Identification of major hazard sources
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In the environmental impact report for our ammonia-based compound fertilizer, hydrochloric acid (with a storage volume of 200 tons) is classified as a major hazard source, based on the fact that according to GB18218--2009, the maximum allowable storage volume for hydrogen chloride is 20 tons. Hydrochloric acid and hydrogen chloride are not the same thing, is it reasonable to conclude that?
Table 1 of GB18218－2009 specifies that hydrogen chloride is a toxic gas, while hydrochloric acid is the substance formed when water absorbs hydrogen chloride, and it is an acidic liquid. Hydrochloric acid is not a hazardous substance that constitutes a major hazard source, but the hydrogen chloride gas present in equilibrium above the hydrochloric acid storage tank is a hazardous substance that constitutes a major hazard source.
Reply to 2# cthyf: How can hydrogen chloride gas used for equilibrium above hydrochloric acid be determined as a major hazard source? What is the calculation method?
Reply to 1# jndlch9858: In my opinion, internal company standards should not be lower than national standards. So, it’s unclear whether your company defines hydrochloric acid as a hazardous substance based on the hydrogen chloride values specified in national standards or not. Concentrated hydrochloric acid is itself a hazardous substance; I’m not aware of its specific hazard level, so you should check that out. At the very least, it will emit hydrogen chloride, which is highly corrosive; a leak from it has severe negative effects on human health and the environment.
I agree with the view from the second floor – the evaporation of hydrochloric acid would not result in 20 tons. I discussed this issue with the evaluation team, as they only knew one side of the story and didn’t understand the full context; they simply followed the **standards**.
Reply to 3# mzdbhmzdbh: The amount of hydrogen chloride gas present above hydrochloric acid can be found in relevant data sheets; it is related to parameters such as the temperature and pressure of the hydrochloric acid, as the saturated vapor pressure of the solution is dependent on these parameters. However, based on experience, it is very difficult to reach the critical amount under normal temperature and pressure according to GB18218－2009.
Reply to 4# xuelin125: Hazard sources and major hazard sources are two different concepts; **there are higher standard management requirements for the management of major hazard sources.
According to the regulations, it shouldn’t be classified as such, but since the reserves are substantial, it can be supervised using the management methods applicable to major hazard sources
Hydrochloric acid is not listed as a hazardous substance in 18218. Hydrochloric acid falls under Category 8; it is not listed in Table 1, so one would have to refer to Table 2 for flammable liquids (but hydrochloric acid is not a flammable liquid), hence it does not qualify
The amount of hydrochloric acid, multiplied by its concentration, gives the amount of hydrogen chloride, which can then be compared with the requirement of 18218
Reply to 10# dtlzfdck: I personally think this calculation method is unreasonable. GB18218 refers to the toxic gas hydrogen chloride. Hydrochloric acid is the product of water absorbing hydrogen chloride; although they have the same molecular formula, their chemical properties are very different.