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

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA050571 | Open PDF

Abstract:

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 andor 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

Author(s):
Affens, W. A.
Author Organization(s):
NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON D C
Descriptive Note:
Final rept.,
Pagination:
0014

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
NRL-MR-3678, SBI-AD-E000 106
Monitor Series:
AD-E000 106
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4_Logistics; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5.3_Planning
Modernization Areas:
Microelectronics
Communities of Interest:
Ground and Sea Platforms
Descriptor(s):
*IGNITION, *RARE GASES, *PYROPHORIC MATERIALS, LITERATURE SURVEYS, VAPORS, IRON COMPOUNDS, OXIDIZERS, FIRE PROTECTION, SEA WATER, SULFIDES, FLAMMABILITY, IRON OXIDES, FLUE GASES, CRUDE OIL, TANKER SHIPS, HYDROGEN SULFIDE
Field(s)/Group(s):
Inorganic Chemistry, Marine Engineering, Combustion and Ignition, Fuels
Keyword(s):
Ferrous sulfide, Ferrous oxide, LPN NRL C01 03A
Report Date:
1977 Dec 01