A couple of years ago, in a PHA, I came across a scenario where a “capture device” had quite “the pull” on several small tanks that were NOT rated for a vacuum. As usual, my inquiry was met with the old “this is the way all the other plants were built and they have not […]
What is a management system (40 CFR §68.15(a))? How comprehensive must it be? Is there a standard format?
Shenyang Petrochemical Company “The Big Poisoning Accident“ The gas sub-device of Shenyang Paraffin Chemical Company suffered a poisoning accident during the maintenance and construction process, resulting in three (3) Deaths. The immediate causes of the accident were: When the operator carried out the blind plate swapping operation at the pump relief blind plate, the operator
This is an interesting “press release” from the Chinese Government regarding the country’s accident history in May. History: Hazardous chemical accidents in May Petrochemicals
I get it, it’s a 19-second video, and it will probably stir more questions than responses, but this topic is one that needs MUCH discussion. I have made this page FREE for anyone who wishes to chime in. A couple of items to consider: So what say you? We can discuss this in the comments
Establishing a Double Block and Bleed (DB&B) positive isolation is a critical safety protocol when preparing piping and equipment for opening, especially when dealing with Extremely Hazardous Substances (EHS). This process ensures that hazardous materials (HAZMAT) are effectively evacuated and isolated to protect workers from accidental releases. Members can download my .ppt file at bottom
As with my NH3 article, I wanted to verify and document the same scenario for scrubbing 1 pound of Cl2 with 50% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). Here is what Gemini+ had to say… When Chlorine (Cl2) gas is safely scrubbed with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), the reaction produces sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium chloride (salt), and water. Bottom
Throughout my career, I have been taught that to safely “scrub” 1 pound of NH3, 1 gallon of water is required. I have firsthand experience in this ratio working. So I decided to ask Google Gemini+ to explain this ratio. Looking back at IIAR-2, when we sized a Diffusion Tank for PSV discharge(s), it was
As I have written many times, our bulk chemical transfer hoses MUST be part of an Inspection and Testing Program. These tests follow the same logic as pressure testing piping, and Hydrostatic Testing is far safer than pneumatic testing. So I asked Google Gemini+ to show me the difference in failure energies to demonstrate this
So I asked Google Gemni + to calculate the pressure wave in a room that is 40′ X 40′ X 20′ tall with the catastrophic failure of a 1-ton chlorine cylinder. In a 32,000 ft3 room, we must determine the volume of gas released during the “instantaneous flash” and the resulting internal static overpressure.
DISCLAIMER: This is a “cheat sheet” for safety professionals to get a general idea of the “safe distances.” ALWAYS refer to ASME PCC-2, Mandatory Appendix 501-III) for the exact distance. Just understand, ALL pneumatic pressure testing REQUIRES a “safe distance”. According to ASME PCC-2, Mandatory Appendix 501-III, determining safe distances for pressure testing—specifically, pneumatic testing—requires
So I asked Google Gemni + to calculate the pressure wave in a room that is 40′ X 40′ X 20′ tall with a 5,000-gallon pressure vessel 85% full of liquid NH3, and it catastrophically fails. How much of a pressure wave will this event create in psig? I promise you this… No Engine Room
