How to Safely perform Toxic Liquid Transfer from Drums.
The optimal solution for ensuring safety during the toxic liquid transfer process using a pump is to conduct the operation within a specially equipped glove box.
CSV Containment designs custom liquid transfer containment stations made of stainless steel, available with one or more chambers to suit client requirements. The glove box described here includes an entry and exit chamber for the drums, tailored to the specific dimensions of the containers used.
Inside the chamber, drums are placed using a convenient roller conveyor and a stop device. Operators can then easily handle the transfer lance after opening the drum with a dedicated tool. A mechanical stop equipped with a proximity sensor ensures and verifies the correct positioning of the drum inside the chamber.
The roller conveyor also equips the drum trolley, which, once connected to the station structure via a foot-operated mechanism, seamlessly integrates with the chamber, allowing for smooth drum movement. Both loading and unloading operations are designed to provide operators with a practical and ergonomic working method.
Separate Chambers and Safe Flow Management.
The second chamber, isolated from both the first chamber and the external environment, houses the pump and all necessary circuits for the transfer of highly toxic liquids. This chamber acts as an additional safety feature, containing all fluid transfer operations from the drum.
Since toxic liquids may be incompatible with certain materials, such as EPDM, the station is equipped with gloves and seals made of FKM.
The containment chamber serves as a secondary barrier, enclosing the automated suction and flow distribution system, which directs liquids to different pipelines based on production needs. In case of accidental spillage, the chamber is equipped with a draining base that collects and disposes of the product. A series of interlocks ensures that pumping operations are carried out safely, with further protection provided by a variable-speed fan and HEPA filters maintaining negative pressure.
For washing the chamber and extraction lance, the system includes spray guns and a “tube-in-tube” system to clean the suction pipe involved in the transfer process.
Components of the Toxic Liquid Transfer Station
- Loading/Unloading Chamber and Containment Chamber
- 2 FKM Gloves to operate inside the loading chamber
- 2 Pass-through connections for spray guns
- 1 Pass-through connection for washing water for the transfer line
- Spray guns with flexible pipes
- Extraction Lance with a “tube-in-tube” system for internal washing
- 2 parallel fans and 2 valves for regulating air extraction flow
- Electromechanical locks to ensure operational safety
- Pump Containment Chamber with 8 pass-through connections for utilities
- Drain and collection tank
- Drum trolley equipped with a roller conveyor
CSV Containment provides tailor-made solutions for pharmaceutical and fine chemical sectors in terms of containment. For more info: containment@csv-ls.com