Preparing to Paint Large Tanks

Within chemical and petrochemical plants, conservation vents and goose-neck vents protect many low-pressure tanks. This was especially true during the period 1960 to 1980, when industry tolerated minor volatile organic emissions. Some of these tanks did not have an overflow line. 

P partng a firine Sfiic e Dissolving System for Maintenance 

A major chemical plant dissolved inorganic sluny solids in a series of three fiberglass vessels. Most employees considered this section of the plant as one of the nonhazardous areas of the chemical complex. This area handles a relatively cool sodium chloride (table 

Another unit in the same chemical complex supplied the hydrochloric acid via a pipeline. The acid was a by-product of a process that manufactured large quantities of flashing flammable liquids. Supervision directed the crew to promptly collect acid samples and deliver them to the Main Lab to analyze for flammables. Lab analysts did not detect the presence of flammable chemicals. 

When the operator pressed the start button on the agitator, the strong acid and finely divided calcium carbonate solids instantaneously reacted, creating and liberating 4(X) cubic ft. (11.3 cubic meters) of carbon dioxide within a relatively small tank nearly filled with salt water. 

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