POM - Abnormal Situations 2/2

What is the critical function of the instrument air system in a process unit?

• Activating the pneumatic control valves

• Controlling the lighting system

• Monitoring the weather conditions

• Operating the emergency alarms

What are some redundant sources of instrument air that can be used in case of a failure?

• Spared instrument air compressors

• Hydraulic systems

• Wind turbines

• Solar power

What should technicians do if a total, sustained loss of steam occurs in a process unit?

• Increase the steam requirements

• Shut down, vent, and block in reactors using steam

• Ignore the issue and continue normal operations

• Increase the operating temperatures

What is the best protection against hurricanes and tornadoes for plants located in prone areas?

• Advanced preparation

• Building underground shelters

• Ignoring the weather forecasts

• Installing wind turbines

What are some protective systems used to reduce the hazards of lightning strikes in plants?

• Air conditioning units

• Water sprinklers

• Solar panels

• Lightning rods and masts

What should be done to prevent freeze-up of aboveground fire hydrants and fire monitors?

• Insulate or protect them

• Increase the water pressure

• Install additional heating elements

• Paint them with heat-resistant paint

What should be done to keep liquid levels in towers, columns, and drums close to normal during an orderly shutdown?

• Increase the flow rates

• Reduce the flows and temperatures

• Shut down the entire unit

• Ignore the liquid levels

What can happen if condensate builds up in the instrument impulse lines or instrument housings?

• The instruments will provide accurate information

• The instruments can freeze and malfunction

• The instruments will self-repair

• The instruments will shut down automatically

What should be done if the frozen instrument loop is part of a control system, alarm, or interlock?

• Increase the freezing temperature

• Insulate the instrument housings

• The functions will continue to work normally

• Ignore the issue

What is the purpose of knockout pots in storage tanks and distillation reflux tanks?

• To cool down the equipment

• To store excess steam

• To collect rainwater

• To remove residual water from process materials