The Kinetic team performed Accelerating Rate Calorimetry (ARC) experiments on the xylene salts to quantify all the reaction kinetics. This crucial step allowed the development of an accurate and robust kinetic model specific to the client's materials. The data in safety data sheets cannot be solely relied upon for safe storage, handling, or transportation of reactive chemicals, as they may not provide adequate information. Lab testing is essential.
The ARC® instrument is widely used and is considered a workhorse for runaway characterization, and shows:
The ioKinetic team used Process Safety Office® SuperChems® software from our exclusive partner, ioMosaic Corporation, to process the derived kinetic model data. Our deep understanding of reaction dynamics, combined with this powerful tool, enabled us to accurately evaluate the client's relief systems under various conditions and deliver a highly accurate and reliable assessment of relief device performance.
Detailed kinetic models require the development of reaction stoichiometry and detailed thermophysical and transport properties. They are mostly used for modeling the dynamics of pressure relief systems and vent containment design, process dynamics, as well as thermal stability assessments. The use of detailed kinetic models is preferred over the use of direct scale-up models because they often result in practical designs and better risk reduction. Once a detailed kinetic model is developed, it can be used over and over again in many process design and modeling applications.
By employing a sophisticated, multi-pronged approach that combined specialized laboratory analysis with cutting-edge process simulation, ioKinetic addressed the challenge.
The ioKinetic team identified and characterized the undesired chemistries of xylene salts, key to the evaluation and design of emergency relief and vent containment systems during process upsets leading to runaway reactions. We discovered that while multiple pressure safety valves (PSVs) were adequately sized to prevent overpressure in their respective systems, the existing relief systems were discharging a two-phase fluid into the atmosphere. This finding highlighted an additional, unaddressed risk.
Based on these findings, actionable recommendations were provided, including:
This detailed analysis yielded critical insights that significantly enhanced the client's safety posture. These recommendations enabled the client to improve their relief systems, make safer, more informed decisions, and ultimately reduce the risk for their personnel.