What is a common hazard encountered in a Coker unit?

In a Coker unit, steam is a common hazard due to the nature of the processes it employs, which often involve high-pressure steam in heating and distillation operations. The use of steam is essential for converting heavy hydrocarbons into lighter, more valuable products, but it also poses significant risks. High-pressure steam can lead to severe burns or scalds, and steam leaks can create hazardous working conditions. Additionally, the presence of steam in the Coker unit environment can increase the risk of other incidents, such as potential explosions if mixed with flammable gases or liquids.

While high temperatures and corrosive chemicals are certainly present in Coker units, steam is the more prevalent and immediate hazard in terms of operational risk, as it is directly involved in the core processes. Oil spills, although hazardous, are typically a result of equipment failure rather than an inherent feature of the Coker unit’s operations.