Predicting Solvent Concentrations from coating the Inside of Bulk Storage Tanks

Abstract

A technique is presented to assess health risks associated with coating the inside surface of a bulk storage tank. The technique uses a sequential box model to predict the time-varying solvent concentrations at arbitrary points inside the vessel during an ongoing coating process. Input parameters include volumetric flow rates of exhaust and makeup air, solvent threshold limit values and evaporation rates, and a set of exchange coefficients that characterize air circulation inside the vessel. This technique enables engineers to rate quantitatively the anticipated health risks of applying a combination of coatings. The technique also provides engineering managers a predictive tool to organize work schedules so that health and safety can become input parameters to an engineering enterprise.