Originally, I was going to write a cute, light-hearted article since this is for our summer newsletter. Summer, for me, still carries the nostalgia of childhood and being fancy free for three months to enjoy romping around the neighborhood with friends and going to the pool every day. However, these last few weeks with the almost disaster in Southern California and then the awful tragedy in Washington, I thought it was too important not to discuss them.
Both incidents had to do with storage tanks and not actual process lines or boilers. I think many times that the tanks are overlooked, as they are usually low pressure and often are not ASME coded. But when plants are storing harmful or dangerous chemicals in these tanks, it makes it even more important that they are checked like all the other safety equipment and serviced.
Tanks should have tank protector valves on them, which help provide both pressure and vacuum relief to maintain the tank’s vapor space within safe operating parameters. These can come in a pipe away design for tanks that cannot be released to atmosphere. The valves help tanks from imploding or exploding during normal operations. Then if it’s an ASME code tank, it would require a safety valve set to MAWP that would be on there if the tank over pressurizes.
I cannot tell you why either of these incidents happened and what failed, but obviously something failed. I strongly recommend you talk with the plants you service and ask them about their tanks and if they are servicing their tank valves. They don’t have to send the tank protector valves into a VR shop. They can service them themselves if they really want. I just want to make sure people are thinking about them and making sure they are being taken care of and serviced. If there is a safety valve on the tank, that would need to come into a VR shop or have it serviced on site. At the very least they should be tested to ensure they are functional. No point in having a valve installed, only for the seats to be stuck shut. These are all safety devices and are there to protect the plant and people working at the plant and around it.
I had a very good friend out in Anaheim who had to be evacuated with her husband and twins. I’m grateful that the first responders were able to get that tank under control and she was able to return home. Unfortunately, accidents happen but if at least the plants are doing their due diligence, servicing the valves on their tanks and making sure they are functioning correctly, hopefully, there will be fewer accidents.
I hope you all have a wonderful summer and enjoy spending time with your families and loved ones making amazing memories.
Andrea Tanis
