3 replies to this topic

[renjith553]

Hi,

 

I would like to know , if a bund wall is needed for a chiller.. Many of the installations, I have seen is without a bund wall, but when I check MSDS for ethylene glycol, it mentions that it is highly toxic and should not be allowed to get into sewers..

So i am a bit confused.. It will be great, if you can provide some reference standards.. 

[Bobby Strain]

I don't know of any standard. Just use good judgement and common sense. Engineers are paid well to exercise good judgment.

 

Bobby

[Ali_gholamalian]

I checked API standards and there was nothing about your question. well as Bobby said, in these situations an engineer should decide what to do. "build a bund wall in middle of unit", I guess it's so funny.

In this case, I prefer to install chiller on ground level, use close drain for all of toxic fluids in unit, use flange cover to prevent spraying in case of leaking and also construct a restricted area for all of toxic equipment just like acid plants.

[Art Montemayor]

What I have done in the past is to avoid using ethylene glycol.  Instead, I use propylene glycol - which is rated as "food grade", used in food processing equipment.  Propylene glycol, if you check it out, is not toxic at all and is allowed for use here in the USA by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).  That takes care of the need for a bund wall.

 

One curious note here: why is ethylene glycol allowed for use in automobile radiators - worldwide?  People are draining ethylene glycol solution to the public sewers everyday around the world when they flush and change their automobile coolant.  Does this mean that they are poisoning the sewer system?  What about the environment?  What manufacturer's MSDS did you read your warning in?