Treatment of spontaneous combustion of coke after opening the openings in the settler during shutdown
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After the shutdown and once the manhole of the settler was opened, severe spontaneous combustion of coke occurred. How can experts prevent such situations from happening?
Before opening the openings in the settler during the shutdown period, it is possible to thoroughly cool and moisten the coke inside the settler, maintaining a low-temperature and humid environment there to reduce exposure to oxygen. Gradually open the vents for exhaust to ensure slow oxygen entry, preventing the coke from catching fire due to sudden exposure to oxygen. At the same time, proper on-site monitoring should be carried out during hole-opening operations to ensure that emergency fire-fighting measures and equipment are ready. If conditions permit, an inert gas such as nitrogen can be introduced into the settler to displace oxygen, thereby effectively preventing spontaneous combustion. .
What measures should be taken for adequate cooling? The other point mentioned by Haiyou experts is reducing contact with oxygen – but how is that achieved? After all, the settler still needs to have openings for cooling in order to lower its temperature quickly and reach conditions suitable for maintenance.
The problem of spontaneous combustion of coke in settlers is truly a tricky issue; failing to address it for a long time affects the progress of maintenance work
Thorough cooling can be achieved by cooling the settler through a circulating water system, or by directly spraying water on the coke using a water gun. Reducing contact with oxygen can be achieved by first purging the interior of the settler with nitrogen or another inert gas before opening it, in order to lower the oxygen concentration. At the same time, the opening should be done slowly to prevent a large amount of air from entering the settler. The openings can be gradually opened in stages; after each opening, observation is carried out for a period of time to ensure that there are no signs of spontaneous combustion before proceeding to the next step. .
Those who are brave are all fetching water! ! 1
Strengthen the monitoring of the settler’s temperature, prepare fire-fighting emergency water sources; in the event of a spontaneous combustion, spraying water can be used to lower the temperature； But be careful: do not enter the area where the coke is self-igniting, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning
Use steam purging frequently to disperse oil and gas, lower the temperature, and prevent combustion.
Yes, it is necessary to spray water from the settler during each maintenance check
You’re absolutely right. During the major maintenance in 2007, in order to meet deadlines, gas testing wasn’t carried out, and people entered there recklessly; they almost suffered from poisoning and had headaches for several days. Also, when covering the grids in the stripping section, it’s essential to prevent falling pieces of coke from above. Safety must come first at all times