Effects of Process Equipment and Structures

Safety planners should keep in mind that the process equipment and structures upwind of the release point and vapor barrier can influence the performance of the vapor barrier. It is well recognized that these structures and equipment will affect the flow of the released gas or vapor around them and the degree of mixing that occurs. 

A workshop report indicates that building architecture can induce a downwash of vapor clouds, cause channeling between structures, and produce local effects that could bring about mixing and other types of motion (Meroney, 1992). Therefore, emergency response plans for entry into process areas must anticipate the potential encounter of released vapors in high concentrations because of drafts and eddies caused by process equipment and buildings. 

API Standard 620. Rev. 1,1985. Design and Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure, Storage Tanks, Appendices Q and R, 7th ed. 1985. Washington, D.C American Petroleum Institute,. 

Arthur D. Little, Inc. 1974. Evaluation of LNG Vapor Control Methods. Report to the American Gas Association. Cambridge, MA Arthur D. Little, Inc. 

Borton, and J. J. Bulloff. 1975. Agents, Methods and Devices for Amelioration of Discharges of Hazardous Chemicals on Water. Report prepared for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Contract no. DOT-CG-42759-1. 

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