Staying Ahead Of Safety Standards

Simon Bunegar, CCO at Grandperspective, explains how ground-based remote sensing technology can help ammonia storage facilities comply with PGS-12 The Netherlands, which is home to some of the continent’s most advanced storage facilities, is already known for strict rules and robust best-practice guidance. But operators are also expected to prove, consistently, that they are managing risk in a proactive way. For ammonia, the key benchmark is Publicatiereeks Gevaarlijke Stoffen, or put simply: PGS-12. Two and a half years ago, one major Dutch ammonia plant decided it needed to strengthen safety and compliance. So, it partnered with Grandperspective, a leading provider of ground-based remote sensing technology. Together, they installed two scanfeld sensor units so that their large storage tanks could be continuously monitored from all sides, day and night, without interruption. PGS-12 Updates: Raising The Bar Recent updates to PGS-12 raised those expectations once again. Submerged pipes will need to enter tanks from above, not from the side, in order to avoid weak points. Outer tank walls also need reinforcing, creating a stronger secondary barrier. Peter Maas, chief executive...