The following precautions are to be taken while Inerting of cargo tanks:
1) When Inerting empty tanks that are gas free, inert gas should be introduced into the distribution system while venting the air in the tank to the atmosphere. This operation should continue until the oxygen content throughout the tank is not more than 8% by volume. Thereafter, the oxygen level will not increase if a positive pressure is maintained by using the Inert gas system to introduce additional inert gas when necessary.
2) If the tank is not gas free, the precautions against static electricity should be taken until the oxygen content of the tank has been reduced to 8% by volume.
3) When all tanks have been inerted, they should be kept common with the inert gas main and the system pressurised with a minimum positive pressure of at least 1 DO mm water gauge.
4) If Individual tanks have to be segregated from a common line, the segregated tanks should be provided with an alternative means of maintaining an inert gas blanket.
5) Any crew member must not stay near the exit points for the inert gas for long as the inert gas does not contain enough oxygen to support life.
6) For the process to be feasible, do not run multiple tanks at once. First, ascertain the capacity of the vessel IG system then open the tracks in parallel accordingly.
7) Many port authorities do not allow inerting to take place while the vessel is in port, always check first with them prior running the inerting operation.
