Document G5NKJ02xXvJjm0XbYG8x4veGv
1
0 : Distribution i
rom : J. C. Greene ate : June 3 1983 tbject : VCH TANK FARM
<IPtllk.:#Hi.5lT-.1 :-'3r v`:'',V'V\'**.^!3'. t \ . :.*.-
'F 1
19537
i
VCM UNLOADING OPERATING MANUAL ABERDEEN CHEMICAL PLANT ABERDEEN, MISSISSIPPI
JUNE 3, 1983
Revised By * C. Greene
Process Engineer
Approved B
L. D. Honeycutt Yard Supervisor
Approved By: P. E. Markey Vinyl Operation Supt
I
A
$1'
V :||tS '
<++H. i
IP F,
;u
LL i
-r* .he3 Tfq s'. .V:
1. riK" r-i
ksilr ..
19538
VCM UNLOADING OPERATING MANUAL
ABERDEEN PVC PLANT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
Page No,
A. Operator Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 1
B. General Process Description...................................................................................... 3
II. OPERATING PROCEDURES
A. Railcar Hookup ................................................................................................................... 10
h
B. Unloading Railcars ......................................................................................................... 17
F
C. Recovering Vapor From Railcars ............................................................................. 22
D. Unhooking Railcars ......................................................................................................... 24
E. Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures
1. Liquid in the Compressor Suction ................................... ....
29
2. High Pressure on the Sphere or Bullets (or Evacuation) . 29
3. Evacuating a Compressor for Maintenance. . .................................. 30
4. Lack of Liquid Flow in Sight Glass......................................................... 33
5. Tank Car Excess Flow Valve Closing .......................................................... 34
6. Evacuating the VCM Vapor Line Knockout Pot and Recycle Pump for Maintenance ......................................................... ................................. 35
III. EQUIPMENT INDEX ....................................................................................................................... 37
IV. SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS.............................................................................................. 40
v. EQUIPMENT ENTRY PROCEDURES ........................................................................................... 44
VI. APPENDIX
)
A. Valve Setup Checklist
B. Checklist for Testing Auto Valves
C. Empty Outbound VCM Tank Car Inspection Report
U. Plant Emergency Plan
E. Sample Railcar Placard
E Photographs
G. P A i Diagram
tt
Ai
i
}\:L;rt_ ia.- ;J ^
it .!jtf!.
019539
VCM UNLOADING OPERATION MANUAL ABERDEEN FVC PLANT
Operator Responsibilities The purpose of the VCM Tank Farm Is to safely unload and store Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM). VCM is brought into the plant in tankcars. It is the main raw material used in making the plant's major product, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). VCM is a colorless sweet-smelling gas at atmospheric pressure that is stored and transferred as a liquid at moderate pressure (30-70 psig) The yard department is responsible for the offloading of VCM tankcars and the related transfer equipment. The yard operator helps fulfill the tankfarm1 s purpose by making sure that the VCM is safely unloaded without endangering his fellow workers or equipments The operator is able to attain his goals in safety, job performance and efficient
operation through a training period, on-the-job experience, and passing written and field examinations. The operator fulfills his responsi bilities by: 1. Demonstrating understanding of how his equipment functions. 2. Being able to explain what role each piece of equipment plays in the
process. 3. Keeping a close and regular check on equipment. A. Being able to demonstrate troubleshooting and corrective measures. 5. Keeping his area of responsibility safe and dean. 6. Keeping complete and accurate records. 7. Reporting equipment problems promptly and writing maintenance work
orders as needed. Operating the equipment in an environmentally sound manner and promptly taking corrective measures should process leaks occur. Wearing the proper respiratory protection.
VCM Unloading Operating Manual Page 2
I/--vINTRODUCTION (Cont.) A. Operator Responsibilites (Cont.) This operating manual will cover the normal responsibilities and duties of the yard operator when unloading VCM railcars. Each phase of the unloading procedure will be covered. In addition to normal operating conditions The operator must be prepared to meet these situations with temporary measures until the abnormal condition
The goal for VCM overexposure to employees
M ZERO11. This is accom
plished by operating the equipment as designed, prompt attention give
to leaks per continuous monitor sensors and follow up work orders for
taintenance guidelines will also be kept.
overexposure, all governmental
Safety takes second place to no plant activity. The safety of the
plant personnel and equipment is to be carefully considered before any job is started. The Conoco safety slogan is "Our work is never so
urgent or important that we cannot take time to do it safely". Safety on the job must be our first and most Important consideration. When we do a good job of planning our work with safety in mind, we are less likely to suffer injury or cause an accident. This allows us to meet
our plant goal of employees going home unhurt.
i ii i '-pip--
VCM Unloading Operating Manual Page 3 I INTRODUCTION (Cont.
B. General Process Description
VCM tankcars are brought into the plant from various VCM plants through-
from Conoco*s VCM
VCM that comes into this plant comes VCM
comes from PPG in Lake Charles
Kentucky* Uniroyal in Geismar* Louisiana, or from
Plaquemine. ,000 gallons
VCM Tankcar typically holds 175.000 pounds of VCM VCM
car's gross weight is less than 255.000 pounds, the car must be reweighed
and spotted on the west track until billing weights are verified. This
has
The
cars are shipped to Aberdeen and stored on the Monroe lead until they are
brought into the plant. Only the Monroe lead or new VCM spur can be used
to store VCM railcars. This is a safety precaution so that all the VCM
cars are kept in one general area. The railroad crew is responsible for
bringing the VCM cars into the plant and "spotting" them at the VCM
transfer stations that are on the platform at the VCM tank farm. This is
usually done once per day except on weekends or holidays. A nmTlmim of
farm The tank farm has platform is located between
each
that
0
These are referred to by name
1. Spot No. 2. Spot
from
Spot No 7, Spot No 8. and Spot No 9 from south
platform)
10 (west side of plat-
are the two north locations for "spotting" tankcars
Once Potted", it is the yard department's responsibility to unload the VCM
jj : il i-j i- *
I V , ................ 11 h.| . ..Li
...LiL. H ,, .N.
ii.H!
\i tf rr.'ki'rt^'An ' p'"1 IH' |T rt i' ''IM ftYj*-!IP'ffrt'li .Iva l,UHlkpn*J-.bJLjr--*'-.- H . KMfJl
VCM Unloading Operating Manual Page 4 I. INTRODUCTION (Cont.)
B. General Process Description (Cont.) into T-601 which is commonly called the "sphere". This is done using the five Corken compressors at the tank farm. They are commonly referred to as Compressor No. 1, Compressor No. 2, Compressor No.3, Compressor No. 4, and Compressor No. 5 from north to south, respectively. Compressors No. 3 and No. 5 combined have about the same capacity as either Compressor No. 1, No. 2, or No. 4. The tankcars are connected to the compressor piping and the sphere piping with flexible hoses. The compressors pull vapor from the top of the sphere and compress it into the tankcars, forcing liquid out of the cars through a stand pipe, into the bottom of the sphere.
Each tankcar has three valved connections in the dome of the car (two
liquid lines and one vapor line) The
The
and points toward the side of the car. Refer to the photograph in the
Appendix. Only one liquid line is usually hooked up on a car because
car does not unload significantly faster with two lines and it takes
longer
Both liquid lines have to be hooked up on
some type of cars (ACFX and PPGX cars) because the excess
lower rates than our normal unloading rate of 65-95 gpm
The operator can tell when all the liquid has been unloaded from
watching
When
tA.
bas been emptied, the 4-way valves on the compressor are reversed such
that the compressor evacuates vapor from the car and discharges it into *
the top of the sphere. When the specified amount of vapor is removed
from the tankcar, the compressors are shut down and the transfer lines
T
A Unloading Operating Manual ze 5
r**^TRODUCTION (Cont.) B. General Process Description (Cont.) are evacuated. This must be done because of EPA (Environmental Protec tion Agency) regulations concerning the release of VCM vapor to the atmosphere. Then the transfer line can be unhooked and the cars are sent back to the respective VCM plant for reloading.
*
All outbound VCM cars are to be weighed. Cars containing a heel greater than 600 pounds should be set aside for additional unloading. The plant
4
can lose considerable amounts of VCM on heavy outbound cars* which can drastically Impact on our plant's cost effectiveness.
There is a big difference in winter and summer operation of the tank farm. The primary reason is probably because the.vessels are uninsulated
*
and the transfer lines are lengthy and are exposed to ambient tempera tures along their entire run. The vapor pressure drops in the vessels and the tankcars as the temperature drops, making it harder to unload in cold weather because there is less VCM pressure to move the liquid through the pipes. Thus, unloading conditions can also vary from day to night and when rapid changes in weather occur.
During the summer, eight tankcars can be hooked up at one time and unloaded with four or five compressors. Also, the tankcars will usually 8tart unloading as soon as the valves on the liquid lines are opened. During winter conditions (ambient temperature approximately 40F or
it is harder to start the VCM liquid unloading and only four tankcars can be unloaded at a time, with four or five compressors. ^ wather gets extremely cold, it may take four compressors to unload only two or even one car, but this has not happened since the
CM Unloading Operating Manual age 6
/~*NTRODPCTION (Cont.) B. General Process Description (Cont.) system has been revised and vapor from the sphere Is used. The volume of VCM kept In the sphere Is usually large enough that sufficient vapor Is available for the compressors. When the bullets were used, there was not enough vapor available and the tankcars unloaded very, very slowly. If at all.
Other equipment at the tank farm Includes the bullets, T-201 (west) and T-202 (east). These are not used for unloading VCM, even though each one presently contains a small amount of liquid VCM. They are piped up to take Inerts from the recovered vinyl receivers If the incinerator should be down for an extended period of time.
' The transfer pumps on the bullets (Conoco Nos. 72-211 & 72-218) and the sphere (Conoco Nos. 72-217 & 72-270) are the responsibility of the vinyl department. The sphere transfer pumps send liquid VCM through a 4" line to the old and new reactor modules where It Is charged into reactors and made Into FVC. The bullet transfer pumps are not used at the present time.
The emission recovery system knockout pot is also located at the tank
p
farm, northwest of the compressor shed. The emission recovery system Is located in the vinyl department old reactor module and is designed to collect and contain miscellaneous VCM emissions. It runs continuously.
* The knockout pot Is connected to it via a 2" line that runs to the tank farm. A 15" Hg. vacuum should be maintained on this line at all times.
line is used to evacuate the VCM vapors from the transfer lines Prior to unhooking cars. The knockout pot is the responsibility of the
CM Unloading Operating Manual age 7
. ^INTRODUCTION (Cont.)
B. General Process Description (Cont.)
*
vinyl department, but the yard operator should be familiar with the
purpose of it.
The knockout pot collects VCM vents from the following:
a. Double Mechanical Seals on the sphere and bullets transfer pumps-
Used by vinyl to bleed VCM from the seals when maintenance is
required on the pumps.
b. Corken Compressor Packings- The pot recovers vapor that leaks through
the compressor packing into the distance piece. The vapor goes
through a rotameter on each compressor into the pot. The valve above
the rotameter should always be open when the compressor is running.
The knockout pot must always have a slightly positive pressure on it
or oil can be sucked out of the bottom of the compressors through the
packing around the piston rods. This is the reason for the back
pressure control valve on the knockout pot.
c. Corken Compressor Relief Valve Discharges-- The relief valve dis
charges are piped to the knockout pot through a locked open valve.
d. Corken Compressor Liquid Traps- Liquid caught in the traps is
drained to the knockout pot through the 1" Jamesbury valves on the
traps. Opening the 1" valve should let the liquid flow into the
knockout pot and then it is recovered to the emission recovery
system.
e. VCM Sphere and Bullet Recovery- The vessels can be recovered through
the knockout pot. A procedure will be given for this in the opera
ting procedures section.
f. Sphere Liquid Lines Relief Valve Discharges- The three liquid lines
VCM Unloading Operating Manual
Page 8
INTRODUCTION (Cont.
B. General Process Description (Cont.)
under the sphere have relief valves that discharge into a 1" line
that goes to the knockout
The
compressor shed is locked open. The line runs into the header at the
west side of the knockout pot, where the main 2" valve is also looked
open
S Compressor
- This relief
valve is piped up to the compressor relief valve header through a
locked open valve.
h. This knockout equipped with a relief valve whose discharge is piped through a
locked open valve into the compressor relief valve header. The
compressor relief valve header is connected to the emission recovery system knockout pot.
i. VCM Recycle Pump Relief Valve Discharge- The VCM recycle pump locate
below the liquid line knockout not is eauinned with a relief valve
compressor
A second knockout pot, called the vapor line knockout pot, is located
just north of the emission recovery system knockout pot. The purpose of the vapor line knockout pot is to collect liquid VCM that may have
collected in the main vapor line and prevent this liquid from sluggin
. A VCM recycle pump is located below this knockout n
two level switches
The pump
CM Unloading Operating Manual age 9
INTRODUCTION (Cont.)
B. General Process Deacription (Cont.)
Complete and accurate records must be kept on VCM unloading. These
are necessary for accounting purposes and for communication between
shifts. A VCM Unloading Card must be filled out and turned in to the
accounting group for' each car unloaded. Records are also kept
in the yard scale-house on which cars were unloaded, when they
started, when they were put on vapor, and when they were unhooked.
A valve setup checklist also must be filled out by the yard opera
tor when hooking up cars and starting unloading. Copies are to be
kept on file by the yard supervisor. A copy of the checklist is
included in the Appendix. Also included is a copy of the empty
outbound VCM tank car inspection report.
_
1
The automatic valves under the sphere are tested every Wednesday
morning. The checklist used to record the results of this testing
is shown in the Appendix. Copies of this checklist are to be kept
on file by the yard supervisor. This testing must be coordinated
with the vinyl panel operators so that the valves are not closed
during VCM transfer to the reactor units. This should be coordinated
by using the radios.
{ Unloading Operating Manual
10
/'"DERATING PROCEDURES
A. Railcar Hooku
VCM
each car by connecting transfer hoses to it. Vapor can then be trans
ported into the car
VCM
the summer two cars can be hooked up at each transfer station for
In
unloading. During winter operation or when a rapid change in the
*- * b
weather is anticipated during unloading, only one car can be unloaded
from each transfer station.
Fresh air masks must be worn under the compressor shed, while opening or closing the railcar dome, or while connecting and disconnecting the transfer hoses. Gloves must be worn while handling the nipples and the transfer hoses. VCM cars are not to be hooked up during an electrical storm. Equipment Required 1. Fresh Air Mask 2. 1 1/2" Teflon Tape 3. 0-rings for Weco fittings (if needed) 4. Gloves Procedure 1. Get a fresh air mask and a roll of 1 1/2" Teflon tape, from the yard
scale house. Also get "0" rings that are needed to replace the ones at the tank farm. Inspect the "0" rings individually for cracks and nicks. Do Not Use Defective "0" Rings.
VCM Unloading Operating Hanual page 11
II OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont. A. Railcar Hookup (Cont.)
Procedure (ont.)
Raise
roadway* This flag states "Stop! Tankcar Connected." This
procedure is necessary to isolate the eight unloading stations and
notify railroad personnel that VCM unloading is taking place.
3. located This
railcars from entering the tank farm area when unloading is taking
place.
4. Visually check the valves under the sphere to make sure they are set
up for unloading. The 4" valve on the vapor line and the 6" valve
under the sphere on the liquid line to the sphere must be open (both
valves are actuated valves).
Record the sphere level on the checklist (see checklist in Appen
dix). Turn the handle on the gauge to move
reading. If the tape does not bounce, noti
e yard supervisor.
The maximum
To unload 4 tankcars
the level must be below 32 feet - 3 inches (27 feet - 0 inches for
8 tankcar8).
Check the
chocks and handbrake and ground the railcar. Make
sure that the chocks are in good condition and are against the rail-
car wheels. Manually check the handbrake to make sure it is tight.
good working condition, ing the grounding clamp
intact ground
of the ladder. This prevents static accumulation during unloading
A
VCK Unloading Operating Manual page 12
II. OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) A. Railcar Hookup (Cont.) Procedure (Cont.)
6. (Continued)
and eliminates dangerous sparking which could ignite any VCM leaks.
+
It also prevents loss of the ground clamp if it is left connected
+
during switching.
r*
Should one of the grounding damps or cables be damaged* use the backup cable located on the south liquid boom arms at each spot except Spots No. 4 and No. 9 which have no backup cables.
7. Drain the water from the breathing air filter if necessary. (The filter is located between the rail tracks)
8. Climb the stairs to the unloading platform. If the stairs are wet
or icy, be especially careful. Always be sure to use the handrail. 9. Go to the station you want to unload from, loosen the locks on the
walkramp, and use your foot to push the ramp onto the car dome.
The ramp will not operate if it is not in the middle of the
platform opening. Adjust the height and length of the ramp and lock the ramp into place. Watch for pinch points when positioning the ramp and do not put any unnecessary strain on your back. 10. Unlatch the vapor and liquid line(s) and swing each line over the
railcar dome area. Be careful not to let the lines swing back and catch your arm or hands. (The vapor line is the Ug" line). 11. Remove the nipples from the holders and peel off the old Teflon
tape. Inspect the threads and retape them with new tape up to 2M from the end of the threads. If the threads are worn, write a work
r
L
order to replace the old nipples with new ones.
A
VAB.0001
VCM Unloading Operating Manual
Page 13
A
^ OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) A. Railcar Hookup (Cont.) Procedure (Cont.) 12. Remove the pipewrench from the holder and fasten it on one nipple. Then carry the pipewrench and nipples to the dome area of the car. Be careful not to drop the nipple and damage the threads. 13. Put on the fresh air mask and tighten it. Test the face seal by blocking the hose with one hand while trying to breathe in. If it leaks, adjust the straps or facepiece. Make sure you have a good face seal. 14. Purge the air line of any water that may be in the line. Connect the fresh air mask to the fresh air hose that is on the transfer line booms. 15. Break the domelld seal with the pipewrench and slide the latching bar so that the lid can be raised. Open the domelld and push it all the way back so that it cannot dose. Be careful to use proper lifting procedures when raising the lid. 16. Visually check inside the dome area for leaks. Leaks will be indicated by condensation or Icing around the valves and fittings. Check the plugs and caps and attached chains - If any are missing, note on the checklist. 17. Test the valves to make sure they are closed by pushing the valve handles against the closed stop. *8. Select the correct size wrench to fit the railcar valve plugs and remove the plugs. Be alert to the fact that the wrench could slip and trap your hand or fingers against the dome. Also do not stand in the direction of the valve opening in case a valve is leaking and VCM spews out.
w
VAB.0001
VCM Unloading Operating Manual Page 14
4
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) A. Railcar Hookup (Cont.)
Procedure (Cont.) 19. Push the port hole covers aside and screw the nipples into the
valve opening until they are hand tight. Then tighten the nipples with the pipewrench. Be careful not to let the wrench slip. The nipples must be very tight or they will leak. Double check them after installing. i Close the vacuum breaking valves on the end of the transfer line booms. Make sure they are fully closed so that VCM will not leak to the atmosphere. Unhook the flexlines and or Weco fittings from the holders on the booms. Be careful to minimize bending and twisting the flexlines during hookup. Excessive bending of the flexlines causes early failure of the lines. Visually inspect the flexlines for small holes or extremely worn areas of the armored weave. If a flexline is punctured, badly twisted or damaged, or in your judgment has a likely potential for failure during operation, contact maintenance and have the hose replaced. Inspect the "0n rings individually and install them in the slots. The "0" ring must be evenly seated to prevent leaks. "0" rings with cuts or nicks should be discarded. Press the Weco union attached to the flex hose against the nipple inserted in the railcar. Check the alignment of the "O" rings to make sure there is a good seal. "0" rings that are pinched or crooked will cause leaks. Completely tighten the Weco hammerlock to prevent leakage.
A
VCM Unloading Operating Manual
Page 15
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cent A, Railcar Hookup (Cont.)
Procedure (Cont.) 24. Check to make sure that the valve on the transfer line closest to
the railcar dome is closed (it should be closed from the previous unhooking) Slowly pull the handle of each railcar valve up to open it. Opening the valves too fast can cause an undesirable surge of pressure. Check for leaks around each coupling and vacuum breaking valve as the railcar valves are opened. 25. Slowly open the liquid valve(s) on the end of the booms. Then open the vapor valve at the end of the boom. Make sure that the valves are fully opened or flow will be restricted. Recheck the valves on each transfer line*to make sure they are open. The railcar dome valve and both tranfer line valves must be open. The vacuum breaking valve must be closed. Initial the checklist to show that the valves are open. 27. Inspect the flex hose for leaks. Contact maintenance to replace any leaking flex hoses. (Note: The line must be disconnected using proper procedures prior to replacing. The procedure is on page 24 - "Unhooking Railcars"). 28. Disconnect the fresh air mask and check the pressure gauges at the platform on the vapor and liquid lines and make sure th4 at they are showing pressure. Lack of pressure may indicate a leak, a plug or a closed valve. 29. Hookup additional railcars using steps 9 - 27.
,Jl*-,4.i A
'- 1 <' --"-il
VCM Unloading Operating Manual page 16
i.
i 'r.
u . . fcu'lL.+ .'.I.-ti.I.i'. ...-: ' !.- i -L.fc:' i-.J
i.|..'i'^i,'j' V. I
V. I' '
J
Ml
. k.^i ....< -r ...............................>*.**- {.*t\
ll*.'
J J Hh. ; i i.ti
n.. 1
' .V. I
A
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) B. Unloading Railcars
After the VCM cars at the tank farm are hooked up, the cars are unload* ed using the Corken compressors. The compressors take vapor from the top of the sphere and compress it into the tank cars, forcing the liquid in the cars to flow into the bottom of the sphere. It usually takes 4*6 hours to unload the liquid VCM from a tankcar.
It is very important for the valves on the compressors to be set up correctly or the compressor will dead*head. Running the compressors in a dead--headed condition will raise the compressors' relief valves and force VCM into the emission recovery knockout pot T-201. A pressure switch on T-201 will shut down all compressors if the pressure in the pot reaches 70 psig. Equipment Required 1. Fresh Air Mask. Procedure 1* After hooking up the cars, carefully come down the stairs from the
unloading platform, using the handrails. Check the valves that are between the railroad tracks going to each unloading station, which is to be used for unloading cars. All the valves should normally be open. Initial the checklist if the valves are open. If any of the Valves are closed, do not startup any compressors going to that unloading station. 2. Go to the compressor shed and put on the fresh air mask, check for face seal, and connect it to the fresh air hose.
............................................................................................................................................................................".............. I I wmrnmmmm
VAB.0001
Unloading Operating Manual
17
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
a. Unloading Railcars (Cont
Procedure (Cont.>
3. Open the main liquid valve on the west side of the compressor
shed on the sphere liquid line (it should have been closed prior
to unhooking previous cars). Initial the checklist appropriately after opening the valve.
4. from
compressor
the valves near the ground, through the sight glasses, across the
compressor shed, and through the valves above the, liquid header on
the west side of the shed. All valves must be open from each spot
being unloaded from. During summer operations, flow may be
observed in the sight glass after opening the main liquid valve.
This is due to the vapor pressure in the car forcing liquid to
start unloading. Initial the checklist after nmiHpg sure that the
valves are open (Checklist Item: Valves Under Sight Glasses, etc.). 5. main
the sphere vapor line (it should have been closed prior to unhook--
ing previous cars). Initial the checklist appropriately after
opening the valve.
4
6. Open the vapor line knockout pot inlet and outlet valves to allow
knockout
These valves are located
main
Close the vapor header block valve
between the knockout
7. Visually trace the vapor lines going from the sphere vapor line,
through the manual valves to the 4--way valve on each compressor.
The manual valve must be open for each compressor that will be run
Unloading Operating Manual 18
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
Unloading Railcars (Cont.)
Procedure (Cont.)
Initial the checklist after checking the vapor valve for each com
pressor
VCM in the vapor line knockout pot by observing
the sight glass located on the east side of the pot. The level
**
should be below the pot's high level switch before unloading is started
The level in the not is autc
switches
instruments malfunction
the high level switch, notify the yard supervisor and proceed to drain
the pot manually. Do this by placing the VCM recycle pump switch in the
"hand" position. This switch is located on a panel on the south side
of the knockout pot. The recycle pump will pump the contents of the
pot to the sphere. When the level in the pot has lowered to the low
level switch, place the pump switch back in the "auto" position.
Turn the handle of each 4-way valve so that the handle is in the
vertical position. This sets up the compressor to pull from the
sphere and discharge into the tank cars. (NOTE: The handles can be
Installed in the opposite direction. If maintenance works on a 4-way
valve, check the arrows on the valve and make sure the flow is from
the sphere to the tankcars when the valve handle is vertical. This must
be checked before signing off the work order.)
Check the suction pressure of each compressor. It should read the same
as the sphere pressure. If the pressure is 0 pslg, the liquid trap may be full of liquid which closes the high level shutoff valve in the trap
and will not allow any flow to the compressor. The trap can be drained
CM Unloading Operating Manual age 19
I. OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) --V B. Unloading Railcars (Con.t)
Procedure (Cont.)
by opening the Jamesbury valve that goes to the emission recovery
knockout pot by the compressor shed. When the liquid is drained off,
the pressure will rise on the suction (as the shutoff valve opens)
*
When this occurs, close the Jamesbury valve.
11. When the suction of each compressor is set up correctly, visually
trace the vapor discharge lines for each compressor. When all of the
w
compressors are to be run. Compressors No. 3 and No. 5 should dis-
charge to the No. 3 transfer station. Compressor No. 2 should dis
charge to No. 2 transfer station. Compressor No. 4 should discharge
a
to the No. 4 transfer station, and Compressor No. 1 should discharge *
to the No. 1 transfer station. When one or more compressors are not
to be run, or if fewer than four railcars are to be unloaded, it is
best to setup the compressors on common discharge by opening the four
valves on the No. 5 compressor header. This allows all the compres
sors to be set up on one common header. Check the valves on the line
from the No. 5 compressor to made sure they are set up correctly and
be sure to check the jumper lines that connect the lines going to the
four spots. Finally, check the four vapor valves near the ground
n
going to the four transfer stations. The valve to each transfer
* station that is to be unloaded from must be open. Initial the
4.
checklist after making sure the appropriate valves are open. i
12. When all the lines have been traced for each compressor, push the
.V
| 8tart buttons for the compressors to be run.
j^-13. Check the oil pressure on each compressor. It must read between
10-20 psig.
4
VAB
VCM Unloading Operating Manual Page 20
XI. OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
B. Unloading Railcars (Cont.) Procedure (Cont.) 14. Check the discharge pressure on each compressor. If it is under 100 psig9 go to the sight glasses and watch for liquid flow. If the discharge pressure is above 110 psig, one of the valves between the compressor and the tank car is closed. Shut off the
i*
compressor and retrace the piping until the valve is opened. 15. Check for liquid flow to the sphere in all the sight glasses. Lack
of flow may indicate a closed valve between the tank car and the sphere. 16. Check to see that the Jamesbury valves on the compressor suction liquid traps are closed. 17. Take off the fresh air mask, disconnect it, and roll up the hose. 18. Record the identification numbers of the railcars being unloaded and log into log book.
VAB.0001
Unloading Operating Manual 21
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cent
C. Recovering Vapor from Railcars
When the liquid VCM has been unloaded from the VCM tank cars, the
Corken compressors are used to remove most of the remaining VCM vapor
from the car. The compressor is set up to take vapor from the tank car
and send it back to the sphere. The railcars are pulled down
problens
at the VCM plants, because the car may be below atmospheric pressure
and pull air into the car. If the cars are not recovered to less than
8 psig, we are charged for some of the VCM which is left in the car.
It normally takes 1-2 hours to recover vapor from the railcars.
Equipment Required
1. Fresh Air Mask.
Procedure
1. Go to the tank farm and check the sight glasses to make sure the
blown
NOTE: If one of the cars
blows out before the others, hook up and put on the fresh air mask
and open the four valves from the No. 5 compressor header (this
sets up all the compressors on one common header) Then close the
valve near the ground on the vapor transfer line at the east side
of the compressor shed for the transfer station which has blown
out. This will cause the cars that have not blown out to empty
faster. After the cars have blown out, be sure to reopen any
valves on the vapor transfer lines that were closed. If there are
2 cars hooked up on any of the transfer stations, both cars will
have to be checked to see if they have blown out. Use the follow
ing procedure: (Assume that railcar A and railcar B are hooked up
Unloading Operating Manual 22
OPERATXNG_PROCEDURES__^Cont.
C. Recovering Vapor From Railcars (Cont
Procedure (Cont.
on the same transfer station and that the sight glass for that transfer
station shows vapor flow).
dome
This
allows you to check the sight glass and see if the liquid has blown
out of railcar B.
B. Go to the sight glass and check for liquid blowing through the line
If liquid flow shows in the sight glass, railcar B has not blown
out. Finish unloading it by closing the vapor valve on railcar A.
C. When the sight glass shows that railcar B has blown out. go back to
the platform and open the liquid and vapor valve(s) on railcar A.
D. Next, close the liquid valve(s) on railcar B to make sure that rail-
car A has blown out.
E. Check the sight glass as in step B (Above). If liquid flow shows in
blown out and must
Close the vapor valve on railcar B.
F. When the sight glass shows that railcar A has blown out, re-open the
liquid and vapor valve(s) on railcar B.
+
G. After all the cars have blown out, reopen any valve that you closed
to check or unload the railcars. 2. Put on the fresh air mask, check for face seal, and connect it to the
fresh air hose.
UHdUhMi
lWWmMWwlp
-
'CM Unloading Operating Manual 'age 23
noire ATTNG PROCEDURES (Cont .I
c. Becovering Vapor from Railcars (Cont.)
p roeedure (Cont.) Open the our valves on the No. 5 compressor header so that all the compressors are on one comon header.
4. Reverse all the 4-way valves so that the handles are in the horizon
tal position. 5. Close all liquid line valves located beneath the sight
the ground level. compressor
sors are not dead headed (pressure should be 70-100 pslg) Take off the fresh air mask, disconnect it and roll up the
time
Unhookin When the VCM railcars at the tank farm
off by the low pressure switches. Before the cars can be unhooked, the amount of VCM vapor in the transfer hose must be reduced to 0.13 cubic feet of VCM vapor (at 20
10" Hg vacuum.
necting the
2. Gloves
VCH Unloading Operating Manual page 24
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
U. Unhooking Railcars (Cont.)
Procedure
1.
farm and climb the platform
Be especially
careful if the stairs are vet or icy and be sure to use the hand*
rail.
2 Check the pressure on each transfer station according to the gauges
4
on the platform. Make sure that the car(s) at each transfer station
have been pulled down to 6*8 osic.
has
at ion for that
platform station. Since 'the compressors are on one common
header, this will allow the other transfer statlon(s) to evacuate
faster. When all the transfer stations have been properly evacu
ated, reopen the valves on the transfer lines which you closed.
Climb down from the platform
t
mask
compressor
connect it to the fresh air hose.
Turn off the compressors.
main valve to the sphere that shed.
ain liquid on the west side of the compressor
the pressure gauge on the line to the emission recovery
(Gauge is at the southwest corner of compressor shed
must read at least 10" Hg vacuum. Open the four manual valve
ii t-
evacuate the transfer lines to the emission recovery system.
NOTE If there is not at least 10" Hg vacuum on the line, notify
room maintain at least 10" Hg vacuum
department
>t Unloading Operating Manual %e 25
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont
j. Unhooking Railcars (Con
Procedure (Cont.)
7 Immediately after opening the four manual evacuation valves, care-
platform
mask
air hose.
dome on each car that
was unloaded (you will have to unhook and reconnect the fresh air
mask at each station)
8 Open the actuated
emission recovery
by opening the switch at each transfer
any
correctly.)
9 When the pressure gauge at the transfer station reads 10" Hg vacuum
or less, put on the fresh air mask and close the valve on the trans*
fer line that is closest to the railcar dome. The pressure gauges
should be maintained in good working condition or be replaced. The
now
less, which complies with EPA regulations.
10 Open the V vacuum breaking valve at the end of the transfer
line boom.
11 Disconnect the Weco hammerlock coupling.
12 Inspect the 0 ring on the Weco coupling nipple. Discard it if it
has any nicks or cracks on it. Close the vacuum breaking valve. 13 Connect the transfer line to the boom and swing it out of the way. 14 Unscrew the nipples from the railcar valve onenine with the nine-
wrench. Remove them from the dome
*
5
A
VAB.
VCM Unloading Operating Manual
Page 26
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) D* Unhooking Railcars (Cont.)
Procedure (Cont *) Be careful not to let the plpewrench slip and trap your hands or fingers against the railcar.
15. Select the correct size wrench to fit the railcar valve plugs and screw them tightly Into the valve opening. Once again, do not let
h a
i
the wrench slip while tightening the plugs. All the plugs must be In place tight and have chain attached. 16. Put the nipples, plpewrench and wrench on the transfer station walk ramp and dose the railcar dome lid. Be careful not to let the lid trap your hands or fingers. Slide the latching bar shut to hold the lid closed. Seal lid and record the J.id seal number on the checklist 17. Unhook the fresh air mask and take the plpewrench, nipples, and wrench back to the main platform. Place them in the racks prov for them. Be careful not to drop the nipples or damage the threads. Turn off the switch to close the actuated transfer lines to the emission recovery system. 19. Latch the transfer line booms to the platform. Be careful not to let them pinch your arms or hands. Bo not bend or twist the flex lines excessively. This can cause early failure of the flexlines. 20. Loosen the locks on the walk ramp and pull it away from the tank car. Lock it after raising it into the vertical position. 21. Repeat steps 9--20 to unhook the other railcars.
A
;K
H I 1A:
,-t : i >
; ifa
\y'i vM
5
i i *>
*u:
VAB.00010
VCM Unloading Operating Manual page 27
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.
D. Unhooking Railcars (Cont.
Procedure (Cont.)
22. After unhooking all the railcars* climb down the steps from the
platform. Do Not leave the fresh air mask on the platform. Take
it back to the yard scale house with you and place it in the proper
receptacle for cleaning at the end of your shift.
23. Unhook the ground cable from the unloading station.
24. Turn the placards on the railcar over so that they read "Empty."
These placards must be present on both sides and both ends of each
car. The placards must be right side up and all must be in place
before car leaves the plant.
sample
attached in this manual.
25. manual valves on the 1" lines from the VCM
to the emission recovery header (under northeast corner of compres
sor shed). Also close the 2" emission recovery valve located over
head at the southwest corner of the compressor shed. These must be
manually blocked in to prevent air or VCM leaks into the emission i
recovery system and to prevent VCM leakage through the automatic
valves during railcar unloading.
Lower the blue flag to show that tank cars are no longer connected.
Disengage the derailer located south of the roadway.
Go to the sphere and record the level. Record this level and other
information about unhooking the
in the logbooks in the yard
scalehouse.
A
VAB.0001
t
oading Operating Manual
ATING PROCEDURES (Cont.
Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures
This section describes various problems that occasionally occur in con
uitli the C.nrVen eoffloresfiors and unloadins the VCM tank cars.
The standard operating procedure for solving each problem is given after
problem
Normal rules concerning situations
masks must
worn under the compressor shed.
1 Liquid in the Compressor Suction The symptoms of this problem and the solution are given in the
operating procedures on unloading railcars, step No. 8.
2 High Pressure on the Sphere or Bullets (or Evacuation)
Occasionally, the pressure on the bullets or the, sphere needs to be
/
reduced. This can be done by opening the appropriate valves and
letting the emission recovery system pull on the vessel(s).
A. To pull vapor from the sphere:
compressor
shed that are on the sphere vapor line.
b. Open the main 4n valve on the sphere vapor line.
c. Open the valve on the bullets vapor line that connects to
the sphere vapor line.
d. Open the 2" valve on the line that connects the bullets
vapor line to the emission recovery knockout pot at the
northwest comer of the compressor shed. This is the same
line that the compressor relief valves discharge into.
The knockout pot is set up to relieve any pressure over
3 pslg to the emission recovery system.
VCM Unloading Operating Manual page 29
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
E. Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures (Cont.)
2. High Pressure on the Sphere or Bullets (or Evacuation) (Cont)
B. To pull vapor from the bullets:
a. Open the valves at the bullets on the line that goes to
the sphere vapor line from the bullets.
b. Follow step (d) in the procedure for pulling vapor from the sphere.
C. To evacuate the sphere or bullets:
attempting this procedure. However
must
should be utilized.
Follow the above procedure for pulling vapor from priate vessel.
b. Close the manual 2" valve on the line from the Corken com
pressor distance pieces to the emission recovery knockout pot This will prevent the oil from
compressors when the knockout pot is pulled to below atmos pheric pressure.
c. Open the bypass valve for the pressure control valve that
is south of the knockout pot. This
below
ing piping.
3. Evacuatin
ressor for Maintenance
Before taking a compressor down for maintenance, the lines to and
from the compressor must be isolated and the VCM vapors removed
.y
(down to below 0 psig) This can be done by using the emission
recovery system. When using the emission recovery system.
imumpH i'
Vi
CK Unloading Operating Manual age 30
OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.) E. Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures (Cont.)
3. Evacuating a Compressor for Maintenance (Cont.) Compressor No. 5 must be evacuated by a different procedure than the other compressors. a. Using the emission recovery system: NOTE: Not for Compressor No. 5.
Cl) Close the 3 valve coming off the sphere vapor line for the compressor to be evacuated. Tag the valve with a "Do Not Operate" tag.
(2) Close and tag the 3" valves on the east side of the compres sor shed that are on the transfer lines coming from the
a
compressor that is to be evacuated. The valves on the transfer line and the valve from Compressor No. 5 must be closed and tagged. (3) Close and tag the valve on the compressor liquid trap the valve above the rotameter. (A) Open the 1" manual valve that will evacuate the blocked off lines to the emission recovery system. (5) Open the actuated valve that evacuates the line to the ciDissioQ recovery system. On some of the valves this can be done by overriding the valve and blocking off the air. On the ones without overrides, block the air off on the valve to the liquid line (to keep it closed) and open the vapor
by using the switch at the transfer stations (on the
i
platform).
n<=
?CH unloading Operating Manual rge 31
\l. OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.)
E. Troub leshoot in 3. Evacuatin
Miscellaneous erating Procedres (Con Compressor for Maintenance (Cont
When the pressure reaches less than 0 psig on the compres-
V
manual
that goes to the emission recovery system. Be sure to ope
i? <*
the air valve for the actuated valve on the liquid line if
it was closed in step (5).
(7) Close the air to the actuated valve on the vapor line
and tag it. The compressor should now be ready for
maintenance. (Make sure maintnenace blinds all the lines
when working on a compressor)
b. Using the emission recovery system for Compressor No. 5: NOTE: One of the other compressors must also be evacuated because the emission recovery system valves tie in only to the four transfer lines dwonstream of the Compressor No. 3 block valve. (1) Same as step (1) in (a) above. (2) Close one of the 3M valves on the vapor station transfer lines at the east side of the compressor shed. Open the valve on that line from the Compressor No. 5. Leave the Compressor No. 5 block valve open. Close the 3" valve that comes off of the sphere vapor line on the west side of the compressor shed that will isolate the compressor that discharges to the transfer line which was blocked off.
Is (3) Same as step (3) in (a) above.
SB*!'
VCH Unloading Operating Manual page 32
Tj. OPERATING PROCEDURES (Cont.
Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures (Cont.
'l .
3. Evacuatin
Maintenance (Cont
(4) Same as step (4) in (a) above.
(5) Same as step (5) in (a) above.
(6) When the pressure reaches less than 0 psig on Compressor
No. 5, block off the Compressor No. 5 block valve on the
east side of the compressor shed and tag it.
(7) Close the actuated valve that was opened in step (5) and
reopen any air that was blocked off.
(8) Open the blocked in 3" valves on the east and west side
of the compressor shed that were closed in step (2)
Compressor No. 5 should now be ready for maintenance.
4. Lack of Liquid Flow in Sight Glass
Occasionally , there will be little or no liquid flow in one or
more of the liquid sight glasses after starting up the compres
sor, even though all the valves are open. This may be caused
by a lower pressure on one of the railcars, more pressure drop
in one of the lines due to length of pipe, or other reasons.
This problem only occurs occasionally and it usually happens in
only one of the transfer lines. If there is not a closed or
partially closed valve in the line, the problem usually corrects itself after 5-10 minutes. To speed up this process, use the following operating procedure.
* First, trace all the lines and check the valves going to and from the transfer station that is giving the problem.
Make sure that all the valves are fully open and that the
*
compressor discharge pressure is normal.
VAB.0001
Unloading Operating Manual
33
OPERATING PROCEDURES (CONT.) E. Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operating Procedures (Cont.)
4. Lack of Liquid Flow in Sight Glass (Cont.) b. After making sure that all valves are open and pressures are normal, open the valves on the No. 5 compressor header to put all compressors on a common header (if these were not already open) c. Close the vapor transfer valve on the lines of one or more of the cars which are flowing normally. This will put
*
more flow to the transfer station that is having trouble. d. After establishing normal flow in the sight glass that was
giving problems (this usually takes only a minute or two), reopen the vapor transfer valves to the other transfer
i_
stations. Normal flow will usually be reestablished in the other transfer lines when the valves are reopened. e. Close any valves that you opened on the No. 3 compressor header. 5. Tank Car Excess Flow Valve Closing Occasionally, the excess flow valve on a tank car will close. This is caused when the flow in the line exceeds a set flow rate. This condition can be detected either when the liquid valves are opened and a pinging noise is heard at the dome of the car or when the compressors are started and there is no liquid flow in the sight glass and all valves are open. Usually there will be a pinging sound in the car dome when an excess flow valve shuts off. This - situation can be overcome by hooking up the other liquid line at the transfer station. If it is already hooked up, use one or a
F*
Unloading Operating Manual ige 34 . OPERATING PROCEDURE (Cont.)
. Troubleshooting and Miscellaneous Operatl 5. Tank Car Excess Flow Valve combination of the following procedures: a. Partially close the liquid valves on the dome of the car. This will slow down the flow and should reseat the valve. If this reseats valve, reopen all partically closed valves. b. Turn off the compressor and let the car unload itself for a period, then reopen all valves partially closed and restart the compressors. This can usually be done only in summer condi tions. NOTE: If the excess flow valves shut in a car that has both liquid lines hooked up, this indicates that the valve is probably faulty. The car number should be noted so that it can
h
be shopped after unloading. On ACFX and PPGX cars, the excess flow rates are set at a lower flow rate than on most UTLX, RTMX, and NATX cars. For the ACFX and PPGX cars, the liquid lines should always be hooked up to each car. 6* Evacuating The VCM Vapor Line Knockout Pot and Recycle Pump For Maintenance Before taking the knockout pot and recyclye pump down for main tenance; the pot, pump, and related piping must be isolated and the VCM vapors removed (down to below 0 psig). This will be done by using the emission recovery system. a. Close the 4" inlet and outlet valves to the knockout pot. Tag these valves with "Do Not Operate" tags, b. Close and tag the recycle pumps1s IV* discharge and recir culation valves.
nloading Operating Manual 35
ATING PROCEDURE (Cont.)
6. Evacuating the VCM Vapor Line Knockout Pot and Recycle Pump For Maintenance (Cont.) c. Open the 2" manual valve that will evacuate the knockout pot and pump to the emission recovery system. d. When the pressure in the knockout pot and on the pump reaches less than 0 psig, close the 2" valve to the emission recovery system. The knockout pot and pump should now he ready for maintenance.
Unloading Operating Manual 36
/--EQUIPMENT INDEX
A. T-601 (Sphere) - Conoco No. 93-001
Purpose
VCM storage tank which holds fresh VCM railcars for use in the reactor units.
Description
Spherical tank, mounted on 9 columns, 541 - 9" diameter, 57* overall height, with capacity of 640,594 gallons, carbon steel construction, built in 1975.
Normal Operating Conditions
Ambient
Design Conditions: 125F and full vacuum to 100 psig
Relief Settings
Rupture discs (2) Safety valves (2)
100 psi @72F 100 psi.
B. Bullets: T--201 (West) and T-202 (East) -- Conoco Nos. 89-201 & 89-202
Purpose
Spare VCM storage tanks to hold fresh VCM from
railcars for the reactor units or to store inerts
from RVCM receivers if incinerator goes down.
Description
Horizontal-mounted, 80* straight wall length, 10' - 10V diameter, with approximate capacity of 61,450 gallons, carbon steel construction, built in 1962.
Normal Operating Conditions
Presently kept at ambient temperature and approx imately 0-20 psig.
Design Conditions: 250 psig maximum allowable working pressure.
Relief Settings
Rupture discs (2 per vessel) Safety valves (2 per vessel)
136 psi @72F 150 psi.
Corken C
ressors No. 1, No. 2, and No. 4)
Purpose
Unloading and evacuation of VCM tankcars.
Description
RPM vapor com-
al Operating Conditions
/^Relief Settings
Rated for 60 1CFM at 825 RPM, 295 psig maximum die charge pressure.
North - Cannot read tag, 250 psi when purchased South - 225 psi.
V
Unloading Operating Manual 37
/EQUIPMENT INDEX (Cont.)
D. Little Corken C
Purpose
Unloading and evacuation of VCM tankcars.
Description
Corken Model D490, 2-cylinder, 825 RPM vapor compressor.
Normal Operating Conditions
Rated for 35.5 ICFM at 825 RPM, 295 may-tumm discharge pressure.
Relief Settings
North - No tag, 250 psi when purchased. South - 250 psi.
E. Sphere Transfer Pumps (North and South)
Purpose
VCM liquid from fresh VCM recel'
Description
Centrifugal type, Duriron A50, 3 x 1% - 10, 3500 RPM.
Normal Operating Conditions
Rated for 150 6PM
F. Bullet8 Transfer Pumi (East and West
Purpose
To transfer VCM liquid. Presently not in use
Description
ifugal type, Duriron A50 RPM.
- 10,
Normal Operating Conditions
Rated for 150 GPM at 252" of differential head
G. Emission
System Knockout Pot (T-201) - Conoco No. 45-305
Purpose
To collect miscellaneous VCM emissions.
Description
Vertical-mounted, four-foot straight wall height, eight-foot overall height, four-foot diameter with an approximate capacity of 470 gallons.
Normal Operating Conditions
Ambient temperature and 3 psig
Design Conditions: 150 psi at 366F.
Relief Settings
Rupture disc Safety valve
150 psi @ 72F 150 psi.
t-
VCM Unloading Operating Manual page 38
I- I ' l-H If -*-TT
t-i ,, .+^11-^^ - .HtM.jr. .J
Pm.I-T--.. J( 'lr II. :'Hi
^ipiar.4 '-I n/prt't-
1
A
* I EQUIPMENT INDEX (Cont.)
R. VCM Knockout Pot (T-202) - Conoco No. 45-061
Purpose
To remove liquid VCM from the vapor line and
prevent liquid slugging of the compressors.
ti
fer
Description
Vertically mounted on supports 6 feet above grade,
5-foot straight wall height, 2 5-foot diameter. I with capacity of 150 gallons.
Normal Operating Conditions
+r
Design Conditions:
70P and P^-8 150 psig @ 200F
Relief Valve Setting
150 psl
VCM Recycle Pump (P-250)
Purpose
Removal of knockout pot contents to sphere.
Description
CMP model #3 x 1*5 x 5, canned centrifugal pump 3 HP driver.
Normal Operating Conditions
10 GPM @ 58 feet of differential head
Relief Valve Setting
170 psi.
ressor Low
Swit che s
Purpose
To shut off compressors at the end of vapor recovery from railcars.
Description
Static-O-Ring diaphragm type.
Set Point
6 psig decreasing.
or Line Knockout Pot Level Switches - High and Low
pjc. Purpose
To start and stop VCM recycle pump as liquid VCM collects in the knockout pot.
Description
Robertshaw switches.
I-:: I
F
. ' ' fr .V.!
I -a-i <rs r
' x " ^ \ASl
I
.rtiyfc'hf-: .f
!
wrw-
r
akmHh
rtf
i
m
fir
m
I r:mrpms4r->&|F
l!
\M
S f&ifi
it
a
m
VAB.000
Id :}r*
Sri it
VCM Unloading Operating Manual
Page 39
tv-- SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS A. Continuous Flow Fresh Air System In order to provide personnel protection* a continuous flow fresh air system has been installed* This system consists of personnel fresh air masks and a constant flow breathing air supply. The supply lines are piped to various locations around the VCM tank farm. The indiviual hookup stations consist of quick connect/disconnect--type fittings.
The individual line to the area is designed to allow a minimum flow of
*
6 SCFM to each mask at approximately 10-15 psig. An air pressure regu lator* shutoff valve* and an air filter are provided at the piping header to the area.
Fresh Air masks are required to be worn during the following tasks
1. Opening railcar dome lids* hooking up or disconnecting VCM tankcars.
2. Any time you enter the tank farm compressor shed, whether the
compressors are running or not. 3 Whenever performing leak detection operations where the VCM
centration is expected to exceed 10 ppm. 4 Entering any vessel that normally contains VCM 5
contained VCM.
has
masks are stored in the yard scalehouse. After using
the mask* it should be properly disposed of by placing it in the used
mask
masks
platform at the tank farm
VAB.O
m
Unloading Operating Manual AO
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS (Cont.) B. VCM Canister Masks
VCM Canister Masks may be used under the following conditions: 1. Working in a contaminated area of less than 10 ppm VCM for
up to 10 hours. NOTE: If the HNU monitor reads greater than 10 ppm VCM, a fresh air mask must be used. 2. Performing leak detection operations when Honeywell units are
W
indicating between 1 and 10 ppm VCM. 3. Escape from an area of high concentration of VCM to obtain a
Scott Air Pack.
C. Scott Air Packs Scott Air Packs are self-contained breathing equipment and must be worn when entering concentrations of VCM which are above 1000 ppm or in unknown concentrations. Scott Air packs are located south of the sphere near the electrical breaker switches and north of the compressor shed.
D. Firewater System The firewater system consists of a deluge system on the bullets and compressor shed, a 611 weir to the top of the sphere, and fire monitors. All firewater to the tank farm deluge systems and monitors is supplied by the six diesel operated fire pumps from the firepond and Number 5 waste water pond. Process water can be used in fire fighting by hook ing hoses to the fire hydrant south of the tankfarm in the MCC area. 1 ^FirMe MUoniMtors # There are four fire monitors located around the diked area at VCM tank farm. Three of these are kept pointed toward the bottom of the sphere with the manual valve to them open. Water can
i Unloading Operating Manual ze 41
r^AFETY EQUIPMENT AMP SYSTEMS (Cont.)
D. Fire Systems (Cont.) 1. Fire Monitors (Cont.)
farm monitor switch the module charge panel in the vinly control room. Opening this
switch operates a pressure switch that automatically turns on the fire pumps. A manual backup switch is located south of the antier
at the tank farm. The monitors should be used to lower VCM concen
trations in the area in the event of a VCM leak or to help put out fires. (A manual bottle back up system can also ha used tn nr this fire monitor supply valve.) 2. 6" Weir To Top of Sphere
Water can be sent to the top of the sphere by activating a switch
room
manual
backup switch is located south of the sphere at the tank farm.
Thermal sensors under the sphere can also activate the system and
send water through the weir. Water through the weir is rated at
3000 gpm. The primary purpose of the weir is to suppl
cooling the sphere in the event of a fire in the area.
manual
bottle backup system can also be used to open this weir supply
valve.)
3. Deluge System
sprinklers
compressor
This
a switch on the old module charge panel in the vinyl control room
The valve must be manually reset at the concrete basin north of tl
bullets. A manually activated trip is located at the basin.
VCM Unloading Operating Manual page *2
SAFETY EQUIPMENT AMD SYSTEMS (Cont.) D. Firewater System (Cont.
3. Deluge System (Cont.) compressor
set off the deluge system. The deluge system is designed to lower VCM concentrations in the bullets and compressor shed area, to cool the bullets in the event of fire in the area, and help put out
.*
fires. Because of the dikes around the sphere and bullets, fire water should be used judiciously in the area. The dikes are designed to contain any VCM spill from the vessesl. The VCM will float on water, and if the dikes are overfilled liquid VCM will be allowed to escape from the area, enlarging the hazard. The dikes can be drained with post-indicator valves on the west side of the dikes. If a dike is drained, make sure that the drain is closed after draining. The valves are to be checked daily. The person draining the dike should stay In the area and close the valve when draining is completed. The four actuated valves on the sphere inside the dike can be closed from the old module charge panel in the vinyl control room or from switches outside of the dike, south of the sphere. (These are the valves that are tested every Wednes day - See Appendix B for checklist) E. Fixed Point VCM Monitor A fixed point VCM monitor is used to detect VCM and record the VCM concentration at various locations at the VCM tank farm. The recorder and alarm annunciator are located in the vinyl control room. The vinyl panel operators will inform the yard operator of any high readings at the VCM tank farm.
Unloading Operating Manual e 43
"TIPMENT ENTRY PROCEDURE
a
EPA standards for VCM emissions and OSHA regulations on personnel exposure to VCM require that certain operating procedures be followed when there is the possibility of VCM emission to the atmosphere or personnel exposure to VCM* For this reason and to ensure safe working conditions at all times, the "Engineering and Work Practice Control Program for the Reduction of Employee Exposure to Vinyl Chloride" manual should be consulted whenever equipment in the VCM tank farm is opened for any reason. This manual contains a list of detailed procedures as well as safety precautions for equipment opening.
VAB.0001019583
-i
A. VALVE SETUP CHECKLIST FOR UNLOADING VCM
pit.VES THAT MUST BE CLOSED FOR UNLOADING:
1. 4-1" manual valves on evacuations lines, east side of the compressor shed.
2. Main 2" overhead manual valves on evacuation line, southwest corner of compressor shed.
gtLVES THAT MUST BE OPENED FOR UNLOADING;
1. Main liquid valve to sphere 2. Main vapor valve from sphere
Located Under Sphere
3. Check sphere level
Inches.
4. Both valves on liquid and vapor lines hooked to car.
5. Valves inside car dome for vapor and liquid.
6. Vapor and liquid going to stations between railroad track
7 Vapor and liquid valves under sight glasses on each station being unloaded from.
*'
8 Sphere liquid and vapor valve on main headers on west side of compressor shed.
9. 4-way valves on each compressor being used must be in vertical position (handle).
Vapor line knockout pot inlet and outlet valves on west side of compressor shed.
THAT MUST BE OPENED FOR RECOVERING VAPOR FROM RAILCAR:
Same as above except 4-way valves on compressor being used in horizontal position (handle)
TO CHECK FOR UNLOADING:
Pressure gauages on compressors:
a. Inlet Side -- 20 to 50 pounds. If 0, compressor is full of liquid. b. Outlet Side -- 60 to 110 pounds. If over 120, compressor is dead headed
Sight glasses on liquid lines (flow of liquid).
Jamesbury valves on knockout pots closed to evacuation system.
Mo valve mentioned above partially closed.
Liquid VCM avove the low level switch in the vapor line knockout pot.
NUMBERS BEING UNLOADED:
A
I . i ^ toJLE:f!l is' '*' ''t. | "S l^s jR.- - -* 1r -| VJT
m
M J V'UI .wilt. 2 :4r!'
l fij I`U3!
iv
mI 1 -liTI w !1
.t.Jjjt.;
Sr iar
la*
&
!;*> U'
VAB.0001
i
B. CHECKLIST FOR TESTING AUTO-VALVE UNDER SPHERE
I
HIN LIQUID VALVE INTO SPHERE: Open
(Test) Closed
Open
AIN VAPOR VALVE INTO SPHERE: Open
(Test) Closed
JOUID VALVE TO TRANSFER PUMPS;
(Test) Closed
BCIRCULATION LINE VALVE: Open
(Test) Closed
Open Open Open
ie while no unloading of railcars is taking place and there is no reactor buildings. Switches for test are located on north side >dule at south end of VC tank farm. Tests are to be performed
C. EMPTY OUTBOUND VCM TANK CAR
INSPECTION REPORT
gote: This inspection report ble for unhooking car.
Operator's Name:
completed
Car No. Seal No. (1)
Tin*1 Date:
Due Date
All unloading fittings removed
YES NO
1 product openings capped or plugged tightly
i
All plugs and fittings equipped with chains
Placards reversed and upright (A)
* Chocks removed
Blue flag put down
Derailer removed
Visual evidence of any car defects
SUPERVISOR OP ANY ACTUAL OR SUSPECTED DEFECTS
IVE CARS
LEAVE THE PLANT
Bote: All dome lids recorded.
to be
shut and corresponding seal numbers
ve cars have been inspected and p ledge these cars have no defects.
shipment. To the best of
Operator's Signature
M
.t
'J: v.tt
:-i si i-.. j.
A "'1 K:! pis#'"
v-
K
m
\i**
lift
ib.v
m
i
1<il
ia
for
%tL-fb
Krill
k I P
ft
Ip
I fJt*S
!rf &
&;
% i
if I
ZA
VAB.000
'iliI iSr