APS Dozing in DCU

BY
Himesh Kumar Nath

APS Dosing New Facility DCU(508)

SAFE
LOCATION

PG

SAFE
LOCATION

TO DOSING
POINT

PSV

N2
REGULATOR

LG

N2

PSV
AIR

TO SAFE
LOCATION

VESSEL

UNLOADING
DIAPHAGRAM PUMP

APS DRUM
DOSING PUMP

S
B.C. Doley

Purpose for Dozing :

APS is dozed to improve and /or ensure reliability of static equipment and piping vide corrosion control due to
sour water and or cyanide assisted wet H2S corrosion.
In the thermal cracking process of DCU , cyanides are typically produced ( especially from the Nitrogen rich
Feed ) along with Hydrogen Sulfide from Sulfur conversion.
Injection of Polysulfide solutions can react with the Cyanide to form Thiocyanate to free cyanide
concentration thereby reducing the potential for Cracking problem.

Physical properties:

1 APPEARANCE:
2 ODOR:
3 BOILING POINT:
4 VAPOR PRESSURE:
5 VAPOR DENSITY:
6 SOLUBILITY IN WATER:
7 SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
8 FREEZING POINT:
9 pH:
10 VOLATILE:

HAZARDOUS DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS: Heating this product will initially evolve ammonia. As the pH
of the solution decreases more hydrogen sulfide vapors will evolve. Continued heating will also cause

Ruby red liquid

Strong ammonia odor.
100 F(38 C)
314 mm Hg @ 70 F (21.1 C)
Not determined
Dissolves with precipitation of elemental sulfur.
1.13 - 1.16 (9.4 - 9.7 lbs/gal)
0 - 32 F (-17.8 - 0 C)
10.8 - 11.5
Not applicable

oxides of nitrogen to be released

Chemical Composition: (% by wt.)

Ammonium polysulfide
Ammonium hydroxide
Free Water
FLAMMABLE LIMITS
H2 S
LFL: 4%
NH3
LFL: 16%

49%
33%
18%

UFL: 44%
UFL: 28%

Hazards
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS

EYE: Contact with the eyes by product mist or solution will cause irritation and a burning sensation. Eye
contact may result in severe corneal injury.
SKIN CONTACT: Contact with product mist or solution will cause skin irritation and may result in
corrosion of the skin.
SKIN ABSORPTION: Absorption is unlikely to occur.
INGESTION: Ingestion of product solution will cause irritation and corrosion of the gastrointestinal tract
to include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Contact with stomach acid will cause highly toxic hydrogen
sulfide to evolve.
INHALATION: Inhalation of product vapors (ammonia and hydrogen sulfide) will cause dizziness and
unconsciousness possibly resulting in serious falls from elevated positions..
CHRONIC EFFECTS/CARCINOGENICITY:

Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC or OSHA.

FIRE & EXPLOSIVE HAZARDS: .When heated or diluted, ammonia vapors and hydrogen sulfide vapors will
evolve. Both of these gases may form explosive mixtures with air.

First Aid

EYES: Immediately flush with large quantities of water for 15 minutes. Hold eyelids apart during irrigation
to insure thorough flushing of the entire area of the eye and lids. Obtain immediate medical attention.

SKIN: Immediately flush with large quantities of water. Remove contaminated clothing under a safety
shower. Obtain immediate medical attention.

INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If victim is conscious, immediately give large quantities of water.
If vomiting does occur, continue to give fluids. Obtain immediate medical attention.

INHALATION: Remove victim from contaminated atmosphere. If breathing is labored, administer oxygen.
If breathing has ceased, clear airway and start mouth to mouth resuscitation. If heart has stopped
beating, external heart massage should be applied. Obtain immediate medical attention.

Release Control

Small releases: Confine and absorb small releases on sand, earth or other inert absorbent. Released
material may contain residual sulfides. Spray with weak (~5%) hydrogen peroxide to oxidize sulfides.
Large releases: Confine area to qualified personnel. Wear proper protective equipment. Shut off release
if safe to do so. Dike spill area to prevent runoff into sewers, drains (possible explosive mixtures) or surface
waterways (potential aquatic toxicity). Spray product vapors with water spray or mist. Recover as much of
the solution as possible. Treat remaining material as a small release .

Modified Dozing facility and precaution:

Due to various problem like chock of discharge line / Pump not developing flow and mechanical design deficiencies modification
as shown in the proposed scheme is laid . For running the same successfully following points need to be always kept in mind.

Lifting of APS Drums: Tie /secure properly the filled drums to avoid any fall. Maintenance personnel to supervise along with
FS.

Arrange Water hose at platform as well as at bottom while lifting and loading APS.

APS drums should not be rolled while shifting near to dosing vessel.

Ensure N2 purge of APS drum at very slow rate (caution : not pressurize the drum with N2 ) while unloading by
diaphragm pump. Purge to be routed away to safe distance. Do not dip the vent line in liquid.

Do not keep APS drums filled or residual APS at the working platform.

Remove filled or partially filled drums from working platform with the help of maintenance only . (Use Crane).

Once APS drum is opened same to be unload into the drum. In case it is not unloaded due to any reason same needs to be
preserved under N2

APS dosing skid at platform to be visited frequently.

THANKS

Thanks