What is the main hazard associated with a Coker unit?

The main hazard associated with a Coker unit is indeed coke dust. Coker units are part of the refining process that converts heavy crude materials into lighter, more valuable products, and the primary output of this process is petroleum coke, a solid carbonaceous material. During its production, the generation of fine coke dust can occur, which poses significant risks.

Coke dust is hazardous because it can become airborne and create explosive atmospheres when mixed with air, leading to dust deflagration or even explosion. This makes controlling coke dust a critical safety issue. Additionally, prolonged exposure to coke dust can result in respiratory problems for workers due to inhalation, necessitating stringent safety measures such as proper ventilation and the use of personal protective equipment.

A focus on coke dust highlights the unique challenges of working in a Coker unit compared to other hazards that may be present, such as gas leaks or flammable liquids that are also significant in petrochemical operations but not the primary concern for this specific process. Electrical hazards, while important to address in any industrial environment, are not specific to the hazards typically associated with a Coker unit's operations.