Monday, September 28th, 2009
A process is described as inherently safer if it reduces or eliminates one or more process hazards and this reduction or elimination is accomplished through changes that are permanent and inseparable.Below are strategies for achieving inherent safety:
Minimize : Use small quantities of hazardous substances
Substitute: Replace a material with a less ...
Posted in Inherent Safety, Process Safety | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Inherently safer philosophy represents a slightly different approach to risk mitigation. Instead of focusing on mitigating risks, an inherently safer alternative focuses on eliminating the hazards.Let us look at couple of inherently safer examples.
HF Alkylation
There are four alternatives available to perform alkylation:
Pure HF: Potential high ...
Posted in Inherent Safety, Process Safety, Regulations | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
A few weeks ago, I had written about a recent fire at the alkylation unit in Citgo’s Corpus refinery, and raised the question about HF usage. Today, I would like to further delve into the alternate technologies for alklyation and also take this opportunity to summarize feedback I have received ...
Posted in Inherent Safety, Process Safety, Risk Analysis | 3 Comments »
Friday, July 31st, 2009
On the morning of July 19, a fire in CITGO's Corpus Christi refinery injured a worker. The incident occurred in the alkylation unit of the refinery.
The refinery used Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) as a catalyst for alklyation . Typically in the alkylation process, isobutane and olefins are combined (in presence of ...
Posted in Chemical Accidents, Inherent Safety, Toxicity | 4 Comments »
