Sulphuric acid leak

It is precisely in this second section, where the dangers due to the leakage of sulphuric acid and associated oxides require a special mitigation system, which is intended to avoid toxic cloud formation and its consequent effect on the surrounding civilian population. For example, in October 2008, a leak of concentrated sulphuric acid, at the Indspec Chemical Corporation, caused the evacuation of more than 2 500 people in Pennsylvania, United States (Associated Press, 2008). 

Although the sulphuric acid achieves a final concentration of 90% in the distillation column bottoms, the negative pressure in the tower minimises the possibility of leaks in this equipment. 

Meanwhile melt some paraffine and when the bottle is warm enough not to be cracked by the hot paraffine, pour out the water and pour in the paraffine slowly until it about fills the neck of the bottle. As it cools, press it around the tubes and where the glass and paraffine meet. When cold, pour water into the bottle to detect any leak. If the apparatus is not tight, add more paraffine. It.may be necessary to adjust the position of the platinum strips when the test tubes, C and D, are lowered into the bottle. The electrolysis is accomplished the same as in Exp. 38. A is nearly filled with water containing 10 per cent of sulphuric acid, C 3.r)d D are filled with the same solution and clamped over the platinum strips as shown in Fig. 42. When one tube is full of gas, the current is stopped, the volume measured as in Exp. 38, and each gas is tested with a lighted taper or blazing stick of wood. 

Measurement of Pressure and Rate of Flow.—Great attention is paid to the measurement of the rate of flow of gas, which is arrived at by counting with a stop-watch the number of bubbles of gas per minute in a small sulphuric acid wash bottle. A mercury manometer is introduced here, and is useful for detecting a leak in the apparatus. The rate of flow that gives the most satisfactory results is 1,000 c.c. per hour. If too rapid it does not become sufficiently preheated in the glass spiral, and if too slow there is a more rapid decomposition of the nitro-cellulose by the oxides of nitrogen which are not removed. 

Acid-resistant AR brick-lined reactor For reacting bauxite powder with sulphuric acid Damaged AR lining can corrode reactor shell and it may leak Check AR Uning after each batch... 

Acid leak from chlorine-drying system Severe burns to personnel due to sulphuric acid (fresh and spent acid) Full covers on acid lines and pump discharge safe disposal of spent acid necessary Safety showers, eyewash fountains in working areas, use ptasonal safety devices... 

Any leak can cause bum injuries (due to sulphuric acid/caustic soda solution). Provide covers on aU pumps, flanged joints of pipelines, and provide safety showers, eyewash fountains in working areas. 

During the transfer of the Pyrosuphate salt of Dimethyl Sulphate and Sulphur Trioxide from the pryo reactor to the next stage reactor, a PTFE lined braided stainless steel tranter hose developed a leak. Approximately, 400 Kg (900pounds) of pyrosulphate was released to the plant sump. The material reacts with water and a cloud of Sulphuric acid mist was generated. 

Sulphur trioxide is produced by the catalytic oxidation of sulphur dioxide. Exposure to sulphur trioxide may occur due to leaks in pipes and process equipment. On escape to the atmosphere, sulphur trioxide reacts with water to form sub-micron particles of sulphuric acid "smoke" which may be sufficiently dense to obscure the source of the leak. 

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