On the handling of low-temperature ethylene leaks
Thread Content
Gentlemen, I would like to ask whether it is feasible to dilute the gaseous form of low-temperature ethylene leaking out using steam or nitrogen.
After a low-temperature ethylene leak, it vaporizes rapidly, causing the temperature near the leak site to drop and the oxygen concentration in the surrounding area to decrease. The purpose of using steam and nitrogen for dilution in this scenario is to reduce the ethylene concentration, but this approach will hardly have any effect; the ethylene concentration gradually decreases as one moves away from the center of the leak. If the leakage is severe, what can be done is to shut off all possible power sources in the vicinity, and evacuate people, vehicles, and other elements that could pose a risk of fire or static electricity. Personnel were organized to wear low-temperature resistant chemical protective suits and positive-pressure respirators to handle the leak site.