chemical tanker guide
Chemical hazards || Various chemicals || Cargo Stowage || Care ||Tank cleaning ||Handling equipments || Home

Procedure for carriage of inhibited flammable chemical products in cargo tanks

Why chemical inhibitor is required ? In certain conditions of heat, pressure and in the presence of Oxygen, some chemical cargo types can become viscous and possibly solid and dense in nature. This self reaction can cause some cargoes , especially in the presence of high temperatures and Oxygen, to begin an exothermic reaction, becoming self heating and rapidly expanding which may result in possibly disastrous consequences for the vessel.

As a precaution against this, a chemical inhibitor may be added to prevent the cargo from bonding with itself, however, one aspect of inhibitors is that they sometimes require Oxygen to activate them and this means that the tank cannot be inerted. When such a situation exists, the management Office must be contacted. See IBC code regarding carriage of inhibited flammable products in cargo tanks of more than 3000m3 and using inerting.



chemical tanker navigation at sea
There are many inhibitor types, most of which are toxic and need to be handled with care. Usually the inhibitor is added by the Terminal personnel during the loading programme.

Chemical tanker deck area
Fig : Chemical tanker cargo pipelines


Shippers of inhibited cargoes must advise the vessel (and present an inhibitor certificate onboard prior to loading) of the quantity of inhibitor added, the hazards of the inhibitor, the time validity of the inhibitor, the temperature parameters within which the inhibitor will work and the emergency actions should these be exceeded. Masters are to check that the Inhibitor validity is sufficient for the voyage length.

The vapour of the cargo will not necessarily contain inhibitor as the two liquids will have differing evaporation properties. Therefore, it is possible for some solid polymer build-up to occur in the tank vents / screens, these must be verified as clear during voyage and prior to commencing discharge in order to prevent the possibility of damage from under pressure being created in the tanks during the discharge.

The temperature of inhibited cargoes must be checked and recorded daily in order to be able to note any abnormal rise that may indicate either inhibitor failure and/or polymerisation. Notice of any rise or excessive temperatures should be notified immediately to the Management Office with a request for the action to be taken.

Inhibited cargoes often need the presence of some oxygen in the tank atmosphere in order to permit the inhibitor to work properly. The minimum level of oxygen is usually stated on the inhibitor certificate but, as a general rule, a cargo containing an inhibitor that needs oxygen should not be carried in an inerted tank.

If nitrogen is bubbled through an inhibited cargo (such as when compressed nitrogen is used to clear the cargo hose after loading) the nitrogen will deplete the oxygen dissolved in the liquid, thereby requiring the inhibitor to take oxygen from the atmosphere. It is possible that excessive nitrogen used for blowing through might linger in the ullage space



Related Info:

What is putrefaction process of liquid chemicals ?
Most animal and vegetable oils undergo decomposition over time, a natural process known as putrefaction (going off), that generates obnoxious and toxic vapours and depletes the oxygen in the tank. Tanks that have contained such products must be carefully ventilated and the atmosphere tested prior to tank entry . .....

Carriage of inhibited flammable chemical products in cargo tanks
In certain conditions of heat, pressure and in the presence of Oxygen, some chemical cargo types can become viscous and possibly solid and dense in nature. This self reaction can cause some cargoes , especially in the presence of high temperatures and Oxygen, to begin an exothermic reaction, becoming self heating and rapidly expanding which may result in possibly disastrous consequences for the vessel.

Cargo sampling safety precautions
Cargo samples are evidence of the condition of the product during the various phases of transport (storage at terminal, arriving on board, loading, passage, discharging). This procedure describes sample-taking procedures and the legal background. Suitable PPE is to be worn when taking samples. Sample bottle to be flushed prior collecting sample. .....

Cargo segregation requirement for chemical tankers
In the case of two or more liquid chemical cargoes which react with one another in a hazardous manner, segregation must be done The product data sheets, together with the BCH/IBC Codes are to be studies carefully to determine the compatibility restrictions when carrying different groups of cargoes.

How to avoid solidification in cargo tanks ?
Solidification in the cargo tanks can occur when solidifying cargoes are stowed adjacent to “cold cargoes” or cold ballast water in adjacent spaces.

Cargo compatibility and reactivity of various chemical cargo
Transporting of dangerous and noxious liquid chemicals in bulk involved various risk factors. Between some chemicals violent reactions may occur if the chemicals are mixed in certain proportions. The result may possibly be an eruption and tank rupture. Such an occurrance must be prevented. Water may also have to be considered in this respect.

Determining presence of contaminants in chemical cargo
To maintain product quality onboard modern chemical tankers any contaminants in the cargo need to be observed. Following guideline may be useful determining various product contaminants in noxious liquid chemicals.

Cargo compatibility chart for handling dangerous liquid chemicals in bulk
The following procedure explains how the compatibility chart should be used to find compatibility information: .....


Recommended temperature monitoring equipments onboard

Practical example of solving tank cleaning problems

Pre-cleaning /washing of cargo tanks

Main Info pages!

Home page ||| Chemical hazards ||| Cargo planning & Stowage ||| Cargo loading ||| Cargo documents ||| Safe stability ||| Cargo care ||| Preparation for unloading ||| Inert gas systems |||Gas freeing ||| Nitrogen handling ||| Chemical handling Safe practice |||Handling equipments ||| Cargo & Ballast pumps ||| Cargo tanks |||Tank cleaning |||Special cargoes |||Spills emergencies |||Fire protection





Chemicaltankerguide.com is merely an informational site about various aspects of chemical tankers and safety tips that may be particular value to those working in: Chemical Handling, Chemical Storage, Liquefied Chemical Suppliers, Chemical Shipping, Chemical Transportation, Chemical Terminals, Bulk Chemical Services and Chemical Processing. If you are interested in finding out more about chemical tanker guideline please visit IMO official website. For any comment please Contact us

Copyright © 2011 Chemical Tanker Guide.com All rights reserved.