What is the trend in the sewage treatment industry to Process Safety?

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Anyone have examples/links of process safety incidents and their root cause. One specific example that is important for our process is how to design to mitigate explosions in Anaerobic Digesters from methane.  Much appreciated!

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4 Answers

  1. an anaerobic digester should not explode if the presence of oxygen ist kept "low". As a matter of fact oxygen cannot be inside such a reactor. However all ancillary process unit especially those where contact to the environment/oxygen is given mut be protected and well tanken care of. Methane sensors looking after the lower explosion limit are necessry in "rooms"/ buildings. I'm pretty sure there is lots of literature available about how to operate such things

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  3. Safety in the Water Industry

    David, safety is taken very seriously in the water industry and the example of digesters provide a good example. Digesters have blow-off valves on their roofs and the maintenance of these is probably one of the most hazardous activities that is undertaken in the water industry. Personnel will have detailed training and method statements will be prepared in advance of any work being undertaken. 

    Safety is of paramount interest in the design of new or upgraded process plants and hazards will be designed out as much as is possible by thorough HAZOP analysis. The asset standards which all companies hold specify the materials and apparatus to be used and often prescribe certain requirements with regard to safety. 

    Other processes such as handling of chlorine for water treatment or for incineration of waste receive close attention and whenever any incidents or "near misses" occur there will be reviews to identify the lessons that can be learnt. These might result to changes in the specifications or to working practices. 

    I hope this provides reassurance and is helpful? 

  4. David, I am not a professional directly in the water treatment industry. However, I can tell you that digesters are used extensively on large dairy farms to digest manure for methane to run generators. I could point you to people in the industry if needed.