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To continue our discussion on Fire Prevention Week, which ends Saturday October 12, let's look at the validity of the NFPA's standards, are they law or guideline?  

According to the NFPA, fire prevention week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

This year we will be presenting at the 2013 National Coil Coating Association (NCCA) Fall technical meeting, September 24-26 at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Maryland. We will be discussing how to control dampers for energy savings in coil coating ovens. In addition to the presentation, stop by and visit with us at the annual NCCA Trade Show (9/25, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.).

An exploration and production company, that builds natural gas reserves through the acquisition and development of oil and gas assets, uses multiple scrubbers to clean out the impurities of the natural gas that they receive. The impurities consist of hydrogen sulfide and amines. They dump this waste into their flare stack and then sell the cleaned natural gas.

A decorated paper printing company was looking to reduce ventilation air and fuel costs without affecting production rates or violating the NFPA safety directives. They were using large amounts of heated air to ventilate their dryers to keep the solvent vapor concentration below 25% LFL as directed by the NPFA codes. However, the codes allow a substantial reduction in air in cases where a continuous solvent vapor analyzer is installed.

It's important to find the appropriate analyzer for your application. Often times there are a few choices but when the data is appropriately assessed there is usually one that will do the job safely and accurately.

The number of applications for painted steel is growing and while using analyzers to stay safe is the primary concern, you might find that in doing so you can also optimize your process.

Safety and fire codes outline the design specification for the safe operation of solvent ovens. The codes limit the maximum solvent concentration allowable to 25% LFL under worst case conditions. If the LFL exceeds 25% continuous monitors must be used. The challenge with this particular application is that can be that there is a possibility of sudden increase in %LFL. 

The Global Energy Trends are showing a commitment to energy reduction!

BP's Statistical Review has provided timely and objective data about energy economics since 1951. This year at the 62nd BP Statistical Review of World Energy, they reported that in 2012, global energy consumption growth slowed to 1.8%, impacted by improved energy efficiency around the world, "The world's energy markets were driven by diverse events—including the ongoing decline of nuclear power output in Japan, the recovery of production in Libya, and rising shale development in North America".

Even if your oven is designed for maximum load conditions, you still need protection against explosions. Often an atmosphere contains many different solvents and other materials, like resins. This requires an analyzer that when calibrated remains accurate for all constituents in the sample, not to mention runs at high temperatures.

Energy is a significant cost of production. As energy costs rise, it becomes more difficult to pass on the increases to customers in the price of products and services. Regardless of current energy costs and trends, an energy-efficient process is more competitive. 

However, for any cost savings to be obtained SAFELY, the analyzer must be used properly. 

To find out more details read our article in Adhesives Magazine.