Safety for Liquid Nitrogen Tanks – A Case Study

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Safety for Liquid Nitrogen Tanks – A Case Study

Two recent life-threatening incidents involving the Liquid Nitrogen container occurred. In the first incident, professionals attempted a wrench to open the valve. The forcibly carried out move sheared the valve seat.

As a result, the entire valve got dislodged from the container thereby causing violet and harmful release of Liquid Nitrogen.

In yet another incident, a professional tried to remove the valve from a container by force. This again resulted in the uncontrolled and hazardous release of Liquid Nitrogen.

In both cases, the professionals evacuated the area without delay and escaped unharmed. But there was the possibility of severe injury.

Paramount factors responsible were the deteriorated condition of a Liquid Nitrogen container and negligence on the part of individuals involved.

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As they say, prevention is better than cure. Every employer is required to make a sufficient risk assessment of employees and material assets like Liquid Nitrogen tanks.

Take a quick glance at the important safety precautions

1. Ventilation is a key issue. Large-scale containers can be stored outside the buildings due to a great quantity of stored liquid. On the other side, smaller pressurized containers or dewars can be stored within the buildings.

2. The area of storage must be ventilated adequately. Some questions must arise in the mind. a. JaIs it possible to leave the door opens to allow the liquid to dissipate while filling the vessels? b. Do employees spend a significant period of time on unrelated tasks in the room? c. Is there a viewing panel in the door where the tank is placed? d. Is there a panic button?

3. Liquid Nitrogen tanks must not be overfilled in any case.

4. One must avoid plugging the entrance with any type of device, except the approved accessory, that interferes with the venting process.

5. One must avoid the use of brittle plastics.

6. Instead of hollow dipsticks, one must consider using solid wood or metal.

7. All the instructions given to staff must not only disclose what they are required to do but also what they must not do in any case. Staff members must be given instructions with respect to the usage, storage and transportation methodically before they engage themselves in handling the Liquid Nitrogen tanks.

8. It is important to monitor all the procedures on a daily basis to ensure that Liquid Nitrogen tanks do not create life-threatening situations.

9. All Liquid Nitrogen Dewars must be maintained and tested in accordance with the accredited safety regulations. Periodic examination must be carried out by well-trained Engineers.

10. All records with respect to the inspections must be readily accessible.

11. If any damage has been sustained by vessels, the Laboratory Supervisor must be informed immediately. Remember, such situations must be inspected only by a competent person.

12. Oxygen deficiency alarms and forced ventilation systems are to be maintained well.

13. Appropriate hazard warning signs must be displayed with the yellow triangle having an exclamation symbol.

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About INOXCVA

 INOX India has created a wide-ranging portfolio of materials and engineering intellectual property, that include, cryogenic tanks & systems, large ASU SVD projects, cryogenic scientific projects, cryobiological products, LNG vaporizers, disposable cylinders and other Products for OEM’s.  Trusted firms like INOX, usually also offer customization services so that the customers can make investments according to their requirements and usage.