Cargo hold bilges of General Cargo ships are washed with chloride of lime to:

Protect against corrosion.

Assist with drying the bilges.

Disinfect the bilges and remove odours.

Assist with draining the bilges.

I don't know

The main purpose of washing the cargo hold bilges with chloride of lime is to disinfect the bilges and remove odours. It helps to eliminate any harmful bacteria or microorganisms that may be present in the bilges and also helps to reduce and eliminate any unpleasant smells. However, it is important to note that chloride of lime may also have some limited corrosion protection properties and could assist with drying and draining the bilges to some extent.

Chloride of lime is commonly used to disinfect and remove odors from cargo hold bilges of general cargo ships. It helps in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment by killing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Additionally, it may also assist with drying and draining the bilges.

To determine why cargo hold bilges of general cargo ships are washed with chloride of lime, we can break down the given options one by one:

1. Protect against corrosion: Washing the cargo hold bilges with chloride of lime can help protect against corrosion by neutralizing acidic substances in the bilges that can contribute to rust and corrosion.

2. Assist with drying the bilges: Chloride of lime has a desiccating effect, meaning it helps to absorb moisture and promote drying. Washing the bilges with chloride of lime can aid in drying them more effectively.

3. Disinfect the bilges and remove odors: Chloride of lime has disinfectant properties and is commonly used as a fumigant and deodorizer. By using chloride of lime to wash the bilges, it helps kill bacteria and eliminate any unpleasant odors that may arise from stagnant water or decaying cargo residues.

4. Assist with draining the bilges: While chloride of lime doesn't directly assist with draining the bilges, its drying and deodorizing properties can indirectly contribute to more efficient drainage by removing excess moisture and reducing sludge buildup.

To summarize, washing cargo hold bilges with chloride of lime serves multiple purposes: protecting against corrosion, assisting with drying, disinfecting the bilges, and removing odors.