Tank blanketing, also known as tank padding, is an essential process used across several industries to protect sensitive products from contamination, degradation, and explosions. This article will explore what tank blanketing is, how it works, and the equipment involved in the process.
Understanding Tank Blanketing
Tank blanketing involves filling the empty space, or vapor space, above a liquid stored in a tank with an inert gas, most commonly nitrogen. This procedure serves multiple purposes. It can prevent the formation of an explosive atmosphere, protect the product from being contaminated by breathable substances such as air or moisture, and reduce the oxidation of the stored product.
Nitrogen Services: The Mechanism of Tank Blanketing
A tank blanketing system functions by maintaining a constant pressure of the blanketing gas, such as quality nitrogen, in the vapor space of the storage tank. When the pressure in the tank drops below a set point, the blanketing valve, which is typically mounted on the tank, opens to allow more nitrogen into the tank.
The operation of the nitrogen blanketing valve is controlled by sensing the pressure in the tank through a sensing line, also known as a sensing port, which runs from the tank to the valve. As the tank is filled or emptied, the pressure within the tank changes. When the pressure drops below the set point, it triggers the blanketing valve to open, allowing more inert gas to enter the tank. Conversely, when the pressure in the tank exceeds the set point, the valve closes, stopping the flow of nitrogen.
This process ensures that there is always a blanket of inert gases covering the product in the tank, regardless of the tank’s level. The blanket of gas helps to maintain the product’s quality, prevent the buildup of combustible gases, and reduce the risk of tank collapse due to changes in atmospheric pressure.
The Equipment Used in Tank Blanketing
A standard tank blanketing system consists of several key components:
- A source of blanketing gas: This is often a tank of high-quality nitrogen. Nitrogen is a preferred choice due to its inertness.
- A blanketing valve: This valve is typically mounted on the tank. It controls the flow of nitrogen into the tank based on the pressure in the tank, which it measures through a sensing port.
- A sensing port: This is a line that runs from the tank to the blanketing valve. It allows the blanketing valve to monitor the pressure within the tank.
- A relief vent: This is a safety device that allows gas to escape from the tank if the pressure inside the tank exceeds a certain level.
Tank Blanketing in Practice
Tank blanketing is used to store products ranging from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and chemicals. For example, in the food and beverage industry, tank blanketing with nitrogen can prevent spoilage by keeping oxygen, which can promote the growth of bacteria, out of the tank.
Similarly, in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, tank blanketing is used to protect sensitive substances from reacting with breathable substances such as oxygen, water vapor, or other chemicals.
Hydrotech: Your Expert in Tank Blanketing
At Hydrotech, we specialize in providing efficient and safe tank blanketing services. Our team of experts leverages state-of-the-art equipment and vast industry knowledge to ensure the integrity of your stored products. Reach out to us today to learn more about our tank blanketing solutions and how we can help you maintain the highest standards in product quality and safety.
