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When lighting up petrochemical heating furnaces, there are specific indicators for analyzing the oxygen content in the gas and the explosive gases within the furnace. But when sampling these explosive gases, how should sampling be carried out to ensure that the results represent the conditions throughout the entire furnace?
Currently, portable four-in-one samplers are generally used to collect gases from furnace explosions, but their representativeness is not very good. Initially, steam is blown into the furnace; after ten minutes with steam visible in the chimney, ignition can be carried out. After an accident occurred during furnace ignition later on, both CNPC and Sinopec requested the use of explosive gas; we invite experts to join the discussion!
Samples should be taken from each viewing port of the heating furnace as well as from the upper, middle, and lower parts of it. Once the testing shows that the samples meet the requirements, the heating furnace should be ignited within 15 minutes.
Safety regulations require: 1: The oxygen content in the gas main must be less than 0.5%. 2: Explosion testing of the furnace chamber must be successful. Usually, four points are measured diagonally in the radiation section. Also, the nitrogen content in the gas should not be too high, to prevent the heating furnace from going out during ignition.
Samples are taken from the upper, middle, and lower sections of the furnace to check whether they fall within the specified range. (Note: sampling and analysis of dead corners inside the furnace)
Measure oxygen content and combustible gas content
Flash explosions are most likely to occur when forced ignition is attempted after multiple attempts to ignite have failed. Precautions: First, the purging must be thorough, and sufficient time must be allocated for it; there should be no rush. Second, when the ignition does not work, be sure to blow it carefully; don’t be too hasty. Third, ensure intrinsical safety during design by installing permanent lights. Constant flame lamps are an effective way to prevent sudden extinguishment during normal production. Flame detectors are an important measure to prevent accidents caused by sudden extinguishment during operation.