How to deal with a large-scale methanol leak?

Emergency response procedure: Shut off the source of leakage as much as possible. Prevent entry into confined spaces such as sewers and drainage ditches. Minor leaks: Absorb or adsorb them using sand or other non-flammable materials. It can also be rinsed with a large amount of water; the diluted wash water is then discharged into the wastewater system. Large-scale leakage: Build dikes or dig pits to contain it. Cover with foam to reduce vapor damage. Methods for containing and removing leaked chemicals, as well as the disposal materials used: Transfer them using explosion-proof pumps into tank trucks or specialized collectors, then recycle them or transport them to waste disposal facilities for disposal or incineration. On-site flushing water, adsorption materials, fire-fighting waste, etc. should be treated in a classified and centralized manner; they must not be transported indiscriminately to avoid environmental pollution or accidents such as poisoning and fires. Precautions for handling: Use explosion-proof and anti-static tools, and install fire arresters when vehicles enter and exit.

The leaked methanol contains a high concentration of hydrogen sulfide, which will volatilize in large amounts. Are there any suggestions regarding this?

Emergency response procedure: Shut off the source of leakage as much as possible. Prevent entry into confined spaces such as sewers and drainage ditches. Minor leaks: Absorb or adsorb them using sand or other non-flammable materials. It can also be rinsed with a large amount of water; the diluted wash water is then discharged into the wastewater system. Large-scale leakage: Build dikes or dig pits to contain it. Cover with foam to reduce vapor damage. Methods for containing and removing leaked chemicals, as well as the disposal materials used: Transfer them using explosion-proof pumps into tank trucks or specialized collectors, then recycle them or transport them to waste disposal facilities for disposal or incineration. On-site flushing water, adsorption materials, fire-fighting waste, etc. should be treated in a classified and centralized manner; they must not be transported indiscriminately to avoid environmental pollution or accidents such as poisoning and fires. Precautions for handling: Use explosion-proof and anti-static tools, and install fire arresters when vehicles enter and exit.

I missed it once before. Cover the leak with a cloth, then use fire-fighting water adjusted to a spray form and spray it above the area to create a mist that helps capture hydrogen sulfide.

Thank you for sharing, coming in to learn!* ! ! ! !

This post was last edited by Bored_f3tsy on 2022-12-22 08:12. We have dealt with this situation before, and I think the key points are as follows: 1. Ensure the safety of personnel – those handling the situation should wear air respirators, while other people should evacuate the area. 2. Plant areas usually have dikes; try to direct the methanol-rich liquid into those dikes. At the same time, contact the control room and the wastewater handling team so that they can enter the accident area. 3. Cut off power at the location of the leak; do not use any non-explosion-proof electrical equipment to prevent sparks from being generated. 4. Plant areas typically have fire hydrants; use these hydrants or fire trucks, with the nozzles set to spray mode, in order to contain the leak. 5. Monitor the air quality at different distances from the leak site. 6. Contain the leak as quickly as possible, and then clean the affected area. 6. If there is any material left outside the designated area, make sure to use sand or similar materials to contain it and prevent the spread of pollutants. Furthermore, in the event of a large-scale leak, support must be provided; it’s not something that can be handled on one’s own.

Recovered from the accident tank and then fed into the distillation system for treatment