5. Specific safety features

5.1 Fire and explosion hazards

Cold thermal desorption systems (bag filters located between the desorption furnace and the post-combustion unit) present an increased safety risk. Desorbed hydrocarbons can condense and accumulate inside the bag filter, particularly on the bags. The bags can then no longer function properly, and the cleaning pulses do not have the desired effect on the accumulated hydrocarbons. Such accumulation can occur gradually, but also very rapidly and surprisingly. This can lead to a fire, as soon as a source of ignition is available. Regular replacement of sleeves reduces this risk, but does not rule it out entirely. Temperature control, combined with curative measures (fire-fighting measures in and at the bag filter inlet), is necessary whenever the plant processes...