Issues with the setup of SO2 toxic gas detectors
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This post was last edited by Falcon2014 on 2020-6-9 at 13:24. Recent safety inspections have focused on the installation of detectors for flammable and toxic gases. Experts generally agree that wherever SO2/SO3 are present, toxic gas detectors must be installed in the areas where leaks may occur. So, how many toxic gas detectors are needed for a sulfuric acid production facility? I would like to ask the experts: are there any reasonable ways to circumvent the installation standards for toxic gas alarms in sulfuric acid plants? (The effective protection radius of a toxic gas alarm is 1 meter), meaning that such alarms are not necessary at those flange or pump connection points. I appreciate it if the experts can provide some answers. :handshake
We are a sulfuric acid production plant using waste sulfuric acid, with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons.
In accordance with Article 4.1.3 of the \"Design Code for Detection and Alarm of Flammable and Toxic Gases in Petrochemical Industries\" (GB/T 50493-2019), detection points shall be installed around the sources of the following flammable and/or toxic gases: 1. Dynamic seals of gas compressors and liquid pumps； 2. Liquid sampling port and gas sampling port ； 3. Liquid (gas) discharge (water) port and vent port ； 4. Flanges that are frequently disassembled and valve assemblies that are often operated. Based on these categories of emission sources, the main emission sources associated with sulfuric acid production facilities include the shaft seals of sulfur dioxide fans (used in the production of sulfuric acid from pyrite), the gas sampling ports of converters and dry absorbers, as well as the feed ports of fluidized bed furnaces
Only highly toxic materials require the mandatory installation of monitoring and alarm devices for toxic and harmful gases; sulfur dioxide is not listed as a highly toxic substance, so there is no basis for imposing penalties. Additionally, if it is included in the safety assessment and the dedicated safety section, it should be arranged as required. I’m not aware of the specific process flow for producing acid from waste sulfuric acid. Generally, in sulfuric acid plants, one is installed near the fan shaft seal, another near the manually operated fan inlet valve, and another at the fan outlet sampling pipe; these may be combined. Another one is placed 5–10 meters downwind from the device’s edge in the conversion area. For pyrite, one is installed at the feed inlet of the roasting furnace. That’s basically all. It seems there is no detection alarm for sulfur trioxide!
Thank you for your thorough response. I will carefully study the standards and discuss them with these experts. Thank you again.
Thank you for providing reasonable suggestions that are in line with the current setup.
Safety first; it would be great to be able to have a driverless factory
Looking forward to a reasonable answer regarding this issue