40


Analytical Instrumentation Company Anton Paar GmbH


Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc Bruker AXS


CEM Middle East CEM Slovenia


CFR Engines Inc TALKING POINT Ethylene oxide release during explosion at Louisiana plant


On July 14, 2023, a signifi cant explosion occurred at the Dow Louisiana Operations’ Glycol II plant in Plaquemine, Louisiana, resulting in the release of over 31,000 pounds of ethylene oxide (EtO), a known carcinogen. The incident caused multiple subsequent explosions and fi res, leading to substantial property damage and a temporary shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.


The explosion happened around 9:15 p.m. Central Time and continued to affect the plant through a series of fi res that were fi nally extinguished by the early morning of July 16. Following the explosion, local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order which was lifted after ensuring the safety of the surrounding community.


The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) commenced an investigation on April 4, 2024, after clearing a backlog of previous reports. Preliminary fi ndings have identifi ed several key areas of concern: high vibration in


a refl ux pump, upsets in the EtO fi nishing process, multiple explosions and fi res, and the release of a signifi cant quantity of EtO. These factors are being closely examined to determine their root causes and prevent future incidents.


The incident at Dow’s plant in Plaquemine has raised signifi cant safety and environmental concerns. Ethylene oxide is highly fl ammable and carcinogenic, posing serious risks to both workers and nearby residents. The CSB’s investigation will focus on emergency pressure-relief systems, reactive chemical hazards, and maintenance procedures.


Dow has been proactive in responding to the incident. The company has conducted a root cause investigation, completed by February 2024, and has since implemented corrective actions, including enhancing vessel closure work practices and developing technological solutions to improve safety and process integrity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)


and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are also involved in scrutinising the incident. The EPA identifi ed 19 areas of concern related to safety, training, planning, and site design. These concerns include the proximity of emergency release devices, which could potentially expose workers and the public to hazardous chemicals during an incident. Dow is committed to addressing these issues, collaborating with regulatory bodies, and enhancing safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.


The ongoing investigation by the CSB, alongside the efforts of Dow and other regulatory agencies, aims to uncover the root causes of the explosion and release of ethylene oxide at the Plaquemine plant. The fi ndings and subsequent recommendations will be crucial in strengthening safety protocols across the sector.


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OFC Company Eralytics GmbH


Gulf Coast Conference KIN-TEK Analytical Inc


Koehler Instrument Company Myron L Company PID ANALYZERS LLC


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Company PEFTEC Middle East


Trace Elemental Instruments VICI AG WWEM


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Multipoint fl ow meters optimise boiler air-gas combustion effi ciency at oil refi neries and industrial plants to reduce fuel costs


Oil/gas refi nery and other process engineers will fi nd the MT100 Series Multipoint Mass Flow Meter from Fluid Components International (FCI) provides the accurate air/gas fl ow measurements needed to optimise boiler performance in order to reduce expensive fuel gas consumption costs and polluting greenhouse waste gases.


For example, to operate a refi nery boiler at optimum effi ciency while also maintaining a safe operating environment, critical fl ow measurements such as combustion air and fuel gas recirculation are commonly used. These applications can be challenging due to the large size of the ducts and limited amount of straight run.


Determining the location of the MT100 Flow Meter’s multiple air/gas fl ow sensors in boiler piping and duct systems is essential for proper measurement, but it is also challenging when considering access and clearances for installation and maintenance of the instruments. The MT100 offers both mast type and single-point fl ow elements in order to optimise the fl ow measurement solution.


FCI’s versatile MT100 Series Multipoint Mass Flow Meters feature proven precision, repeatable and compact thermal dispersion fl ow sensor technology. They accurately monitor and report the fl ow rate and/or the totalised fl ow of air and fuel gases in order to achieve the precise combustion ratio necessary for optimum boiler performance that produces the steam for cracking and other high-heat refi nery and other petrochemical production processes.


MT100 Flow Meters combine state-of-the-art electronics technology with application-specifi c precision multipoint fl ow sensors in a rugged package designed for demanding operating environments. These meters provide temperature-compensated direct mass fl ow measurement of air and fuel gases. They come with one to eight fl ow rate sensing points. The sensors are inserted at multiple locations along the boiler burner piping assembly and their outputs are multiplexed and averaged to measure the air and gas fl ow rates and totalised fl ows.


The MT100 meter’s sensors also can be installed at multiple points in other air or gas process lines in a single plane or across a large mast for stack gas waste measurement. These rugged, long-life, nearly- zero maintenance instruments excel in dirty, hot or humid environments because there are no moving parts, orifi ces or glass windows to foul or clog.


The rugged MT100 Multipoint Flow Meters with their temperature-compensated sensors measure air, natural gas, process gases or fl ue waste gasses operating at up to 454°C (850°F). They measure fl ow rates over a wide range from 0,07 to 305 NMPS (0.25 to 1000 SFPS) with 100:1 turndown and with excellent accuracy of ± 1.75% of reading, ± 0.5% of full scale.


In demanding industries, such as oil/gas refi neries, chemical, electric power generation and others, various sized diameter pipes and ducts present unique challenges to achieve successful fl ow meter installation and performance. Hot, moist and/or dirty gases along with a lack of pipe straight-run, distorted fl ow profi les, low fl ow rates and wide turndowns rates are common issues.


The MT100’s transmitter is both full-featured and rugged to meet these operating challenges. It’s all stainless-steel enclosure is NEMA4X/IP66 rated to ensure long service life in outdoor installations. Its electronics comes with an extensive choice of output options to interface with virtually any DCS, PLC, SCADA, or recorder. High resolution, 16 bit, dual 4-20mA analogue outputs with NAMUR 43 compliance, HART I/O, and Modbus RS485 RTU/ASCII are all standard. Optionally available are Profi bus-PA or Foundation Fieldbus communications


The MT100’s large colour touch-screen LCD readout provides comprehensive process information to users with both analogue and digital displays of fl ow rate, temperature and totalised fl ow, a user time- base selectable strip-chart of fl ow rate and sensor status diagnostics. MT100 electronics also include a user programmable data logger to which fl ow rate, temperature and totalized fl ow as well as fault codes can be recorded on a removable, 8 GB microSD card.


All MT100 Meters have been independently tested and verifi ed to meet and comply with IEC safety directives for EMC and LVD, and carry the CE marking. Optionally available for process installations with hazardous, potentially explosive gases and/or dust, MT100 meters can be ordered with ATEX or IECEx or FM/FMc agency approvals for Division II/Zone 2. The highly repeatable and reliable MT100 Series Multipoint Mass Flow Meter are TÜV-certifi ed as AMS compliant with EN15267-3 with QAL1 and EN14181, and also meets USA EPA CEMS 40 CFR 60 and 40 CFR 75 compliance.


PIN AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2024


For More Info, email: email:


For More Info, email: 63066pr@reply-direct.com


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