Can Pyrophoric Materials Form in Oil Tankers with Inert Gas Fire Protection Systems

A literature study and analysis was made concerning the potential hazard of pyrophoric ignition of flammable vapors in oil tankers with inert gas systems (IGS). Only two pyrophor possibilities seem to be likely: Formation of ferrous sulfide (FeS) and/or ferrous oxide (FeO). Both FeS and FeO may be f...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Affens,W A
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Combustion and Ignition
CRUDE OIL
Ferrous oxide
Ferrous sulfide
FIRE PROTECTION
FLAMMABILITY
FLUE GASES
Fuels
HYDROGEN SULFIDE
IGNITION
Inorganic Chemistry
IRON COMPOUNDS
IRON OXIDES
LITERATURE SURVEYS
LPN-NRL-C01-03A
Marine Engineering
OXIDIZERS
PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
RARE GASES
SEA WATER
SULFIDES
TANKER SHIPS
VAPORS
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Summary:A literature study and analysis was made concerning the potential hazard of pyrophoric ignition of flammable vapors in oil tankers with inert gas systems (IGS). Only two pyrophor possibilities seem to be likely: Formation of ferrous sulfide (FeS) and/or ferrous oxide (FeO). Both FeS and FeO may be formed in an oxygen limited atmosphere, such as would be the case with a flue gas IGS. Formation of FeS also requires an atmosphere containing hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as would be the condition with 'sour' crudes, so that the hazard of the formation of pyrophoric FeS must be considered for such crudes. Furthermore, if sea water is present in the oil tank, oils which do not contain H2S can become 'sour' by the action of sulfate reducing bacteria on sulfates in the water. It is concluded that in the event of failure of an IGS system, the ullage space should not be exposed to air suddenly. (Author)