{"title":"OSHA's interest in chemical plant safety","authors":"Thomas H. Seymour","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110311","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110311","url":null,"abstract":"The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 to promulgate a process safety management (PSM) standard for the prevention of catastrophic incidents and to protect the safety and health of employees in the covered plants. The law requires the OSHA standard to cover at least 14 areas or issues and to cover highly hazardous chemicals which include toxic, flammable, highly reactive and explosive substances. The paper will describe in detail how OSHA has responded to this statute and what we have accomplished in the rulemaking effort. Also the interface with other relevant OSHA standards, including the Hazard Communication standard, the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response standard, the Control of Hazardous Energy Sources (Lockout/Tagout) standard, and others will be discussed. In addition other recent laws that relate to and impact the OSHA PSM standard such as the Hazardous Materials Transportation Uniform Safety Act of 1990, the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) of 1986, will be explained as to their relationship to PSM. The emergency preparedness efforts required of employers under PSM and the relationship to SARA Title III efforts by local community emergency response organization will be covered, as well as the interface with the EPA Risk Management Program initiative that EPA must do under the Clean Air Act Amendments.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128187876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Chemical accident prevention under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990","authors":"R. Matthiessen","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110214","url":null,"abstract":"The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 enacted recently contain provisions for the prevention of chemical accidents under Title III—Hazardous Air Pollutants. Some of these provisions include: a general duty clause, preparation of a list of substances and thresholds, requirements for the preparation of risk management plans by industry, specific accident prevention regulations, establishment of a Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, and requirements for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promulgate a process safety management standard. These provisions, approaches with respect to process safety management by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and coordination with OSHA will be discussed.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123150475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using thermodynamic availability to determine the energy of explosion for compressed gases","authors":"D. Crowl","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110206","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110206","url":null,"abstract":"This paper expands on the work of Crowl by using thermodynamic availability to calculate the energy of explosion for compressed gases. The results show that thermodynamic availability is a completely general approach, including effects due to chemical reaction and mechanical expansion. For the case of a non-reactive gas, a general equation is presented to determine the energy of explosion due to mechanical expansion of the gas. The energy determined using availability is much less than the energy determined assuming an isothermal expansion and usually much more than the energy determined assuming an isentropic expansion. Since availability is a state function, the energy determined is independent of the path.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131295188","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Using material data in static hazard assessment","authors":"L. G. Britton","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110209","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110209","url":null,"abstract":"Minimum ignition energy (MIE) test methods for gases, liquid mists and dust suspensions are reviewed. A compilation of gas MIEs is given and applications described both in assessing static ignition risks for flammable liquids and the basic requirements for static grounding. The relevance of liquid electrical properties is discussed and a large compilation provided. MIE interpretation problems are discussed with emphasis on dust suspensions.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"123751431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Analysis of titanium/carbon steel heat exchanger fire","authors":"B. Prine","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110217","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110217","url":null,"abstract":"In the past fifteen years two serious titanium fires have occurred at scrap dealer facilities. Both incidents involved the cutting of titanium/carbon steel heat exchangers by scrap metal dealers. This paper reviews the properties of titanium and carbon steel under extreme conditions and the oxy-acetylene cutting process relevant to its potential for initiating titanium fires. The probable modes of propagation involved in these specific incidents are considered. The formation of low melting eutectic mixtures and the Thermite reaction are both felt to contribute to the incident once initiated. Alternate methods of cutting titanium/carbon steel exchangers are discussed.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"120903494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mitigation of hazardous emergency release source terms via quench tanks","authors":"H. Fauske, M. Grolmes","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110219","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110219","url":null,"abstract":"Analyses and test data indicate that for many hazardous materials the use of a passive quench tank can effectively eliminate airborne releases. This method has the potential of providing complete containment in a passive high capacity quench or scrubber system utilizing a static body of suitable liquid where the kinetic energy of the releasing material can provide the necessary augmentation in surface area. New test data on quench tank performance indicate similarities between condensation, absorption and neutralization reactions. Both two-phase and all-gas releases are considered.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133092915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent computer modeling advances for process hazard analysis","authors":"D. Worthington","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110216","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110216","url":null,"abstract":"Major accident risk management is a complicated aspect of chemical plant management. The managers involved (and typically the majority of managers working in a chemical plant will be actively involved in safety issues) have to work to strike a balance between many conflicting pressures. Examples of such factors include profitability, production targets, legislation, the workforce and the environment. Sometimes there is an ideal solution where an alternate engineering design can completely eliminate the risk of a major accident. However, more often than not, even after design modifications, there will be finite risk of a major accident. The successful risk management policy will result in an acceptable balance between the driving pressures of the business and decreasing risk. The balance might be sought considering both local and federal governments, the public, the media, the company workforce, the environment, the relevant insurance company and the financial interests of the business. An essential part of the risk management process is optimizing the use of the available safety budget. A large budget could very easily be spent with no significant increase in safety if the wrong decisions are made regarding priorities in design changes or plant modifications. This article discusses forms of methodical analysismore » to assist in enabling optimum use of the safety engineering budget.« less","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"115000656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Flashback from waste gas incinerator into air supply piping","authors":"S. E. Anderson, A. Dowell, J. B. Mynaugh","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110212","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110212","url":null,"abstract":"A waste gas incinerator experienced a flashback with a pressure wave in the Suction Vent Gas (SVG) system. Extensive damage resulted to the SVG flame arrestor, SVG fan, SVG valves, and incinerator piping. There were no injuries. The primary cause of the incident is believed to have been a fuel rich SVG stream that was rapidly introduced into the incinerator creating a “puff.” This “puff” allowed flame from the natural gas ring burner to blow back into the windbox igniting the fuel rich SVG. The combustion of gas in the ducting then created a pressure wave that blew apart the flame arrestor and caused the remainder of the damage.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122630468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Guidelines for hazard evaluation procedures: Second edition","authors":"R. E. Witter","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110207","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110207","url":null,"abstract":"This article presents an abstract of important additions and revisions to the Guidelines for Hazard Evaluation Procedures published by CCPS in 1985. It includes: (1) An outline of the background and purpose of the project; (2) An overview of the importance of hazard identification and evaluation studies, including benefits and limitations; (3) An overview of the new chapters; (4) Discussion of Hazard Identification Methods and results.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125713677","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Deflagration protection of pipes","authors":"K. Chatrathi","doi":"10.1002/PRSB.720110218","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/PRSB.720110218","url":null,"abstract":"The potential for gas and dust explosions in the process industries has been historically recognized. Potentially explosible materials, both organic and inorganic, and handled in large quantities on a daily basis. These hazardous materials are processed in vessels and/or pipes: that is volumes with small length to diameter (L/D) ratios or volumes with large length to diameter ratios. It has also been historically recognized that explosions have different characteristics in different volumes. This difference becomes critically important when explosion protection methods are being designed.","PeriodicalId":364732,"journal":{"name":"Plant\\/operations Progress","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1992-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132678309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}