How does tank blanketing work?
The tank head space is the remaining empty space between the filling level of the stored product and the tank cover. Applying an inert gas cushion in the millibar range in a controlled manner prevents any contact between the stored product and a highly reactive substance such as oxygen. Inert – i.e. poorly reactive – gases are for example nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2) or noble gases such as argon (Ar).
Temperature changes or filling/extraction of the product may cause the filling level to fluctuate and the inert gas pressure to vary in the tank. This is known as tank breathing in the common technical language.
Consequently, the task of the tank blanketing system is to constantly maintain the inert condition, regardless of what caused the volume change in the gas space. In doing so, self-activated pressure reducing valves and back pressure regulators effectively ensure the control of the gas supply or discharge.
When is tank blanketing needed?
Combustible and explosive media:
Tank blanketing prevents the potential ignition of the medium. The nitrogen supplied into the tank head space reduces the level of oxygen that would cause a fire outbreak to a non-flammable concentration.
Toxic media:
Tank blanketing creates a positive pressure within the tank so that the formation of highly polluting toxic gases is avoided.
Food and beverage:
Tank blanketing creates a positive pressure within the tank so that in the event of leakages the seal gas escapes and harmful germs are prevented from getting into the tank. Thus the product quality is maintained at a constant level.
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