Control technology assessment for coal gasification and liquefaction processes, BI GAS Pilot Plant, Homer City, Pennsylvania, 1979. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981

OSTI ID:6662249

A control technology survey was conducted at the BI GAS pilot facility (SIC-1211) in Homer City, Pennsylvania on August 16 and 17, 1979. The BI GAS coal gasification process was an important emerging technological development in the gasification of coal to a high heat fuel. Potential hazards included noise, fire, coal dust, carbon-dioxide (124389), carbon-monoxide (630080) (CO), methane (74828), char, hydrogen (1333740), hydrogen-sulfide (7783064), naphthalene (91203), trace metals, phenols, nickel-carbonyl (13463393), and mercaptans. The safety policy at the facility stressed minimal activity in the gasifier structure and was effective in reducing exposures to process contaminants from leaks. Other control measures included CO monitors with alarms, self contained breathing apparatus for emergency use, a 5 minute escape airpack respirator, and use of the buddy system. Employees received a safety policies and procedures manual. Safety training sessions and monthly meetings were held. Fire prevention, accident prevention, chemical handling, emergency procedures, and first aid procedures were emphasized. Annual physical examinations were given. The authors conclude that the major weakness of the medical program is the absence of a preemployment physical. Periodic skin examinations are recommended to reduce skin irritations and possible exposures to polynuclear aromatics.

• Research Organization: Enviro Control, Inc., Rockville, MD (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6662249
• Report Number(s): PB-84-184605
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010404* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Gasification
010800 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Waste Management
500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
ALKANES
AROMATICS
BI-GAS PROCESS
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON MONOXIDE
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
COAL GASIFICATION
COAL GASIFICATION PLANTS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
GASIFICATION
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROGEN SULFIDES
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
INSPECTION
MATERIALS
MEDICINE
METALS
METHANE
MONITORING
NAPHTHALENE
NONMETALS
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHENOLS
POLLUTION CONTROL
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
SAFETY
SULFIDES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
TOXICITY