The combined fan discharge rate in an inert gas system is related to what?

The combined fan discharge rate in an inert gas system is indeed related to the cargo pump discharge rate. This correlation exists because the inert gas system is designed to maintain a safe atmosphere in the cargo tanks by preventing the formation of an explosive mixture during loading and unloading operations.

When cargo is pumped into or out of the tanks, the volume of cargo being moved requires an equivalent displacement in the inert gas to maintain atmospheric balance. The fans in the inert gas system work to replace the volume generated by the movement of cargo. Thus, as the cargo pump discharge rate increases, the demand for inert gas also increases, leading to a corresponding increase in fan discharge to ensure safety and comply with regulations.

This relationship emphasizes the importance of maintaining the balance between cargo operations and the inert gas system performance, ensuring that the system can adequately vent and supply inert gas to prevent hazardous conditions in the cargo tanks.