What is a common method for reducing pressure in an overpressured MC-331 cargo tank?

Reducing pressure in an overpressured MC-331 cargo tank can effectively be achieved through flaring. Flaring involves the controlled combustion of vapors and gases that are released from the tank. This method not only reduces the pressure but also ensures that potentially hazardous vapors are neutralized and safely dispersed into the atmosphere.

Using flaring is advantageous in terms of safety, as it helps to prevent the risk of explosions or uncontrolled releases from the tank. It also maintains a controlled environment during the pressure reduction process, which is critical when dealing with hazardous materials.

While cooling the tank can help condense vapors and thus reduce pressure to some extent, it may not be sufficient on its own to manage significant overpressurization. Flushing the tank could introduce additional materials and may not directly address the overpressure issue. Pumping out contents would typically be a last resort and could pose risks, as removing materials from a pressurized system might lead to sudden release of residue pressure or vapors. Flaring stands out as the most effective and safest method in this scenario.