Explaining The “Solidification” Temperature Reality inside the MMA Tank in CA
The Fire Chief was talking about the phase change occurring inside the MMA tank. These are the critical temps for that to happen.
I wondered when the MMA tanks were installed in Garden Grove, CA
So I went back in time using Google Earth, and the last clear image was on June 1, 1994, and the three (3) tanks were present. Now, I have no idea if they were being used for MMA at that time. But the three (3) tanks were present, along with the larger tank next to
CalARP Program 4 (Refineries)
Following the 2012 Chevron Refinery Fire, California created an Interagency Refinery Task Force (IRTF) headed by CalEPA, with participation from the Department of Industrial Relations and 11 other federal, state, and local agencies and departments. The purpose of Program 4 is to prevent major incidents at petroleum refineries to protect the health and safety of
Vacuum destroys more vessels than over-pressure events
Not sure why “Over Pressure” events get all the attention. It is my belief that we destroy more vessels each year due to a vacuum than we do with over-pressure events. Of course, overpressure events have more layers of protection because they pose far greater risks. In my career, I have seen these failures occur
MMA Storage Tanks Design
Storing Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) requires a delicate engineering balance. Because it is both a Class IB Flammable Liquid and a Class 2 Unstable Reactive, the storage design must simultaneously mitigate the vapor-fire hazard while actively feeding the chemical inhibitor to prevent thermal runaway. When evaluating bulk storage tanks from a Process Safety Management (PSM) perspective,
The challenges of QUENCHING an MMA Polymerization event
For those curious, it will take around 27 pounds of Phenothiazine (PTZ) to successfully QUENCH the reaction, or, as some may call it, “short-stopping”. But these events usually occur in a “process vessel” that has an agitator. These tanks in CA do NOT appear to have agitators; however, they may be able to “mix” the
Critical Temps for MMA
We keep hearing all these different temps from the media and OCFA. I am pretty sure they are both using Farenheit and Celsuis interchangably in their remarks and this can be confusing as heck. I just heard a media update state that “50 degrees is the happy place” for MMA. 50°F is the Flash Point
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) – CAS # 80-62-6
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a flammable liquid used to manufacture plastics and resins. While it is regulated by OSHA and the EPA for occupational safety and toxic release reporting, it is currently NOT included on the EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) regulated list. It is a PSM Covered Chemical with a TQ of 10,000 pounds. MMA monomer weighs approximately 7.84 pounds per
Explaining a Polymerization Event (Gemini+)
An uncontrolled polymerization event in a Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) storage tank is a classic, catastrophic thermal runaway scenario. When the monomer begins linking into polymer chains, the system enters a self-accelerating feedback loop that can rapidly overwhelm the vessel’s pressure-relief systems, leading to a violent rupture that often resembles a Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion
MMA Tank(s) Facility Siting
5/29/262 UPDATED using NFPA 30, Tables 22.4.1.5 and 22.4.1.1(b). It was brought to my attention that CA has more stringent requirements, so I have updated my post using NFPA 30, Chapter 22 – Storage of Ignitible (Flammable or Combustible) Liquids in Tanks — Aboveground Storage Tanks. My previous post was using IFC Tables. Using Google
Although Flammable Gas codes/standards do NOT require the process to be “grounded”, grounding and bonding are ABSOLUTELY needed when purging/venting
While routine, closed-loop transfers are inherently safe from internal static ignition, bonding and grounding become critical whenever the system is opened to the atmosphere or when specific maintenance activities generate massive static charges. When we break the closed loop or introduce external energy, the hazard profile shifts from NFPA 58 back to the static mitigation
How much NH3 is needed to achieve 16% by volume in a space that is 40′ x 40′ x 20′?
This post is a follow-up to my earlier post about NH3 being a CAT 2 Flammable Gas, as there are still businesses that dont fully grasp the full hazard profile of NH3. The fact that the facility is under the OSHA/RMP TQ of 10,000 pounds has NOTHING to do with needing the engine/mechanical room to