Inert gas generator (IGG) refers to machinery on board marine product tankers. Inert gas generators consist distinctively of a gas producer and a scrubbing system.[1][2]
Process[edit]
Atmospheric air is burned using diesel in a combustion chamber and the exhaust collected, the resulting exhaust contains less than 5% oxygen, thereby creating "inert gas". The hot, dirty gas is then passed through a scrubbing tower which cleans and cools it using seawater. This gas is then delivered to cargo tanks to prevent explosion of flammable cargo.[1]
This generator is sometimes confused with flue gas systems, which draw inert gas from the boiler systems of the ship. Flue gas systems do not have a burner but only "clean" and measure the air before delivering it to the cargo hold.[1]