Abstract: A vessel (14) that stores crude oil in tanks (12A-12H) in the vessel hull, maintains oxygen-free gas in the tank spaces (32) that lie above the crude oil. This is achieved by flowing in hydrocarbon-inert gas (gas that does not react with hydrocarbons), such as flue gas, when crude oil is removed so the crude oil level drops, and by flowing out vent gas that includes the inert gas and gaseous hydrocarbons that come from the crude oil, when crude oil flows into the tank and the oil level rises. An inert gas pipe (50) is used to flow inert flue gas into the tanks, and a separate vent gas pipe (52) is used to flow out the vent gas. A vacuum is applied to the vent pipe by connecting the vent pipe to an eductor (102) through which pressured gas, such as steam, is flowed. The vent gas is usually released into the atmosphere, but is burned when there is almost no wind, to prevent a buildup of hydrocarbon gas on the vessel deck.

Abstract: A swivelling bin-filling conveyor comprising a frame including two main wheels and a nosewheel assembly, on which frame there is mounted a conveyor extending obliquely upwardly from the frame, and which is further fitted with a foot resting, in operation, on the ground. The foot is adapted for rotation relative to the frame about a vertical axis lying in the median perpendicular plane of the connecting line between the axles of the two main wheels. The main wheels are each adapted to be brought from the normal position of travel into a swivelling operating position transverse to the connecting line between the vertical axis and the axle of the respective main wheel. Each of the two main wheels includes a separately energizable drive motor. An arrangement is provided for ensuring that at least in the swivelling operating position only the rear main wheel, as viewed in the direction of movement of the bin-filling conveyor, is driven.