Lesson plan

Blowdown stack

A blowdown stack is an elevated vent or vertical stack that is used to vent the pressure of components of a chemical, refinery or other plant if there is a process problem or emergency. A blowdown stack can be used to complement a flare stack or as an alternative. The purpose is to prevent 'loss of containment' of volatile liquids and gases. Blowdown from several systems may be combined in a blowdown header prior to the stack. A knock-out pot may be provided at the base of the stack to remove any liquids. Blowdown stacks may either be ignited (like a flare) or un-ignited (a ‘cold’ vent). The height of the blowdown stack must be tall enough to ensure the safe dispersal of vapour.

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Article summary

A blowdown stack is an elevated vent or vertical stack that is used to vent the pressure of components of a chemical, refinery or other plant if there is a process problem or emergency. A blowdown stack can be used to complement a flare stack or as an alternative. The purpose is to prevent 'loss of containment' of volatile liquids and gases. Blowdown from several systems may be combined in a blowdown header prior to the stack. A knock-out pot may be provided at the base of the stack to remove any liquids. Blowdown stacks may either be ignited (like a flare) or un-ignited (a ‘cold’ vent). The height of the blowdown stack must be tall enough to ensure the safe dispersal of vapour.

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Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

Bibliography

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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.