How to operate pressure vessels correctly and ensure safety?

I. Core Points of Safe Operation

1. Certified Operators, Clear Responsibilities
Operators must hold a "Special Equipment Operator Certificate" (e.g., for R1 quick-opening pressure vessels), undergo regular retraining and assessment, and are strictly prohibited from operating without a certificate.

2. Smooth Start-up and Shutdown, Preventing Overload

Loading/unloading processes should be carried out slowly to avoid sudden increases in pressure and temperature.

Operation exceeding temperature and pressure limits is strictly prohibited. If any abnormality is detected, immediately stop the machine and investigate.

3. Pre-operation Inspection
Before each operation, confirm:

Safety accessories are intact (pressure gauge, safety valve, level gauge, etc.)
Pipelines and valves are free of leaks and abnormal noises
Protective devices are complete and effective.

4. In-operation Monitoring

Operators must not leave their posts without authorization.
Monitor pressure, temperature, and liquid level in real time to ensure they are within the process range.
Promptly handle and report any leaks.

5. Regular Maintenance and Inspection

Safety valves should be calibrated annually, and pressure gauges every six months.
Internal inspections should be conducted at least once every three years, and pressure tests should be performed every six years.
Establish technical files to record the entire process of operation, maintenance, and inspection.

II. Three-Step Emergency Response: Evacuation → Alarm → Cooperation

✅ Step 1: Immediate Evacuation to Ensure Personal Safety
Upon discovering signs of leakage, abnormal noises, overpressure, deformation, etc., immediately organize on-site personnel to evacuate along the predetermined route.

In the event of an explosion or fire, lie down with your back to the source of impact, cover your mouth and nose with a wet towel, and quickly move to a safe area in a low posture.

Demarcate a restricted area and prohibit unauthorized personnel from entering.

✅ Step Two: Quickly Report the Incident and Activate the Emergency Mechanism Immediately call the unit's emergency number or external rescue numbers such as 119 and 120.

The report should include: the location of the accident, the name of the equipment, the type of medium (e.g., liquefied gas, ammonia), whether there are any casualties, and the extent of any fire or leak.

Activate the unit's "Pressure Vessel Accident Emergency Plan" and notify the emergency response team to be on site.

✅ Step Three: Coordinate the Handling and Control the Situation

Isolate the Hazard Source: Close the inlet valve, stop the material supply, and open the vent pipe to discharge the medium to a safe location.

Initial Control: For toxic media leaks: Wear a gas mask, use leak-sealing tools to temporarily seal the leak, and cover the leaked material with sand or neutralize it.

For fires: Use dry powder or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to extinguish the fire, and simultaneously use a water curtain to cool the container body to prevent secondary explosions.

Protect the Scene: Preserve the original state of the accident for subsequent investigation and analysis.