulsion gas turbine and reduction gears:
Fuel oil service pumps
Lubricating oil pumps
v) Cargo pumps associated with oil carriers, liquefied gas carriers and chemical carriers.
vi) Pumps associated with inert gas systems:
Fuel oil pumps for boilers/inert gas generators
Cooling water pumps for flue gas scrubber
34 ABS GUIDE FOR INERT GAS SYSTEM FOR BALLAST TANKS . 2004