Detects prevention techniques

Hazards and Operability (HAZOP) analysis is an accident detection and prevention technique used primarily by the chemical process industry (CPI) (Lees, 1980). Even though the CPI operates in a different regulatory environment from the commercial nuclear power industry, the goals of risk reduction while maintaining productivity are similar. 

The research activity here presented has been carried out at the N.D.T. laboratory of l.S.P.E.S.L. (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention) and it is aimed at the set up of the Stress Pattern Analysis by Measuring Thermal Emission technique [I] applied to pressure vessels. Basically, the SPATE system detects the infrared flux emitted from points resulting from the minute temperature changes in a cyclically stressed structure or component. 

The action taken during process monitoring (see Part 2 Chapter 9) can be considered preventive action when corrections are made to the process ahead of occurring nonconformities. Hence Statistical Process Control is a technique which serves nonconformity prevention as well as detection. 

Deflagration Suppression The technique of detecting and arresting combustion in a confined space while the combustion is still in its incipient stage, thus preventing the development of pressures that could result in an explosion. 

Discussion. Iodine (or tri-iodide ion Ij" = I2 +1-) is readily generated with 100 per cent efficiency by the oxidation of iodide ion at a platinum anode, and can be used for the coulometric titration of antimony (III). The optimum pH is between 7.5 and 8.5, and a complexing agent (e.g. tartrate ion) must be present to prevent hydrolysis and precipitation of the antimony. In solutions more alkaline than pH of about 8.5, disproportionation of iodine to iodide and iodate(I) (hypoiodite) occurs. The reversible character of the iodine-iodide complex renders equivalence point detection easy by both potentiometric and amperometric techniques for macro titrations, the usual visual detection of the end point with starch is possible. 

Although the need for complete decomposition is often stressed (see also Table 8.3), not all detection techniques demand the same degree of mineralisation. Table 8.6 classifies analytical techniques according to the amount of mineralisation that they need [4]. Ideally, a purely instrumental approach is the only way to prevent losses and contamination due to decomposition. Choosing a decomposition mode simply to be able to meet the requirements of the detection technique is an incomplete approach. The choice of decomposition should primarily be directed by both the matrix and element of interest. 

Among the various intermediate species that may participate in a reaction sequence are stable molecules, ions, free atoms, free radicals, car-banions, carbonium ions, molecular and ionic complexes, and tautomeric or excited forms of stable molecules. If the intermediate is, indeed, a stable substance, then its presence can be detected by any of the standard techniques of chemical analysis, provided that the intermediate can be isolated (i.e., prevented from participation in the processes that would normally follow its formation). If isolation is impossible, then the techniques available for the study of stable intermediates are the same as those for the study of highly reactive species. For a detailed discussion of appropriate experimental techniques, consult the references listed in Section 3.2.2 or the review by Wayne (1). 

Microprobe laser desorption laser ionisation mass spectrometry (/xL2MS) is used to provide spatial resolution and identification of organic molecules across a meteorite sample. Tracking the chemical composition across the surface of the meteorite requires a full mass spectrum to be measured every 10 p,m across the surface. The molecules must be desorbed from the surface with minimal disruption to their chemical structure to prevent fragmentation so that the mass spectrum consists principally of parent ions. Ideally, the conventional electron bombardment ionisation technique can be replaced with an ionisation that is selective to the carbonaceous species of interest to simplify the mass spectrum. Most information will be obtained if small samples are used so that sensitivity levels should be lower than attomolar (10—18 M) fewer than 1000 molecules can be detected and above all it must be certain that the molecules came from the sample and are not introduced by the instrument itself. 

Flegal and Stukas [406] described the special sampling and processing techniques necessary for the prevention of lead contamination of seawater samples, prior to stable lead isotopic ratio measurements by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Techniques are also required to compensate for the absence of an internal standard and the presence of refractory organic compounds. The precision of the analyses is 0.1 -0.4% and a detection limit of 0.02 ng/kg allows the tracing of lead inputs and biogeochemical cycles. 

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