Can you inert a gas free tank?

Inerting a tank involves introducing an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to displace the flammable vapors and reduce the risk of explosion or combustion. A gas-free tank is considered to have no flammable vapors or gases present, which means that it is already in a safe condition regarding the risks associated with combustion.

The correct answer illustrates that it is indeed possible to inert tanks that have been exposed to hydrocarbons. This is relevant because, even if a tank is deemed gas-free, it may have previously contained flammable materials. If there is a potential for residual hydrocarbons, inerting can act as an additional safety measure to maintain low oxygen levels and eliminate any remaining risk.

While the idea of further cleaning might suggest that there are steps to ensure complete safety, once the tank is gas-free, it is generally unnecessary to perform additional cleaning before inerting. Therefore, inerting can be part of a broader safety protocol to ensure that conditions remain safe even after previous exposure to flammable substances.