Analysis of Maintenance and Storage Operations in Edible Oil Plants: Formation of Flammable Mixtures

Abstract

Recent severe accidents occurred among the vegetable oil refining industry evidenced the hazards connected with extracted edible oils due to high residual solvent content (RSC), typically hexane, a high flammable volatile substance. The present study provides a methodology for the analysis of hazards related to the RSC in normal and maintenance operations for crude edible oil storage tanks. A thermodynamic model allowed the analysis of possible operative conditions leading to the formation of flammable mixtures inside the vessels. A specific experimental analysis was devoted to the characterization of the bottom sludge evidencing the potential formation of flammable mixtures in maintenance operations. The analysis provided a quantitative tool for the preliminary screening of the hazards connected to the storage of crude vegetable oils.