In EPA’s RMP standard there are four (4) TOXIC substances which have listed concentrations: Hydrochloric acid 37% or greater Hydrofluoric acid 50% or greater Nitric acid 80% or greater Ammonia 20% or greater If we have any of these four (4) substances in solution AND their concentration is LESS THAN (<) the listed concentration, we…...
These days the one thing I love about my job is when a client actually asks me to lessen their risks through safety engineering. Yes, I went to school and got my BS in OSH and my MS in SE and they are stunningly different applications. With one, I help companies with their OSHA compliance…...
Helping lower risk through safety engineering (Chlorine and Gas Cabinets) Read More »
The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office (Case Number 1903-00046) and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (Case Number 782035-19-0029) have issued their FINAL REPORT on the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Tank Farm Fire in La Porte on March 17, 2019. It was observed what appeared to be studs laying in the pump housing…....
FINAL REPORT on the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) Tank Farm Fire Read More »
At 10:00 a.m. on November 23, 2018, two employees were working for a firm that provided support activities for oil and gas operations. Employee #1 and Employee #2 were part of a crew that was going to launch a pig from a pig launcher on a natural gas line. There were flammable vapors present. The…...
Process opening GONE BAD with flammable vapors and a cordless grease-gun Read More »
Incident overview In an industrial food processing facility, an ammonia leak occurred from the thermal expansion valve diaphragm, that required replacement. Site, system and components The thermal expansion valve and diaphragm control the rate of flow of liquid ammonia that feeds the spiral freezer. The freezing temperatures are obtained when liquid ammonia evaporates to vapor…...
Diaphragm failure is caused from overpressure due to trapped liquid ammonia Read More »
Incident overview An ammonia release occurred in the mezzanine area at an industrial food processing facility, which resulted in the evacuation of the facility and temporary shutdown of the ammonia plant…. Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Ammonia release results in facility evacuation and temporary shutdown (CUI) Read More »
Incident overview The bolted flanged connection on the suction of a reciprocating compressor failed causing an uncontrolled release of ammonia into the machinery room. The ammoniadetection system worked as designed activating the ventilation system and alarming the appropriate parties. The leak was isolated and no injuries resulted…. Membership Required You must be a member to...
Compressor fails causing an uncontrolled ammonia release Read More »
… Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
Case Study – Ammonia Incidents in British Columbia (BC) 2007 – 2017 (November 2019) Read More »
Incident overview Manhole gasket seal on an oil separator pressure vessel failed to hold ammonia in the vessel which resulted in the exhaust ventilation system to be activated. … Membership Required You must be a member to access this content.View Membership LevelsAlready a member? Log in here...
In Process Safety – Torquing Matters! (NH3 Leak on manway gasket) Read More »
Incident overview There were no injuries or property damage due to the Ammonia release from the pinhole in the 1” piping to the Hydro Cooler Surge Drum. The Ammonia vapor set the leak detector on at 50 ppm which activated the alarms. The Ammonia Vapor was drawn in from the outside of the building where…...
Corrosion Under Insulation (CUI) leads to NH3 release Read More »
Incident overview The bonnet gasket on the isolation valve between the brine chiller and the oil pot leaked approximately 10 lbs ammonia into the mechanical room. Two (2) refrigeration technicians had completed draining oil from the oil pot and when the isolation valve was closed the bonnet gasket leaked ammonia into the brine chiller insulation…....
Bonnet gasket leaking from chiller isolation valve to oil pot (10 pound release) Read More »
Following the release of the Fernie Incident Investigation Report Technical Safety BC developed new ammonia refrigeration industry maintenance guidelines to support facility owners and refrigeration professionals with implementing the report recommendations. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide ammonia refrigeration plant owners and operators with guidance and basic information about the development, documentation, and…...
Guidelines for Ammonia Refrigeration Plant Equipment Integrity Programs (TSBC Draft #2) Read More »
