Chemical Tankers / Day 1 / Day 1 Topic 6 Static Electricity

6.5 Elimination of static electricity

Tank cleaning operations.

The following precautions should also be taken if the will be carried out

in a Non-Inert Atmosphere:

No machine may have a throughput greater than 60 m3/hr and no no nozzle may have a throughput greater than 17.5 m3 per hour;

The total water throughput per cargo tank should be kept as low as practicable and must not exceed 180 m3/hr;

The tank should be kept drained during washing. Washing should be stopped to clear any build-up of wash water;

6.5 Elimination of static electricity

Tank cleaning operations.

Re-circulated wash water should not be used, because it may increase the generation of static electricity;

Steam should not be injected into the tank;

The introduction of sounding rods and other equipment into the tank should be made utilizing a full depth sounding pipe. If a full depth sounding pipe is not fitted, it is essential that any metallic components of the sounding rod or other equipment are bonded and earthed;

6.5 Elimination of static electricity

Tank cleaning operations.

Hot water wash for a low flashpoint products should ONLY take place following a full (i.e. top to bottom) cold wash cycle;

Chemicals additives may only be considered if the temperature of the wash water DOES NOT exceed 60*C;

Tank cleaning chemicals capable of producing a flammable atmosphere should normally only be used when the tank has been inerted;

6.5 Elimination of static electricity

Caution:

‘Be aware of risks Associated with Static Electricity and train your personnel accordingly’

Refer to ISGOTT for further reading on this subject

6.5 Elimination of static electricity

Caution:

Do not let the following happen, Be Safe, Take Precautions against Static Electricity Generation & Accumulation!!

It could lead to ??

Loss of life!

End of Topic