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Deere engines, the barges are built with 6.4 pound pressure tank tops with the Superac High Velocity, 6 PSI pressure relief valves which will provide a greater degree of safety in the event of overpressure. Several stages of safety coverage against spills provide maximum redundancy in the form of high level alarms, high level shut downs, gauge trees, high level dipsticks, sight glasses, and overß ow through PV valve into the containment space on the tank top. Keith Darling explains, ÒThe cargo tanks have Òsix- pound tops,Ó so named because they can withstand pres- sures of 6.4 pounds-per-square-inch before venting. The number is double what is most often found on the river, and will result in greater safety and minimal emissions, in keeping with AEPÕs established record of environmental stewardship.Ó Additionally, each barge will be equipped with a Hermetic closing gauging and sampling system. Ac- cording to AEP, the vapor recovery system was designed and installed by the construction shipyard under the au- thority of the U.S. Coast Guard. To say that the new units will be robust in their construc- tion would no t be overstating the case. The 6.4 PSI exter- nal framed tank top is 100% seal welded to provide greater strength and prevent rust bleeding. The barge is built with ½ inch side plate shell and an extra rub bar for greater pro- tection and added manhole openings on both ends of each wing tanks allow for easier access to wing tanks. New Markets, New Training & Protocols Stepping into the tank barge market constitutes a whole different market sector, but also a whole new set of rules. AEP set about the process with eyes wide open and as the Þ rst INLAND TRANSPORTATION ?Coal?s not going away. It?s just that the current shifts in the marketplace indicated it was the right time for us to Þ nally jump into the tank barge market. It will not only allow us to offer our customers a more complete range of services, it will be a good way for us to diversify our revenue stream.? ? AEP River Operations President Keith Darling April 201434 MNMN April14 Layout 32-49.indd 34MN April14 Layout 32-49.indd 343/21/2014 11:12:38 AM3/21/2014 11:12:38 AM
