(41b) "Fit-for-Purpose" Consequence Analysis As Demonstrated By Anhydrous Ammonia and Aqueous Ammonia
AIChE Spring Meeting and Global Congress on Process Safety
2018
2018 Spring Meeting and 14th Global Congress on Process Safety
Global Congress on Process Safety
Facility Siting, Consequence Analysis and Risk Assessment II
Monday, April 23, 2018 - 4:00pm to 4:30pm
Ammonia is a chemical with numerous and varied uses: antimicrobial agent, catalyst, cleaner, fertilizer, fuel, leather treatment, pH adjustment, refrigerant, solvent, washing textiles, wood treatment, and as a raw material. Anhydrous ammonia is considered a dangerous form for which substitution of hydrous (aqueous) ammonia is referenced frequently as an example opportunity for improving inherent safety. Such a substitution may seem to be a question only if the hydrous (aqueous) form is acceptable for the proposed application. Safe realization of the objective, however, cannot be assumed.
Using the substitution of hydrous (aqueous) ammonia for anhydrous ammonia, this paper presents how to evaluate hazard sources, release, propagation, dispersion, exposure, and consequence in a âfit-for-purposeâ manner to successfully prioritizeâand prevent and or mitigateâconsequences of hazard release. The technical substance is presented, and observations and lessons drawn from it are discussed for different applications.