Liquid Hydrogen/Liquid Oxygen Rocket Engine Component Test Operation Process Safety

摘要

The Advanced Propulsion Test Facility at Boeing North American, Rocketdyne Propulsion and Power is a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen (LH2/LOX) rocket engine component test facility located in Southern California. Due to the potential for confined and unconfined explosions, implementing process safety management is of the utmost importance when dealing with LH2/LOX combustion at high pressures. During a recent facility preparation and modification to accommodate a new test configuration, various safety issues were addressed to ensure that the management of change of hte facility and systems provides the necessary menas to conduct the test safely. The impacts of facility re-configuration on safety and health of the employees were examined utilizing the hazard and operability (HAZOP) analysis technique. Safety elements addressed as a part of the HAZOP include system and facility design, operating procedures, employee training, mechanical integrity, facility safety perimeter and risk minimization. Recommendations resutlign fro mthe HAZOP were prioritized and risk reductio nstrategies were developed. This paper focuses on the resutls of the HAZOp which were implemented to improve safety and to minimize risk by instituting various hazard mitigation steps. Additionally, lessons learned from conducting hte HAZOP are delineated and discussed.