CO2 leak

[NGbri]

Wasn't really sure where to post this, so I apologize if there is a better location. I am new to the site.

We're working with a process that will have a significant amount of CO2 recirculating in an enclosed area, and are a little concerned with what will happen if there is a leak in the pipe. Everything I have seen with regard to safety regulations states that since CO2 is effectively inert, we just treat it as a any other compressed gas (say N2). However, with the flow rates we are dealing with, significant oxygen displacement near a leak is a concern, and we are wondering if other users have a similar situation, and what safety systems they have in place (detection, prevention e.t.c.). The only other comparable system I have found had trace amounts of H2S in the gas which was detected using H2S detectors, thus verifying a CO2 leak. We will not have this contaminant in our gas.

Thanks for any help, and if there is a better forum to post this in, let me know.

 

[pleckner]

CO2 detection is very common for this application. This is done "as matter of fact" in Breweries as there is a lot of CO2 and a lot of enclosed spaces and rooms.

 

[zdas04]

As you have found, compressed gases (Nitrogen as much as CO2) have the ability to displace atmospheric air and create a breathing hazard. The simplest safety measure is ambient oxygen detectors and/or fire eye's that are connected to an alarm. It can get much more complex than that (shut ESD valves around a building, start exhaust fans, open louvers, etc.).

You have to do a real risk analysis to match your safety processes to the worst case risk. I don't know that I would put in CO2 detectors since the CO2 is only a breathing hazard if it reduces oxygen to an unsafe level. I think I would rely on either oxygen sensors and/or fire eyes.

David

David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering

http://www.muleshoe-eng.com

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

The harder I work, the luckier I seem

 

[svanels]

You could use airborne ultrasound detectors. There are portable devices (UE systems, SDT) which are used for leak detection (air, steam, water) and a variety of other things.

 

[25362]

One Google site that may be of help:

http://www.sensata.com/products/sensors/gas.htm

 

[NGbri]

Thanks guys. We are doing a full risk analysis next week, and I just wanted to see what other people were doing.