METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING ETHYLENE OXIDE, PRODUCING INSTALLATIONS FROM ETHYLENE-OXIDE DISINTEGRATION

摘要

There is disclosed a method for protecting installations in which ethylene oxide is produced or processed, from ethylene-oxide disintegration. Disintegration barriers are incorporated into the pipelines immediately before all large-volume containers and apparatuses, thus isolating the apparatuses from each other. In the event of a breakdown, the disintegration barriers may be cooled internally. Small-volume apparatuses and pipelines are designed to withstand pressure shock. In the event of danger, the whole installation is rendered inert, starting with the large-volume apparatuses which cannot be operated continuously in the inert condition. The use of the invention increases very considerably the operational safety of ethyleneoxide installations.