Regarding the issue that ethylene oxide is not suitable for swivel flexible hoses
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Due to the physicochemical properties of ethylene oxide, self-polymerization tends to occur in swivel hoses, and nitrogen purging can result in dead zones; therefore, swivel connections are not suitable for loading and unloading ethylene oxide
I have a question: if no flexible hose is used, what is used for loading and unloading?
After discussing this issue with my colleagues at the company, I have doubts about the poster’s viewpoint: generally, after loading the vehicle, the pipeline valves are closed first, followed by the three-piece ball valve on the extension arm; in such a situation, the material inside cannot aggregate on its own. Moreover, after the flexible hose is installed on the vehicle, the valve of the hose can be closed without the need for purging; if purging is required, only a small section up to the vehicle end of the ball valve needs to be purged! We are a manufacturer of flexible hoses, and we hope to discuss this issue further with you in the future! Thank you!
Not using flexible hoses is a serious safety hazard; doesn’t the emergency management agency allow production to stop?
Our company has been using universal flexible hoses for unloading ethylene oxide, and after use it is purged with nitrogen; no polymerization issues have ever occurred.
If you don’t use a flex hose, the safety inspector will come after you!