Pipe Decontamination
Pipe Decontamination
(OP)
Hi,
I am currently an intern in a pharmaceutical plant and was asked my expertise on a situation. Unfortunately I didn't have a clue.
The problem is that HCl was being pumped through a large pipe but now the pipe is to be inspected it needs to be completely decontaminated. We tried pumping water through it and measured the pH using a probe but the highest the pH would go was around 3.5. After that the change was so slow we decided to forfeit the idea. Was just wondering why this happens and is there a better measurement than pH to take in the pipe to show when it is clean?
I am currently an intern in a pharmaceutical plant and was asked my expertise on a situation. Unfortunately I didn't have a clue.
The problem is that HCl was being pumped through a large pipe but now the pipe is to be inspected it needs to be completely decontaminated. We tried pumping water through it and measured the pH using a probe but the highest the pH would go was around 3.5. After that the change was so slow we decided to forfeit the idea. Was just wondering why this happens and is there a better measurement than pH to take in the pipe to show when it is clean?





RE: Pipe Decontamination
By adding water first you have created weak acid which is highly corrosive. I'd recommend you get the line blown clear with N2 asap.
RE: Pipe Decontamination
How big and of what schedule was your "large pipe" ?
What is the material of construction ?
(We all hope that it's not 304 SS sched 10...)
-MJC
RE: Pipe Decontamination
Is the concern personnel protection, or contamination of the process? Or is there a risk of material damage to the piping itself? (ie. is this piping ordinary austenitic stainless steel, or is it glass- or teflon-lined?). pH 3 isn't all that low from a personnel protection risk perspective.
RE: Pipe Decontamination
Mark Hutton
RE: Pipe Decontamination
Martin.
RE: Pipe Decontamination