Investigation of Hazards Posed by Chemical Vapors Released in Marine Operations. Phase I.

The flammability and toxicity hazards associated with 1 emission of chemical vapors from tankers and barges during product loading in a marine terminal and 2 man-entry into empty tanks were studied. Analytical models were developed to describe 1 the near field atmospheric dispersion of heavier-than-air vapors during tank loading and 2 the vapor concentrations in an empty tank during ventilation and evaporation of residual chemicals. Sensitivity analyses were performed on the models to identify the important independent variables. These models and their sensitivity analyses guided the planning and execution of laboratory and full scale experiments. Two full scale tests were conducted. During these tests, a vapor sampling and analysis program was conducted to measure 1 the source concentration-time histories of vapors vented from tanks during loading, 2 deck crew vapor exposures during tank loading as well as during entry into empty tanks, and 3 downwind and lateral plume dispersion. Experimental data are compared with analytical model predictions. The requirements for an expanded model validation test program were also developed.