Statistical and simulation tools for designing an optimal blanketing system of a multiple-tank facility

The blanketing process consists of creating and maintaining an inert atmosphere inside a closed equipment to prevent the contained product from mixing with oxygen. This technique is widely used in chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries operations, to avoid the ignition, degradation or evaporation losses of their products. This work deals with the design process of an optimal blanketing system in terms of cost, safety and environmental issues, for a multiple-tank storage facility. With this objective, the feasibility of installing a manifold in the system as an alternative to the traditional approach of an individual component in each tank has been technically studied by means of statistical analysis and fluid flow simulation. Moreover, economical, environmental and safety analyses have been performed. The reported results shed light to a more economical solution, which entails a decrease in atmospheric emissions and offers an even higher reliability than traditional systems.