The numbers stamped on a compressed gas cylinder give you a lot of useful information. Typical stamps look something like this: DOT3AA-2265 12345 4-99 3-09 2-19 The first line is the DOT Specification (DOT3AA). That tells you it is a seamless alloy steel cylinder. Other common DOT specifications include:
Author Archives: rppallu
Administrative Controls in Laboratories and Pilot Plants: When Might They Be an Acceptable Safety Measure?
The accepted hierarchy of controls[1],[2],[3] is: 1. Elimination 2. Substitution 3. Engineering Controls 4. Administrative Controls 5. PPE In research, there is often a strong desire from management, professionals and operators to use administrative controls in place of engineering controls. Administrative controls are usually less expensive, faster, and easier to implement. They allow greater flexibility in the response to an issueContinue reading “Administrative Controls in Laboratories and Pilot Plants: When Might They Be an Acceptable Safety Measure?”
“We Need to Get Going On This Project”: Issues with Starting Research Projects too Early
Someone, somewhere, at some time must have been told that there was no rush in getting a research project whether a pilot plant or laboratory renovation or construction complete. Sadly, I was never one of these lucky individuals. It always seems that almost any research project is under significant pressure to finish sooner than later.Continue reading ““We Need to Get Going On This Project”: Issues with Starting Research Projects too Early”
What is the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of Hazardous Materials Allowed by Code in a Laboratory or Pilot Plant Area?
We live in a world of acronyms and abbreviations many of which, at least in text messages, defy the author’s interpretation. A common one in pilot plant and laboratory operations is the maximum allowable quantity or MAQ. This is the maximum amount of hazardous materials that are allowed in a building by the building code. IfContinue reading “What is the Maximum Allowable Quantity (MAQ) of Hazardous Materials Allowed by Code in a Laboratory or Pilot Plant Area?”
Should You Air Condition a Pilot Plant Space?
Unless you live in Hawaii or parts of California, the question always arises should you air condition your pilot plant space. While whole generations of pilot plant operators have always given a resounding yes answer, few organizations have been willing to spend the capital and operating costs just for just personal comfort. Capital costs toContinue reading “Should You Air Condition a Pilot Plant Space?”
Can I Have an Electrical Outlet in a Hood?
NFPA-45 Fire Protection for Laboratories Using Chemicals is very clear that if you have an electrical outlet in a hood then you need another disconnect within 50 ft of the hood. 7.8.4.1 In installations where services and controls are within the hood, additional electrical disconnects shall be located within 15 m (50 ft) of theContinue reading “Can I Have an Electrical Outlet in a Hood?”
What Is A Good Definition Of A Pilot Plant?
I must get asked that question a dozen times each year. Most times it is from someone outside the chemical industry who has never heard it before asking me what I do. (Or who wanted to know what my license plate PLTPT stands for.) Less often but more challenging it is from a client whoContinue reading “What Is A Good Definition Of A Pilot Plant?”
Venting Gas Cylinders in a Laboratory
NFPA 55 Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids Code does not really tell you where hazardous gases should vent in a laboratory or a pilot plant. 7.3.1.5 Vent Pipe Termination. 7.3.1.5.1 Venting of gases shall be directed to an approved location. Approved in this sense means someone (usually the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) agreeing itContinue reading “Venting Gas Cylinders in a Laboratory”
Tips for Troubleshooting Pilot Plant and Laboratory Equipment
Troubleshooting is a tedious and time consuming operation. Often one hears that X is ‘a good troubleshooter” or has “good troubleshooting skills” almost as if these are innate qualities one must be born with. Nothing could be less true. Troubleshooting is a skill anyone can learn and improve at as long as they understand someContinue reading “Tips for Troubleshooting Pilot Plant and Laboratory Equipment”
Restarting A Laboratory After an Unexpected Shutdown
COVID19 caught almost all laboratories by surprise and led to their being shut down rather suddenly for extended periods. There is a lot of discussion as to when laboratories (and everything else) can safely reopen and more discussion about appropriate protective measures. A topic that often is overlooked or only casually addressed is the other,Continue reading “Restarting A Laboratory After an Unexpected Shutdown”
Richard P Palluzi LLC 