Ingangsdatum: 01-07-2002
2.3.1 Safety measures in the system
2.3.1.1 Flue gas isolating valves
Flue gas isolating valves shall be fitted in the inert gas supply mains between the boiler uptakes
and the flue gas scrubber. These valves shall be provided with indicators to show whether they are
open or shut, and precautions shall be taken to maintain them gas-tight and keep the seatings clear
of soot. Arrangements shall be made to ensure that boiler soot blowers cannot be operated when
the corresponding flue gas valve is open.
2.3.1.2 Prevention of flue gas leakage
2.3.1.2.1 Special consideration shall be given to the design and location of scrubber and blowers
with relevant piping and fittings in order to prevent flue gas leakages into enclosed spaces.
2.3.1.3.2To permit safe maintenance, an additional water seal or other effective means of preventing
flue gas leakage shall be fitted between the flue gas isolating valves and scrubber or incorporated
in the gas entry to the scrubber.
2.3.1.3 Gas regulation valves
2.3.1.3.1A gas regulating valve shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main. This valve shall be
automatically controlled to close as required in paragraphs 2.3.1.5. It shall also be capable of
automatically regulating the flow of inert gas to the cargo tanks unless means are provided to
automatically control the speed of the inert gas blowers required in paragraph 2.2.3.
2.3.1.3.2The valve referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.3.1 shall be located at the forward bulkhead of
the forward most gas-safe space * through which the inert gas supply main passes.
2.3.1.4 Non-return devices of flue gas
2.3.1.4.1At least two non-return devices, one of which shall be a water seal, shall be fitted in the
inert gas supply main, in order to prevent the return of hydrocarbon vapour to the machinery space
uptakes or to any gas-safe spaces under all normal conditions of trim, list and motion of the ship.
They shall be located between the automatic valve required by paragraph 2.3.1.3.1 and the
aftermost connection to any cargo tank or cargo pipeline.
2.3.1.4.2The devices referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.4.1 shall be located in the cargo area on deck.
2.3.1.4.3The second device shall be a non-return valve or equivalent capable of preventing the
return of vapours or liquids and fitted forward of the deck water seal required in paragraph
2.3.1.4.1. It shall be provided with positive means of closure. As an alternative to positive means
of closure, an additional valve having such means of closure may be provided forward of the
non-return valve to isolate the deck water seal from the inert gas main to the cargo tanks.
2.3.1.4.4As an additional safeguard against the possible leakage of hydrocarbon liquids or vapours
back from the deck main, means shall be provided to permit this section of the line between the
valve having positive means of closure referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.4.3 and the valve referred to
in paragraph 2.3.1.3 to be vented in a safe manner when the first of these valves is closed.
2.3.1.5 Automatic shutdown
2.3.1.5.1Automatic shutdown of the inert gas blowers and gas regulating valve shall be arranged on
predetermined limits being reached in respect of paragraphs 2.4.3.1.1, 2.4.3.1.2 and 2.4.3.1.3.
2.3.1.5.2Automatic shutdown of the gas regulating valve shall be arranged in respect of paragraph
2.4.3.1.4.
2.3.1.6 Oxygen rich gas
In respect of paragraph 2.4.3.1.5, when the oxygen content of the inert gas exceeds 8% by
volume, immediate action shall be taken to improve the gas quality. Unless the quality of the gas
improves, all cargo tank operations shall be suspended so as to avoid air being drawn into the
tanks and the isolation valve referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.4.3 shall be closed.
* A gas-safe space is a space in which the entry of hydrocarbon gases would produce hazards
with regard to flammability or toxicity. 2.3.2 Inert gas lines
2.3.2.1 The inert gas main may be divided into two or more branches forward of the non-return
devices required by paragraphs 2.2.4 and 2.3.1.4.
2.3.2.2 The inert gas supply main shall be fitted with branch piping leading to each cargo tank.
Branch piping for inert gas shall be fitted with either stop valves or equivalent means of control
for isolating each tank. Where stop valves are fitted, they shall be provided with locking
arrangements, which shall be under the control of a responsible ship's officer. The control system
operated shall provide unambiguous information of the operational status of such valves.
2.3.2.3 In combination carriers, the arrangement to isolate the slop tanks containing oil or oil
residues from other tanks shall consist of blank flanges which will remain in position at all times
when cargoes other than oil are being carried except as provided for in the relevant section of the
Guidelines on Inert Gas Systems*.
* Refer to the Revised guidelines for inert-gas system (MSC/Circ.353), as amended by
MSC/Circ.387. 2.3.2.4 Means shall be provided to protect cargo tanks against the effect of overpressure or
vacuum caused by thermal variations when the cargo tanks are isolated from the inert gas mains.
2.3.2.5 Piping systems shall be so designed as to prevent the accumulation of cargo or water in
the pipelines under all normal conditions.
2.3.2.6 Arrangements shall be provided to enable the inert gas main to be connected to an
external supply of inert gas. The arrangements shall consist of a 250 mm nominal pipe size bolted
flange, isolated from the inert gas main by a valve and located forward of the non-return valve
referred to in paragraph 2.3.1.4.3. The design of the flange should conform to the appropriate class
in the standards adopted for the design of other external connections in the ship's cargo piping
system.
2.3.2.7 If a connection is fitted between the inert gas supply main and the cargo piping system,
arrangements shall be made to ensure an effective isolation having regard to the large pressure
difference which may exist between the systems. This shall consist of two shutoff valves with an
arrangement to vent the space between the valves in a safe manner or an arrangement consisting of
a spool-piece with associated blanks.( SC62 )
2.3.2.8 The valve separating the inert gas supply main from the cargo main and which is on the
cargo main side shall be a non-return valve with a positive means of closure.