Inert Gas Systems: How They Work and Why They’re Critical for Safe Maritime Operations
Inert gas systems are used on many ships and offshore platforms to help prevent fires and explosions. An inert gas system takes a small sample of the ship’s atmosphere and constantly monitors it for oxygen levels. If the level of oxygen falls below a certain point, the system will automatically inject inert gas into the space to displace the combustible air.
Inert gas systems are typically used in areas where there are flammable liquids or gases present, such as fuel tanks, cargo holds, or engine rooms. They’re also used in areas where sparks or flames could easily ignite a fire, such as boiler rooms or paint stores.
Inert gas systems are an important part of a ship’s fire safety system, and are required by most maritime regulations. They’re also critical for safe operations in many industrial facilities.
How Inert Gas Systems Work
An inert gas system consists of a few key components:
- An inert gas generator, which produces the inert gas
- A control panel, which monitors the oxygen levels in the atmosphere and controls the gas flow
- A network of pipes, which carries the inert gas to the areas where it’s needed
The most common type of inert gas generator is a fuel-burning combustion chamber. The fuel is burned in a low-oxygen environment, which produces an inert gas that is rich in nitrogen.
The control panel constantly monitors the atmosphere for oxygen levels. When the level falls below a certain point, the panel will automatically activate the gas generator and start injecting inert gas into the space.
The injected gas will rise and mix with the air in the space until the atmosphere is safe to breathe again. The system will then shut off and return to standby mode.
Maintenance and Repair of Inert Gas Systems on Ships
The maintenance and repair of inert gas systems is a critical part of ensuring the safety of a ship. Inert gas systems are used to create an environment in which fires cannot start or spread, and so they play a vital role in preventing accidents onboard ships.
There are two main types of inert gas system: fixed systems and portable systems. Fixed systems are permanently installed onboard a ship, while portable systems can be used as needed. Both types of systems need to be regularly checked and maintained to ensure that they are in good working order.
The most common type of maintenance required for inert gas systems is the replacement of filters. Filters become clogged over time and need to be replaced to ensure that the system continues to work effectively. Other types of maintenance that may be required include checking for leaks, repairing damaged parts, and calibrating the system.
When carrying out any maintenance or repair work on an inert gas system, it is important to follow all safety procedures to avoid accidentally causing a fire. Always consult the ship’s safety manual before carrying out any work on the system.
If you are unsure about how to carry out any of the maintenance or repair procedures, it is best to seek professional help. There are many companies that specialise in the servicing of inert gas systems such as Kangrim Repair and maintenance who will be able to carry out the work safely and correctly.
Why Inert Gas Systems are Critical
Inert gas systems are a critical part of a ship’s fire safety system. They’re required by most maritime regulations, and are essential for safe operations in many industrial facilities.
Inert gas systems help to prevent fires and explosions by displacing the air in a space with an inert gas. This reduces the amount of oxygen available for combustion, making it more difficult for a fire to start.
Inert gas systems are also effective at extinguishing fires that have already started. The injected gas will displace the air in the space and starve the fire of oxygen, causing it to go out.
In addition to their fire safety benefits, inert gas systems also have other important uses. They can be used to purify the air in a space that’s contaminated with toxic fumes. They can also be used to prevent corrosion by displacing the air in a space with an inert gas.
Inert gas systems are an essential part of safe maritime operations. They help to prevent fires and explosions, and are critical for many industrial applications.
