Receiving and Storage > Ammonia Receiving Operations
Loading Rack for Ammonia Storage Tank |
Ammonia is delivered by an outside source, such as a rail car, over-the-road tank car, or cylinder. Pumps,
compressors, or simply differential pressure is used to transfer the ammonia to the storage vessels (or other portions of the system).
Release of ammonia occurs as a result of improper:
| Loading
and Unloading Operations |
Potential
Hazard
Figure 1. Ammonia truck |
- Release of ammonia during loading and unloading operations.
Possible Controls
- Provide employees with information pertaining to the
hazards of ammonia. [1910.119(d)(1)]
Figure 2. Unloading a railcar |
- Use hoses that are designed according to generally accepted good engineering practices.
[1910.119(d)(3)]
- Conduct a process hazard analysis on the
loading/unloading process. [1910.119(e)]
- Develop and implement written standard operating procedures (SOP) for loading the storage vessel.
[1910.119(f)]
- Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from moving during unloading operations.
- Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while connecting, disconnecting, and venting the transfer hose.
- Never leave the charging operation unattended.
[HM-225A:
Transportation and Unloading of Liquefied
Compressed Gases. Department of Transportation]
- Ensure employees are trained in the loading
process. [1910.119(g)]
- Do not overfill the vessel during loading.
- Check the level measurement device on the storage tank to ensure adequate storage space to receive the ammonia before
starting unloading operations.
- Properly connect and disconnect hoses.
- Properly empty and vent hoses and pressure relief valves before disconnecting.
- Do not stand in line with ammonia discharge while venting pressure relief devices and hoses.
- Ensure proper handling, stowing, and care of hoses.
- Disconnect and secure both ends of the hoses before moving the tank truck.
- When loading from cylinders:
- Properly connect and disconnect lines.
- Properly empty and vent lines before disconnecting.
- Properly secure cylinders.
- Use bleeder valves to ensure that there is minimal vapor (no positive pressure) and no liquid ammonia in the
hoses before disconnecting.
- Conduct routine inspections and testing for hoses as part of a Mechanical Integrity Program.
[1910.119(j)]
- Investigate accidents and near misses
that could have resulted in a release of
ammonia. [1910.119(m)]
- Establish and implement an emergency action
plan in case of release. [1910.119(n)]
Additional Information
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| Standard Shutdown Operations |
Once the transfer
is complete,
workers must perform standard shutdown operations to turn off the pumps or
compressors, and to disconnect the hoses.
Figure 3. Loading Ammonia |
Potential Hazards
- Release of ammonia as a result of improper
procedures associated with:
- Opening and draining process equipment.
- Locking out equipment for maintenance.
- Blocking liquid ammonia lines and equipment; this is particularly important for equipment which contains ammonia liquid
that is below ambient temperature.
Possible Controls
- Provide ammonia relief systems designed and installed according to generally accepted good engineering
practices.
[1910.119(d)(3)]
- Provide written procedures [1910.119(f)] and
training [1910.119(g)]
for lockout/tagout, opening and draining process equipment, and blocking liquid ammonia lines.
- Investigate accidents and near misses
that could have resulted in a release of
ammonia. [1910.119(m)]
- Establish and implement an emergency action
plan in case of release. [1910.119(n)]
Additional Information
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