TriplePoint.Threads by TriplePoint.Engineering

  EN 50160 and PV Systems Photovoltaic systems are more than solar panels on a roof. They are active participants in a dynamic electrical ecosystem, constantly interacting with the public grid. That interaction is governed by standards, and one of the most important is EN 50160. This European standard defines the expected quality of electricity supplied by public distribution networks. For PV system owners, understanding EN 50160 is essential for protecting equipment, maximizing performance, and ensuring long-term compliance. EN 50160 sets expectations for voltage levels, frequency stability, and how much variation is acceptable. In most homes across Europe, the voltage should remain within ten percent of the nominal 230 volts. Anything above 253 volts is considered too high. Frequency, typically 50 hertz, should stay within one percent of that value for 99.5 percent of the week. These thresholds are designed to protect sensitive electronics, maintain grid stability, and ensure...

Before a process vessel sees its first drop of product, it should pass more than just a visual inspection. Testing is engineering discipline. And yet, I still see confusion between leak tests, service tests, hydrostatic tests, and pneumatic tests. Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one or skipping it altogether can cost far more than the test itself.  A hydrostatic pressure test in progress Why Test at All? Because once that vessel is in service, failure isn’t theoretical. It’s downtime, contamination, environmental risk, and reputational damage. Testing isn’t a formality; it’s your last chance to catch what drawings and weld logs can’t. Whether you’re commissioning a new reactor, validating a retrofit, or preparing for regulatory inspection, pressure testing is your final line of defense. It verifies that the vessel can withstand operating conditions, contain the process media, and perform safely over time. But not all tests are created equal. 1. Hyd...

Just a list of major disasters, all over the word, in all kind of industries. Not to show how bad the industry is, but to proof Process Safety is important every single day..... # Title Location Year Description Consequences Long-Term Outcome 1 Bhopal Gas Tragedy Bhopal, India 1984 Methyl isocyanate gas leak from Union Carbide pesticide plant. ~15,000 deaths, 500,000+ injured. Triggered global chemical safety reforms and the Responsible Care initiative 2 Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Pripyat, Ukraine 1986 Reactor 4 explosion at nuclear power plant. 31 immediate deaths, thousands of cancer cases. Led to global nuclear safety protocols and exclusion zone  3 Texas City Disaster Texas, USA 1947 Explosion of ammonium nitrate on SS Grandcamp. 581 deaths, 5,000 injured. Prompted U.S. chemical safety legislation 4 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster Fukushima, Japan 2011 Earthquake and tsunami caused reactor meltdowns. Radiation release, 150,000 evacuated. Shifted global nuclear energy policy ...

  What’s Process Safety All About?  Safety is NOT only Personal Safety, there is so much more to take proper care of. Process safety is basically the art (and science) of keeping dangerous chemical processes from going haywire. It’s not just about wearing hard hats or putting up warning signs, it’s about designing systems that don’t explode , don’t leak toxic stuff , and don’t catch fire in the first place. What Is Process Safety Management (PSM)? PSM is OSHA’s way of saying: “If you’re working with hazardous chemicals, you better have your act together.” It’s a set of rules under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 that tells companies how to manage the risks of handling highly hazardous chemicals. It’s not just paperwork, it’s a full-on strategy that includes: Writing clear procedures for operating and maintaining equipment Training workers to recognize and respond to hazards Using tech like sensors and alarms to catch problems early Regularly checking and fixing equipment before...