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AUPS DEFINED
A
State-of-the-Art Spill Avoidance System
The American
Underpressure System (AUPS) is
a dynamic system which creates a slight vacuum (two to four
pounds per square inch) in each cargo tank. This vacuum,
assisted by the outside hydrostatic pressure of the surrounding
water, prevents or minimizes cargo loss in the event of hull
rupture. In case of a bottom rupture caused by grounding,
nearly all of the cargo can be protected. In the case
of side hull damage, cargo below the level of the damage will
be lost, while the cargo above the side hull rupture will
be protected.
State-of-the-art hardware and software
are used that can easily be installed in tankers. This
system can be used in conjunction with existing inert gas
systems that are mandatory on most tankers to prevent explosions.
| "In the case of a bottom
rupture caused by grounding, nearly all of the cargo
can be protected." |
AUPS consists essentially of exhaust blowers
with their isolation and control valves tapping into the inert
gas system seal/non-return valves. A negative pressure
of inert gas is created in the ullage space - the volume of
gas above the oil.
This negative
pressure or underpressure is continuously adjusted and prevents
oil from spilling if the tanker is ruptured. Stated
simply, the oil is held in the tank by the slight underpressure.
The retrofitting of this technology on existing tankers and
barges, small and large shipyards worldwide could realize
about $5 billion in new business, a significant portion of
which could be accomplished in U.S. facilities.
Your further inquiries are invited.
Write to: Corporate@mhsystemscorp.com
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