Bhopal case study -- 2

The Dow Fire and Explosion Index (F&EI) is the most widely used hazard index for rating the hazardous condition of any process that involves handling, storage and transportation of flammable and explosive materials. It was described as a quantitative measure that is based on historical data. F&EI can guide process design and operation personnel to decide whether current materials used or process routes are safe or needs further modifications or alteration. You are required to apply the Dow F& EI to one of the processes described below. In your evaluation, you may need to educate yourself about the presented process for other resources. You judgment on any penalty assigned should be explained and rationalized. 1- Draw a simple block diagram with all given information 2- Assign or calculate the penalty to each section as described or required by the index 3- Explain the reason for each penalty either from process conditions or from you rational selection 4- Determine the degree of hazards associated with the current process condition BHOPAL INCIDENT The name of the equipment involved was tank 610, which was a horizontal tank with 2.44 m in diameter and 12.20 m long. The F & EI calculation is to be performed for tank 610 at normal operation. Some of the data listed are • MIC in the tank is flammable liquid • MIC is transferred from tank 610 to the process area continuously using pump with power more than 75 hp • Minor leaks on joints and flanges in the unit might occur due to corrosion which ranges from 0.127-0.254 mm/yr • Operating temperature is 20 oC • Operating pressure is 138.2 kPa • Relief pressure is 284 kPa