Citation

Roberts M, Rogers WJ, Sam Mannan M, Ostrowski SW. J. Hazard. Mater. 2003; 104(1-3): 247-253.

Affiliation

Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center, Chemical Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-3122, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/S0304-3894(03)00275-9

PMID

14602413

Abstract

Structured packing has been widely used because of

large surface area that makes possible columns with high capacity and

efficiency. The large surface area also contributes to fire hazards because of

hydrocarbon deposits that can easily combust and promote combustion of the thin

metal packing materials. Materials of high surface area that can fuel fires

include reactive metals, such as titanium, and materials that are not considered

combustible, such as stainless steel. Column design and material selection for

packing construction is discussed together with employee training and practices

for safe column maintenance and operations. Presented also are methods and

agents for suppression of metal fires. Guidance for prevention and suppression

of metal fires is related to incidents involving packing fires in

columns.