Precautions and Safe Practi ces

for Handling Molecular Sieves in Process Units

uopTM
Our Techno\o~'j
Touches The ~al\<S

. - - . ..
-.
 r

Table of Contents
."".,

Foreword ..................•........ ·............. 1

Section 1
Loading Fr~.sh Molecular Siev~s .................... 3
Summary of Key Precautions ...•..................... 8

Section 2
Start-up and Operation of Molecular
Adsorptio·~ Systems ......... : .................... 9~
.':1..: \
Understanding Molecular Sieves •.................... 10
Theory of Operation ............•.................. 12
Major Operating Hazards and Precautions .............. 13
Initial Exposure to a Process Stream ................... 14
Stopping Reaction/Regeneration ..................... 1 5
Key Safety Precautions: Start-up and Operation .......... 16

Section 3
Preparing Used Molecular Sieves for
Exposure to Atmosphere ....... .... ............ . 1 7
Gas Purging .................... . ................ 18
Water Flood ........................ . ...... .. .... 19
Key Processes: Removing Hazardous Material ........... 20

Section 4
Discarding Molecular Sieve Waste ................ 21
Key Processes: Dumping Molecular Sieve Waste .......... 22
Key Safety Precautions: Dumping Molecular Sieve Waste ... 24
'
!
~
~
~
ij
~
i!
!l
~
~ l ..............__________
--

Foreworc
This booklet contains guidelines on how to handle and use UOP
Molecular Sieves safely in process units. It is divided into the
following sections:

1. Loading Fresh Molecular Sieves

2. Starting and Operating Molecular

Sieve Adsorption Systems

3. Preparing Used Molecular Sieves

for Exposure to Atmosphere

4. Dumping Molecular Sieve Waste

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS. BEFORE CONDUCTING

THESE OPERATIONS, ALWAYS READ AND UNDERSTAND YOUR
EMPLOYER'S SAFETY PRACTICES AND THIS BOOKLET.

Molecular sieves are used in many industrial processes to dry,

purify, and separate a wide variety of gases and liquids. They are
chemically similar to ordinary clay. When fresh and unused, they
are quite stable. In doing their work, they attract and hold certain
sub~!ances such as water on their surface. This pr<:!f_ess, known as
adsorption, produces heat. In addition, like any fine dust, molecu-
lar sieve dust can irritate sensitive tissues. For these reasons,
when you handle or use molecular sieves, you must take certain
precautions.

Follow the precautions in Section 1 whenever you load fresh

molecular sieves into a vessel.

During the start-up and operation of a molecular sieve adsorption

system, follow the precautions covered in Section 2. You will also
find in Section 2 a description of what molecular sieves are and
how they work.
wr·
..
-------------------------------·--S!II&Jilllll.ti!I'IJMI! Jli i .Y"'I!L~a!!'.¥1_,! ".~.,. ~."· ~,:w: . '~·~"'"

Typical Molecular Sieve Vessel

In process units, molecular sieves are contained within cylindrica l
vessels. There, they are exposed to liquids or gases from which
they pick up various materials, some of which can be hazardous.
Before opening a used molecular sieve system to the atmosphere,
install appropriate blind flanges, and remove any potentially
hazardous materials, as detailed in Section 3.

Inlet or Outlet Nozzle/Loading Port

I
0

~--.....--- Floating
Screen

Support----1411!!1!!1!1!M!IJ!IJ!!M!M!II!IMM!I.,..,...:;--- Dump Port

Screen

Support
Support 1-Beam Grating

- -Inlet or
Outlet Nozzle

24 HOUR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PHONES

In USA: UOP 847/391 -2123 CHEMTREC 800/424-9300

In Canada : CANUTEC 613/996-6GGG ..
From other Countries: CHEMTREC 202/483-7616

2
. g Fresh Molecu Ia r Sieves
\

Section 1
 ·':Ohf

>" 0.~~"~.-::~t

Safety Precautions
NOTE: Protect yourself and others. Read and understand this
section thoroughly before loading fresh molecular sieves.
Observe all shipping container precaution labels.

In their fresh, unused state, molecular sieves are not flammable .

When exposed to water, however, they can get quite hot. When
first wetted, molecular sieves can heat to the boiling point of
water. For this reason, you should not put molecular sieves into
your mouth or allow them to touch your eyes.

_,...--..,.

Molecular sieves are typically supplied as pellets, beads or mesh.

Note: It is possible to manufacture special molecular sieves with
toxic or flammable materials added. Those molecular sieves
require special precautions on the labels of the shipping contain -
ers and in the Material Safety Data Sheets. In such cases, always
follow the special precautions provided by the manufacturer.

Molecular sieve dust may irritate your nose, throat, eyes, lungs
and skin. Since some dust may be present when you load fresh
molecular sieves, you should wear eye protection, dust masks,
gloves, and clothing that covers your body.

Molecular sieves are normally shipped in 55-gallon sealed drums

or 35-50 cubic-foot bags. Occasionally, pneumatic trucks are used .

A vacuum may exist inside the removable-top drums. If you force

the lid off, air may rush in and spray the particles about First.
loosen the vent screw on the lid and break the vacuum . Then
 Safety/Protection Eq u.i pment

Hard H a t - - - - -

Oust Mask-------l

\ - - - - - Protective Clothi ng

Safety
Harness and
Rope/Belt

----Gloves

.-------- Safety Shoes with

Conductive Soles

5
Safety Precautions
Take care when moving molecular sieve containers. Full drums
weigh more than 800 pounds, full bags more than 1,200 pound s.
During loading, the containers must normally be lifted to the top
of the vessel, typically more than 30 feet above ground level.
Sometimes, several drums are dumped into a large hopper. The
hopper is then lifted to the top of the vessel. Prior to hoisting any
containers, rope off the area under the lifting path. Warn all
personnel to stand clear.

Occasionally, pneumatic trucks are used to blow molecular sieves

into the vessel through a b_ose. Keep the hose outlet pointed
away from personnel when there is air pressure on the storage
tanks. The transfer and receiving system must be electrically
grounded to help dissipate the static charge built up as the
molecular sieves travel through the system. If flammable vapors
such as hydrocarbons are present in the loading area, grounding
is especially important to avoid discharge of static electricity that
could cause an explosion or fire.
\
Even conductive footwear and conductive walking surfaces
may not prevent electrostatic buildup on the human body.
For example, removal of outer garments in low humidity condi-
tions can generate sparks.

Keep Personnel "Quick Load" Bag

Clear of Loading Area

Worker Wearing Safety/

Protection Equipment - - -

Roped-Off Area

6
 Safety Preca utions
\

If you must enter the vessel, take the following precautions

to prevent asphyxiation:
1. Install blind flanges on all inlet and outlet piping to prevent
accidental release of hazardous fluids into the vessel. Before
each entry, have safety personnel analyze the atmosphere in
the vessel to make sure it is safe to breathe.
2. Use atmospheric air to vent the vessel. Never use a plant air
supply to provide air for ventilation. The air supplied might be
contaminated, or the supply could, by mistake, be piped to a
gas other than air.
Only a properly trained and equipped worker(s)-should enter
the vessel. A safety harness and rope should always be attached
to that worker. Two properly trained and equipped coworkers
standing outside the entry port should constantly observe the
worker in the vessel. The coworkers should
use the safety rope to pre':'ent falls from
the ladder used to enter or
leave the vessel. Also, if
disabled, the worker can be
removed using the rope.

Use Rope and

Safety Harness
When Entering
Vessel
- - - - - - - - - - - NEVER Enter Vessel
With out a Safety
Harness and Rope

Worker Holding Rope

.
 I'

Key Safety Precautions: Loading Fresh Molecular Sieves

Key safety precautions for loading fresh,
unused molecular sieves:

1. Prevent Possible Burns - Do not put molecular sieves into your

mouth or allow them to touch your eyes. Whenever you handle
molecular sieves, wear eye protection, a dust mask, gloves, safety
shoes, and clothing that completely covers your body.

2. Avoid Flying Molecular Sieve Particles

(a) When you open molecular sieve drums, loosen the vent screw
before you remove the lid.

(b) When loading from pneumatic trucks, keep the hose outlet
pointed away from personnel.

3. Avoid Possible Falling Molecular Sieve Containers - Do not allow

anyone into the lifting area; no one should stand or walk under
the containers while they are being lifted or transported on the
hoist. Before making the initial lift, rope off the lifting area and
warn all personnel to stand clear. t

4. Avoid Igniting Combustible Vapors - Purge vessel with gas as

described in Section 3. If the molecular sieves are loaded pneu-
matically1 ground the equipment to avoid excessive static elec-
tricity. Sparks from static electricity can ignite any combustible
vapors present.

5. Prevent Possible Asphyxiation and Falls - Before entering the

vessel:

(a) Install blind flanges on all inlet and outlet piping.

(b) Test the atmosphere inside the vessel to be sure it is safe for
entry.

(c) Attach a safety rope to the properly trained and equipped

worker who will enter. The worker should use the safety
harness and rope to prevent falls from the ladder used to
enter or leave the vessel. Also, if disabled, the worker can
be removed using the rope.

(d) Station two properly trained and equipped coworkers outside

the entry port. The coworkers must constantly observe the
worker inside the vessel. The coworkers should use the safety
rope to prevent falls from the ladder used to enter or leave the
vessel. Also, if worker is disabled. the coworkers can remove
the worker in the vessel using the rope.

-.·
 .., .

art-up and Operation of

oletuJ~r. ieve Adsorption Systems

Section 2

9
 Understanding Molecular Sieves
An understanding of what molecular sieves are and how they
work is important to safe start-up and operation.

· -· Molecular sieves are a complex of elements and compounds such

as aluminum, silicon, oxygen and sodium or similar materials.
These elements are combined to form a stable ceramic mixture.
The basic cell of one type of molecular sieve crystal (greatly
enlarged) is illustrated. Entry into its rigid, hollow structure,
where fluids such as water can be stored (adsorbed), is through
one of the precisely controlled openings, or pores, on each side.

The cells of a molecular sieve link together naturally into a struc-

ture known as a crystal. This crystal contains a network of cavities
formed by the walls of the molecular sieve cells. Fluid molecules
larger than the pores cannot enter. Many types of molecular sieve
crystals can be manufactured, with a number of different pore
sizes.

The molecular sieve crystals used in process units are normally

bonded with clay to form pellets or beads.

Note: Protect yourself and others. Read and understand

your equipment manufacturer's operating instructior:'IS, your
employer's safety practices and this section before staffing
up and operating a molecular sieve adsorption system.

; , .I'
 Type "/.\" Molecu le !V1fJOle

Approximate size
of water molecule

Openings into hollow interior

-----
.
...- - --~

I
- \_1
\,

--.::1 of Type "A" molecular sieve

crystal showing openings into hollow
interior. Each face has an opening.

'·~
,.

~ and Precautions
Major OperatiAg Hazar s
---------------------------------~--------...=··'""·•"'-''·····

')

Theory of Operation
Molecular sieves are used to dry, purify and separate a wid e
variety of gases and liquids. They can do this because:

1. Like magnets, molecular sieves strongly attract certain types

of molecules, and

2. They screen out molecules larger than the pores .

.·
Molecules such as th<;>se of water and methanol have positive
and negative electrical poles. These "polar" molecules are strongly
attracted to molecular sieves. In contrast, nonpolar molecules,
those of methane or ethane for example, are much more weakly
attracted. When a mixture of water (polar) and methane (nonpo-
lar) is passed over molecular sieves, the water is adsorbed, even
though both are sma.U enough to pass easily through the pores.

Water can also be removed from a strongly attracted fluid such

as methanol by using molecular sieves with pore openings smaUer
than the methanol molecule, but larger than the water molecule.
'I
When molecular sieves remove a molecule such as water from a "\
process stream, heat is released. In most systems, the tempera-
ture of the process stream rises only a few degrees. However,
when a high concentration (greater than 0.5%) of a strongly
attracted molecule is adsorbed, the temperature can rise more
than 100°F.

At ambient temperatures (less than 150°F). molecular sieves

have a relatively high capacity for fluids such as water. At high
temperatures (300-650°F), however, the capacity is much lower.
For this reason, when molecular sieves become saturated, the
adsorbed molecule can be driven off by heating the molecular
sieves with a gas stream at 300-650°F. This operation is caUed
"regeneration." 1

After heating, the molecular sieves are cooled down to the

processing temperature with an ambient-temperature stream
before returning to service. Continuous operation is maintained
by using two or more vessels; one or more on regeneration, and
one or more in service.

'Molecular sieves can also be regenerated by reducing pressure.

12
 Major Operating Hazards and Precautior
During start-up and operation of your molecular sieve adsorption
system, stay within the pressure and temperature limits supplied
by the equipment manufacturers. As with any system processing
flammable or reactive materials, operators should be especially
alert to guard against excessive temperatures. Excessive tempera-
tures can cause equipment failure and result in a life threatening
fire or explosion. Three things can cause excessive temperatures
in a molecular sieve system.

1. Introducing a flammable or reactive fluid into a vessel con-

taining air.

2. Introducing a high concentration of a reactive, strongly

adsorbed fluid into a fresh or regenerated bed.

3. Using a highly reactive fluid to heat or cool the bed.

 ............................................................_.._aa.-m.~~~~~~~:~~. ~ ~

··-··-~
~

Initial Exposure to a Process Stream

Here are the ways to avoid these hazardous situations when
processing flammable or reactive fluids:

1. Before introducing the process stream into a molecular sieve

vessel after loading, remove the air using a nitrogen purge.
Use a sufficient rate of nitrogen to prevent channeling, which
could cause an incomplete purge. To ensure more effective
removal of air; we recommend that you pressurize and de-
pressurize the vessel several times during the purging opera-
tion. Excessive gas velocities in the upflow direction can upset
the molecular sieve, screens, and support balls. For this
reason, the flow of gas should be down through the vessel. .If
flow in the downward direction is not possible, contact UOP
for specific recommendations for your unit. Continue purging
until the oxygen content of the outlet mixture is less than 0.5
volume%.

2. Do not introduce reactive, strongly adsorbed fluids, such as

ethylene, into a fresh or regenerated bed without proper
preparation . The heat of rapid adsorption can increase the
temperature sufficiently to start a self sustaining heat-releas-
ing reaction. If unchecked, the temperatures can mcrease
enough to rupture the vessel and create a life threatening
situation. For these systems, always use the special proce-
dures provided by the molecular sieve supplier in the process
design . These procedures involve exposing a fresh or regener-
ated bed to an inert stream such as nitrogen which contains a
low level of the reactive fluid . This exposure is continued until
the outlet temperature approaches the inlet temperature. • -..,

3 . Do not use extremely reactive fluids to heat or cool a bed .

The elevated temperatures during regeneration could start a
hazardous heat·releasing reaction.

4. Never change the regeneration gas or feed stream specified

in the process design to another reactive fluid without first
consulting with your molecular sieve supplier. Such a change
could create the hazardous conditions 'discussed in items 2
and 3 above.

Once the nitrogen purge is completed, you may bring the vessel
up to the normal operating pressure and establish normal flow.
Closely monitor any intermediate and outlet temperature indica-
tors until each bed has completed one adsorption step. If a

14
.
 Stopping Reaction /Reg eneratio
component in your process stream is concentrated at more than
0.5%, and is adsorbed readily, both temperatures will rise. How-
ever, if either temperature rises more than 100°F above the inlet
temperature, stop the process immediately. This condition indi-
cates that a heat-releasing reaction may have started.
Stop the reaction by taking the following steps:
1. Close the valves on the pipes leading into and out of the
vessels to stop the flow of fluid into the molecular sieve.
2. Open the valve on the flare line to vent the bulk of the reac-
tants from the vessel to the flare for combustion.
3. Purge with nitrogen to the flare to remove the remaining
reactants and cool the bed.
4. Contact UOP for assistance
When one adsorption step is completed on each bed with no
excess temperature rise, the system is ready for normal processing. \
Regeneration
Once the molecular sieve bed is saturated, it is no longer effective
and must be regenerated. Normally, this is done by passing a gas
stream heated to 300-650°F through the molecular sieve.
Because of heat losses, the temperature of the heating outlet
should always be lower than the temperature of the inlet. If the
outlet temperature starts to increase above the inlet temperature,
stop the heating step immediately. This condition indicates that a
heat-releasing reaction may be occurring. To do this, close the
inlet and outlet valves to the vessel being heated, depressurize it
to the flare, and purge it with nitrogen. Contact UOP for assis-
tance.
During regeneration, the molecular sieve bed may be as hot as
650°F. Always check the cooling outlet temperature to ensure the
bed is cool before exposing it to the feed stream. At these high
temperatures, the feed may be reactive, or downstream equip-
ment could be damaged, creating a safety hazard. Molecular
sieve is an excellent insulator. It can stay hot for weeks if a shut-
down occurs before the bed has been completely cooled. If you
have a system with automatic switching, always check following
a shutdown to ensure that a hot bed is not switched from cooling
prematurely.
Key Safety Precautions: Start-up and Operati on
Key safety precautions for start-up and operation of a
molecular sieve adsorption system

PREVENT FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS:

1. Never exceed the operating pressure and temperature limits set

by the equipment manufacturer.

2. After loading, use nitrogen to purge all air from the vessel be-
fore processing flammable or reactive fluids.

3 . Never change the regeneration or feed stream specified in the

process design to another fluid without first consulting with
your molecular sieve supplier.

4 . When you process strongly adsorbed reactive compounds such

as ethylene with molecular sieves, special procedures are re-
quired to avoid excessive rises in temperature. Always follow
the special procedures provided by the molecular sieve manu-
facturer.

5. When you initially introduce a flammable or reactive process

stream into the vessel, monitor the temperature closely. Watch
the intermediate and outlet temperature indicators closely for
one adsorption step on each bed. If the temperature rises more
than above the inlet temperature, stop the process im-
mediately. To do this, use the following procedure.

a. Close the valves on the pipes leading into and out of the
vessels to stop the flow of fluid into the molecular sieve.

b. Open the flare line to vent the bulk of the reactants from
the vessel to the flare for combustion .

c. Purge with nitrogen to the flare to remove the remaining

reactants and cool the bed.

d . Contact UOP for assistance. Call your local representative,

or 847/391-2123 .

6. During regeneration, if the o_u_tlet heating temperature starts to

increase above the inlet temperature, close the valves into and
out of the vessel, depressurize it to the flare, and purge it with
nitrogen. Contact UOP for assistance.

7. Before switching a molecular sieve bed off the cooling step,

always check the outlet temperature indicator to make sure the
bed is cooled down.

16
 j -·

Preparing" sed Molecular Sieves fo

' xposu re to Atmosphen

Section 3

.J

.J
 ... ,.._

Gas Purging
Note: Protect yourself and others. Read and understand this
section thoroughly before opening a used molecular sieve
system to the atmosphere.

Molecular sieves exposed to a gas or liquid stream can pick up

various materials. Trace materials can be concentrated . Some may
be toxic, flammable, or explosive, or, when exposed to air may
heat up or become poisonous. Grounding of equipment is reco m -
mended; however, static sparks might still occur when dumping
molecular sieves from nonconducting containers or when a
person removes outer garments in low-humidity conditions. It is
very important that you install appropriate blind flanges and
properly remove any potentially hazardous materials from the
molecular sieves, vessel interiors, and connected piping. Do so
before you open the vessel, piping or valve bodies to the atmo-
sphere. The removal is normally done by gas purging as discussed
below.

Note: When preparing the molecular sieve vessel for dumping, yo1;1
must pressurize, depressurize, and purge it a number of times. Ou r~
ing these operations, excessive gas velocities in the upflow direc-
tion can upset the molecular sieve, screens, and support balls. For
this reason, the flow of gas should be down through the vessel. If
downward flow is not possible, contact UOP for specif,ic recom-
mendations for your unit.

Gas Purging
Proper steps for gas purging are as follows:

1. First regenerate the bed: heat and cool it with a gas. If the
gas you normally use to regenerate the bed is unavailable o r
c-o ntains toxic components at hazardous levels, use nitrogen
or an alternative nontoxic gas. Your UOP molecular sieve
representative will help you select an alternate gas and
determine the proper flow rate, temperature and pressure .

2. Completely cool the bed with gas, then isolate the vessel and
depressurize it. Install blind flanges on all inlet and outlet
lines except the flare line and a nitrogen tap at the other end
of the vessel.

3 . Purge with nitrogen at ambient temperature to the flare line.

Use the rate and pressure that your UOP molecular sieve
representative recommends. Occasionally, depressurize and
pressurize the vessel to ensure more complete purging .

18
 Gas Purging/Water Flood
4. Continue to purge until the outlet mixture contains less than
10% of the lower explosive limit for any flammables (the
lower explosive limit in air of several common fluids is shown
in Table 1). Also purge until free of toxic materials. Then, shut
off the nitrogen purge and the flare line.

Table 1. * Lower explosive limit of some common fluids

Fluid Volume % In ·Air Fluid __Volume % In Air

Methane 5.0 N-Butane 1.6

Ethane 2.9 Hydrogen 4.0
Propane 2.1 Benzene 1.4

* Lowest concentration of vapor in air that is capable of transmit-

ting Flame through a mixture.

Water Flood
You may substitute a water flood technique for the nitrogen
purge in Steps 3 and 4 above. You would normally not do this if
you were trying to recover the molecular sieves, or if the vessel
has an internal liner.

Note: Water flood is not a substitute for Step 1.

Waterflooded molecular sieve tends to stick together, making

proper preparation for reuse very difficult.

Water flooding of an internally lined vessel causes an unaccept-

able loss in the liner's insulating properties. Once wet, the liner is
difficult to dry out.

Proper steps for water flooding are as follows:

1. After regeneration as discussed in steps 1 and 2 above,

depressurize the vessel to flare.

2. Install blind flanges on all inlet and outlet lines except for the
flare line at the top of the vessel and the water line hooked to
the bottom of the vessel.

3. As the vessel fills with water, displaced gases are forced to the
flare line for combustion. Monitor the water filling rate to
avoid overfilling the vessel and flooding the flare line.

4. After the vessel is completely filled, shut off the flare line and
drain the water to an approved disposal area.

1~
 -.. ; ';. .

Key Processes: Removing Hazardous Material

Key steps for removing hazardous material from a used

molecular sieve system before dumping using a gas purge:
1. Regenerate with gas. If the gas you normally use to regenerate
the bed is unavailable or contains toxic components at hazard-
ous levels, use nitrogen or an alternative nontoxic gas. Your UOP
molecular sieve representative will help you select an alternate
gas and determi'ne the proper flow rate, temperature and pres-
sure.
2. Completely cool the bed with gas, then block-in the vessel and
depressurize it to the flare. Install blind flanges on all vessel
inlets and outlet lines except the flare line and a nitrogen tap at
the other end of the vessel.
3. Purge the vessel with nitrogen at ambient temperature to t he
flare. Use the rate and pressure that your UOP molecular sieve
representative recommends. Occasionally pressurize and depres-
surize the vessel to ensure more complete purging. Purge the
vessel until the outlet nitrogen is free of hazardous materials.
4. Shut off the nitrogen and the flare lines.

20
 ·~

Dum g Mo\ecu\ar Sieve Waste

Section 4

(:
Key Processes: Dumping Molecular Sieve W aste
Note: Protect yourself and others. Read and understand
sections 1 and 4 thoroughly before dumping the used
molecular sieve.

If you used the nitrogen purge technique in preparing the mo-

lecular sieve for dumpirg. maintain a nitrogen blanket on the
vessel during dumping.

Always assume that some hazardous materials remain on the

molecular sieve-therefore, do not enter the vessel while the
molecular sieve remains inside. Toxic fumes may be released
during dumping. Always keep self-contained breathing apparatu s
and fire hoses available.

If at any time during dumping, materials on the molecular sieve

start to bum or to react (give off large amounts of heat): CEASE
DUMPING. Clear personnel from the area. Properly trained
personnel with self-contained breathing apparatus can then return
to stop the reaction or put out the fire. To stop the reaction, or
put out th~ fire, use water from fire hoses to flood the molecul<?r
sieve outside the vessel. Contact UOP for assistance.

As with fresh molecular sieve, used molecular sieve should not be

put into the mouth or allowed to touch the eyes or skin. Workers
dumping the molecular sieve should wear gloves, eye protection,
dust masks, safety shoes, and clothing that covers the body.

Normally, there is a stainless steel screen on top of the molecula r

sieve bed . Inert balls lie on top of the screen . To make dumping
easier, secure the screen to the top of the vessel. You can do thi s
without entering the vessel. Remove the loading port and secure
the screen using a harpoon-type tool.

Next. open the dump port and allow the molecular sieve to flow
out. Once the molecular sieve no longer flows out freely, remove
the remaining portion using a rake, hoe, shovel or a vacuum
truck. Never enter the vessel to remove the remaining molecular
sieve.

When you discard the used molecular sieve, make sure that you
discard it in an environmentally acceptable manner. Comply fully
with federal, state, and local regulations. ,I f you have questions
concerning disposal of used molecular sieve, contact your local
UOP representative.

Once you have removed all the molecular sieve, prepare the
atmosphere in the vessel for safe entry. Remove the nitrogen

22
 Dumping Molecular Sieve Waste
purge line if used and attach an air mover so that air is expelled
out of the bottom of the vessel below the bed support. The air
will carry any remaining vapors out of the vessel and away from
the workers. Such vapors may be released by molecular sieve
trapped under the bed support. Leave the air mover on at all
times. Never use a plant air supply to purge the vessel with air-
a plant supply could become contaminated or be hooked up to
another source by mistake.

After safety personnel have determined that the atmosphere

inside the vessel is safe to breathe, and is not over 10% of the
lower explosive limit (LEL), a properly equipped and trained
worker may enter the vessel to inspect the bed support. Before
entry, the worker must be attached to a safety rope. Two properly
trained and equipped coworkers standing outside the entry port
should constantly observe the worker in .the vessel. The coworkers
should use the safety rope to prevent falls from the ladder used
to enter or leave the vessel. Also, if disabled, the worker can be
removed using the rope.

Extra care should be exercised

when entering internally
insulated vessels. Hydrocarbon
vapors may be slow to outgas DO NOT
from the insulation. ENTER VESSEl
Continuous monitoring is to rf!move
recommended with a meter
capable of measuring an in-
remaining
molecular
crease toward the LEL, and
sounding an audible warning
.
s1eves
alarm well below the LEL
\
v
Key Safety Precautions: Dumping Molecular Sieve W aste
Key safety precautions for dumping used molecular sieve:

Prevent asphyxiation or burns

1. Before dumping, make sure the vessel has been thoroughly

purged (refer to Section 3, page 17 for purging information) .
The vessel must be free of potentially hazardous materials.

2. Never enter the vessel while it contains used molecular sieve.

3. Do not put used molecular sieves into your mouth or allow them
to touch your eyes or skin. You must wear .eye protection, a
dust mask, gloves, safety shoes and clothing that covers your
body while dumping the molecular sieves.

4. After you have removed all the molecular sieve, prior to enter-
ing the vessel:

(a) Disconnect the nitrogen line and install a blind flange in the
flare line. All piping connected to the vessel should now be
blind. flanged.

(b) Test the atmosphere inside the vessel to be sure it is safe to

enter. Make sure the air mover is running. Never use a plant
air supply for air purging.

(c) Attach a safety rope to the worker who will enter. The worker
should use the safety harness and rope to prevent falls from
the ladder used to enter or leave the vessel. Also, if dis-
abled, the worker can be removed using the rope.

(d) Station two properly trained coworkers outside. The cowork-

ers must constantly observe the worker inside the vessel.
The coworkers should control the rope to prevent falls from
the ladder used to enter or leave the vessel. Also, if dis-
abled, the coworkers can remove the worker in the vessel
using the rope.

In summary, molecular sieves can be handled and operated safely

if proper precautions are followed . If in doubt about the safety of
your molecular sieve adsorption system, please contact your local
UOP representative.

IN CASE OF A MEDICAL OR FIRE EMERGENCY RELATED TO UOP

MOLECULAR SIEVES, CALL 847/391-2123

24
n-- -==--------___:_____________
1
f t

World Sales Offices

I UOP LLC Molsiv Adsorbents UOP Molsiv Adsorbents UOP GmbH. Shanghai UOP Ltd . (Plant)
I 307 Fellowship Road
Suite 207
444 5th Avenue S.W.
Suite #1860
Steinhof 39
D-40699 Erkrath
500 Wenjing Road
Minhang Economic Zone
l
I
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Calgary, Alberta T2P 2T8 Germany Shanghai 200240 PRC
!I (609) 727-9400 Canada 49-211·24903-0 86-21-6430-2370
(403) 777-3750
II UOP LLC Molsiv Adsorbents UOP M.S. S.P.A.
Shanghai UOP Ltd . (Sales)
95 Yu Yuan Road
Centro Direzionale Milanofiori
l 10 S. Riverside Plaza UOP LLC
Viale Milanofioro- Palazzo E1
Shanghai 200040
I Suite 2230 Molecular Sieves (Plant) P.R. China
.I Chicago, IL 60606 Linde Drive 20090 Assago Ml Italy
39-i-5'1540;200
86-21-6215·52 18
! (312) 454-2000 Chickasaw, AL ~6611
(334) 457-8611 Universal Oil Products Asia
Union Showa K.K. Pacific Ptd. Ltd.
UOP LLC Molsiv Adsorbents
101 Thomson Road
<1fV: 15.111 Country Club Blvd. UOP N.V. Sanwa Building, SF
1-27-17, Hamamatsu-cho #16·03/04
{ . '!'"i" Ulte 265 Noorderlaan 147
Minato-ku, Tokyo 1OS United Square
' ~'J).'. 'N. Olmsted, OH 44070 8·2030 Antwerp Belgium Singapore, 307591
(440) 734-0086 (32) 3 5409917 Japan
3-3432-7553 65-253-1652

UOP LLC Molsiv Adsorbents UOP Middle East Co. Union Carbide Thailand, Ltd.
UOP 6th Floor. Yada Building
131 0 5 Northwest Freeway Dubai World Trade Center
Molecular Sieves (Dist.) 56 Silom Road
Suite 600 P.O. Box 9428
3030 Main Street. Bangkok 10500 TllaJi!a~l'!d
Houston, TX 77040 Dubai, United Arab Republic Whistler, AL 36612
(713) 744-2840 (971·4) 313-841 66-2-236-7315
(334) 457-8611
Mega Visa Engineering &
UOP LLC Molsiv Adsorbents UOP Ltd . Petrochemicals Ltd.
UOP K.K.
205 E. Orange Thorpe "liongate" Ladymead NK Bldg. Ohsaki City (6th Fl) do Dolphin Business Centre
Anaheim, CA 92840 Guilford Surrey 6-28, Kitashinagawa 5-chome F/6 Shree Niketan
(714) 578·2260 GU1 1AT UK Shiv Sagar Estate
Shinagawa-ky, Tokyo 141, Japan
44-1-483-304848 Worli Bombay 400 018
7-91-5421·2559
India
UOP Molsiv Adsorbents
120 Eglinton Avenue East UOP France s.a.r.l. Jungwon Kigi Co. Ltd. (Agent) Hi-Lyte Enterprise Co. Ltd. (Agent)
Suite 304 24 Rue Saarinen #801 , Sampoong Bldg. 310-68 Room 806, No.54, Sec. 4,
Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E2 Silic 252 Eulji-Ro 4-Ka, Jung-l<.u Ming·Sheng East Road
Canada 94568 Rungis Cedex, France Seoul, Korea 105 Taipei, Taiwan ROC
(416) 488-3562 33 (1) 41-80-16-60 82·2-269-1 07111073 886-2·7160912

Molsiv~Adsorbent£
a product of ~·

M - 100 - C 0598 3M Pnnted on USA

 IMPORTANT
The information contained herein has been compiled by UOP from
what it believes are authoritative sources and it is offered solely as a
convenience to its customers. While UOP believes that this informa-
tion is accurate and factual as of the date printed, this information is
intended to be used only as a guide in providing general information
with respect to the products and services mentioned, and therefore.
it is not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which UOP
assumes legal responsibility nor is it to be understood as permission
or recommendation to practice any patented invention without a
license.

Since the user's product formulation, specific use application, and

conditions of use are all outside of UOP's control, UOP makes no
warranty or representation regarding the results which may be
obtained by the user. It shall be the responsibility of the user to
determine the suitability of any of the products and services men-
tioned for the user's specific application . If the user purchases any
products or services from UOP, in no event shall UOP's liability arising
out of the sale of the products or the performance of the services
exceed the price established for providing such products or services.