Batch runaway reaction relief: Re-evaluation of “Credible” scenario

✍ Scribed by Jasbir Singh

• Book ID: 105358855
• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 1997
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 694 KB
• Volume: 16
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1066-8527
• DOI: 10.1002/prs.680160410

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Many chemical reactions in the fine chemical and related industries are performed in a semi‐batch manner under isothermal conditions. Relief system design evaluation for runaway reactions, using DIERS methodology for example, is frequently studied adiabatically using data derived from batch mode testing. In many cases, however, evaluation of the process isothermally under the realistic semi‐batch mode can be extremely useful, often helping to greatly reduce the vent size as a result of a better understanding of the process. In some cases, it is even possible to eliminate runaway reaction as a viable case for relief sizing. Such evaluations of venting are fully consistent with DIERS methodology.

This paper presents the arguments for sizing vents for scenarios other than the very worst case, by objective evaluation of trips and interlocks, so that the level of risk is reduced to an acceptable level without the need for extremely large vents.