Nitric Acid Production – Operational Safety

Keywords: Nitric acid, Nitric oxide, NOx, Operator safety, OES, Flammable hazards, Hazard control, Safe plant operation.

Summary.

The objective of this paper is to provide an operator’s view on how a nitric acid plant can be managed and operated safely. This presentation summarises not only the flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic properties of the main chemicals associated with nitric acid production but also for other chemicals present as part of the process operation or for maintenance activities. It sets out circumstances under which the identified hazards may become uncontrolled and outlines methods to prevent this. It does not include direct references to legislative requirements.

PPE (personal protective equipment) for safe nitric acid process operation is not discussed, except where there is a requirement for a specific type and use.

In addition to the text, information is summarised in detailed and extensive tables. References are restricted to those the author has found particularly instructive and of practical value.

John A Hudson, Kemira GrowHow UK Ltd, Ince, Chester UK.

28 Pages, 7 Tables, 19 References.