Environmental Damage to Nearby Crops by Hydrogen Fluoride Accident-Chemical accident,Crops,Environmental damage,Hydrogen fluoride,Off-site consequence analysis

This study analyzes the risks posed by high-temperature summer conditions to atmospheric storage tanks containing acrylic acid and proposes mitigation measures. Recent increases in heat waves and tropical nights have led to an increase in the temperatures of acrylic acid storage tanks. This temperature increase results in higher vapor pressure and promotes spontaneous polymerization, thereby increasing the risk of explosions in atmospheric storage tanks. Hazard and operability (HAZOP) analysis identified explosions due to pressure buildup as a major risk scenario. To mitigate this risk, a spray-tower system was introduced through a layer of protection analysis (LOPA), which effectively reduced the hazards associated with atmospheric storage tanks. Additionally, the removal of flame-arrester replacement operations not only achieves economic benefits, such as reduced replacement costs and labor time, but also enhances safety by eliminating worker exposure to hazardous chemicals. These findings have significant implications for improving safety at industrial sites and highlight the potential economic benefits of preventing chemical accidents.