A Risk Assessment of Sulfuric Acid Hazards Arising from the Nitration Reaction with Ammonia Using HAZOP Methodology and WISER Software

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Faculty of Safety - Imam Hussein University - Tehran, Iran

Abstract

The removal of acid from chemical processes has always been one of the essential actions in enhancing safety and preserving the environment. At the same time, the removal of excess acid leads to an increase in the sanitary level of industrial wastewater. One of the industrial processes is the nitration of materials, in which nitric compounds are produced with the help of sulfuric acid. In nitration processes, there is always a large amount of sulfuric acid remaining. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to evaluate risks using the HAZOP method in the neutralization process of sulfuric acid. Based on the findings, there are 34 risks in the neutralization process, of which 11 risks are unacceptable and hazardous. Among these, temperature and corrosion risks account for the highest number of risks. Therefore, an effective cooling system and maintenance program are some of the most necessary requirements in this procces.

Keywords


  • Received Date: 27 June 2025
  • Received Date: 14 July 2025
  • Accepted Date: 13 August 2025
  • Published Date: 23 July 2025