Page 531 of 561

GAS SUPPLIES AND GAS DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Gas Distribution System for acetylene and oxygen Unitor’s gas distribution system for the storage and distribution of Acetylene and Oxygen was introduced in order to increase safety on board ship. The system was developed in close collaboration with the Norwegian maritime authorities, and is now included in the rules and regulations that apply to the handling and use of welding gases on board Norwegian ships. The authorities of several other countries have shown interest in the system, and have introduced it for use on board the ships of their own nations. The installation of Unitor’s central system on board ship reduces the risk of accidents to a far greater extent than before, because the gas cylinders remain stored in the cylinder store with the welding gases being fed to the point of use through permanently installed pipelines and fittings. Naturally, this does not entirely eliminate the need to take cylinders out of the store from time to time in order to carry out certain welding or

5.02

530

cutting operations in various parts of the ship, but the practice of keeping gas cylinders in the engine room and transporting them from place to place, with the risk this entailed, has now practically ceased. Instead, one or two outlets for welding gases are provided in the workshop and engine room. The location of the cylinder central with direct access to the open deck (as provided in the Regulations) makes it easy to get rid of the cylinders in the event of an outbreak of fire, and everybody on board knows exactly where the cylinders are located.

Efficiency and economy are improved by the fact that a sufficient supply of gas is assured, even for jobs needing large amounts of gas, e.g. for heating purposes. Acetylene can be drawn from two or more cylinders at the same time, which means less gas used per unit of time per cylinder, thus ensuring more efficient emptying of the cylinders.