Nitrogen Blanketing for Solvent Tanks
Client
Paper-overlay manufacturer
Services provided
• Engineering design
• Drawings and specifications
• Purchasing assistance
• Mechanical integrity inspection
Barr Engineering Company
Our client manufactures a wide range
of resin-impregnated-paper overlay
products for decorative and industrial
uses. The company hired Barr to
design nitrogen-inert-blanketing
additions to five outdoor solvent tanks
at its Wisconsin facility. The three
primary benefits of nitrogen blanket-
ing are:
• The inert (oxygen-free) atmosphere
reduces the risk of fire—and often
insurance premiums
• It improves operational efficiency, thereby reducing emissions and
lowering the costs of product loss
• Because moist air is kept out, tank corrosion is reduced
Barr gathered and reviewed background information regarding tank
construction and operation. We interviewed site personnel and examined
photos, existing tank drawings, and inspection records. We also consulted
nitrogen-blanket-equipment vendors to help us design the most appropriate
system for the site conditions.
We then designed the system, which generates nitrogen from compressed
air through membrane separation technology. Membrane separators offer
the advantage of not requiring compressed-gas cylinders or liquid-refriger-
ated tanks, simplifying operation and saving money.
Finally, Barr solicited and evaluated quotes for system components for our
client to purchase.
The client’s fire insurance company has reviewed and approved the
nitrogen blanket protection system. Our client says the project’s greatest
benefit is the security of knowing that the blanketed tanks have reduced the
hazard of fire at the facility.
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800-632-BARR