Technical Manual - Section 3 (Safety Hazards)

Table III:2-21. STEAM REFORMING PROCESS
Feedstock From Process Typical products.....................To
Desulfurized Various Decomposition Hydrogen.................................Processing
refinery gas treatment Carbon dioxide........................Atmosphere
units
Carbon monoxide....................Methane
remove sulfur compounds, the feedstock is mixed with steam
and taken to the reforming furnace (1,250-1,500º F) where
hydrogen is produced.
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Protection and Prevention
The possibility of fire exists should a leak or release occur
and reach an ignition source.
Safety
The potential exists for burns from hot gases and superheated
steam should a release occur. Inspections and testing should
be considered where the possibility exists for valve failure
due to contaminants in the hydrogen. Carryover from caustic
scrubbers should be controlled to prevent corrosion in
preheaters. Chlorides from the feedstock or steam system
should be prevented from entering reformer tubes and
contaminating the catalyst.
Health
Because these are closed processes, exposures are expected
to be minimal during normal operating conditions. There is a
potential for exposure to excess hydrogen, carbon monoxide,
and/or carbon dioxide. Condensate can be contaminated by
process materials such as caustics and amine compounds,
with resultant exposures. Depending on the specific process
used, safe work practices and/or appropriate personal
protective equipment may be needed for exposures to
chemicals and other
hazards such as noise and heat, and during process sampling,
inspection, maintenance, and turnaround activities.
BLENDING
Blending is the physical mixture of a number of different
liquid hydrocarbons to produce a finished product with
certain desired characteristics. Products can be blended
in-line through a manifold system, or batch blended in tanks
and vessels. In-line blending of gasoline, distillates, jet fuel,
and kerosene is accomplished by injecting proportionate
amounts of each component into the main stream where
turbulence promotes thorough mixing. Additives including
octane enhancers, metal deactivators, anti-oxidants,
anti-knock agents, gum and rust inhibitors, detergents, etc. are
added during and/or after blending to provide specific
properties not inherent in hydrocarbons.
HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Fire Prevention and Protection
Ignition sources in the area need to be controlled in the event
of a leak or release.
Health
Safe work practices and/or appropriate personal protective
equipment may be needed for exposures to chemicals and
other hazards such as noise and heat; when handling
additives; and during inspection, maintenance, and
turnaround activities.
III:2-47