Our White Papers

Safe storage, proper handling, and dependable transport of self-reactive substances are fundamental operations required in the chemical process industries. One of the key parameters used to assess the extent of a substance’s reactivity is its self-accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT). Various methods for estimating the SADTs have been well documented, including the “Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods: Manual of Tests and Criteria” by the United Nations.

Safe storage, handling, and transportation of reactive chemicals is challenging. Characterization of both desired and undesired chemistries requires a variety of methods including theoretical and computational screening, testing, and detailed modeling. A multitude of process and environmental conditions

Safe storage, handling, and transportation of reactive chemicals is challenging. Characterization of both desired and undesired chemistries requires a variety of methods including theoretical and computational screening, testing, and detailed modeling.

The modeling of explosion dynamics for vessels, enclosures, energy storage systems, and other interconnected and complex geometries requires detailed chemical equilibrium calculations to properly resolve the transient PVT behavior during the explosion.

One of the most critical components of Process Safety Management (PSM) is the Management of Change (MOC) process. Unfortunately, many companies find MOC difficult to manage as it encompasses a broad scope including changes made to raw materials, process technologies, equipment, procedures, or changes impacting the overall organization.

Asset Integrity Management (AIM) or Mechanical Integrity is crucial to the Process Safety Management (PSM) 29 CFR 1910.119 standard. Many companies find AIM difficult to manage since it encompasses the policies, procedures, and workflows to develop and execute Inspection, Testing, and Preventative Maintenance (ITPM) of all PSM equipment and track ITPM deficiences.

eLearning and Learning Management Systems (LMS) were taken to new heights in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as training shifted online across the globe. This shift altered how industries viewed risk and hazard management and posed new challenges for training and compliance.

Chemical processing facilities need reliable emergency response plans and systems (ERPS) in order to manage technological risks to plant personnel, the surrounding communities, and the environment.

The handling, use, processing and storage of hazardous materials will always present risk. The goal of process safety management is to consistently reduce risk to a level that can be tolerated by all concerned - by facility staff, company management, surrounding communities, the public at large, and industry and governmental agencies.

Fatigue failure of relief and/or process piping caused by vibration can develop due to the conversion of flow mechanical energy to noise. Factors that have led to an increasing incidence of noise vibration related fatigue failures in piping systems include but are not limited to

This paper describes a method for identification of major acute risks in existing process facilities that have potential for serious impacts to on-site and offsite populations, and for prioritization of mitigating measures.

A classic scenario in risk assessments is the exposure of process/storage vessels and piping to an external pool fire or a jet fire. The heat from a fire causes the temperature of the metal walls to increase and subsequent heat transfer from the metal walls causes the pressure and temperature of the vessel and piping contents to increase.

Reliable flow estimates are essential for the sizing and selection of process equipment including but not limited to relief devices, process piping, and depressuring systems. In addition, reliable flow estimates from loss of containment scenarios can significantly influence the quality of consequence, risk analysis, and facility siting studies as well.

This paper provides concise and structured documentation to be used as a guideline when conducting Hazard & Operability (HAZOP) studies. It collects and summarizes key tables, figures, and checklists placed in chronological order according to the sequential phases that define the HAZOP Management System (HMS). These strategic illustrations, as well as their layout provide the key ready-to-use tools able to maximize the effectiveness of a HAZOP study.

A common scenario that is encountered in pressure relief systems design centers around the calculation of vapor generation rates from liquids under external heating, internal heating, or fire exposure. Pressure relief design is all about a volume balance. As the heating increases the liquid temperature and generates more vapor (volume) in a vessel, the pressure increases to fit the additional vapor generation (volume created) within the confines of the vessel.