What’s the difference in Nondestructive Examinations (NDE) and Nondestructive Testing (NDT)?
While the terms “Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)” and “Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)” are often used interchangeably in casual professional conversation, they have distinct technical nuances based on the depth of the process and the intended outcome.
Cryogenic tank rupture @ food plant in Hokkaido, Japan
On August 28, 1992, a cryogenic tank ruptured in Hokkaido, Japan, and is a textbook case study in the catastrophic consequences of completely isolating a cryogenic vessel. The explosion occurred in the middle of the night at a food processing factory. The blast destroyed the upper half of the facility, damaged 25 surrounding buildings, and
Risk of compromised pressure relief on cryogenic tank containers
The purpose of this Safety Alert is to highlight the risks associated with compromised pressure relief circuits on Cryogenic Tank Containers. Cryogenic Tank Containers are commonly used for transportation and/or storage of cryogenic liquids, including, but not limited to, Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Argon. A large explosion occurred at a cryogenic gas transport depot in Tamworth,
Almost 50% of serious HAZMAT transportation incidents occur during loading and unloading operations
The transfer of hazardous materials from a cargo-tank motor vehicle to fixed-site storage poses a critical vulnerability in chemical handling. While high-speed highway collisions capture more attention, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) estimates that roughly 25% to 50% of serious HAZMAT transportation incidents actually occur during loading and unloading operations. These accidents
What is the Welding Certification actually evaluating when the welding will be done by a pipe welding machine?
When we introduce a pipe welding machine (such as an orbital welder) into the fabrication process, the focus of the certification fundamentally shifts. Under industry codes such as ASME Section IX, the individual operating the equipment is no longer classified as a “Welder”; they are designated as a “Welding Operator.” Because the machine handles the
IFC 5001.3 Performance-based design alternative ERASES the MAQ Limitations
I am working with a client who is making every effort to comply with the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) limits for a flammable liquid process area. This process is a PSM-covered process, so I offered up how to work beyond the MAQ of 480 gallons for a fire control area. This compliance option 5001.3 was
Drip Pan Elbow on Steam System Relief Line
It is designed to collect and remove condensate while isolating the relief valve from the mechanical stresses of the discharge piping. Here is a breakdown of its primary functions and operational mechanics:
ASME and PSM/RMP conflict on “records retention” needs
I will be fully upfront for those who wish to challenge me on this topic. YES, ASME B31.3 and 31.5 explicitly state that certain records that are required by the standard do NOT have to be “retained”. However, most people who challenge me on this topic fail to see that ittybitty two-letter word “if” in
Refinery fined £1 million after major gas leak
Structural collapse caused the release of around 2,400kg of highly flammable liquid petroleum gas.HSE investigation found that long-standing corrosion of the steel tower was not dealt with.Workers exposed to the risk of serious injury and burns in a major incident. The refinery has been fined £1 million after a major gas leak following an investigation
Catastrophic LPG Loading Failure leads to Explosion claiming 10 lives (Video)
The Chain of Failure The catastrophe centered on the unloading area for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker trucks and unfolded over a matter of minutes. Botched Connection: Around 1:00 a.m., a driver attempted to connect an omnidirectional loading arm to the tanker’s discharge outlet. The connection procedure was complex, and the driver failed to secure
OSHA’s ability to use the GDC at facilities that fall under the PSM TQ
OSHA uses the General Duty Clause (GDC), Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act as a “gap filler” to cite employers for recognized chemical hazards when a specific standard (like the Process Safety Management standard, 29 CFR 1910.119) does not technically apply. There are some critical legal limitations on GDC Enforcement: OSHA’s ability to invoke 5(a)(1)