Underground Fire Main Leak “Management”

In the natural gas distribution industry, underground leaks can be devastating. Or they can be harmless. The industry has techniques to detect underground gas leaks and when someone smells gas, everyone knows that the leak must be found before harm comes. Fire main leaks can seem harmless. The problem comes when the leak causes the … More Underground Fire Main Leak “Management”

Thermal Runaway

Thermal runaway is a serious safety issue that affects lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in various applications such as electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and grid storage. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state that can result in extremely high temperatures, violent cell venting, smoke and fire12. Thermal … More Thermal Runaway

Understanding “In Cabinet” combustible gas detection

In the context of a petrochemical manufacturing plant, “in cabinet” combustible gas detectors play a crucial role in managing risks. These detectors are typically installed within cabinets or enclosures where electrical or control equipment is housed. They help identify and mitigate the potential risks associated with the accumulation of combustible gases in these enclosed spaces. … More Understanding “In Cabinet” combustible gas detection

What is “Switchgear?”

Let’s delve into the topic of electrical switchgear for fire protection engineers in chemical and power plants. Electrical switchgear plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical systems within these facilities. I’ll break it down into sections for clarity. What is Electrical Switchgear? Electrical switchgear refers to a collection of devices … More What is “Switchgear?”

Managing Earthquake Risk in Refineries

Let’s discuss earthquake risk management at a chemical manufacturing facility in Montana. Certainly, let’s delve into earthquake risk management at a chemical manufacturing facility in Montana, approaching this from an engineering perspective. Understanding Earthquake Risk: Earthquake risk assessment is crucial for safeguarding a chemical manufacturing facility. Firstly, we need to determine the seismic hazard in … More Managing Earthquake Risk in Refineries

Getting the most out of Weekly Housekeeping Inspections

Let’s develop a checklist for weekly housekeeping inspections for the various sections of a refinery. Developing a comprehensive checklist for weekly housekeeping inspections in a refinery is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Below is a structured checklist that addresses key areas within a refinery. Remember to adapt this list to your specific refinery’s … More Getting the most out of Weekly Housekeeping Inspections

Annual fire pump testing

Let’s discuss interpretation of annual fire pump performance tests in power and petrochemical plants. Annual fire pump performance tests are critical for ensuring the readiness and reliability of fire protection systems in power and petrochemical plants. These tests evaluate the performance of fire pumps under specific conditions and help identify any issues that may affect … More Annual fire pump testing

Reading Civil drawings

Let’s discuss tips for reading civil drawings of a petrochemical or power plant. Reading civil drawings for a petrochemical or power plant can be a complex task, as these drawings typically involve intricate details and a variety of symbols specific to the industry. Here are some tips to help you effectively read and understand civil … More Reading Civil drawings