Inert Gas Hazards - Tanker Op

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RF0009

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Inert gas is now almost exclusively used to replace the fresh air component, of the atmospheres of
fresh air/hydrocarbon gas mixtures, formerly found on board oil tankers. It is used to control the
atmosphere inside the tanks used to carry the cargoes of petroleum liquids, to prevent the formation
of flammable mixtures and the inherent risk of fire and explosion.
However, inert gas itself is toxic. The production of inert gas, whether from exhaust flue gases or
from inert gas generators produces small quantities of various toxic gases. These gases are
nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Oxides of nitrogen up to 200 ppm are present in inert gas. The biggest concentration is nitric oxide
(NO) which does not wash out in the scrubbing process. It combines with oxygen to produce
nitrogen dioxide. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is even more toxic than nitric dioxide, having a TLV of only
3 ppm, as opposed to 25 ppm for nitric oxide. However, if left in a tank the concentrations of nitric
oxide and nitrogen dioxide will reduce, as the more soluble nitrogen dioxide dissolves in any water
or moisture in the tank, producing nitrous (HNO2) and nitric acids (HNO3).
Sulphur dioxide is removed from the inert gas as it undergoes washing in the scrubbing tower. The
design and efficiency of the scrubbing process will ultimately define the amount of sulphur dioxide
remaining in the inert gas and can be as little as 2 - 50 ppm. Its TLV is only 2 ppm at which it has a
distinctive odour. It produces irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and can cause respiratory
difficulties.
Carbon monoxide has a TLV of 50 ppm. It is usually only present in very small concentrations at
only a few ppm. However, poor combustion in inert gas generators and slow running of main
engines can cause higher levels above 200 ppm. The effect of carbon monoxide poisoning is to
restrict the oxygen uptake by the blood. This causes a chemically induced form of asphyxiation,
which can similarly lead to death.
However, the greatest danger from inert gas is the low oxygen content. Oxygen deficiency can be
further exacerbated by rusting or paint coatings drying/hardening.
Normal air has oxygen content of 21% by volume. As the oxygen content in an atmosphere is
lowered, breathing initially becomes both deeper and faster. The susceptibility of individual to this
effect is varied, however once the level of oxygen falls to 16% all persons are affected to a greater
or lesser degree. These symptoms are usually insufficient to alert the individual to the lack of
oxygen. Most would fail to recognize the danger until too weak to escape without aid, especially
when climbing or exertion is required.
If the atmosphere has less than 10% oxygen content by volume, unconsciousness will inevitably
follow. This will become more rapid as the oxygen level lowers, and a victim will soon die unless
quickly removed to a pure fresh air atmosphere and resuscitated. At 5% oxygen unconsciousness
will result with the first, and possibly a victims last, gasp for air. There is no warning of the danger at
this level of oxygen deficiency and death will follow swiftly if resuscitation is delayed for little more
than a few minutes. Even if revived, a victim can suffer irreversible brain damage.

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