An inert gas system is designed to reduce the possibility of tank explosions by what means?

The inert gas system is designed primarily to reduce the possibility of tank explosions by lowering the oxygen concentration within the cargo tank. This is crucial because most combustion processes require a certain amount of oxygen to ignite and sustain a fire. By introducing an inert gas, such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide, the oxygen level is displaced, creating an environment that is not conducive to combustion. This method significantly minimizes fire hazards, particularly when dealing with volatile cargoes.

Increasing the pressure in the tank can sometimes be useful for other operational purposes, but it does not directly address the issue of oxygen concentration needed for combustion. Adding nitrogen to the cargo could be part of the inert gas method, but it specifically helps by reducing oxygen when used in a controlled inerting system, rather than just being an additive. Heating the tank contents does not contribute to reducing the risk of explosions; in fact, it may increase the vapor pressure of the cargo, which could raise the risk of an explosion if proper safety measures are not in place.