Dispersion Modeling of HFIB for Chemical Production Case Study

 

Dispersion Modeling of HFIB for Chemical Production Case Study

The Challenge

A world leader in gases, technologies, and services planned to produce Hexafluoroisobutylene (HFIB) using their existing equipment. Due to the high toxicity of HFIB, the primary challenge was understanding and quantifying its atmospheric dispersion impacts. The client required a thorough assessment to meet OSHA PSM Standard (29 CFR 1910.119) and EPA RMP compliance regulations during production.

HFIB serves as a critical intermediate chemical building block, primarily utilized for creating advanced fluoropolymers in industrial markets and synthesizing active components in healthcare markets.

Our Approach

The ioMosaic team evaluated three distinct release scenarios to assess the atmospheric behavior of HFIB:

  • Mitigated Vent Release: This scenario analyzed an unmitigated release of HFIB from a vent at an average, controlled rate.
  • Uncontrolled Vent Release: This case considered an unmitigated release of HFIB from a vent at an uncontrolled, potentially higher rate.
  • Liquid Piping Release: This scenario simulated the release of liquid HFIB through process piping, representing a different physical state and release mechanism.

Each scenario was developed using Process Safety Office® SuperChems® software. Simulations were run across two different sets of atmospheric conditions with varying wind speeds to capture a full range of environmental influences. The scenario-based approach provided the client with a detailed understanding of the potential atmospheric impact of HFIB releases.

The Benefits

The multi-scenario dispersion modeling delivered data-driven insights to support safe design and operations. The key findings demonstrated:

  • Personnel Safety Assurance: Across all three release scenarios, the probability of reaching a detectable dosage of HFIB six feet from the release point was zero. The low release quantities resulted in rapid dispersion below detectable limits, confirming low immediate risk to nearby personnel.
  • Capital & Engineering Optimization: Modeling demonstrated that routing HFIB through process piping does not reduce molecule concentration during a leak. This insight provided essential data to inform robust piping integrity standards and leak detection strategies.

Through efficient project execution, detailed reports, and high-level summaries, ioMosaic provided our client with a clearer understanding of potential dispersion behaviors and the data needed to implement targeted safety measures where necessary.

Learn More

Our mission is to help you protect your people, your plant, your stakeholder value and our planet. To learn more about how we can help you manage risk, call us at 1.844.ioMosaic.