Well, I got to do something new tonight. At about 2:00 am, a 1/2 inch line blew off one of our NH3 compressors. They run @ 3400psi. That puts a LOT of ammonia into the atmosphere. Couldn't see the pumphouse. It was just a cloud of white NH3 vapour. Put on Scott pack (SCBA) and wade in. Close valves, fire up backup pump and so forth. Kept all the plants running without so much as a hickup and sat back down for coffee around 3:30. I'm new in this particular area of the plant, so I could just help, but it was still pretty cool. Although, my neck, forehead, and nads are feelin' pretty warm right now. That flaming smiley is the funky dance you do when the NH3 finds your moist places. NH3 is hygroscopic (seeks water). The vapour gets everywhere even with the gortex suits on. Oh well, back to my regular duties.....

 

holy hannah...sounds like scary stuff for a newbie... hope everyone was KO.

 

Hope that doesn`t happen too often, it wouldn`t be one of my most favorite jobs.

 

The dumb part is that it happened on the previous Tuesday night. In exactly the same manner. I was on Day shift that time so I missed it. Other than the burning sensation it was actually pretty cool. It wouldn't have been so cool if we'd had to take the plants down though. It was an excellent learning experience as well. Not that I want that everyday!

 

yeah, doesn't sound like something you want to experience every day.

 

Wow doesnt sound like a good day freaky stuff alright

 

Sounds like quite the experience.