Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Truth About Secondary Containment Systems

By Marylou Forbes


The world is composed of both harmful and useful chemicals. Sometimes, even the sensitive and toxic ones are widely used in some industries. These liquids are used to be able to successfully create a certain product, or to make something work well and with utmost efficiency. Some industries use harsh chemicals that can cause pollution to the soil and the waters, which provides for the utmost need for secondary containment systems.

They are widely used in more and more industrial, chemical, and even nuclear projects as some sort of extra precaution because most of their procedures are highly sensitive and their by products pose imminent threat to the balance of nature. They accumulate waste that should be disposed of properly, and until then, they should be placed in a temporary yet safe unit to avoid any untoward accidents.

These spill containers come in varied designs and sizes. They also have different functions and are made to cater different needs. At the top of the extensive list of choices for a secondary container is the bund, which is used as back up containers for storage drums, tanks, and other designs that hold a large amount of toxic and flammable chemicals and similar substances.

Drip trays, as the name strongly suggests, is used to catch leaks from equipment that may develop leakages. Without these special trays, the leaks can run from one equipment to the next, creating a fire that spreads like some sort of domino effect when it comes in contact with fire. To avoid such inopportune events fro happening, drip trays are placed under leaking machines.

Sumps are also known in the industrial world as interceptors. They include storm water drains, sewers, and firewater drainage systems. It is, in general, a low space that collects undesirable liquids, like some certain chemicals and water. It also serves as an infiltration basin that is often used for the management of surface runoff water and for the recharging of most underground aquifers.

There are also pipe like mechanisms that are classified as spill systems. These are more commonly known as concentric pipes. As the name implies, they are often two different pipes that are fitted over another, with the inner and outer tube of different makes. The outer tube is always made of steel, as it is the only material sufficient enough to contain the substance for an extended period of time.

Catch pots, precipitators, scrubbers and flares belong to the classification of off gas treatment methods. They are normally a part of the original system that can also serve as a secondary unit. These are often utilized for the reduction of concentrations of most vapors and gases.

Pressure control is a very integral factor in most operations, too, which is why a device that does the selfsame function is very much needed. Expansion systems do this specific job. They are tasked with the prevention of pressure build up to prevent spillage.

For safety reasons, there are safety guidelines in the use and the maintenance of such containers. For starters, an excellent spill container should be able to safely hold waste until they are ready to be disposed of. They should also be a distinct unit and not a mere extension of the primary ones.




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