HARSNET: Thematic network on hazard assessment of highly reactive systems

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0563a

Key words (English)

Hazard assessment techniques; reactive chemicals

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BRRT-CT98-5066

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 2.1 Industrial and materials technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator: CETS Institut Quimic de Sarrià (E)

Abstract (English)

OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of HarsNet are a consequence of the urgent need to introduce hazard assessment techniques for reactive chemicals into the normal working procedures of SMEs. As mentioned previously, most of the expensive and specialized experimental techniques commonly involved in such studies are not usually easily available to such concerns. From this point of view, new guidelines should be produced including the idea of a step by step assessment procedure based on a literature survey, simple predictive calculations and laboratory based testing in readily available equipment. Such procedures should be designed to reveal the occasions on which more sophisticated tests should be performed by external laboratories or specialized experts.
The Words HarsBase, HarsWeb, HarsEdu, Harsguide and HarsMeth are used to identify the following tasks:
Harsbase and HarsWeb:
Review of the state-of-the-art techniques for hazard assessment for reactive chemicals. Consolidate and maintain the collected information in a web site.
HarsBook:
HarsBook is the name of a guideline that should contemplate prevention of runaway in batch and semi-batch reactors (discontinuous process), including steps for risk assessment; experimental techniques, their advantages and disadvantages; interpretation of results and examples. HarsBook is addressed to experts and it is the base of HarsMeth, addressed to everybody responsible for chemical processes.
HarsMeth:
HarsMeth is the name of a simplified methodology that can be applied by SME's to prevent runaway in batch and semi-batch reactors (discontinuous process).
HarsEdu:
The objective of HarsEdu is to propose the contents of both undergraduate and post graduate educational programs in the prevention of runaway reactions.
Summary of the objectives for the fourth year.
The objectives at the end of the fourth year of HarsNet are:
· ·Review the state-of-the-art, continued realization of HarsBase and HarsWeb
· ·Unified guidelines in the official language of each participant
· ·First proposal of short-cut methodologies adapted to the SMEs.
· Final evaluation and assessment of the need to continue HarsNet.·s.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 97.0563a