VACUUM VALVE FOR USE IN AN EMERGENCY SYSTEM FOR REDUCING THE RISK OF ESCAPE FROM INJURIES UNDER THE WATERLINE OF TANKERS

摘要

An atmospheric valve for use in an oil tanker is designed with means (11, 12, 13, 33, 35, 36) for applying an additional closing force exerted on the body of the valve if the fall of pressure inside the latter substantially rises above a predetermined value. This extraordinary increase in pressure drop will be caused by a leak due to damage occurring under the waterline, by grounding and, therefore, the additional closing force will close very quickly the valve and help maintain a level of high vacuum in the hold, opposing a continuous leakage.