What is the purpose of inerting a tank?

The purpose of inerting a tank is to displace oxygen with an inert gas. This procedure is essential for safety reasons, particularly when dealing with flammable liquids such as heating oil. By replacing the oxygen with an inert gas, the risk of combustion or explosion is significantly minimized. Inert gases, such as nitrogen or argon, do not support combustion and create an environment that keeps the tank’s contents stable and safer during storage or transportation.

Inerting is a critical step in many industries to ensure that the atmosphere inside the tank does not support fire or explosive reactions, especially during filling, emptying, or maintenance activities. Therefore, the correct answer reflects a fundamental safety practice within the handling and management of hazardous materials.