In a normal, non-Covid year I do numerous safety audits of laboratories and research operations, something I also did many times during my 40 year tenure at ExxonMobil Research & Engineering. Almost invariably when I ask about a site’s emergency response plans, I am told they exist, are reviewed periodically, and there is no need toContinue reading ““We Didn’t Think That Through”: Emergency Response in Research Applications”
Tag Archives: Pilot Plant
Gas Detection Inside Laboratory Hoods: Prudent Safety Measure or Wasted Money?
Clients often ask me if they should provide continuous gas detection in their laboratory hoods. I always start by asking them why they believe it is necessary and usually get some version of the following. (These are numbered for reference not any priority.) To warn them they have a leak or similar loss of containment.Continue reading “Gas Detection Inside Laboratory Hoods: Prudent Safety Measure or Wasted Money?”
Inadequate Laboratory Ventilation: An All Too Common Reason for Major Safety and Operational Problems Down the Road
Laboratory exhaust ventilation is expensive. Estimates range from $20-70/CFM to install and $3-$12/CFM to operate depending on local costs and system design. Hoods are an added expense ranging from $200-$400/linear foot to purchase and install. Hood controls add another $1,000-$3,000 per hood. This means it is not uncommon for ventilation systems to account for 15-40%Continue reading “Inadequate Laboratory Ventilation: An All Too Common Reason for Major Safety and Operational Problems Down the Road”
List of Articles on Laboratories, Pilot Plants and Research
Several people have asked me for a list of all my articles on laboratories, pilot plants, and research issues. Here they are separated into subject areas. Please note that some articles could probably be placed in several areas. This list is as of February 27, 2021. I will try and update it as I addContinue reading “List of Articles on Laboratories, Pilot Plants and Research”
Where is the best place to locate a hood in a Laboratory?
When you are laying out a laboratory where you place the hoods have a large impact on cost, efficiency, and hood performance. While there are numerous cautions in the literature as to the need for proper placement, many are rather vague, nebulous, and not easily interpreted. Code guidance is extremely limited. AIHI Z9.5 Laboratory VentilationContinue reading “Where is the best place to locate a hood in a Laboratory?”
What Do the Numbers Stamped on a Compressed Gas Cylinder Mean?
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:
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?”
Richard P Palluzi LLC 