Bulk Carrier Operations Safety Enhancement Project-Phase III. Volume II. Electrostatics. Full Scale Measurements and Model Correlations

摘要

Shipboard electrostatic measurements were conducted during the initial ballast voyage of the 390,000 dwt ULCC UST Pacific to characterize electrostatic conditions in the cargo tanks during tank washing and inerting and in the inert gas distribution system. Space charge density, electric field intensity and electrical potentials were measured versus time in the No. 6C, No. 7C, and No. 12S tanks under various washing machine combinations and operating conditions with and without the introduction of inert gas in the tanks. Results from these tests generally confirmed the electrostatic scaling laws developed in Phase II of this project (MARAD Contract No. 5-38044). Space charge density measurements in the inert gas in the tanks with washing machines inoperative and in the IG deck distribution system revealed substantial IG system contributions to tank electrostatic conditions. Information gained from the shipboard test results together with general implications drawn from the previous laboratory studies have been used to formulate certain precautionary guidelines for electrostatic hazard control aboard ULCC's.