Hello
everyone:
A researcher here plans to continuously flow
100 % flammable gas (methane, ethylene, hydrogen, or mixture) at 1 cfm through a
quartz tube/electric furnace assembly that is heated to 800 degrees C
(exceeds the auto-ignition temperature of the gases). The researcher
intends to have four (4) of these units (~18=94h x 24=94d x 60=94 w) in
the lab; at least two units will be active throughout the
day.
The discussion centers on where to safely
set up and operate them. The researcher proposed mounting the units on
open benchtops (two per benchtop) to accommodate their size and
facilitate use (the gases would be piped to the units via stainless
steel tubing from an adjacent gas room). Though seemingly practical, I
feel this would require considerable $$ investment in engineering
controls (canopy hood, blast shields, etc.) to adequately protect the
research staff from potential mishaps (gas leaks, explosions). My
thought is to mount the assembly in the lab=92s wet process hood
(vertical laminar flow) and lower the sash during operation. Though not
ideal, it would reduce the potential of these mishaps. NOTE: There are
only two available process hoods in the lab, hence, only two assemblies
would be up and running (not a bad thing in my
opinion).
Joseph R. Passante, CIH,
CHO
Associate Director
Chemical Hygiene
Officer
Environmental Health & Radiation
Safety
University of
Pennsylvania
215.746.6550
