Unfortunately, the code is not as clear as I would like, and I do get a lot of pushback when I encounter high-expansion fluids in hazardous-materials piping. I deal with a lot of liquids that are Highly Toxic, Flammable, and some that are both, which also have a high coefficient of expansion. So, in this…...
Under certain conditions, the IFC allows “Fail-Safe Engineered Systems” in lieu of “emergency backup power” for safety-critical systems such as ventilation, treatment, or temperature control systems. The code states: 5004.7.2 Fail-safe engineered systems. Standby power for mechanical ventilation, treatment systems and temperature control systems shall not be required where an approved fail-safe engineered system is…...
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Security Agency (NSA), the Department of Energy (DOE), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)—hereafter referred to as “the authoring organizations”—are aware of malicious cyber…...
Yes, having threaded rods of inconsistent lengths on a single flange is a mechanical integrity concern. While it may seem like a minor aesthetic issue, it directly impacts the ability to achieve a secure, uniform pressure boundary. Why Inconsistent THREADED Rod/Bolt Lengths are a Problem… Membership Required You must be a member to access this...
In an early post this morning, I discussed the need for “rain caps” and “weep holes” on our Pressure Safety Relief systems. And a dear friend and great ChemE reminded me that “weep Holes” are not just for draining rainwater. For example, this week I was working with an NH3 client, and I must state…...
Yes, we still need to consider drainage at the low point of our discharge piping, even with a “rain cap”. While a rain cap is designed to deflect direct vertical precipitation from entering the discharge lines/piping, it is not a hermetic seal. Over time, moisture can still enter the discharge piping through condensation, wind-driven rain,…...
A worker was standing on top of a tanker truck to transfer gasoline from a tanker trailer to the tanker truck. The tanker truck’s engine was running, and the pumping system was engaged. The worker opened access hole covers to a compartment in the truck that held diesel and to another that was empty. Some…...
At a poultry-processing plant, a worker (engineer) was responding to an ammonia leak from an air purger (equipment that removes air and other non-condensable gases from the refrigeration system to improve efficiency). He described the signs of the problem to a refrigeration mechanic over the telephone. While waiting for the mechanic to arrive, the worker…...
A worker on a contracted maintenance crew at an oil refinery partially unbolted a flange on a live crude oil heat exchanger. An undetermined volume of oil was released. Another worker, a refinery employee who participated in the incident response, was exposed to the resulting crude oil vapors, which are believed to have contained hydrogen…...
To accurately understand pressure measurements in industrial safety and process engineering, it is essential to distinguish between absolute pressure and gauge pressure, as well as the units commonly used for low-pressure monitoring (such as draft gauges or vacuum systems). The following table provides the conversion relationships between these units, referenced against standard atmospheric pressure at…...
I have worked with three (3) organizations in the past 5 years on their efforts to make H2 an everyday fuel for household appliances, vehicles, and industrial fuels. Each project was a huge learning experience for everyone! But I am a lover of “codes” to establish the baseline design, construction, operation, and maintenance. I looked…...
We keep hearing how the tragedy in WA state at the Papermill was some type of tank implosion and then explosion. I have serious doubts about that theory. I think this was just a simple seam/weld failure, possibly caused by Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC), but I am sure the CSB will get to the bottom…...
