Blast in the past

摘要

Piping configurations used in loading racks for tank trucks and railcars present some unique challenges with respect to fire safety. There is a risk that a fire in one location can move quickly through the vapour collection system and spread. In addition there are multiple potential sources of ignition, including static discharges, sparks from blower impellers, and pilot flames from a flare or burner, main flame on the flare tip or in the burner chamber, external fires, internal combustion engines instrumentation and hot work within the facility. It has been common practice to install basic inline deflagration flame arrestors in loading rack applications. This is, though, not necessarily the best way to protect these systems from fires and explosions.