Guidelines for heating chemical facilities

[StoneCold]

We are building a new chemical facility in an existing building and I am looking for some guildlines on heating an indoor chemcial production area and a warehouse. Any ideas about heater requirements for these areas? Our current facility uses steam heat but the new facility already has an open flame heater that is ducted into the building. Do you suppose there are guidlines on safety interlocks for this type of heater that would allow it to supply heat to a hazardous area? I have thought of a couple of ways to interlock the unit but it still scares me. What are other people doing?

Thanks

 

[dan21703]

I suggest you refer to NFPA standards for guidance on application of heaters to hazardous areas. If in doubt you can contact authority having jurisdiction as indicated in these standards.

You do not state you hazard. Generally open heaters are not acceptable in areas where combustible vapors exist.

 

[StoneCold]

dan21703
I will check NFPA 30 and see what it says on heaters. I am not sure that it is really that cut and dried. The heater is an open flame unit but unlike a heater in your house the actual burner is located away from the building and heat is ducted in. So assuming that you set the blower to come on 30 seconds before the burner and run 30 seconds aftewards the only danger of a fire is if there is a large spill outside of the building that could cause a flammable vapor cloud to enter the heater when it was running.
What flamable liquid? Ethyl Ether is one of many that we will have to deal with.
Thanks for the tip. I will check out the NFPA manual.

 

[dan21703]

NFPA is not an easy read.

You may also gain some understanding from API. There is a standard on hazardous classifications that should be helpful.

The big oil companies utilize spacing standards to separate hazards as some hazards develop due to spills or other easily unforeseen incidents. You might in this light consult your insurance company. I would however advise being fully up to speed on the standards before calling them. They will appreciate your thoughtfullness.

There are flamability meters, but these are not typically utilized outdoors. I would also be looking at operations and roadways. If a large spill could occur near to the heater I think you will want to look at the situation a little differently. You also should consider the height of the burner over grade if any of the combustibles are heavier than air.

All that said open flames are utilized in refineries and chemical plants all the time successfully and safely. Glad to hear that you are asking the right questions.