Quest Consultants' personnel have been actively involved in research and testing programs since the mid-1970s. These programs include large-scale field tests of LNG spills and fires. Quest personnel have also conducted research and tests on several aspects of materials flammability and fire resistance. These ranged from ignition and flame spread tests on solid materials to API Standard 607 fire tests on ball valves.

Our personnel have directed numerous large-scale field tests of hazardous fluids, including Sulfuric Acid, Sulfuric Acid/Petroleum Alkylate, Hydrogen Fluoride, and R-11. These tests provided fundamental data on the behavior of hazardous fluid releases, including release rate, vaporization rate, and vapor dispersion characteristics.

Some representative projects are briefly described below.

Superheated and Subcooled Liquid Releases of:
Water, Freon-11, Chlorine, Methylamine, and Cyclohexane

A series of experiments using water, Freon-11, Chlorine, Methylamine, and Cyclohexane as test fluids was conducted for the Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS). The purpose of the experiments was to determine the behavior of superheated liquids as they were released from pressurized storage to the atmosphere. The amount of liquid falling to the ground (rainout) and the amount remaining in the vapor stream (aerosol) were measured as a function of storage temperature, storage pressure, and release orifice diameter. The data from the experiments was compared to the predictions of the CCPS "RELEASE" model. Based on the results of the comparison, enhancements to the "RELEASE" model were developed.

 

Sulfuric Acid Releases

Releases of alkylation sulfuric acid and emulsions of sulfuric acid and alkylate were released to determine the amount of sulfuric acid that would fall to the ground when released from a pressurized stirred vessel. The tests, conducted as a Petroleum Environmental Research Foundation (PERF), and showed that little sulfuric acid enters the air stream upon release.

 

Hydrogen Fluoride Releases

Releases of anhydrous hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen fluoride mixed with proprietary additives were conducted to determine the effectiveness of the additives in suppressing the formation of an airborne aerosol. Tests were conducted over a two-year period to determine the effectiveness of the additives as functions of temperature, release rate, and additive concentration.

For more information about our Research and Testing Services, please contact us at info@questconsult.com.