Gas Detection in Petrochemical Industry
There are multiple hazards when processing oil and gas, from combustibility to harmful and deadly gases. Gas detection is critical to protecting people and property from these hazards. Process equipment, pipelines, valves, compressors and tanks are common potential sources of hazardous gas leaks that endanger people, equipment and facilities.
The risks of not having adequate gas detection systems and procedures in place can be catastrophic resulting in serious harm or death to personnel and significant financial damage done to equipment. The installation and correct placement of gas detection equipment is a key part of the safety plan for reducing risks to personnel. There are no specific Australian standards or regulations governing gas detection installations, unlike for fire detection. However general guidance documents including:
- EN 50073-1999: Guide for selection, installation, use and maintenance of apparatus for the detection and measurement of combustible gases or oxygen (European Standard)
- AS/NZS ISO 60079-29-2 Ed1.0: Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-2: Gas detectors – Selection, installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen.
Its important that your gas detection fleet is regular checked, tested and calibrated. Reliable equipment, safe user behaviour and adequate training are the three components required for a effective gas detection system. Training is just as important to gas detection as having the appropriate equipment. If staff are unaware of how to effectively and safely operate and calibrate their gas detection equipment then they put their own lives and colleagues well being at risk.
Whether it’s small portable gas detector or a large fixed gas detection system, Noventis is well equipped specifying the right gas detector to meet your individual site requirements.
Areas with Hazardous gases:
- Acid production
- Emission testing
- Confined space entry
- Hydrocarbon production
- Inert gas blanketing
- Shutdown and turnaround
- Valve and flange check points
- Specialty chemical production
- Transportation, storage and distribution
- Perimeter/fence-line monitoring
Potential hazards are from Ammonia, Carbon monoxide, Carbon dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen, Hydrogen sulphide, Methane, Propane, Sulphur dioxide, Volatile organic compounds, Combustible gases, Oxygen deficiency/enrichment and more.
Documents and References
- AS 1596-2014: LP Gas – Storage and Handling
- AS 1715-2009: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
- AS 1940-2016: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
- AS 2030: Series Gas cylinders
- AS 2714-2008: The storage and handling of hazardous chemical materials
- AS 2865-2009: Safe Working in a confined space
- AS 3780-2008: The storage and handling of corrosive substances
- AS 3961-2005 The storage and handling of liquefied natural gas
- AS 5601-2013: Gas installations
- AS 4332-2004: The storage and handling of gases in cylinders
- AS/NZS ISO 31000-2009: Risk Management
- AS 4655-2005: Fire Safety Audits
- AS 4801-2001: Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
- NFPA 59A: Production, Storage & Handling of LNG
- NFPA 30: Flammable & Combustible Liquids Code
- NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code