1 The Maritime Safety Committee, at its sixtieth session, recognized the necessity of
the international standards for vapour emission control systems and approved the
standards developed by the BCH Sub-Committee at its twenty-first session for use by
Administrations, as contained in the annex.
2 Member Governments are invited to note this development.
1 General
1.1 These standards have been developed for the design, construction, and operation
of vapour collection systems on tankers and vapour emission control systems at
terminals. The standards are intended to apply to vapour emission control systems which
collect vapours of flammable cargoes from tanker cargo tanks during cargo loading or
ballasting operations. Vapour emission control systems which collect vapour of cargoes
having characteristics which may pose hazards in addition to or other than flammability
should be subject to special consideration by the Administration. These standards are not
intended to require the use of vapour emission control systems but rather to recommend
safety standards when such systems are utilized. The requirement to collect vapours will
stem from a port Administration or terminal regulation. These standards are intended to
promote the safety of terminals, tankers, and their personnel, recognizing the unique
design features and characteristics of these systems.
1.2 Definitions
1.2.1 "Diluted": the condition in which the concentration of a flammable gas in a
flammable gas/air mixture is less than 50% of the lower explosive limit of the gas.
1.2.2 "Enriched": the condition in which the concentration of a flammable gas in a
flammable gas/air mixture is not less than 150% of the upper explosive limit of the
gas. When flammable gases are mixed to achieve an enriched condition, the upper
explosive limit of the flammable gas mixture shall be used.
1.2.3 "Flammable cargoes" means cargoes of crude oil, petroleum products, and
chemicals having a flashpoint not exceeding 60 degrees C (closed cup test), as
determined by an approved flashpoint apparatus, and a Reid vapour pressure which is
below atmospheric pressure and other liquid products having a similar fire hazard.
1.2.4 "Inerted:" the condition in which the oxygen content in a flammable gas/air
mixture is 8% or less by volume.
1.2.5 "Independent" as applied to two systems means that one system will operate with
a failure of any part of the other system except power sources and electrical feeder
panels.
1.2.6 "Maximum allowable transfer rate" means the maximum volumetric rate at which
a tanker may receive cargo or ballast.
1.2.7 "Tanker vapour connection" means the point in a tanker's fixed vapour collection
system where it connects to a vapour collection hose or arm.
1.2.8 "Terminal vapour connection" means the point in a terminal's vapour collection
system where it connects to a vapour collection hose or a vapour collection arm.
1.2.9 "Vapour balancing" means the transfer of vapour displaced by incoming cargo
from the tank of a tanker receiving cargo into a tank of a facility delivering cargo via
a vapour collection system.
1.2.10 "Vapour collection system" means an arrangement of piping and hoses used to
collect vapour emitted from a tanker's cargo tanks and transport the vapour to a vapour
processing unit.
1.2.11 "Vapour destruction unit" means a vapour processing unit that destroys cargo
vapour by a means such as incineration.
1.2.12 "Vapour dispersion system" means a vapour processing unit which releases cargo
vapour to the atmosphere through a venting system not located on the tanker being
loaded or ballasted.
1.2.13 "Vapour emission control system" means an arrangement of piping and hoses
used to control vapour emissions collected from a tanker, and includes the vapour
collection system and the vapour processing unit.
1.2.14 "Vapour processing unit" means the components of a vapour control system that
recovers, destroys, or disperses vapour collected from a tanker.
1.2.15 "Vapour recovery unit" means a vapour processing unit that recovers cargo
vapour by a non-destructive means such as lean oil absorption, carbon bed adsorption,
or refrigeration.
2 Tankers
2.1 Tanker vapour processing unit
2.1.1 In addition to the requirements of this section, each tanker which has a vapour
processing unit located onboard should, to the satisfaction of the Administration, meet
the vapour collection and processing design requirements for a shoreside terminal
contained in section 3.
2.2 General
2.2.1 Each chemical, product or crude carrier should have vapour collection piping
which is permanently installed with a tanker vapour connection located as close as
practical to the loading manifold. In lieu of permanent piping, Administrations may
permit chemical tankers to have a permanent vapour connection at each cargo tank for
connection to a vapour hose which should be kept as short as practicable.
2.2.2 If a tanker simultaneously collects vapours from cargoes which react in a
hazardous manner with other cargoes, it should keep these incompatible vapours separate
throughout the entire vapour collection system.
2.2.3 A means should be provided to eliminate liquid condensate which may collect in
the system, such as draining and collecting liquid from each low point in the line.
2.2.4 Vapour collection piping should be electrically bonded to the hull and should be
electrically continuous.
2.2.5 When inert gas distribution piping is used for vapour collection piping, means to
isolate the inert gas supply from the vapour collection system should be provided. The
inert gas main isolation valve required by SOLAS 74, as amended, chapter II-2,
regulation 62.10.8 may be used to satisfy this requirement.
2.2.6 The vapour collection system should not interfere with the proper operation of the
cargo tank venting system.
2.3 Vapour line connections
2.3.1 An isolation valve capable of manual operation should be provided at each tanker
vapour connection. The operating position of this valve should be readily determined
visually.
2.3.2 The end of each vapour collection pipe or vapour collection hose should be
readily identifiable to prevent misconnection.
2.3.3 In order to prevent the possible misconnection of the vapour manifold to a
shoreside terminal liquid loading line, each tanker vapour connection flange should
conform to the applicable industry standard.* This provision is applicable regardless of
the size of the vessel.
2.3.4 Each vapour collection hose should meet the following:
.1 be suitable for the service;
.2 be electrically continuous and
.3 have an extra hole in each flange in accordance with the applicable industry standard.**
* OCIMF Recommendations for Oil Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment, Fourth Edition 1991,
section A.5.2.2.
** Ibid. Section A.5.2.4 2.4 Cargo gauging equipment
2.4.1 Each cargo tank of a tanker that is connected to a vapour collection system
should be equipped with a cargo gauging device which:
.1 provides a closed gauging arrangement that does not require opening the tank to
the atmosphere during cargo transfer;
.2 allows the operator to determine the liquid level in the tank for the full range
of liquid levels in the tank;
.3 indicates at the location where cargo transfer is controlled, the liquid level in the
tank; and
.4 if portable, is installed on the tank during the entire transfer operation.
2.5 Liquid overfill protection
2.5.1 Each cargo tank of a tanker should be equipped with an overflow control system.
2.5.2 The overflow control system required by paragraph 2.5.1 should:
.1 be independent of the cargo gauging system;
.2 come into operation when the normal tank loading procedures fail to stop the
tank liquid level exceeding the normal full condition;
.3 give a visual and audible tank overflow alarm to the ship's operator;
.4 provide an agreed signal for sequential shutdown of onshore pumps or valves or
both and of the ship's valves. The signal as well as the pump and valve
shutdown may be dependent on operator's intervention. The use of shipboard
automatic closing valves should be permitted only when specific approval has
been obtained from the Administration and the Port Administration concerned;
.5 have alarms fitted in the cargo control room, where provided, but in each case
in such a position that they are immediately received by responsible members of
the crew;
.6 alarm in the event of loss of power to the alarm system or failure of the
electrical circuitry to the tank level sensor; and
.7 be able to be checked at the tank for proper operation prior to each transfer or
contain an electronic self-testing feature which monitors the condition of the
alarm circuitry and sensor.
2.6 Vapour overpressure and vacuum protection
2.6.1 Each cargo tank should have a controlled pressure venting system which is
designed on the basis of the maximum designed loading rate multiplied by a factor of
at least 1.25 to take account of gas evolution, in order to prevent the pressure in the
tank from exceeding the design pressure.
2.6.2 Each cargo tank should have a controlled vacuum venting system which is capable
of preventing a vacuum in the cargo tank vapour space, whether generated by
withdrawal of cargo or vapour at maximum rates, that exceeds the maximum design
vacuum for the tank.
2.6.3 A prototype of each pressure or vacuum or pressure/vacuum venting device should
be bench tested for venting capacity by a test method acceptable to the Administration.
2.6.4 Each tanker equipped with a vapour collection system that is common to two or
more tanks should be fitted with a pressure sensing device that senses the pressure in
the main vapour collection line for those tanks, and which:
.1 has a high pressure alarm that alarms at a pressure of not more than the lowest
pressure relief valve setting in the cargo tank venting system; and
.2 has a low pressure alarm that alarms at a pressure of not less than atmospheric
pressure for an inerted tanker, or the lowest vacuum relief valve setting (i.e. that
setting nearest to atmospheric pressure) in the cargo tank venting system for a
non-inerted tank vessel.
2.7 Operational procedures
2.7.1 The procedures set forth in relevant IMO guidance and established industry
guidelines should be observed, as applicable, with regard to preparation for transfer,
and transfer of cargo and of ballast into cargo tanks.*
2.7.2 The rate of cargo transfer should not exceed the maximum allowable transfer rate
as determined by the lesser of the following:
.1 the venting capacity of the pressure relief valves in the cargo tank venting
system divided by a factor of at least 1.25.
.2 the vacuum relieving capacity of the vacuum relief valves in the cargo tank
venting system; and
.3 The rate based on pressure drop calculations for a given pressure at the facility
vapour connection, such that the pressure in any cargo tank connected to the
vapour collection system does not exceed 80% of the opening set pressure of
any pressure relief valve in the cargo tank venting system.
2.7.3 A cargo tank should not be filled higher than the level at which the overflow
alarm required by paragraph 2.5.1 is set.
2.7.4 A cargo tank should not be opened to the atmosphere for gauging or sampling
while the tanker is connected to a vapour emission control system unless loading to the
tank is stopped, the tank is isolated from any other tank which is in the process of
being loaded, and precautions are taken to reduce any pressure in the cargo tank vapour
space and prevent an electrostatic spark from occurring.
2.7.5 If the tanker is equipped with an inert gas system the isolation valve required by
paragraph 2.2.5 should remain closed during vapour transfer.
2.7.6 Unless equipped with an automatic self-test and circuit monitoring feature, each
tank overflow control system alarm required by paragraph 2.5.1, on a cargo tank being
loaded, should be tested at the tank for proper operation prior to the start of cargo
transfer.
* ISGOTT
MSC/Circ.299
ICS Tanker Safety Guide (Chemical) 2.8 Training
2.8.1 Each person in charge of a transfer operation utilizing a vapour emission control
system should have completed a training programme covering the particular system
installed on the tanker. The training should encompass the purpose and principles of
operation of the vapour emission control system and provide an understanding of the
equipment involved and associated hazards. In addition the training should provide an
understanding of operating procedures including testing and inspection of equipment,
pre-transfer procedures, piping connection sequence, start-up procedures, normal
operations and emergency procedures. Training should also include an understanding of
the shoreside terminal equipment and operating procedures.
2.9 Transfer procedures
2.9.1 Tanker transfer procedures should contain information on the tanker's vapour
collection system including:
.1 a line diagram of the tanker's vapour collection piping indicating the locations
and purpose of all control and safety devices;
.2 the maximum allowable transfer rate as limited by the venting capacity of the
pressure or vacuum relief valves, or any other factor which would limit the
transfer rate;
.3 the maximum pressure drop in the vessel's vapour collection system for various
transfer rates;
.4 the relief settings of each pressure and vacuum relief valve;
.5 pre-transfer procedures; and
.6 procedures to be followed in the event of a fault during vapour collection
operations.
3 Shoreside Terminals
3.1 General
3.1.1 A vapour emission control system design and installation should eliminate potential
tanker overfill hazards, tanker overpressure and vacuum hazards, and sources of ignition
to the maximum practical extent, in accordance with good design and engineering
practice. Each remaining hazard source which is not eliminated should be specifically
addressed in the protection system design and operational requirements.
3.1.2 A hazards analysis should be conducted on the design and operation which
demonstrates the following:
.1 the vapour emission control system is designed to permit the system to
continuously operate safely when receiving cargo vapour from tankers over the
full range of transfer rates expected at the terminal,
.2 the vapour emission control system is provided with the proper alarms and
automatic control systems to prevent unsafe operation;
.3 the vapour emission control system is equipped with sufficient safety systems to
minimize damage to personnel, property, and the environment if an accident
were to occur, and
.4 the operating procedures minimize the potential for improper or unsafe operation
by personnel.
3.1.3 Vapour collection system piping, fittings and equipment should be suitable for the
intended service. Material generally should be of steel or equivalent.
3.1.4 Electrical installations in hazardous locations should be to the satisfaction of the
national authority for the intended service.
3.1.5 Due consideration should be given to the effect of external sources of heat
generated as a result of fire or proximity of other equipment on the components of
vapour emission control systems.
3.1.6 Where cargoes are handled which, because of their properties may introduce
additional ignition hazards, such hazards should be included in the hazard analysis
referred to in paragraph 3.1.2. In particular, if the terminal handles inerted vapour of
cargoes containing sulphur, the hazard of heating from pyrophoric iron sulphide deposits
in the vapour collection line should be considered, and appropriate precautions taken.
3.1.7 If a terminal simultaneously processes vapour from cargoes which react in a
hazardous manner with other cargoes it should be designed to keep these incompatible
vapours separate throughout the entire process.
3.2 Vapour line connections
3.2.1 A remotely operated cargo vapour shutoff valve should be provided in close
proximity to each terminal vapour connection. This valve should meet the following:
.1 be located between any point where inerting, enriching, or diluting gas is
introduced into the vapour collection line and the terminal vapour connection;
.2 be capable of manual operation or manual activation,
.3 have valve operating position readily determined visually; and
.4 be resistant to fire.
The end of each vapour collection pipe, vapour collection hose, or vapour
collection arm should be readily identifiable to prevent misconnection.
3.2.3 Each terminal vapour connection flange should conform to the provisions referred
to in section 2.3.3 of these standards.
3.2.4 Each vapour collection hose or arm should meet the following:
.1 be suitable for the intended service;
.2 be electrically continuous; and
.3 have an extra hole in each flange in accordance with the applicable industry
standard.*
3.2.5 The terminal vapour connection should be electrically insulated from the tanker
vapour connection by the use of an insulating flange or a single section of insulating
hose.
* OCIMF Recommendations for Oil Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment, Fourth Edition 1991,
Section A.5.2.4 3.3 Terminal requirements for vessel vapour overpressure and vacuum protection
3.3.1 A terminal's vapour emission control system should have the capacity for handling
cargo vapour at a rate of not less than the facility's maximum designed loading rate
multiplied by a factor of at least 1.25 to take account of gas evolution, and in addition
any inerting, enriching, or diluting gas which may be added to the system.
3.3.2 A terminal's vapour emission control system should be capable of maintaining the
pressure in a tanker's cargo tanks between the lowest setting (i.e. that setting nearest to
atmospheric pressure) of any of the tanker's vacuum relief valves and the lowest setting
of any of the tanker's pressure relief valves for a non-inerted tanker, and between
atmospheric pressure and the lowest setting of any of the tanker's pressure relief valves
for an inerted tanker. The system should be capable of maintaining the pressure in the
tanker's cargo tanks within this range at any cargo transfer rate less than or equal to
the maximum transfer rate.
3.3.3 Each terminal main branch line at a berth should be provided with a pressure
sensing device located as close to the terminal vapour connection as practicable and this
device should:
.1 come into operation prior to the pressure in the tanker's cargo tanks going
outside the range given in paragraph 3.3.2;
.2 give a visible and audible pressure alarm to the facility's operator;
.3 provide an agreed signal for sequential shutdown of onshore pumps and the
remotely operated cargo vapour shutoff valve required by paragraph 3.2.1. The
pump and valve shutdown may be dependent on operator's interventions.
3.3.4 Safety features such as a back flow preventer or pressure relief device should be
provided to ensure that a malfunction in an inerting, enriching, or diluting system does
not overpressure the tanker.
3.3.5 If a compressor, blower or eductor unit is used to draw vapours from the tanker,
a vacuum relief device should be installed in the vapour collection line between the unit
and the terminal vapour connection. This relief device should have a vacuum relieving
capacity greater than the capacity of the compressor, blower or eductor unit.
3.4 Fire, explosion and detonation protection
3.4.1 Where on the basis of the hazard analysis referred to in paragraph 3.1.2, in order
to meet the requirements referred to in paragraph 3.1.2.1, it has been demonstrated that
in certain sections of the vapour emission control system gases should be kept outside
the flammable range, means should be provided to maintain such sections of the vapour
emission control system gas concentration in the inerted, diluted or enriched condition
with a suitable safety margin provided. A safety system should be provided in which
the signal of an oxygen and/or hydrocarbon analyzer is used to automatically close the
vapour shutoff valve referred to in paragraph
3.2.1 when the gas concentration in the vapour emission control system approaches the
permitted limits for the inerted, diluted or enriched condition as given in section 1.2 of
these standards.
3.4.2 Where on the basis of the hazard analysis referred to in paragraph 3.1.2, other
operational procedures for explosion protection are applied such as flow, temperature and
pressure control systems, the safety system referred to in paragraph 3.4.1 should come
into operation if the monitoring of such operational procedures indicates that the safe
limits of the procedures are approached.
3.4.3 At the terminal vapour connection a detonation arrester should be fitted in close
proximity to such connection to protect against flame propagation originating in the
vapour emission control system being transmitted to the ship's vapour collection system.
3.4.4 Detonation arresters should be tested in accordance with a test standard acceptable
to the competent shoreside authorities*.
* Detonation arresters should also comply with the relevant provisions of MSC/Circ.373/Rev.l. 3.5 Operational procedures
3.5.1 The procedures set forth in relevant IMO guidance and established industry
guidance should be observed, as applicable, with regard to preparation for transfer, and
transfer of cargo and of ballast into cargo tanks.**
3.5.2 All alarms and automatic shutdown systems should be tested frequently and
hydrocarbon or oxygen analyzers checked frequently for calibration by use of a span
gas.
3.5.3 The cargo transfer rate should not exceed the lesser of the maximum vapour
processing rate for the vapour emission control system (accounting for vapour
generation and any inerting, enriching, or diluting gas which may be added to the
system) or the maximum transfer rate for the tanker.
3.5.4 The high and low pressure alarm sensor set points should be verified as being
matched to the tanker's acceptable pressure range prior to transfer operations
commencing.
3.5.5 Detonation arresters should be checked regularly to ensure that they are not
damaged or become blocked.
** ISGOTT
MSC/Circ.299 3.6 Training
3.6.1 Each person in charge of a transfer operation utilizing a vapour emission control
system should have completed a training programme covering the particular system
installed at the terminal. The training should encompass the purpose and principles of
operation of the vapour control system and provide an understanding of the equipment
involved and associated hazards. In addition the training should provide an
understanding of operating procedures including testing and inspection of equipment,
pre-transfer procedures, piping connection sequence, start-up procedures, normal
operations and emergency procedures. Training should also include an understanding of
the associated tanker equipment and operating procedures.