Storage and Material Transfer

Raw material and in-process storage tanks and pipelines often represent a major portion of the risk of a chemical plant. Attention to the design of storage and transfer equipment can reduce hazardous material inventory. 

Similarly, hazardous raw material storage should also be minimized, with greater attention being given to just in time supply. Inventory reduction lowers inventory costs, while increasing inherent safety. In determining appropriate raw material inventories, the entire raw material supply chain must be considered. Will the supplying plant have to increase inventories to provide just in time service, and will 

The reduction in inventory resulting from greater attention to plant operations and design of unit interactions can be substantial. Wade (1987) gives several excellent examples. 

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