Rule 152. Reaction vessels and kettles

This rule applies to reaction vessels and kettles, here in after referred to as reaction vessels, which normally work at a pressure not above the atmospheric pressure but in which there is likelihood of pressure being created above the atmospheric pressure either due to reaction getting out of control or due to any other circumstances. a. In the event of the vessel being heated by electrical means, suitable thermostatic control devices shall he provided to prevent the temperature exceeding the safety limit. b. Where steam is used for heating purposes in a reaction vessel, it shall pass through a suitable pressure reducing valve or any other suitable automatic device to prevent escape of excessive steam into the vessel so that the maximum permissible pressure of steam only is allowed into the supply line itself c. Suitable safety valve or rupture disc of adequate size and capacity shall be provided to effectively prevent the pressure being built up in the reaction vessel beyond the safety limit. Effective arrangements shall be made to ensure that the released gases, fumes, vapours, liquids or dust, as the case may be, are lead away and disposed of through suitable pipes without causing any hazard. Where flammable gases or vapours are likely to be vented out as discharge from the vessel, it shall be provided with a flame arrestor. d. Every reaction vessel shall be provided with a pressure gauge having the appropriated range. e. In addition to the devices as mentioned in the foregoing provisions there shall also be provided means or devices for automatically stopping the feed into the vessel as soon as process conditions excessively deviate from the normal limits and which deviation can be considered to be dangerous. f. Where necessary, an effective system for cooling, flooding or blanketing shall be provided, for the purpose of controlling the reaction and process conditions within the safe limits of temperature and pressure. g. An automatic auditory and visual warning device, shall also be provided for clear warning whenever process conditions exceed the normal limits. This device, wherever possible, shall be integrated with automatic process correction systems. h. A notice pointing out the possible circumstances and conditions under which pressures above atmospheric pressure may be built up in the reaction vessel, the dangers involved and the precautions to be taken by the operators shall be displayed clearly at a conspicuous place near the vessel which always shall be in a visible condition