CO2 leak
CO2 leak
(OP)
Wasn't really sure where to post this, so I apologize if there is a better location. I am new to the site.
We're working with a process that will have a significant amount of CO2 recirculating in an enclosed area, and are a little concerned with what will happen if there is a leak in the pipe. Everything I have seen with regard to safety regulations states that since CO2 is effectively inert, we just treat it as a any other compressed gas (say N2). However, with the flow rates we are dealing with, significant oxygen displacement near a leak is a concern, and we are wondering if other users have a similar situation, and what safety systems they have in place (detection, prevention e.t.c.). The only other comparable system I have found had trace amounts of H2S in the gas which was detected using H2S detectors, thus verifying a CO2 leak. We will not have this contaminant in our gas.
Thanks for any help, and if there is a better forum to post this in, let me know.
We're working with a process that will have a significant amount of CO2 recirculating in an enclosed area, and are a little concerned with what will happen if there is a leak in the pipe. Everything I have seen with regard to safety regulations states that since CO2 is effectively inert, we just treat it as a any other compressed gas (say N2). However, with the flow rates we are dealing with, significant oxygen displacement near a leak is a concern, and we are wondering if other users have a similar situation, and what safety systems they have in place (detection, prevention e.t.c.). The only other comparable system I have found had trace amounts of H2S in the gas which was detected using H2S detectors, thus verifying a CO2 leak. We will not have this contaminant in our gas.
Thanks for any help, and if there is a better forum to post this in, let me know.





RE: CO2 leak
RE: CO2 leak
You have to do a real risk analysis to match your safety processes to the worst case risk. I don't know that I would put in CO2 detectors since the CO2 is only a breathing hazard if it reduces oxygen to an unsafe level. I think I would rely on either oxygen sensors and/or fire eyes.
David
David Simpson, PE
MuleShoe Engineering
www.muleshoe-eng.com
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RE: CO2 leak
RE: CO2 leak
One Google site that may be of help:
http://www.sensata.com/products/sensors/gas.htm
RE: CO2 leak