bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure relief systems: The sensible approach to verification and documentation
Authors: Ahmad Aman A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAs process safety and risk management stewards, one of the first things we should be concerned about is the reliability of our pressure relief system. The importance of pressure relief systems to the CPI and HPI is paramount. Yet this issue has frequently not received the recognition it deserves, even though it is mandated by OSHA 1910.119. Although relief systems presently in service at process facilities may have been adequate for the original plant design, it is likely that the same systems are now being exposed to higher capacities and different relief scenarios. Therefore, verification of the adequacy of these systems should have been done concurrently with operational changes. Many in industry have only recently recognized this, and are striving to incorporate such procedures in their engineering standards. Others are still uncertain how to proceed, and two obvious questions that come to mind are (1) what is the most logical way for us to verify the adequacy of an existing system?, and (2) how to we document this information systematically, in order to avoid replicating our efforts every time we make a process modification?
Risk based package design
Authors: Freeman Raymond A. , Kleffner Joseph W. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe shipment of hazardous chemicals can pose signficant risk to the general public and the environment. These shipments are made in a variety of packages ranging from small bottles to large tank trucks, tank cars, and barges. However, the many standards and regulations that have been established to govern the design and use of these packages define what many consider to be the minimum requirements for risk management. This paper presents a methodology that can be used to more thoroughly identify the risk minimization options and verify the design of a package for a particular service. This method is based on the concept of a threat analysis of the proposed movement of the hazardous chemical. The threat analysis looks for unusual (but realistic) threats to the package that may result in the release of the hazardous chemical to the environment. Such unusual threats may include events such as: Dropping of the package during loading; Accident enroute; External fire during shipment; Random acts of vandalism (using the package as a practice target); Puncture (fork lift collision with package, rail/truck accident); Crushing (sudden starting or stopping). By conducting an engineering analysis of the strength and ability of the container to withstand these unusual events, a package design that can withstand the threats indentified in the threat analysis can be defined.
The potential of sufficient static electricity for ignition during tanker washing
Authors: Chopp Robert , Pape Ronald 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWaste‐derived fuel is an environmentally friendly method for destroying waste and recovering the energy value it contains. The fuel is characterized as a mixture of various solvents with a flashpoint in the flammable range. In addition to these solvents, the waste fuel contains solid material. During the transfer of this material to storage tanks, some of the solid material is is left behind in the tankers and rail cars. The ideal solution to remove this solid material is to wash the tank vehicle with the same waste fuel. With the waste fuel being in the flammable range, there is a concern about the washing operation causing ignition due to static electricity.Scaled experiments were conducted to assess the potential for static electricity to cause ignition. Although several ignition mechanisms were assessed, this paper is concerned with the charged mist caused by the high velocity solvent jet impinging on the tank wall. Isopropyl alcohol, mixed xylenes, and mineral spirits were evaluated. An aerosol electrometer was used to measure charge per unit volume of mist sampled. Discharge generation was assessed using an analytical model which estimates electric field corresponding to measured charge density for various configurations.
Using the CCPS guidelines for chemical transportation risk analysis
Authors: Bendixen Lisa , Freeman Raymond A. , Hendershot Dennis 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTransportation of hazardous chemicals as raw materials or products from chemical process facilities presents special hazards. Recently, the Risk Assessment Subcommittee (RASC) of the AIChE Center for Chemical Process Safetly (CCPS) completed a three‐year project which has been published in a CCPS Guidelines Series entitled Guidelines for Chemical Transportation Risk Analysis. The major themes of the book are summarized in this paper and the methods and techniques used in evaluating the risk of movement of hazardous chemicals are described. Guidelines for Chemical Transportation Risk Analysis covers methods that can be used to evaluate the risk of movement of a hazardous chemical by rail, barge, truck, pipeline, and ocean‐going vessel. A simple example is presented using the methods discussed in the guidelines.
Study on safety evaluation and operational design for startup
Authors: Batres Rafael , Lee Sanggyu , Lu Ming Liang , Naka Yuji 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAiming at improving the safety of process startup, this paper integrates safety evaluation into an operational design methodology which designs operable processes by proposing alternatives, examining process operability and modifying plnat structures and operating procedures. Safety analysis is used as a key component of design evaluation for examining potential hazards during startup. Potential hazards are eliminated by modifying both plant structure and operating procedures. Issues for both methodology and implementation of a prototype in G2 are discussed. Finally, the system is applied to an industrial hydrodesulfurization process.
Next generation risk management
Authors: Schumacher Robert , Pitblado Robin , Selmer‐Olsen Ståle 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe management of safety, quality and environmental issues covers a complex set of interrelated issues of concern to society and industry. Traditionally an engineering approach has been adopted for the management of risk; the development of technical standards, operations and requirements. Recently, industry leaders have begun to realize that real progress will be made only throgh effective risk management systems. This paper presents a few of the key requirements for improving risk management and risk analysis. By improving the way risk analysis is used for decision support, improving hazard identification exercise, while incorporating site specific properties of design, condition, operation and management into an analysis, it is possible to improve the value of current risk management techniques.
Trading cost against safety: The structure of people's beliefs
Authors: Allen P. T. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe paper addresses issues arising from a consideration of the views people express about the legitimacy of, and appropriate levels at which, cost may be traded‐off against risk, in the context of investment in the safety of chemical industry plant. The discussion is based on the findings from a number of studies, in the UK and in Belgium, which included trade‐off judgements by the public and members of various interest groups. Some general features of responses are noted and their implications for policy are discussed.
Mechanism and kinetics of decomposition from isothermal DSC data: Development and application
Authors: Chervina Sima , Bodman Glenn T. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA method for deriving kinetic equations of decomposition of thermally unstable chemicals from isothermal DSC experiments was developed. The following steps are included in the method:

collecting experimental data in the form of heat flow versus time from isothermal DSC experiments at three or four different temperatures, and in the form of temperature versus time from one adiabatic ARC experiment,
converting the experimental DSC data into concentration versus time data using DSC Isothermal Kinetics Data Analysis Program, Part 1 (TA Instruments),
fitting a specific kinetic equation to the concentration versus time data using Rate Program (Batch CAD),
calculating rate constants at the experimental temperatures using Rate Program (Batch CAD),
determining activation energy and frequency factor from temperature dependence of k,
verifying the kinetic equation by simulating adiabatic decomposition of the chemical in an ARC bomb using the derived kinetic equation and Reaction Program (Batch CAD) and comparing the simulation results with experimental.
The decomposition kinetics and mechanism for the following six groups of chemicals were analyzed: nitrobenzene, nitrosobenzene, hydrazine, and tetrazoles derivatives, alkynes ( C  C ), and monomers (H2C  C ). The first four groups were determined to decompose by an autocatalytic mechanism. Full kinetic equations were developed and analyzed for six tetrazoles. The mechanism of decomposition for all six chemicals appeared to be autocatalytic, showing various reaction orders (0.7–2.2) with respect to the chemical and the autocatalyst. Reaction orders, activation energies, and frequency factors were determined and compared for all six chemicals.
Acoustic emission on‐line monitoring of the ammonia plant NII secondary reformer exit (gas channel)
Authors: Tonheim Jan , Tveit Reidar 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn 1987 and 1989 the Ammonia Plant Secondary Reformer Exit line experienced severe cracking which developed in the fusion line between the CrMo low alloy and the high alloy CrNi (Incoloy 800H) materials. The major failure mechanism was identified as “hydrogen disbonding,” due to combinations of high material temperatures, high weld stresses and too high cooling rates during plant shutdown. An undetected development of defects could not be tolerated, and after a review of applicable monitoring techniques, it was decided to install a four‐channel PC based AE monitoring system. The objective was on‐line detection of developing defects in the weld area. According to in‐house evaluation criteria the acoustic activity was verified by on‐line (high temperature) ultrasonic examination.The safety philosophy behind the project, the AE monitoring system and the analysis programs, and the summarized experience from nearly two years of operation is presented here.
The role of the two‐phase scenarios concept in the matrix relative risk ranking procedure
Authors: Ferjenčík Miloš 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA compatable accident scenario model selection is presented in order to demonstrate how matric relative risk ranking methods can be developed into a simple, efficient, effective tool. These matrix methods have the capability to provide reasonable approximations to quantitative risk analysis (QRA) methods.The contrast between matrix method's outcome and indexing results is emphasized. The concept of a one‐phase representative accident scenario model is introduced and a one‐phase model is described.A two‐phase representative accident scenario model is introduced as an improvement of the one‐phase model. Systematic application of the two‐phase scenario model is thought to improve matrix methods. The two‐phase model is still simple enough to be integrated into the matrix procedure and is detailed enough to support more complex modelling including plant specific knock‐on effects.
Replacement of an ammonia storage tank
Authors: Shipman John S. , Davies Ray 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn June 1994, a proposed minor modification to an ammonia storage tank led to a review of its overall design and construction. This review ultimately led to the tank being removed from service and a, replacement tank being constructed.This article describes: the design and construction of the tank; concerns that had developed in 1975, after a period of 20 years operation, consequential actions and the subsequent discovery of cracking; the 1995 fitness‐for‐service review; the options for replacement and differences between published recommendations; design issues and consequences for the choice of construction material; and the installation and commissioning of the tank.
Case histories of two incidents following process safety reviews
Authors: Howard Walter B. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis article discusses two incidents, both of which occurred after process safety reviews had taken place. Certain key recommendations were made for inherently safer operations, but the people in charge had decided not to implement them. In this connection it is important to note the three P's of safety: Safety of People, Property, and Profits. Safety hazards in a process operation can involve any or all of these. The first incident involved safety of property and profits, i.e., significant losses in both; the second primarily involved safety of profits. Both incidents occurred well before the days of OSHA and EPA.
Risk analysis of a chloralkali industry situated in a populated area using the software package MAXCRED‐II
Authors: Khan Faisal I. , Abbasi S. A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractRisk assessment, based on quantitative maximum credible accident analysis (MCAA), has been conducted for a chloralkali industry situated in the midst of densely populated coastal villages. The study has made use of a software package MAXimum CREDible accident analysis version 2 (henceforth referred to as MAXCRED‐II) recently developed by us.Among the six different most credible accident scenarios developed using MAXCRED‐II, the one envisaging ‘confined vapor cloud explosion followed by fire ball’ (in the hydrogen storage vessel) comes out to be the worst in terms of the highest propensity for damage (overpressure, missile, heat load). It also has the potential of causing domino effect (chain of accidents). The scenario of causing domino effect (chain of accidents). The scenario of ‘continuous release of chlorine from storage vessel’ is the second most disastrous, in terms of lethal toxic load likely over a large distance (3252 meters). In summary, the study reveals that given the masses of materials stored, and the conditions in which they are stored, there is a live risk of accidents in the storage vessels that would have far‐reaching consequences. The industry thus poses a great risk to large areas of surrounding including densely populated villages (particularly Chinnakalapet and Kalapet) and the campuses of Pondicherry University and Pondicherry Engineering College.This paper demonstrates the utilizability of MAXCRED‐II and also focuses attention on the need to bestow greater effort towards risk assessment. It is hoped that these studies will make plant managers conscious of the serious consequences that can result from accidents in their vulnerable units. Appreciation of the risk, we hope, will prompt them to develop accident prevention strategies and to put in position emergency preparedness plans to cushion the adverse impacts if accidents do occur.
QRA of chemical reaction systems: The state of the practice
Authors: Farquharson John , McNutt Scott , Paula Henrique , Roberts Michel , Waller Al 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper discusses a quantitative risk assessment (QRA) of an exothermic chemical process. Fault tree/event tree techniques were used to estimate the frequency of runaway reactions that could result in over‐pressure and vessel rupture. The paper focuses on the current methodology used in performing this type of study, emphasizing analytical techniques that help avoid potential time‐consuming pitfalls. The challenging problem of predicting how rare sequences of events (e.g., involving failure of several engineered control and safety systems) will develop is systematically modeled using fault trees/event trees, which makes the QRA process a unique and powerful analytical tool. The results of this study provided the guidance for selecting the most appropriate action(s) to implement from a set of various design options for improving the safety of this system. Use of QRA has enabled plant management to have confidence that they are selecting the most cost‐effective safety improvement option.
Improving the effect of atmospheric stability class for dispersion modeling
Authors: Woodward John L. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractRecent guidelines released by the U.S. EPA define a worst‐case scenario as a release under stable atmospheric conditions defined as Pasquil‐Gifford stability class F. Unfortunately, very few tests at F stability have been available heretofore to provide a basis for models. Recent test data with propane releases by the German research organization TUV provide a set of 60 experiments conducted specifically to define the effects of atmospheric stability class on dispersion. Of these, 25 tests were at F stability. A comparable number were at each other stability class A through E. In addition 23 tests were at wind speeds under 1.5 m/s in stable atmospheres. This paper reports on adjustments made to our models based on these new data by reducing the originally‐postulated sensitivity to stability class. In spite of considerable scatter in the TUV data, particularly between two different types of propane analyzers, the model allows us to extract information by averaging over the tests.
Transportation of hazardous wastes
Authors: Allen David J. , Wolkstein Melvin 
Published: June 2004

AbstractRisk assessments have been performed to determine the risk associated with the transportation of hazardous wastes through a city. In the course of these assessments, a number of modeling issues arose relating to transportation accident rates, the characterization of incidents, the effect of thermal radiation, the impact of exposure to toxic chemicals, and the threshold for acceptable risk. This paper discusses these issues.
Determination, prevention and mitigation of potential hazards due to the handling of powders during transportation, charging, discharging and storage
Authors: Jaeger Norbert , Siwek Richard 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe knowledge of the ingition behavior of dust‐air mixtures due to electrical sparks (MIE, Minimum Ignition Energy) and hot surfaces (MIT, Minimum Ignition Temperature) is important for risk assessments in chemical production plants. The ignition behavior determines the extent and hence the cost of preventive protection measures.This paper describes the use of the minimum ignition energy and minimum ignition temperature as very important safety indexes in practice.Based on the latest results from large scale experiments on pneumatic filling of silos with polymeric materials and new results of full scale filling tests using Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) manufactured from a variety of materials, guidance can be given to ensure safe operation in different situations such as filling, emptying operations, type of powder handled.The aim of this paper is to assist people dealing with product. It reflects the present state of the art and current knowledge of the assessment and measures associated with powder handling.
Integrating hazard analysis into the implementation of advanced process control
Authors: Seiver David S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractIn mid‐1997, an Advanced Process Control (APC) scheme was implemented at a resins manufacturing complex with the goal of minimizing flare fuel gas usage while maintaining sufficient energy (BTU/SCF flare gas) to be in environmental regulatory compliance. Prior to APC implementation, the flare system was manually controlled by plant operators with minor attention paid to the minimization of fuel gas usage. Since implementation, APC has saved the plant thousands of dollars in fuel gas costs and reduced unnecessary combusted fuel gas emissions.Hazard analysis techniques were used in the development of the control scheme. An overview of the APC used, the economic evaluation, and the hazard analysis techniques used in the project are presented here.
Application of the flammability diagram for evaluation of fire and explosion hazards of flammable vapors
Authors: Mashuga Chad V. , Crowl Daniel A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe safest method to prevent fires and explosions of flammable mixtures in the first place. This method requires detailed knowledge of the flammability region as a function of the fuel, oxygen, and nitrogen concentrations. A triangular flammability diagram is the most useful tool to display the flammability region, and to determine if a flammable mixture is present during plant operations.This paper describes how to draw and use a flammability diagram. A procedure to estimate the flammability region using the available and sometimes limited data is discussed. The paper also shows how to use the flammability diagram with plant operations involving inerting and purging, and from bringing vessels into and out of service. A compilation of flammability diagrams for 30 materials, based on previously published data is provided.An automated apparatus for acquiring data for a flammability diagram is described. The apparatus consists of a 20‐L sphere with an automated gas mixing system, a fuse‐wire ignition system, and a high speed pressure measurement and data acquisition system. Data derived from the apparatus includes flammability limits, maximum pressure during combustion, and the maximum pressure rate. The effect of fuse‐wire ignitor dynamics on the results is studied. A flammability diagram for methane drawn from data obtained from the apparatus, is presented.
The reactive system screening tool (RSST): An easy, inexpensive approach to the DIERS procedure
Authors: Fauske Hans K. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe RSST DIERS vent sizing methodology is revised to provide realistic design equations for reactive systems consistent with available large‐scale experience. Using easy to obtain RSST data such as rate of temperature rise and rate of pressure rise excellent agreement is illustrated for hybrid, vapor and gassy reactive systems.
Peroxide drum explosion and fire
Authors: Antrim Robert F. , Bender Michael T. , Clark Michael B. , Evers Lee , Hendershot Dennis C. , Magee Joseph W. , McGregor Jane M. , Morton Paul C. , Nelson John G. , Zeszotarski Carol Q. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA fifty‐five gallon steel drum of a liquid organic peroxide pressurized and ruptured in the mix room of a manufacturing plant. The head of the drum blew off and the ejected material ignited. The resulting fire was extinguished by the building sprinkler system and operating personnel. Although there were no injuries, the fire caused significant damage in the mix room. The investigation of this incident, its likely cause, and the corrective actions will be discussed.
Making RMP hazard assessment meaningful
Authors: Murphy John F. , Zimmermann Keith A. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe Brazoria County Petrochemical Council, 13 companies that are working together to enhance relations between industry and the community, united in a joint effort at complying with the EPA's Risk Management Program. One of the significant issues the group had to address was the need to develop meaningful hazard assessment for presentation to the public. The EPA's “Table Look‐Up Approach” found in the Offsite Consequence Analysis Guidance document is certainly a good tool; however, the built‐in conservatism results in over‐estimates of potential hazard areas. Much more meaningful results are shown to be obtained using one of the hazard release models.The value of using a credible scenario with realistic meteorological data is demonstrated through the consistently smaller areas predicted by the PHAST Model for planning purposes. Realistic scenarios/failure modes and realistic model parameters are important so that the risk to the public is not overstated. Proprietary models such as PHAST are invaluable in providing more meaningful consequences for planning purposes.