EPA study on HF acid could spell trouble for refiners
Hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic substance used at petroleum refineries, uranium fuel fabrication plants and many other industrial plants, could cause {open_quotes}severe impacts{close_quotes} more than six miles downwind of a worst-case accident, according to preliminary findings of an Environmental Protection Agency study. The study, also found that local governments and communities near some HF facilities were largely unaware of the serious risks posed by an HF release and the protective measures that were needed. HF is present at hundreds of industrial facilities nationwide, including petroleum refineries, where it is used to produce clean-burning gasoline, uranium fuel fabrication facilities and manufacturers of refrigerants, electronics, detergents and drugs. Among other issues, petroleum refiners are strongly concerned about suggestions from environmentalists that EPA consider requiring the industry to phase out HF alkylation units and replace them with an alternative process using sulfuric acid.
- OSTI ID:
- 39403
- Journal Information:
- Energy Daily, Vol. 21, Issue 124; Other Information: PBD: 30 Jun 1993
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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