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  • EPSC - LearningSheets - 2023 6

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    An explosion occurred when workers were removing rusted bolts from the roof of a sulfuric acid tank that had been emptied and prepared for inspection. Hydrogen gas had collected under the tank roof from a corrosion reaction between the concentrated sulfuric acid and steel tank, forming an explosive mixture that ignited when sparks were produced from grinding. The gas was not detected at the manhole entrance but had accumulated at the higher dome area at the top of the tank.

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    Safety Topic

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    EPSC_LearningSheets_2023 6

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    An explosion occurred when workers were removing rusted bolts from the roof of a sulfuric acid tank that had been emptied and prepared for inspection. Hydrogen gas had collected under the tank roof from a corrosion reaction between the concentrated sulfuric acid and steel tank, forming an explosive mixture that ignited when sparks were produced from grinding. The gas was not detected at the manhole entrance but had accumulated at the higher dome area at the top of the tank.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    14 views1 page

    EPSC - LearningSheets - 2023 6

    Uploaded by

    Anonymous CqGq60qWM
    An explosion occurred when workers were removing rusted bolts from the roof of a sulfuric acid tank that had been emptied and prepared for inspection. Hydrogen gas had collected under the tank roof from a corrosion reaction between the concentrated sulfuric acid and steel tank, forming an explosive mixture that ignited when sparks were produced from grinding. The gas was not detected at the manhole entrance but had accumulated at the higher dome area at the top of the tank.

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    of 1

    3.

    EXPLOSION IN A TANK
    WHAT HAPPENED
    A Sulfuric acid tank was emptied, aerated and prepared for inspection.
    During removal of rusted bolts of a cover on the tank roof using a grinder, an
    explosion occurred. Hydrogen had collected under the tank roof.

    ASPECTS
    • Concentrated Sulfuric acid with some water becomes very corrosive for
    carbon steel and generates hydrogen:
    H2SO4 + Fe → H2 + FeSO4
    • Measuring the presence of flammable gas was done at the manhole (entry)
    at the bottom of the tank. The explosive mixture (hydrogen/air) however
    accumulated under the dome at the top of the tank.
    • Hydrogen in air has a very wide explosive range, it has a very low ignition
    energy at stoichiometric concentration and leads easily to a violent
    deflagration or detonation upon ignition. Assure top venting of acid tanks
    that are prepared for maintenance and inspection.
    • Avoid accumulation of hydrogen at high locations.

    HYDROGEN CAN ACCUMULATE AT HIGH LOCATIONS


    FORMING AN UNEXPECTED EXPLOSIVE MIXTURE

    PAGE 6

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