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2.0 SAFETY
2.1 GENERAL
-
This unit has electrical equipment and standard process plant components, which
can be hazardous to individuals unfamiliar with such equipment. It is the users’ responsibility to
permit only trained and qualified process plant operators familiar with the handling of compressed
gases to operate this equipment
2.2 BREATHING
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This unit is designed to produce high purity nitrogen from 95-99.995% purity.
Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas that will not support life. If released in an unventilated area, it
will displace the oxygen and can cause injury or death from asphyxiation. A general indication of
what can potentially occur at depleted levels of oxygen is given below:
Oxygen Content - Effects and Symptoms
15-l9%
Decreased ability to work strenuously. May impair coordination and may induce early
symptoms in persons with coronary, pulmonary, or circulatory problems. Note that at
below 15% oxygen content, personnel will require assistance from others to be
evacuated from the area.
l2-l4%
Respiration increases with exertion, pulse rate increases, coordination is impaired, and
perception and judgement are also affected.
10-12%
Respiration further increases in rate and depth, poor judgement, blueness of lips.
8-10%
Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen face, blueness of lips, nausea, and
vomiting.
4-6%
Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, cardiac arrest, death.
Nitrogen gas represents an extreme asphyxiation hazard when not handled properly. Product
gas should not be vented or otherwise discharged except through the normal piping system.
Appropriate signs should be placed in the area of the nitrogen system warning of the hazards
.
2.3 COMBUSTION
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The waste gas (permeate) vented out of the system is oxygen enriched; it
typically contains 35%-40% oxygen, but can be as high as 45% oxygen. While oxygen will not
burn, oxygen concentrations above 25% will support combustion of other materials much more
readily than air.
For example, materials that smolder in air could burn fiercely in this
atmosphere
.
It is imperative that vent gas be discharged only in safe, well-ventilated areas. If the
unit is located in a poorly ventilated room, the waste gas must be piped to a ventilated atmosphere
for release.
2.4 PRESSURE
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The feed air pressure supplied to the generation unit can be as high as 200 PSIG.
The nitrogen product is then delivered to the user’s system at a pressure within 40 PSIG of inlet
pressure. Systems utilizing gas boosters for raising the pressure of the nitrogen product can operate
at pressures of 4500 PSIG and higher. Normal precautions for pressurized systems should be
observed during operation, service, or troubleshooting. Always isolate components that are to be
serviced, venting pressure before disconnecting lines or dismantling components.
CAUTION:
NITROGEN IS AN ASPHYXIANT.
BEFORE ENTERING
AN ENCLOSED OR POORLY VENTILATED AREA CONTAINING
NITROGEN GENERATION OR TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT AND
PIPING, FOLLOW ALL ESTABLISHED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND
PROCEDURES.
Summary of Contents for PMNG Series
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