Siphoning safety

Gel permeation columns may be left unattended during stabilization or chromatographic separations. However, if this is done the column should be provided with a safety loop to prevent it from running dry. Two ways of constructing a safety loop are illustrated in Figure 5-9. This device functions as a siphon. When the level of solution from the reservoir reaches the level of the column outlet (dashed line), the siphon is broken and the column flow ceases. 

Accidents have also occurred while NG was being transported around manufacturing facilities via gravity flow in gutters. To increase the safety of such transport, detonation breakers can be introduced along its flow path. An example of a detonation breaker is shown in Fig 29 which consists of a lead tank half-filled with water. NG flows into the tank, collects on the bottom and runs on from below thru the siphon. This arrangement interrupts the NG stream. Detonation cannot be transferred readily thru the water barrier... 

Liquid nitrogen is available nearly everywhere. Small liquefiers for laboratory use are also on the market. For transport, safety cans in various sizes are used. The liquid nitrogen is either decanted by means of a tilting mechanism or with a small siphon, which can be made by any glass blower (Fig. 16). 

Any leak will stop cooling water flow automatically as the siphon flow will break hence, this is a safe system. Please refer to drawings in Chapter on Safety Management. They are not repeated here. 

The design shall exclude the permanent installation of piping or other equipment which could inadvertently (e.g. by acting as a siphon) lower the pool water elevation below the minimum operating level specified in the interests of radiological safety and protection of the fuel. 

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the oxygen side blow furnace 1. Groundsill, 2. crucible, 3. nozzle, 4. first floor water jacket, 5. second flow water jacket, 6. third flow water jacket, 7. top water jacket, 8. feed inlet, 9. flue, 10. forth floor water jacket, 11. crucible water jacket, 12. observation port, 13. brick, 14. wall water jacket, 15. slag tap, 16. overflow, 17. siphon well cover, 18. safety port...

Dispense solvents carefully to avoid spills. Make sure the receiving container is appropriate for the solvent — flammable solvents should only be transferred into approved safety cans. If you must transfer flammable solvents from a drum, make sure the drum is grounded and the pump and container are properly bonded. Never suck on a hose or pipette to siphon any solvent from a container. 

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