Hazards Associated to Synthesis Gas and its Mitigation Measures

Fire and explosion hazards in gasification plants include releases of flammable materials. The distinction between fire and explosion scenarios is often whether the fuel ignites promptly upon release or has delayed ignition. Prompt ignition prevents formation of a flammable vapor cloud and, thereby, averts a VCE. Synthesis gas contains a significant amount of hydrogen, a fuel that is easily ignited. Industry experience with accidental releases of synthesis gas has been that it promptly ignites. Synthesis gas also contains significant amount of carbon monoxide which is a toxic gas and can have adverse health effect on workers. After reviewing the previous accident data for synthesis gas, carbon monoxide and hydrogen to estimate the hazards caused by accidental release no instances of synthesis gas VCEs were found in literature; however, numerous test and accidents were reported for hydrogen. Therefore taking in consideration the effects of hydrogen and carbon monoxide we have mentioned the mitigation measures to be followed to reduce the probablity of hazards caused by synthesis gas release.