8.0 HAZOP

 

Hazard and Operability Study (HAZOP) can be define as a structured and systematic examination of a planned or existing process or operation in order to identify and evaluate problems that may represent risks to personnel or equipment, or prevent efficient operation.

 

This examination is done by experienced people who works in a team (HAZOP team) during a set of meetings. HAZOP is qualitative, which makes the people to analyse or critically thinks and imagine the potential hazards or operational problems, structure and completeness by using certain guideword prompts. This examination uses thinking skills techniques known as ‘intuition and good judgement’. Initially, this technique is used to analyse the chemical process systems and mixing operations. However, as time passes, the techniques is extended to other systems such as complex operations and to use software to record deviation (offset) and consequences.

 

In this case which is slow pyrolysis process, safety is very important especially when dealing with the chemicals and the equipment. Safety protocol and emergency plans is a must have in every industries as worker’s safety is the main priority here. First priority here is the exposure to extremely high temperature. A careful selection of materials for the reactors must consider this factor from the piping to the heaters. It is recommended to use Kaowool insulation when dealing with high temperature. Slow Pyrolysis process reactors can achieve to temperature up to 873.15 K. A slight contact with this reactor can cause fatal injury. Furthermore, the hazard of overheating and leaking of hot fluids can also cause fatal injuries.

The second priority is handling of the equipment. In order to prevent injuries to happen, workers must be trained properly before handling the real deal. Untrained workers have high chances of getting injured in the industries. It is highly recommended to use polyethylene onto the wall of reactor.