Regulations for I.G blowers:
- SOLAS Regulations 62.3.1 require that inert gas shall be provided to the cargo tanks at a rate which is at least 125% times hIGher than the volumetric rate of discharge of cargo from the ship.
- It is also required to have two blowers for this purpose which should be capable of doing so jointly.
- A shut off arrangement must be provided in the suction and discharge connection side of the blowers.
- It is also required to have two blowers for this purpose which should be capable of doing so jointly. However in actual situations a variety of combinations are used by manufacturers depending on the exact requirements. This is acceptable as long as the regulations of 125% are complied with.
- There must be high temperature alarm ( around 65-70 deg Celsius) and a hIGh temperature trip (around 75-80 deg Celsius) to safeguard the blower.
- The blower pressure/volume characteristics should be matched to the maximum system requirements. The characteristics should be such that in the event of the discharge of any combination of cargo tanks at the discharge rate a minimum pressure of 200 mm water gauge is maintained in any cargo tank after allowing for pressure losses due to :
- The scrubber tower and demister
- The piping conveying the hot gas to the scrubbing tower
- The distribution piping downstream of the scrubber
- The deck water seal
- The length and diameter of the inert gas distribution system.
