OVERVIEW
Industrial process operations produce many different types of useful products. In many cases, however, these operations also produce waste materials that must either be removed for reuse of safely discarded. Although waste materials may be solids, liquids, or gases, this training unit focuses on waste gases. Specific attention is directed to how waste gases are removed from process systems and safely disposed of.

OBJECTIVES 

Introduction

·          Describe some considerations for handling waste gases.

·          Explain how a relief system can remove waste gas.

Venting

·          Describe conditions that require venting.

·          Describe various types of vents.

·          Describe work practices that help ensure the safe venting of equipment and vessels.

Purging

·          Explain why nitrogen and fuel gas are used for purging.

·          Describe two methods used to purge vessels and equipment.

·          Explain what inerting is and why and how it is done.

·          Describe safety concerns and operator responsibilities associated with purging.

Flare System

·          Describe safety considerations associated with flaring.

·          Describe the main components and the basic operation of a flare.

Flare Operations - Part 1

·          Describe typical operator responsibilities associated with a flare system startup.

·          Describe some typical control room operator responsibilities associated with normal flare operation.

Flare Operations - Part 2

·          Describe typical outside operator responsibilities associated with normal flare operation.

·          Identify some abnormal flare operating conditions and describe typical operator responsi­bilities for handling them.

·          Describe basic operator responsibilities associated with a flare shutdown.

SUBJECTS

Introduction

·         Waste gas handling considerations

·         Waste gas removal

Venting

·         Conditions that require venting

o        Filling a tank

o        Draining a tank

o        Steam cleaning a tank

·         Types of vents

·         Safe work practices

Purging

·         Materials used for purging

·         Purging methods

o        Continuous purge method

o        Fixed volume purge method

·         Inerting

·         Safety

·         Operator responsibilities

Flare System

·         Safety considerations

·         Components and operation

Flare Operations - Part 1

·         Startup preparations

·         Startup

·         Control room operator responsibilities

Flare Operations - Part 2

·         Outside operator responsibilities

·         Abnormal conditions

o        Loss of flare stack gas purge

o        Loss of pilot flames

o        Abnormal steam flow

o        Abnormal water seal level

·         Flare shutdown