Gas carrier types Gases can be liquefied by using one of the following methods:

1. Pressurization under normal temperature.

2. Refrigeration and pressurization.
3. Refrigeration under atmospheric temperature.
Ships that carry gas products under state 1 above are referred to as fully pressurized gas
carriers, while those that carry gas product under state 2 are known as semi-refrigerated
gas carriers. Those under state 3 above are called refrigerated gas carriers and this type
is often used in design of large LPG and LNG carriers.
Ad 1. Pressure gas carriers, also fully-pressurized ships These ships are the simplest
of all gas carriers in terms of containment systems and cargo-handling equipment and
carry their cargoes at ambient temperature. Independent pressure vessels with a typical
design vapour pressure of 17.5 bar are used as cargo tanks (type C tanks). Ships with
higher design vapour pressure are in service; 18 bar is quite common a few ships can
accept pressure up to 20 bar. No thermal insulation or a reliquefaction plant is necessary
and cargo can be discharged by either pumps or compressors.
Because of their design pressure the tanks are extremely heavy. As a result, fully
pressurised ships tend to be small with maximum cargo capacities of about 4000 m 3 and
they are used to carry primarily LPG and ammonia. See also CNG concept.
Ad 2. Semi-refrigerated gas carriers Constructed in the size range of 1500 to
30,000 m 3 , this type of gas carrier evolved as the optimum means of transporting the
variety of gases, from LPG and VCM to propylene and butadiene. Today, this type of ship
is the most popular amongst operators of smaller-size gas carriers.
Semi-refrigerated gas tankers use pressure vessel tanks designed for design vapour
pressure in the range of 4-8 bar. The tanks are made either from low temperature steels for
carriage temperature of 48C which is suitable for most LPG and chemical gas cargoes,
or from special alloyed steels to allow the carriage of ethylene at 104C. See also Semi-
refrigerated gas carrier NORGAS ORINDA.
Ad 3. Fully-refrigerated gas carriers They can carry cargoes at approximately
atmospheric pressure and are generally designed to transport large quantities of LPG and
ammonia. Different cargo containment systems have been used in FR ships. The most
widely used arrangement is the independent tanks with single side shell. Type A prismatic
freestanding tanks capable of withstanding a maximum design vapour pressure of 0.7
bar are used. A complete secondary barrier is required and the hold spaces must be
inerted when carrying flammable cargoes.
Gas cylinder Bottle of the capacity up to 150 liters, charged with gases in special filling
stations.
Gas-dangerous space, gas dangerous zone A space not arranged or equipped in
an approved manner to ensure that its atmosphere is at all times kept in gas-safe
condition. IMO Codes defines many gas-dangerous spaces on board gas carriers,
chemical carriers etc.
Gas engine A gas engine is an internal combustion engine which uses blast furnace gas,
producer gas, natural gas and others as fuel. The first practical gas engine was built in 1860
by a Frenchman named Lenoir, but as it was largely improved by Dr. Otto, his name was
given to its cycle of operations. He made his first gas engine in 1876. The Otto cycle utilizes
an ignition source such as a spark or small amount of pilot fuel to start the gas fuel burn.
Gas free A tank, compartment or container is gas free when sufficient fresh air has been
introduced into it to lower the level of any flammable, toxic, or inert gas to the level
required for a specific purpose, e.g. hot work, entry, etc. Tanks and voids are routinely
checked to assure that they remain below an explosive level when work is being
performed on a vessel.
Gas freeing The procedure of removing dangerous and explosive gases from the interior
of tanks (usually vapours originating in the cargo of oil tankers and chemical carriers). Gas
freeing consists of a series of operations in which cargo vapour is replaced with inert gas
which, in turn is purged with air to prevent explosion hazard.