Farmers Review Africa Sept/Oct 2018 FRA - September - October 2018 digital 5 | Page 22

FEATURE
second- or third-degree burns may still
be incurred, as well as pressure-shock
injuries,” van Niekerk reveals.
To mitigate the overall fire associated
with tankers and refinery structures
in particular, fire-protection facilities
include a high-velocity deluge system
over the solvent tankers at the refueling
point. This is critical because the
solvent is flammable, the fire has to
be put out before a BLEVE can result.
“It’s all about identifying and then
mitigating the associated fire risks,”
van Niekerk stresses.
Another fire risk associated with
hexane plants is an Unconfined
Vapour Cloud Explosion (UVCE). A
hexane tank that ruptures results in a
pool of alcohol that evaporates rapidly.
A litre of hexane can result in a 300
m3 building explosion. Hexane forms
an odorless, invisible vapour cloud,
and the prevailing wind causes it to
drift off the premises. This can cause
a deflagration, an explosion in which
the speed of burning is lower than the
speed of sound in the surroundings.
This can have devastating effects.
The deflagration can impinge on the
pool of hexane, which can cause the
vessel itself to explode, resulting in a
catastrophic chain reaction. ASP Fire
experts take each of these risk areas
into account in terms of mitigation.
“The factors are many and varied,” van
Niekerk acknowledges, as these need
to encompass the building, equipment,
and personnel.
“We design the most comprehensive
set of solutions, using the most
advanced methods and equipment
available. From there, insurers and
local authorities certify that we’ve
addressed all necessary regulations,
and that all of our work complies
with the strict standards governing
this particular industry. Thereafter,
it’s about constant vigilance and
inspections, caution on the part of by
all personnel, and knowing how to
avoid the unimaginable,” van Niekerk
concludes.
20 |September - October 2018