I need your support to clarify that 3

[Rasheed Khan]

I need your support to clarify that can the definition of “Toxic” cover the sulfuric Acid (H2SO4 ) or not? Normally H2S is considered to be toxic but as Inspector we don’t know about sulfuric Acid. As per the definition of ASME B31.3 Para300.2 Definitions of Category M: (1) the fluid is so highly toxic that a single exposure to a very small quantity of the fluid, caused by leakage, can produce serious irreversible harm to persons on
breathing or bodily contact, even when prompt restorative measures are taken. Yes sulfuric acid is not effecting if breathed but bodily contact may cause serious harm to the person? can we consider "sulfuric acid " as category M?

 

[pennpiper]

Rasheed,
Go here and read it even print it out and keep it for back-up when someone argues with you

https://www.msdsonline.com/blog/hea...id-safety-tips-sulfuric-acid-msds-information

It sounds Toxic to me. I sure would not let my kids, grand kids or your kids near it.

 

[weldstan]

H2SO4 does not fit the Category M definition. In over 45 years dealing with B31.3 piping systems, I have never seen H2SO4 defined by an Owner or Owner's Engineer for Category M service.

I

 

[IRstuff]

https://becht.com/blog/when-should-...ice-be-selected-for-asme-b31-3-piping-systems

The sticking point is the "in which a single exposure of a very small quantity " causes "serious irreversible harm to persons on breathing or bodily contact" parts. "Serious" and "irreversible" harm is a high bar.

Sulfuric acid is dangerous and toxic, but people use, and work around, lead acid batteries and sulfuric acid bath tanks with only some environmental controls. Even when skin contact is made to a small amount of the acid, there's generally sufficient time to wash it off, and suffer, at most, a superficial skin burn. Possibly serious, but not necessarily irreversible.

This can be contrasted with hydrofluoric acid, where the same exposure will send you to hospital, because the acid does not attack the skin, but dives right into the body and attacks bone with exceedingly painful consequences. Definitely serious, but

This is further contrasted with phosphine and boron tribromide gases that you'd be prudent to be wearing an airpack when changing their gas bottles.

On the other hand, there's the degree of caution someone wants to apply. This

http://engstandards.lanl.gov/esm/pressure_safety/Att-ASME-3-R0.pdf

puts concentrated sulfuric acid in Category M

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg

faq731-376 forum1529 Entire Forum list

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[Latexman]

It's up to the owner to decide what fluid is Category M, or not. It is not up to an inspector. An inspector can advise the owner the fluid should be Category M, but it is the owner's decision. Once the owner decides, then the fluid is either Category M, or, it is not. End of story.

Good luck,
Latexman

To a ChE, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.

 

[david339933]

"Considering experience, service conditions, and location involved, will design per Base Code or Chapter VII sufficiently protect personnel from exposure to very small quantities of the fluid in the environment". Yes = Normal Service, No = Category M....subject to owner's designation......Appendix M ASME B31.3

 

[Rasheed Khan]

I am really thankful to all of you for valuable feedback. currently I have issue with sulfuric Acid having 97% by concentration and stainless STEEL A316 Piping, requested to have 100% radiograph.

 

[Rasheed Khan]

dear Mr. Latexman
Its true that the owner have to decide the category either M , or D. Being a client Inspector we only recommend to the Client that based on the provided documents the sulfuric acid concentrated by 98.5%.

 

[pennpiper]

Rasheed,
I do not know if you have gotten the answer or not.
Please let me site some of the information from the link I suggested to you in my first response.
(a)The Extreme Health Hazards Associated with Sulfuric Acid

Concentrated sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive and can cause serious burns when not handled properly. This chemical is unique because it not only causes chemical burns, but also secondary thermal burns as a result of dehydration. This dangerous chemical is capable of corroding skin, paper, metals, and even stone in some cases. If sulfuric acid makes direct contact with the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness. If ingested, this chemical may cause internal burns, irreversible organ damage, and possibly death.

Exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols at high concentrations leads to severe eye and respiratory tract irritation and tissue damage. Consistent exposure to sulfuric acid aerosols, even at low concentrations, can cause a person’s teeth to erode. In laboratory or industrial settings, it’s important to use proper PPE when handling sulfuric acid.

If I were the Client and I had Sulfuric Acid in my plant I would classify it as Toxic And if I were the Insurance Underwriter for this Client's Plant I would require Category "M" designation with proper Design, construction, operating and maintenance protection.

Sometimes its possible to do all the right things and still get bad results

 

[Rasheed Khan]

thanks Mr. pennpiper valuable response.