design of inert gas systems
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Home Design Guides Designing Inert Gas Systems
Design of Inert Gas Systems
Introduction
Inert gases, such as nitrogen are used on process plants for
a number of purposes - such as purging equipment and
inerting equipment. The most common inert gas used in
industry is nitrogen, but carbon dioxide and argon are also
encountered. Although usually non-toxic, inert gases can
displace oxygen creating an asphyxiating atmosphere. As
the common inert gases are colourless, odourless and
tasteless, they can build up in the atmosphere without the
victim being aware. This makes them very dangerous. This
article provides some guidance on safe inert gas system
design.
It should be noted that this is only an introduction to the
subject. The reader is advised to seek profess ional support
when designing an inert gas system.
Why Inert Gases are Used
Inert gases are used to create a non-reactive atmosphere, it
mus t be non-flammable and should prevent any adverse
chemical reaction. For example, providing an inert
environment to prevent the decay of food. Several industrial
gases are used for inerting. The most common is nitrogen, as
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accumulate. Gases that are heavier than air (such as argon)
will settle at floor level and at low points. The release of gases
with sim ilar densities to air (such as nitrogen) will tend to
result in localised regions of depleted oxygen. Particular
locations to consider are the following:
1. Gas storage areas
Inert gases are often stored in liquefied form. Spillages of
liquefied gas will rapidly vaporise, releasing large quantities of
gas. Ideally, storage areas should be well ventilated and away
from working areas. Access to the gas s torage area should be
restricted. The area should be equipped with gas monitoring
and display warning signs .
2. Relief and ventilation system outlets
Relief and vent lines should be clearly identified and should be
piped to a safe open air location, away from working areas.
3. Rooms where inert gases are used
Use of inert gases in enclosed areas should be avoided if at
all poss ible. They should be well ventilated and equipped with
oxygen monitoring equipment. Access s hould be restricted to
trained operators, preferably not working alone.
4. General access areas
General access areas (e.g. corridors) present a particular
hazard as there is no means of restricting who enters.
General access areas and inert gases not mix.
Other useful links
Gas pressure drop calculator spreadsheet
Electronic steam tables spreadsheet
Types of Pressure Relief Device
Ventilation
The designer needs to consider the likelihood of an escape of
inert gas and whether it will be adequately dispersed. Inert
gas systems which are outdoors rely on natural ventilation todilute and disperse the gas. For indoor areas, dispersion has
to be done us ing reliable forced ventilation. Ventilation rates to
disperse the gas may need to be above that required for
human comfort. The design of the ventilation system is not
straightforward and the designer is advised to seek
professional advice.
Operation and Maintenance
Whilst the hazards from the use of inert gases can be reduced
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during the design, often they cannot be eliminated. The
remaining hazards must be managed by operating
procedures.
Confined Space Working
Confined spaces are areas which are not usually occupied
and where asphyxiant gas could build-up. A common example
is a vessel which is normally inerted and needs worker access
for maintenance. The best approach is to avoid entry in the
first place – for example, it may be possible to clean vess el or
take samples remotely. Unfortunately, this is not always
possible.
Confined space working is a potentially dangerous activity and
needs to be planned carefully. It is outs ide the scope of this
note. Before planning confined entry, the reader should seek
professional advice.
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