What are the safety spacing requirements for MIBK tanks in China's Hazardous Chemicals List?

Safety Spacing Requirements for MIBK Tanks in China's List of Hazardous Chemicals

in the chemical industry, MIBK (methyl isobutyl ketone) is a widely used organic solvent. Because of its flammability and volatility, there is a high safety risk during storage and handling. In order to ensure the safety of personnel and the environment, the "Hazardous Chemicals Inventory" puts forward strict safety requirements for the storage of MIBK, including the safety spacing requirements for storage tanks. This paper will analyze in detail the requirements for the safety spacing of MIBK tanks in the List of Hazardous Chemicals, and discuss its importance and related influencing factors.

1. MIBK's basic characteristics and dangers

MIBK is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor that is commonly used in the production of paints, adhesive and cleaners. Due to its flammability (flash point of -14°C) and volatility, MIBK is prone to form flammable gases during storage and transportation, which poses a risk of fire and explosion. Therefore, the reasonable planning of the safe spacing of the storage tank is the key to reduce the risk.

2. China's "hazardous chemicals list" in the storage requirements

The Hazardous Chemicals Inventory classifies MIBK as a flammable liquid, category 3. According to relevant regulations, facilities for storing MIBK need to meet strict safety standards. Among them, the location and layout of the storage tank must meet the safety spacing requirements to prevent the spread of fire and the occurrence of secondary accidents.

3. MIBK tank safety spacing requirements

According to the List of Hazardous Chemicals and related regulations, the safety spacing requirements for MIBK tanks mainly involve the following aspects:

(1) and building safety distance

Storage tanks must be kept away from residential areas, offices and other public buildings to ensure maximum protection of people and property in the event of a fire or spill. The specific distance should be evaluated according to factors such as tank capacity and fire resistance rating of the surrounding environment.

(2) and other storage tank safety distance

Sufficient safety distance shall be maintained between adjacent tanks to prevent fire or explosion from being spread to adjacent facilities. This distance is generally determined according to the size of the tank, the type of storage medium and the level of fire protection.

(3) and personnel and equipment safety distance

A safety isolation area shall be set up around the tank to restrict the entry of irrelevant personnel and ensure rapid response in case of emergency. A certain distance should be maintained between the tank and the main operating area so that in the event of an accident, the staff can be evacuated quickly.

4. The main factors affecting the safety distance

The following key factors need to be taken into account when designing and planning the safety spacing of MIBK tanks:

(1) Tank capacity and shape

The capacity of the tank directly affects its potential risk. Larger capacity tanks generally require larger safety clearances to reduce the likelihood of fire spreading. The shape of the tank (such as spherical or vertical) may also affect the safety layout of the surrounding area.

(2) Storage tank materials and protective measures

The material and protective measures (such as fire-proof coating, pressure relief device, etc.) of the storage tank will affect its safety performance. Tanks with good protection measures can be appropriately reduced safety spacing, but must ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.

(3) Surrounding environment and terrain

The complexity of the environment around the tank (such as the availability of other hazardous material storage facilities, whether the terrain is flat or complex) will also have an impact on the safety spacing. In areas with complex terrain, special attention should be paid to factors such as wind direction and topography to optimize tank layout.

5. Compliance Requirements and Implementation

In order to ensure that the safety spacing of MIBK tanks meets the requirements of the Hazardous Chemicals List, companies need to take the following measures:

(1) Professional design and evaluation

The design and layout of the storage tank shall be evaluated by a professional chemical safety engineer to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and technical standards. In the design stage, the storage tank capacity, materials, surrounding environment and other factors should be considered comprehensively, and a reasonable safety spacing scheme should be formulated.

(2) Regular inspection and maintenance

Enterprises should regularly carry out safety inspection on the storage tank and its surrounding facilities to ensure that the safety distance is not occupied or changed. The protective measures of the tank shall be regularly maintained to ensure their effectiveness.

(3) Staff training and emergency preparedness

Employees shall receive relevant safety training to understand the importance of tank safety spacing and relevant emergency measures. In the event of an accident, it can respond quickly to minimize losses.

6. Violation of the provisions of the consequences

If a company fails to set a safe distance between MIBK tanks in accordance with the requirements of the Hazardous Chemicals List, it may face serious legal consequences, including fines, suspension of business and even criminal liability. Illegal operation may lead to serious safety accidents, resulting in casualties and property losses.

Conclusion

The safety spacing requirement of MIBK storage tank is an important link in chemical safety production, which is directly related to the safety of personnel and environment. Enterprises must strictly abide by the relevant provisions of the "List of Hazardous Chemicals", scientifically design and manage the layout of storage tanks to ensure that they meet safety standards. Through professional design, regular inspection and staff training and other measures, can effectively reduce the risk of accidents, to ensure the smooth progress of chemical production.