(69c) Ensuring Preventive and Mitigative Measures in F BF Confined Space through Online Measurements for Toxic and Flammable Gases

Background :

Steel industries are hazardous in nature due to presence of toxic and flammable gases which are generated during processes such as iron making in blast furnace, coke making using coal and steel making in basic oxygen convertors. The toxic gas in steel industries is mostly carbon monoxide gas which is present in by product gas of blast furnace process and steel making process. There are several jobs being executed during shutdown and many to those need to be performed in confined space. The personal safety of workmen is of utmost importance and using a personal gas detection system for identifying location specific hazards are not sufficient. Some of the confined space jobs are need to carried out without isolating the line from both side and this poses a greater risk of gassing and asphyxiation. The toxicity hazard is not the only hazard present , some of cases the gas composition is flammable as well as toxic such as by product gas generated during coke making process called as coke oven gas. It consist of mainly hydrogen and hydrocarbon along with carbon monoxide. The presence of a complete gas free environment along with a workable oxygen level is must for working in such condition.

Implementation : To ensure a workable environment in confined space it becomes mandatory to not only do the measurement of gases and oxygen concentration but also preventive and mitigative safeguards to be built based on alert generated by these measurement. To ensure this a continuous online gas measurement system is incorporated which is a sensor based analyser and may help in detecting presence of gases as per pre-set value and also capable of generating alerts in the form of hooter and flasher light. These area monitoring devices also detects the level of Lower explosive limit and triggers an alert to stop the hot work going inside the confined space.

Advantages:

1. Innovative area monitoring

Innovative area monitoring devices for a wide range of applications. An outstanding combination for increased safety – in addition to the personal air monitors carried on the body, these area monitors are positioned where gas hazards are expected.

2. Clear warning

Even from a distance, the illuminated green LED ring indicates that the air is free of toxic and combustible gases. Upon detection of gas hazards, the LED color changes from green to red, thus providing a clear visual warning that gas is present. Additionally, a loud and highly audible evacuation alarm is emitted.

3. Wireless fence line

Up to 25 devices can be automatically interconnected to form a wireless fence line. The interconnection of the area monitoring devices allows for rapid establishment of safety networks for larger areas.

4. This gas detection instruments can be used for the measurement of up to six gases and extends the portable gas detection technology to a comprehensive system with many applications.