Would appreciate views and pointers to reference material/sites with respect to the use of inert gas - either from boiler flue gas or independent inert gas generators - to prevent/retard corrosion in the upper vapour space of the uncoated mild steel cargo tanks of ships carrying heated fuel oil cargoes with a sulphur content of 3.5% and upwards.
The vessel operates continuously in the Arabian Gulf where daytime steel temperatures can top 70 Deg C, dropping at night to 30 deg C and the humidity can vary from 40%(day) to 95%(night)
We have had a vessel operating there for the last 12 months. When she arrived the average reduction in thickness of the deck steel plating was between 4%~6%. 12 months later we had in excess of 40% widespread reduction and we had to renew about 80% of the deck steel.
I believe had the vessel used the inert gas system fitted to reduce the oxygen levels in the tanks this would have been signifcantly retarded, if not completely stopped.
All views would be appreciated.
The vessel operates continuously in the Arabian Gulf where daytime steel temperatures can top 70 Deg C, dropping at night to 30 deg C and the humidity can vary from 40%(day) to 95%(night)
We have had a vessel operating there for the last 12 months. When she arrived the average reduction in thickness of the deck steel plating was between 4%~6%. 12 months later we had in excess of 40% widespread reduction and we had to renew about 80% of the deck steel.
I believe had the vessel used the inert gas system fitted to reduce the oxygen levels in the tanks this would have been signifcantly retarded, if not completely stopped.
All views would be appreciated.
