CHAPTER 7

CONCEPTS TO PREVENT FIRE AND EXPLOSIONS

Carina Nicole P. Labrague

March 19, 2016

Marvin Arpon

7-1. PROBLEM:
Develop a list of steps needed to convert a comm on kitchen in to an XP area.
SOLUTION:
Assuming ethyl alcohol is the most flammable liquid handled in the kitchen:
(Methane and propane are also possible flammables)
a.) Change all electrical fixtures and appliances to Class I, Group D and Division 2
b.) Add ventilation, 1 ft3/min-ft2 of floor area
c.) Provide ventilation hoses (elephant trunks) for spot ventilation
d.) Heat the room with hot water or steam
e.) Use high pressure steam or hot oil for the stove
f.) Add a sprinkler system which is activated via flame or flame
g.) Doors would need to be changed to fire doors
h.) Ventilation would need to be adjusted to give higher pressures in adjoining rooms compared
to the XP room

7-2 PROBLEM:
What bonding and grounding procedures must be followed to transfer a drum of flammable
solvent in to a storage tank ?
SOLUTION:
See Figure 7-18

Main Idea :
Bond the drum and storage tank, then ensure that this tandem is grounded.

7-3. PROBLEM:
Ethylene oxide is a flammable liquid having a normal boiling temperature below room
temperature. Describe a system and a procedure for transferring ethylene oxide from a tank car
through a pumping system to a storage tank . Include both inerting and purging as well as
bonding and grounding procedures.
SOLUTION:
N2

N2

Pad
vent

Add N2 to :
Displace EO
Blow out lines
Dip Pipe

NOTE:
Ethylene oxide vapor is explosive. A positive N2 pad (

35 psig) is required

7-4. PROBLEM:
Flammable liquid is being pumped out of a drum into a bucket using a hand pump. Describe
an appropriate g rounding and bonding procedure.
SOLUTION :
Hand Crank
Bond
Bond

Ground

7-5. PROBLEM:

Using the sweep-through purging method, inert a 100-gal vessel containing 100% air until
the oxygen concentration is 1%. What volume of nitrogen is required? Assume nitrogen with
no oxygen and a temperature of 77F.

SOLUTION:
C0 = 0 %
C1 = 79 %
100 gal

1100 %

C2 = 21 %

air

Qvt is the total volume required

Eq. 7-15
C2 C
C1 C

Qv t=V ln
o

fr3
210

(
100
gal
)
ln
= (13.4 ft3) (ln21) = 40.7 ft3
Qv t
7.48 gal
10

7-6. PROBLEM:

) (

A 150-f t3 tank containing air is to be inerted to 1% oxgen concentration. Pure nitrogen is

available for the job. Because the tanks maximum allowable working pressure is 150 psia, it is
possible to use either the sweep-through or a pressurization technique. For the pressurization
technique, multiple pressurization cycles might be necessary , with the tank being returned to
atmospheric pressure at the en of each cycle. The temperature is 80F.
a. Determine the volume of nitrogen required for each technique.
b . For the pressurization technique, determine the number of cycles required if the pressure
purge includes in creasing the pressure to 140 psia with nitrogen and then venting to 0 psig .

SOLUTION:
150 ft3 of
air

T = 80oF + 460o = 540o R

Sweep through, eq. 7-15 applies;
C1

V
ln
Qv t
C2

( )

= 150ln

Pressure purge:
0 psig = 14.7 psia

Use equations 7-1 and 7-2:

Nh =

PhV
Rg T

(140 psia ) ( 150 ft 3 )

3
= ( 10.73 psiafr )(540 o R)
lbmole o R

= 3.62 lbmole

( 211 )=4

57 ft3

NL =

PLV
RgT

==

(14.7 psia ) ( 150 ft 3 )

3
10.73 psiafr
(
)(540 o R)
lbmole o R

= .381 lbmole

Use equations 7-6 to compute the number of cycles required:

NL j

Nh

Yj = Yo

1
21
.381
ln
3.62

ln

ln

J=

3. 044
2.251

Yj
=
Yo

( )

NL
j ln( N h

Yj
Yo
N
ln L
Nh
ln

j=

= 1.35 purges

Use 2 purges . Total moles N2 =

(2)(3.62 .381) = 6.48 lbmoles
Use equation 7-2 to compute volume N2 required:
NL =

V=

PLV
RgT

V=

Rg T NL
PL

10.73 psiafr3
(
)(540 o R)(6.48 lbmoles)
lbmole o R
( 14.7 psia )

= 2550 ft3 N2

7-7. PROBLEM:
Use a vacuum purging technique to purge oxygen from a 150-f t3 tank containing air. Reduce
the oxygen concentration to 1% using pure nitrogen as the inert gas. The temperature is 80F.

Assume that the vacuum purge goes from atmospheric pressure to 20 mm Hg absolut e.
Determine the number of purge cycles required and the total moles of nitrogen used.
SOLUTION:
Vacuum purge is about 150 ft3 tank from 21% O2 to 1% O2 . The vacuum goes 760 mm to 20mm
Hg . T is 540oR. Use equation 7-6
Yo = 0.21

Yj= 0.01

Ph = 760 mm

PL = 20 mm

20
760

0.01 = 0.21

0.01
20
ln ( 0.21 ) = j ln ( 760 )

3.044
3.637

j=

= 0.84

(1 cycle)

Total N2 required :

N = (1) ( 1 atm -

20
760

150 ft 3
ft 3atm
0.73
(540 o R)
o
lbmole R

= 0.37lbmoles = 10.4

lb N2
7-8. PROBLEM:
Repeat Problem 7-7 using a combined vacuum and pressure purg e. Use a vacuum of
20 mm Hg absolute and a pressure of 200 psig .
SOLUTION:
Result depends on whether you pressurize first or evacuate first.
20
PL = ( 760 ( 14.7 )=0.387 psia

Ph = 200 psig + 1.47 = 214.7 psia

Po = 14.7 psia
If you pressurize first:
Po
14.7
Yo = 0.21 ( P h = 0.21 ( 214.7 ) = 0.0144
Then use equation 7-6
0.387
0.01 = 0.0144 ( 214.7
j

0.01
0.327
ln ( 0.0144 = j ln ( 214.7 )

3.646
J = ( 6.318 = 0.58 ( 1 cycle)
Total N2 needed:
150 ft 3
ft 3 psia
10.73
( 540 )
lbmole o R
= 0.0259 [ 200+214.3 ]

[ ( 214.714.7 ) +(214.70.387) ]

= 157 lbmole N2

= 299 lb N2

If you evacuate first:

Yo = 0.21
0.387
0.01 = 0.21 ( 214.7
j
0.01
0.21
0.387
ln
214.7
ln

J=

Total N2 needed:

3.04
6.32 = 0.48 ( 1 cycle)

150 ft
3
ft psia
10.73
( 540 )
o
lbmole R

[ 214.70.387 ]

= 0.0259 [ 214.3 ]

= 5.5 lb

mole
= 155 lb N2
Much less then when you pressurize first.
7-9. PROBLEM:
Use the sweep-through purging technique to reduce the concentration of toluene from an
initial 20% to 1% in a room with a volume of 25,000 f t3 . Assume that the room is purged
with air at a rate of 6 room volumes per hour. How long will it take to complete this purge
process?
SOLUTION :
V= 25,000 ft3
Qv = (6) ( 25,000 ft3 / hr) = 150,000 ft3/hr
C0 = 0

C1 = .20

C2 = .01
Equation 7-5

Qv t = V ln

T=

V
Qv

[
ln

C 1C0
C 2C0

C 1C0
C 2C0

T = .499 hr. = 30.0 min.

7-10. PROBLEM:

25,000 ft 3
150,000 ft 3 /hr

ln

.20
.010

Design an inerting system for a pressure vessel to maintain the inert atmosphere at 40 psig.
Be sure to account for filling and emptying of the vessel . Indicate the precise location of
valves, regulators, pipes, etc.

SOLUTION:

Relief
R-1

N2 supply

v-6

vacuum

80 psig
v-1

v-2

liquid feed

discharge

R-1

Regulator set @ 40 psig

R-2

Regulator relieves @ 45 psig

R-1

Provides primary padding @ 40 psig

R-2

Prevents the pressure from exceeding 45 psig for example when the vessels
rises

V1 & V2 By-pass values needed for pressure and vacuum purging

PI is the pressure indicator to monitor the results

7-11. PROBLEM:

Design a generalized pressure vessel storage tank for a flammable material . Include the
following design features:
a. Vacuum and pressure purging .
b . Vacuum charging of material from a 55-gal drum .
c. Draining the tank contents.
Provide precise details on the locaion of valves, regulators, and process lines.
SOLUTION:
vent
nitrogen
vacuum
vessel

From 55 gallon drum

Open T to vent
Nitrogen
dip leg

drum
1.) First vacuum purge vessel.

`2.) Draw vacuum on vessel.

3.) Sweep through purge drum with nitrogen and add dip leg.
4.) While drawing solvent into vessel (under vacuum), continue to add N2 to the drum
to displace the liquid.
This procedure always maintains an inerted (non-flammable) atmosphere in the drum and in the
vessel.
7-12. PROBLEM:
Determine the number of vacuum purges required to reduce a vessels oxygen concentration
from 21% t o 1% if the nitrogen contains:
a. 0 ppm of oxygen .
b . 9000 ppm of oxygen
SOLUTION;
a.) Use equation 7-6
PL
Yj = Yo ( Ph
20
760

1
=
21
20
760

ln (

1
=
21

1
ln ( 21

j ln

20
760

-3.04 = j (-3.64)
J = 0.835 purges
b.) Use equation 7-12

Yi Yoxy

PL
Ph
= ( Yo Yoxy)
j

(1-0.9) =

20
760

0.1
( 20.1
) = 5.30 =1.5
3.63
20
ln (
)
760

ln
J=

7-13. PROBLEM:
Use the system described in Figure 7-14 to determine the voltage developed between the
charging nozzle and the grounded tank, and the energy stored in the nozzle. Explain the potential
hazard for cases and b from the following table:

Hose length (ft)

Hose diameter (in)
Flow rate (gpm)
Liquid conductivity (mho/cm)
Dielectric constant
Density (g/cm-3)

Case a
20
02
25
10-8
02.4
00.8

Case b
20
2
25
10-18
19
0.8

SOLUTION :

(part a)

See example 7-14

2
L= (20)(12)(2.54)= 610 cm

A= r

2
= (3.14) (2.54)

= 203

V c = 108 mno/ cm

R=

L
V

L L
=
A 10

mno/cm

610 cm
109
203 cm = 3x

Y= 2.55 ft/sec
Y= (2.54 ft/sec) (

m
= p. 774 m/s
3.28 ft

ft
m
D= 2m ( 12 m ) ( 3.28 ft ) = 0.0508m
= r.o/y
T=

( 2.24 ) (8.55 x 10 sec/0 m)

10 mno/cm
5

T= 2.12 x 10

sec

7-13 continued
Eg 7-21

Is =

10 x 10 cm
m
2(m)2 }{1.7 exp [-L/n]}
s

( )

I s = 10x 108 cmp

8

V= IR =(1.54x 10

)(3 x 10 )

Assume figures are 3 inch dia and a gap between figures is 0.25 inch and Ex =1.0 for a
ft
L=(0.25m)( 12 m ) = 0.0208 ft

A=

2
2
0201 ) =
(
4
4

L=

E1 E 0 A/L

2
2
( 3 2 )

1
44

2
= 0.0273 ft

0.0272
2
12
C = (1)(27x 10
cont/volt ft) ( 0.0208 ) = 3.5 x 10
Energy between flanges = I = cm/2
2
12
4
I= (3.5x 10
) (46.4) /2 = 3.77x 10

6
j= 3.7x 10 m

This is lower than the MIE for gases (0.1nJ), therefore there is no hazard
Solution for problem 7-13 part (b)
P1

1
v

L/A= 3x 10

108
5
( 1018 ) = 2.12x 10 sec

2.12 x
I s = 1.546x 108 amp{ 1- exp(- 3.7x 105 (
)
2.12 x )}
I s = 1.546x 108 amp {1 exp (- 3.7x 1013
13

V=IR =(1.54x 10
12

C= 3.5x 10

19

)(3x 10

coulomb / volt

)= 4.6x 10

volt

J= C V

12

/2 = (3.5x 10

)(4.6x 10

J= 5.29 j= 5290 mt >> 0.1 mj

)/2

(Very hazardous)

7-14. PROBLEM:
Use the system described in Problem 7-13 part b, to determine the hose diameter required to
eliminate the potential hazard resulting from static build up.
SOLUTION:
2
A= r

2
U= 3.11/ j m/s d =inch

2
d= 2.54x 10
d m d=inch

r= 2x 10

hy

d2
d2

14

= 3x 10

14

4/d2= 12x 10

where d 2 = inch
I s 10x 106 (nd )2 {1

exp(

2.88 x 10
)}
n

I s 10x 106 (nd )2 {1

exp(

2.88 x 10
)}
n

d l =8 = 25x 1012 coulomb / volt

/d2

d2 = 6
V- IR
2
J= cv /2

Conclusion: This system is hazardous even when the diameter is mereased significantly. The
problem is the low conductivity of the fluid. This illustrates the problem with nm conductivity
fluids and it illustrates the importance of grounding.

7-15. PROBLEM:
Repeat Example 7-2, with a 40,000-gal storage vessel. Assume that the vessel height is equal to
the diameter.

SOLUTION:
Refer to the example for some values used in this solution

V=

40,000 gal
3
(7.48 gal/ ft )

H=2r
Pressure

N=

PV
TR

= 5348 ft

N L =0.342( 5348 ft )= 13.7 1bmoles

133.7 ft
3

n14 = 4.07 ( 5348 ft ) =162.8 1bmoles

133.7 ft
J= purges
=4.95

iny 1/ y 0
inni/nh

.000001/.21
13.7/162.8

12.25
= 2.48

5 pressure purges

n = 5(162.8 13.7) = 746 1bmoles n2

Vacuum
3
n2 = 0.00901 ( 5348 ft ) = 0.364 1bmole
133.7 ft

nh = 0.342 ( 5348 ft ) = 13.68 1bmole

133.7 ft

J=

y 1/ y 0
inn 1/nh

6/ .21

(10
)
(.364 /13.68)

12.25
3.63

=3.38 purges 4 vacuum purges

n= 4(13.68-0.634) = 53.3 1bmoles

7-16.PROBLEM:
Review Problem 7-13, part b. what is the most effective way to reduce the hazard of this
situation?
SOLUTION:

As illustrated in part (b) this is hazardous because the fluid is nonconductive. You reduce the
hazards via.
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)

Add a conductive additive

Reduce the velocity within the pipe
In all cases ground and bound
In all cases have your system enerted, and contolled to maintain the low O2

Concentration: O2 < MOC

7-17.PROBLEM:
Estimate the charge build up and accumulated energy as a result of pneumatically conveying a
dry power through Teflon duct. The powder is collected in an insulated vessel. Repeat the
calculation for a transport rate of 50lb/min and 100lb/min for transport times of 1hr and 5 hr.
Discuss ways to Improve the safety of this situation.
SOLUTION:
Kg/s = 0.376

for

50 bb/min

Kg/s = 0.756

for

108 bb/min

5
Charge rate is 10
coulomb/kg (table 7-3)

3
Determine the capacitance of material assuming a bun density of 30 bb/ ft

Volume1 = (50 bb/min) (60 mm/m) (1m)=3000 bb

Volume2 = (5m) = 1500 bb
Volume3 = (100) (60) (1) = 600 bb
Volume 4 = (100) (60) (5) = 30000 bb

Lb/m
50

By/s

Hr

0.376

Lb

ft 3

3000

100

r(ft)
2.9

c
9.8x

Coulomb
1.3x

J
8.6x

1011
50

0.376

15000

500

4.9

1.7x
10

100

0.756

6000

200

3.6

0.756

30000

1000

6.2

6.8x
2

105
1.4x
2

10

10

10

1.2x

2.7x

2.7x

1010
100

102

2.1x
1010

102
0.136

102
4.4x
109

2
V= 4/3 r

3 v 1 /3
V= ( 4 )

1/ 3
= (0.239 v )

12

C= 4 r lor = 4n (1) (2.7x 10

11

C= 3.39x 10
J= Q

) cont/volt ft (n)

/2c=

Conclusion
1.
2.
3.
4.

All cases are hazardous

To improve use metal duct and vessel and ground and bond
Inert
Note if solids are conductive, then a metal duct and metal vessel plus grounding and
bounding would be safe.

7-18. PROBLEM:
Compute the accumulated charge and energy for a 100,000-gal vessel being filled with a fluid
rate of 200gpm and having a streaming current of 2 x 10-6 amp. Make the calculation for a fluid
having a conductivity of 10 mho/cm and a dielectric constant of 2.0. Repeat the calculation for
(a) a half full vessel, and (c) a full vessel with an overflow line.

SOLUTION:
Is = 2 10-6 amps

200 gpm

c = 10-18 mho/cm
r

= 2.0

100,000 gal

a.) Full vessel

Relaxation Time = = r =
c

( 2.0 ) 8.85 1014

18

10

sec
ohm . cm

mho/cm

) =1.77 10 sec

F= outlet flow = 0
t /
Q = I s + ( Q 0I s ) e

sec
6

2 10
5
6
10
Q = (1.77 2 10 coul/ 1.77
)( t /
5
10 sec
100,00 gal
60 sec
T = ( 200 gal/min min =30,000 sec

3.54 10

Q=

3.54 101 coul

The capacitance is estimated assuming a spherical geometry:

ft
4
V = ( 100,00o gal)( 7.48 gal =1.33 10 ft3
V

3
4
R=(
1.33 104 ft 3
()
=14.7 ft

1
3 3 3
=
4

Capacitance for a sphere (assume r =1 for air

C = 4 r o r
12
10
= ( 4 ( ) ( 1 ) ( 2.7 10 coul /voltft ) ( 14.7 ft )=4.98 10 coul/volt

Equation 7-20
volt
10
4.98 10 coul/

(2)
J=
(5.51 102 coul)

Q2
=
2C
6
3.05 10

V=
(2)
2J
=
Q

B.)

1
2

( High enough for ignition)

Fuel Vessel

T = 15,000 sec =1.77 10 sec

(same as part a)

t /
Q = I s + ( Q 0I s )l

J=

V=

3.54 10 coul
l

1
3.54 10 coul

volt
10
4.98 10 coul/

(2)
2
2
Q2 (2.88 10 coul)
=

2C

( High enough for ignition)

5
2 J ( 2 ) ( 8.33 10 J )
7
=
=5.78 10 volts ( High enough for ignition)
2
Q 2.88 10 coul

C.) Full Vessel with Overflow

Equation 7-36 applies:

Q=

A + Blc
Is

A=

B=

i / +

Q o

Fn
V

2 106
1
200
+
177,000 100,000

Is
F
i/ + n
V

=I s

Fn I
C = i/ + V =

Q=

Is
l

I s+

The results will be the same as part a.

7-19. PROBLEM:
For Problem7-18, part c, if the inlet flow is stopped, compute the accumulated charge and energy
after 5hr and after 20hr. Discuss the consequences of these result.
Solution :
the inlet flow is stopped after 5 and 20 hours.
I s r ( Qo -

Q=

I s r) et /T

Q= Qo
2
t /177,000 sec
= (5.5x 10
cool) e

t 2 = 18,000 sec
t 20

= 72,000 sec

Q 2 = (5.51x 102 cool) e18,000/177,000

2
= 4..98x 10
cool

Q 20 = (5.51x 102 cool) e72,000/177,000

2
= 3.67x 10
cool

(4.98 x 102 coul)2

( 2 ) (4.48 x 1010 coul/volt )

J5 =

Q
2c

J 20 =

Q
2c

25
Q

4.98 x 102 coul

= ( 2 ) 2.49 x 106 J

25
Q

3.67 x 102 coul

= ( 2 ) (1.35 x 106 J )

V5 =

V 20 =

6
= 2.49x 10 J

(3.67 x 10 coul)
( 2 ) ( 4.98 x 102 coul/volt )

6
= 1.35x 10 J

= 1.00x 10 V

= 7.36x 10 V

Conclusion
a.) As the time constant decreases, the accumulated O, J,Q,V decrease.
b.) T increases as Vc decrease.
c.) As r decreases, the accumulated Q,J,V decrease.
d.) When I s =O, J,Q,V decrease as a function of time

7-20. PROBLEM:
Some large storage vessels have a floating head, a flat cover that floats on the liquid surface. As
the liquid volume increases and decreases, and decreases, the floating head rises and falls within
the cylindrical shell of the vessel. What are the reasons for this design?
SOLUTION:
The floating head eliminates the vapor space above the liquid. This minimizes explosives vapors.
It also eliminates the possibility of free fall filling, which is a condition for generating static
charges.

7-21 PROBLEM:
Determine the fire water requirements (gpm, number of sprinklers, and pump horsepower) to
protect an inside process area of 200 f t2. Assume that the sprinkler nozzles have a 0.5-in orifice,
the nozzle pressure is 75 psig , and the rate is 50 gpm .

SOLUTION:
Per table 7.7 ,the protection requires 0.50 gpm/ft2
Gpm = 0.5 (2000) = 1000 gpm @ 75 psig
No. Of nozzle : 1000/50 = 20

Power =

lb
m2
gal
min
144
1000
2
2
min 60 sec
m
ft

( )(
75

Horse Power =

)(

{24, 064 ftseclb }

550

ft lb
sec HP

)(

)(

ft 3
=24,064 ( ft lb)/sec
7.48 gal

= 437 HP @ 100% efficiency

7-22 PROBLEM:
What electrical classification would be specified for an area that has Classes I and II,Groups A
and E, and Divisions 1 and 2 motors?
SOLUTIONS:
The electrical class for areas with these electrical equipment would be :
Class I
7-23 PROBLEM:

Group A

Division I

Determine the recommended distance between a process area with toluene and an area with an
open flame.Toluene leaks as large as 200 gpm have been recorded. Assume an average wind
speed of 5 mph and stability class D.

SOLUTION:
200 gpm Toluene
Stability class D
Wind = 5 mph
LEL of Tolouene = 1.2 %
Flowrate =

200 gal
min

)(

min
60 sec

)(

ft 3
7.48 gal

8.84 10 3 g/ sec

Equation 5-48 applies to this situation:

<(> (x,o,o) =

Qm
yzU

c >( )(U )

Qm
y z=

1.2 % concetration of Tolune = 49.3 g/m3

See example 7-11

u= 2.23 m/sec

)( 62.4ft lb )( 454lb g )( 71 gg )
3

m
sec
2.23 m/

4.93 10 g / (3.14)

8.84 103 g /sec

y z=

X
100
10
20
25

13.8
1.10
2.70
3.00

y
2.84
3.74
6.88
8.38

yz
39.1
4.10
18.6
25.1 25.6

Up to 25m may be dangerous

7-24.PROBLEM:
Determine the recommended ventilation rate for an inside process area (30,000 f t3) that will
handle Class I liquids and gases.

SOLUTION:
Assume 12 ft ceilings, 2,500 ft2 floorspace.
Ventilation rate : 1 ft

3
air/ minft

floorspace

= 2500 CFM
NOTE: Class I requires spot ventilation to limit flammable concentrations not more than 5 ft
from source
7-25. PROBLEM:

For the process area described in Problem 7-24, determine the concentration of propane in th
area as a function of time if at t = 0 a 3/4-in propane line breaks (the propane main header is
at 100 psig ). The temperature is 80F. See Chapter 4 for the appropriate source model and
Chapter 3 for material balance models.
SOLUTION:
Assume schedule 40 pipe
ID = 0.824 inch
0.824

2 2
12
Area =

ft 2
=3.70 103 ft 2

( 3.14 ) ( 4 )

d2
=
4

P2 = 14.7 psia
P1 will be crirical or choked if P2 < .541 P1
.542 P1 = (.542)(100+14.7) psia = 62.2 psia
Flow will be critical
Use equation 4-50 to determine the flowrate:

Qm

2
0+1

+ ( 1)

Gc M

RgT o

C o=1

=1.32

M = 42
T = 80+ 460 = 540oR
Qm

lbm sec 2
lbmole
42lb m /

(1545 ftlb f /lbmole R)(540 R)

2
2.32
32.7 lb ft /
(1.32)

2
= ( 61.1 lb f ( 2.70 10 /sec ) =1.65 lb m /sec

= nRT can be used to solve for the volume of propane being leaked per second

1.65lb m / sec
42lb m /lbmole

N=

0.0393 lbmole
sec

= 0.0393 lbmole/sec

)(

10.73 psia ft
lbmole R

540 R
=15.5 ft /sec
)( 14.7
psia )
3

Do a concentration balance

dc
=Q mk Q v C
dt

min
3
Qv = (2500 cfm)( 60 sec =41.7 ft /sec
C = ft

3
PROPANE

/ft

3
TOTAL

3
3
( 30,000 ft 3 ) dc = 15.5 ft k 41.7 ft C

dt

sec

sec

dc
=5.17 1041.39 103 K C
dt
dc
+1.39 103 K C=5.17 104
dt
This is a linear differential equation with a solution (C=0 T =0 as follows:
C=

5.17 104
+Co e 1.39 10
3
1.39 10 K

C o=

C=

Kt

5.17 104
3
1.39 10 K

5.17 10
(1e 1.39 10
3
1.39 10 K

Kt

K is a mixing factor between .1 and .5

C=

.372 (
1e 1.39 10
K

( )

Kt

)
4

For K = .1:

1.39 10 t

C = 3.72( e

For K = .5:

6.95 10 t

C = .744( e

K = .1
t(sec)

K = .5
ft 3
C( ft /

t(sec)

0
10
100
1000

0
.00517
.0514
.483
3.72

ft 3
C( ft /
3

0
10
100
1000

0
.00515
.0500
.373
744

7-27. PROBLEM:
Determine the fire water requirements (gpm,number of sprinkler heads, and pump horsepower)
to protect an inside process area of 2000 f t2. Assume that the sprinkler nozzles have a 0.5-in
orifice and that the nozzle pressure is 75 psig .
SOLUTION:
Using results of problem 7-25 describe whta safety measures shoul be added to this process area.
At t =

C=

Qm
Qvk

Asssume the k= 0.5 and the C needs to be below LFL or 21% (see appendix b)

Qv =

Q m ft 3 /min
3
=
=ft /min
k C ft 3 / ft 3

Qv =

(15.5)ft 3 /min
=88,600 cfm
( 0.5 ) ( 0.021 ) ft 3 /ft 3

This is not a practical room for ventilation therefore:

a) Add a block valves in the propane ine and block the flow as soon as the concentration 25% of
LFL or 0.5%.
b) Place local ventilation at all potential leak points.
c) Alarm at 10% of LFL.
d) Enclose the area where propaneis handled this will increase Qv necessary to keep C < 25%
of LFL.
e) Decrease the operating pressure that is use 5 psig or as low as possible place the regulator
outside of the building.
Since this is a storage area, the area should be protected with a closed head system. The entire
area will be covered with sprinkler nozzles, but the water supply and supply lines will be based
on protecting the remote 3000 ft2 area.
The water rate per nozzle is 50 gpm ( table 7-7)
The total water supply is based on a 3000 ft2 therefore:
(3000 ft2)(0.25 gpm/ft3) = 750 gpm
50 gpm
Nozzles for 3000 ft2 = (750 gpm)/ nozzle =15 nozzles

Therefore nozzles for 10,000 ft2

10,000
( 15 nozzles )=50 nozzles
3,000

Power = (75 psig)

Horsepower =

144
min
( 750 gpm )
2
60 sec
ft

)(

=3.28 HP
( 18048secft lb )( 550secHP
ftlb )
f

ft
=18048 ft lb f /sec
7.48 gal

(at 100%efficiency)

7-28 PROBLEM:
Repeat problem 7-27 assuming the nozzle pressure is 100 psig and the rate is 50 gpm

SOLUTION:
gpm = (0.5)(2000) = 1000 gpm at 100 psig
nozzles =

1000
58

= 17.2 say 18

1
1
Power = (100)(144)(100)( 60 )( 7.48 )
= 32085 (ft 1bp)/sec
p=

32085
550

= 58.3 (at 100%efficiency)

7-29 PROBLEM:
Determine the water requirement (gpm) and number of nozzles for a deluge system required to
protect a 10,000-gal storage tank that has a diameter of 15 f t.Use 0.5-in nozzles with a nozzle
pressureof 35 psig , and assume that the vessel contains a reactive solvent.
SOLUTION:
The surface area of the storage tank must be covered by sprinkler nozzles. (Ignore the bottom
surface)

SPRINKLER SYSTEM FOR TANK

(10,000 gal)

15

Solve for the height:

H=

v
r 2

(10,000 gal )( ft 3/ 7.48 gal )

2
( )(7.5 ft )

= 7.57 ft

Surface area:
2
A = 2rh + r

2
= (2)(7.5ft) + () (7.5 ft )
2
=356.5 ft

2
+ 176.6 ft

2
= 533 ft

Total water requirement:

(0.35 gpm/ ft

) = 186.6 gpm

Number of nozzles:
186.6 gpm
34 gpm/nozzle

= 7.3 nozzles, or 8 nozzles

These eight nozzles must be placed so that they are less than 8 feet apart.

7-30 PROBLEM:
Determine the sprinkler requirements for a chemical process area 150ft by 150ft determine the
number of sprinkler heads and the pump specifications for this system (hp and gpm). Assume the
friction loss from the last sprinkler from the head to the pump is 50ps and the nozzles (1/2 inch
arifice) are at 75 psig
SOLUTION:
2
Water requirement = (50ft)(150ft)( 0.5 gpm/ ft )

=11250 gpm
Nozzles = (11250gpm)/ 50gpm =225 nozzles
Pressure at pump : 75 + 50 = 125psig
bb
m2
ft 3
Power= (122 m2 )(144 ft 2 )(11250gpm)(min/60sec) ( 748 gal )
=451,200ft 1bf/sec
HP = (451,200)/550 = 820 HP (At 100% efficiency)

7-31 PROBLEM:
Aceton e (C3H6O) is to be stored in a cylindrical process vessel with a diameter of 5ft and a
height of 8 ft . The vessel must be inerted with pure nitrogen before storage of the acetone.A
limited supply of pure nitrogen is available at 80 psig and 80F. A vacuum is available at 30mm
Hg absolute pressure.
a. Determine the target oxygen concentration for the inerting procedure.
b.Decide whether a pressure or vacuum purge, or a combination of both , is the best procedure.
c. Determine the number of cycles required for your selected procedure.
d.Determine the total amount of nitrogen used.The final pressure in the tank after the inerting
procedure is atmospheric.The ambient temperature is 80F.
SOLUTION:
a)Stoichiometry

C3 H 6 O + 402
moles 02
moles fuel

3 c o2 + 3 H 2 O

= 4.1

LEL = 2.5%
UEL = 13.0%
moles 02
moles fuel
)= (2.5%)(4) = 10% 02
MOC= LEL
B) VACUUM PURGE
Y0 = 21% 02
YF = 10% 02

2
VESSEL VOLUME = r h

=()(2.5ft)(8ft) = 157 ft

Pl =30mm hg
PH = 760 mm Hg
Equation 7-6 applies:
yj
yo

Pl
= (P )
h

.10
30 j

(
( .21
= 760 )

Pressure purge
yj
Pl j
(
)
y o = Ph

pl= 14.7 psig

ph=80 +14.7psig = 94.7 psig

J =.230 purges

21
10 =(

94.7

14.7

J = .398 purges

c) Either method will require 1 cycle. Local circumstances will dictate which is better.
d)

n= j ( PhPl )

V
Rg T

Vacuum:
lbmole R
10.73 ft psia/(540 R)

( 30 ) ( 14.7 )
(1 ) 14.7
psia (157 ft 3)
760
n=

Pressure:
lbmole R
10.73 ft psia/ (540 R)

( 30 ) ( 14.7 )
3
(1 ) 14.7
psia (157 ft )
760
n=

Same for both (assuming 1 cycle per purge method).

7-32 PROBLEM:
We are considering the installation of a storage vessel to hold 5000 kg of liquid hydrogen .The
hydrogen will be stored in an insulated vessel at 1atm absolute pressure at its normal boiling
point of 20K.Physical properties for liquid hydrogen at 20 K:

a. We wish to store the liquid hydrogen in a vertical cylindrical storage tank with an inside
diameter of 3m . A vapor volume equal to 10% of

the liquid volume must

also be

included.What is the volume of the liquid and the tank (in m 3)? What height tank (in m)is
required?
b . A 25-mm schedule 40 pipe (ID: 26.64 mm; OD: 30.02 mm) is connected to the bottom of the
tank to drain the liquid hydrogen .If the pipe breaks off , producing a hole with a diamete equal
to the OD of the pipe, what is the initial discharge rate of the liquid hydrogen from the hole?
Assume the liquid height is at the full 5000 kg level .
c. What distance (in m) from the storage will the 3psi side-on overpressure occuring the event of
an unconfined vapor cloud explosion involving the entire 5000 kg contents of the vessel?
d .We need to develop a procedure to inert the vessel prior to charging it with hydrogen .To what
target nitrogen concentration do we need to inert the vessel in order to prevent the formation of a
flammable gas mixture during the filling process?

SOLUTION:
a.) The density of hydrogen is 70.8 kg/m3 (given)
Then
V LIQ =

5,000 kg
=70.6 m3
3
70.8 kg /m

V TANK =( 1.1 ) ( 70.6 m3 )=77.7 m3

2

V TANK =

D
h=77.7 m3
4

H=

3m

2
(3.14)
4 V TANK 4 ( 77.7 m3 )
=

D2

b.) use equation 4-12 to estimate the discharge rate. For this case,

Pg =0 so the equation

reduces to:
Qm= A C o 2 g h L
Assume C o=0.61 for highly turbulent flow.

A=

1m
(3.14) ( 30.22 mm )
2
1000 m
D
=
4
4

h L=

)] =7.07 10

m2

11.0 m
=10.0 m
1.10

Substituting the earlier equation,

9.8 m/s2 ( 10.0 )

(2)
Qm=( 70.8 kg/m3 ) ( 7.07 104 m2 )
c.) From appendix B for hydrogen, using the lower heating value for the heat of combustion,
H c =241.8 kJ /mol
Using equation 6-28, with an explosion efficiency of 5%

mol
241.8 kJ /

( 0.05 ) ( 5,000 kg ) 1 mol

0.002 kg
m H c
m TNT =
=
E TNT

For 3 psi overpressure , compute the scale overpressure using equation 6-26
Ps=

Po
3 psi
=
=0.20
P s 14.7 psi

1 /3
From figure 6-23 , z = 9.2 m/kg

From equation 6-25,

mTNT

R = 6,450 kg = 171 m

z
d.) From table 7-1 for hydrogen , ISOC = 5.7 vol% oxygen. Thus, the nitrogen concentration is
100 5.7% = 94.3 nitrogen
Could also use equation 7-18 or 7-19,
The reaction stoichiometry is:

1
H 2+ O2 H 2 O thus, z = 0.5
2

From appendix B, for Hydrogen, LFL = 4.0%

From table 6-3, for Hydrogen, LOC = 5.0%
From Equation 7-18:

ISOC =

z (LFL) (0.5)(0.4)
=
=2.08
LFL
4.0
oxygen
1
1
100
100

( )

( )

Nitrogen = 100-2.08 = 97.9% nitrogen

From equation 7-19:

ISOC =

z(LOC ) (0.5)(5.0)
=
=5.56
LOC
5.0
oxygen
Z
0.5
100
100

Nitrogen = 100-5.56= 94.4% nitrogen

Can also use LOC, but this will give a soewhat higher nitrogen concentration. The LOC for
hydrogenis 5% thus, nitrogen = 100-5% = 95% nitrogen.
7-33.PROBLEM:
A storage vessel must be prepared for filling with carbon monoxide. The vessel currently
contains fresh air.
a. What is the target oxygen concentration for this operation in order to prevent the existence
of a flammable vapor when the carbon monoxide is added?
b . If nitrogen containing 2% by volume oxygen is available at 2 barg, how many pressure
cycles are required to inert the vessel properly?
SOLUTION:
a.) From table 7-1 the ISOC is 7.0 % carbon monoxide. This is the target.
This can also be estimated using equation 7-18 or 7-19, but the results are only estimate.
b.) Use equation 7-12 to estmate the number of cycles required.
PL
( Y jY oxy )=(Y o Y oxy )( P )
h

0.070-0.02 = (0.21 - 0.02)

1.031
3.013

0.068 = (0.19)(0.336)j
Ln(0.3759) =j ln(0.336)
1.03
J = 1.09 = 0.94 cycles
1 cycle would meet the target, but this is real close to the concentration limit. 2 cycles might be
more prudent.
7-34 PROBLEM:
Your plant is considering in stalling a 5000 m 3 low-pressure cone-roof storage tank .The tank
will store toluene (C7H8). The plant is considering several options:
a. A single tank within 10m of the process.
b . Multiple,smaller tanks within 10m of the process.This option requires 200m of additional
piping plus additional valves.
c. A single tank 100m from the process. This requires 150 m of additional piping .
d . Multiple, smaller tanks 100m from the process. This requires 1000m of additional piping
plus additional valves.
Consider each option and list the inherently safer features associated with each . Select the
single option that represents the most inherently safe design . Please make sure to provide
support for your selection .
What additional questions should you ask to improve the inherent safety of this installation ?
SOLUTION:
Inherent safety includes the folowing method:
a. Minimize reduce quantity

b. Substitute replace a hazardou material with one less hazardous

c. Moderate reduce temperature and pressure
d. Simplify replace complex equipment / chemistry with something simpler.
This problem is related to the two concepts: minimize and simplify. However, they are
contradictory here. If we use smaller tanks we minimize the quantity per tank ( but not the total
amount) but this requires more piping, valves, level gauges and a lot more maintenance. If we
use a single tank we have simplified the process, but we have the entire inventory in one vessel.

The key to solving this problem is to realize that even if we use multiple tanks,
the total inventory remains the same.
Lets look at the cases :
a. A single tank 10 m to the process : This uses the inherent safety simplify. However, the close
proximity to the process will result in severe damage if an explosion occurs.
b. Multiple smaller tanks 10 m to the process : the total inventory is the same as configuration a.
Unless we are able to separate tanks by a large distance , we have gained little by using smaller
tanks . We have also added the complexity by the additional pipes, valves, level gauge, etc.
c. A single tank 100 m from the process: This simplifies the process, although it is a bit more
complex than configuration a to the additional piping . the inreased distance reduces the impact
on the process due to explosion.
d. Multiple smaller tanks 100 m from the process: this is the same configuration b, but the
distance has been increased . This reduces the impact due to an explosion.
Based on the above analysis, option c is the best alternative. The smaller tanks do not reduce
over all inventory and adda complexity. But the distance and the smaller tanks reduces the
consequences.
Other questions to ask:

1. Why are we using so much tolune?

2. Why are we using toluene in the first place?
3. What about inerting / purging and grounding / bonding?
4. What about other protection system?

7-35. PROBLEM:
The plant has asked you to consider the consequences of a tank explosion with resulting
overpressure for options a and c in Problem 7-34. For both cases assume that the storage tank is
drained of all liquid and contains only the saturation vapor pressure for liquid toluene at 25C
and 1 atm total pressure with air.
a. What is the volume percent concentration of toluene in the vapor of each tank ?
b . If the tank contains air, is this concentration flammable?
c. What is the stoichiometric concentration for toluene in air? Is the vapor in the tank fuel rich
or fuel lean ?
d . If an ignition and explosion occur within the storage tank , estimate the overpressure at the
process boundary for each case.
e . Which case is acceptable? Discuss.
f. What additional design features will you recommend to reduce the probability of an
explosion ?
SOLUTION:
Sngle tank of toluene either 10 m or 100 m from process.

a. From appendix E for toluene (C7H8)

3096.52
sat
ln( P =16.0137 T 53.67
T is in deg. K
P

sat

is in mm Hg

3096.52
sat
ln( P =16.0137 29853.67 =3.3402
Psat

= 28.22 mm Hg

Volume % =

28.22 mm H g
100 = 3.71 %
760 mm H g

b. From appendix B for toluene : LFL = 1.2 % ; UFL = 7.1%

It is flammable!
c. Stoichiometry : C7H8 + 9 O2 7 CO2 + 4 H2O
Therefore , z = 9.
C st =

100
100
=
=2.28
z
9
1+
1+
0.21
0.21

The concentration of 3.34 % is fuel rich since is is above stoichiometric concentration.

d. For toluene molecular weight = 92 gm/ gm-mole = 92 kg / mol
At 298 K , 1 atm for toluene vapor:

mol
92 kg/

(1 atm)
PM
=
=
RgT
Toluene is only 3.71% of the total volume:
3
M = (0.0371)(5000 m3)( 3.76 kg /m = 697 kg

Use Equation 6-98 . Use an explosion efficiency of 100% since it is enclosed.

From appendix B , the energy of explosion for toluene is th lower heating value for ombustion or
3733.9 kJ/ mol = 40,586 kJ/kg
kg
40,586 kJ /

TNT!
(1.0)(697 kg)
M TNT =
For 100 m from process:
r
Z=

1 /3

TNT

100 m
=5.49
( 6037 Kg )1/ 3

From figure 6-23 or equation 6-27, Ps = 0.4

The overpressure is then : po = pspa = 0.4 atm = 5.9 psi
For 10 m from the process
r
Z=

1 /3

TNT

From figure 6-23 ,

po
=70
ps

10 m
=0.55
( 6037 Kg )1/ 3

Po = 70 atm = 1029 psi = 7,09 kPa!!!

e. The overpressure for both cases is huge , resulting in complete desctruction of the plant.
f. Need inerting / purging plus grounding and bonding.

7-36 PROBLEM:
A 1000 m3 storage vessel contains liquid methyl alcohol (CH4O). The vessel is padded with a
gas mix obtained from a membrane separation unit.The gas from the membrane unit contains
98% nitrogen (plus 2% oxygen ). The vessel is padded to a total pressure of 10 mm Hg gauge.
We must prepare the vessel for entry for the annual inspection of the inside of the vessel .The
liquid is first drained from the tank prior to this operation, and then the empty tank must be
inerted using a sweep purging method prior to opening the vessel and allowing air to enter.
Assume an ambient temperature of 25C and 1 atm .
a. What is the concentration of gas (in vol. %) within the tank after draining the liquid and prior
to inerting ?
b . Use a triangle diagram to estimate the target fuel concentration (in vol.%) for the inerting
operation .
c. If we use a sweep purging inerting procedure, using the 98% nitrogen sweep gas from the
membrane unit, how much total sweep gas(in m3 at 25C and 1 atm) is required to achieve the
desired target concentration ?
d .If the gas from the membrane unit is supplied at the rate of 5 kg/min, how long(in min)will
it take to achieve the desired target concentration ?

SOLUTION:
Methanol: CH4O, molecular weight = 32

Temperature = 25oC = 298 k

Pressure =1 atm
Padding gas : 98% nitrogen , 2% oxygen
Padding pressure : 10 mm Hg
a. From appendix E for methanol:
3626.55
sat
ln( P =18.5875 T 34.29 =4.83
Psat = 125.9 mm Hg
The mole fraction of methanol in the vapor is :
Y=

P sat
125.9 mm Hg
=
=0.1635
PTOT 10 mm Hg+360 mm Hg

The volume percent methanol in the vapor is 16.3%.

The remaining pad gas is 100 16.3 = 83.6%
Nitrogen in vapor gas = (0.98)(83.6%) = 82.0%
Oxygen vapor in gas = (0.02)(83.6%) = 1.7%
The gas composition in the vapor in space of the vessel has the following composition:
Nitrogen :

82.0%

Methanol :

16.3%

Oxygen:

1.7%

Total : 100.0
b. For methanol from appendix B: LFL = 7.5 % ; UFL = 36.0%

From table 6-3 , LOC = 10%

The stoichiometric combustion is given by; CH4O+3/2 O2 CO2 + 2 H2O

Therefore z = 1.5
z
1.5
=
=0.60 60 oxygen
1+z 2.5
See the attached flammability diagram.
The target concentration is 13% fuel from the intersection of the two lines.
c. Use equation7-15;
C2 C
C1 C

Qv t=V ln
o

The concentrations are in terms of fuel , not oxygen. Therefore,

no fuel
C o=0 ( inert )
C1 = 16.3 %
C2 = 13.0 %
Q v t=( 1000 m3 ) ln

=226 m of inert gas

( 16.3
13.0 )
3

d. Molar volume of gas :

)(

22.4 liters
m
gmmole 1000 liters
5 kg 0.764 m3
min
kg

( )(

298 K
=0.764
)( 1 gmmole
)(
0.032 kg
273 K )

3
= 3.82 m / min

m3 / kg

T=

226 m 3
=59.2 min
3.82 m 3 /min

LOC

100
Target conc. 13% fuel

20

80

40

60

Oxygen

Fuel

60

40

UFL=36

STOICH

82.0 % N2

80

20

16. 3%M2OH
1.7%O2
LFL= 7.5%

100

0
0

20

40
N i t r o g en

60

80

100
98%

N2 , 2 % O
2

7-37 PROBLEM:
A propane storage tank with a volume of 10,000 liters is being taken out of service for
maintenance.The tank must be drained of its liquid propane, depressurized to atmospheric
pressure, and then inerted with nitrogen prior to opening the tank to air.
The temperature is 25C and the ambient pressure is 1 atm .
a. Determine the required target fuel cocentration in the tank prior to opening the tank .
b . A sweep purge will be used for the inerting procedure. If pure nitrogen is available at a
delivery rate of 0.5 kg /min , what is the minimum time (in min) required to redu ce t h e f u el
con cen t rat ion t o t h e t arg et valu e?
c. Wh at is the total amount (in kg ) of nitrog en required to do the job?
SOLUTION:
a. We need to calculate the out-of-service fuel concentration from equation 7-16. From appendix
B for propane, LFL = 2.1 % fuel in air.
The stoichiometry combustion equation is : C3 H 8 +5 O2 3CO 2 +4 H 2 o
This z=5
Substituing into equation 7-16:

OSFC =

LFL
2.1
=
=4.2
LFL
2.1
1
15
21
21

( )

( )

We will need to reduce the fuel concentration to below 4.2 %

Our starting condition are : Propane Fuel: 100%
Our target concentration for inerting is : Propane fuel : 4.2% ; Nitrogen :95.8%

b. Sweep purge.
Use equation 7-15.
C o=0
C1 = 16.3 %
C2 = 13.0 %
Q v t=V ln

C1
100
=( 10,000 liters ) ln
=31,700 L of inert gas
C2
4.2

( )

( )

At these conditions the molar volume is:

22.4 L
K
=
( gmmole
)( 298
273 K )

24.4 L/gm-mole

At a flow rate of 0.5 kg/min:

24.4 L
=437 L/min
( 0.5minkg )( 1000kggm )( 1 gmmole
)(
28 gm
gmmole )
The time required is:
31,700 L
T = 437 L/min =72.5 min
The total nitrogen required:
31,700 L nitrogen

28 gm
1 kg
=
( 1 gmmole
)(
)(
24.4 L
gmmole 1000 gm )

36.4 kg of nitrogen