When ammonia is stored in large tanks (ASME B&PC Section VIII, Div. 1 pressure vessels) the relief valve escape piping may vent to the atmosphere. In summer these tanks susceptible to an increase in pressure resulting from a rise in temperature. If the tank is not shaded rom direct sunlight and it is filled early in the morning the relief valve may lift in the afternoon releasing some of the contents to a containment system or directly to the atmosphere. Rail car relief valves vent to atmosphere.

Jim Keating
Safety Consultant

-----Original Message-----
From: DCHAS-L Discussion List [mailto:dchas-l**At_Symbol_Here**med.cornell.edu] On Behalf Of Paul Weller
Sent: Wednesday, July 8, 2015 9:58 AM
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Chemical Safety headlines from Google (13 articles)

Has anyone else notice an increase in the number of ammonia leak reports? Is this indicative of lack of maintenance and/or aging equipment? Is it because the summer weather stresses the systems? Both?

Paul Weller

Paul Weller
Science Laboratory Manager-Chemistry
Elon University
2625 Campus Box
Elon, NC 27244
Phone 336.278.6225
wellerp**At_Symbol_Here**elon.edu

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