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recommended that the remote shutoff valve be tested and timed with a stopwatch after fi eld installation to ensure compliance. Other manufacturer requirements include spark-resistant materials for blowers or fans used to assist in transporting vapours in the VCS. Another design requirement is that detonation arresters must be installed. These cannot have line expansions within a distance equal to 120 times the pipe diameter of the detonation arrester. It is critical that these and similar requirements are clearly understood in the design phase and accounted for prior to fabrication and installation of the system. As facilities are designed, the consulting engineer develops required certifi cation documentation and coordinates with equipment manufacturers to verify that manufactured items meet all specifi ed requirements. It is important to note this is a collaborative process between the manufacturers and consulting engineer, but the manufacturers have primary responsibility for their equipment meeting certifi cation requirements. Working with parts and system manufacturers on the front end, and documenting new system designs and operational procedures throughout the process, minimises risk of delays related to compliance issues and streamlines the certifi cation process. Conclusion Preparing for facility operational review, recertifi cation, or certifi cation of new facilities is an intensive exercise in document preparation, review, audit and formal testing. For operational reviews, the process should begin three to six months in advance. For recertifi cation of existing facilities, much of the documentation preparation and test simulations can be done in concert with the implementation of facility upgrades. For new facilities, documenting requirements throughout the design, construction and commissioning phases will streamline the certifi cation process. Because the certifi cation process is labour-intensive, it may be benefi cial for asset owners to engage third-party engineering consultants. The consultants can serve as the primary point of contact with certifi cation entities and should work on behalf of the owner to verify that all certifi cation artefacts are in place, confi rm compliance with safety requirements, and coordinate onsite testing and scheduling with the certifi cation entities. In choosing a third-party consultant, owners should be sure to verify that the consultant has a demonstrated track record of frequently working with certifying entities. Consultants with established relationships can help speed up the process and remove much of the risk of operational downtime caused by failed inspections or delays due to the lack of certifying entities available for onsite reviews. It is important for owners and operators to understand that inspections must be scheduled weeks or months in advance, and that a failed inspection could result in additional delays of a month or more. A realistic view of this important yet time-intensive process can eliminate worry and prevent an expensive shutdown until compliance is achieved. • International fertilizer news • Regional reports • Market analysis • Event previews and reviews • In-depth technical articles • In-depth regional analysis by key players in the industry • Comprehensive technical reviews covering all aspects of fertilizer production, from plant optimisation and automation to blending, bagging, and dispatch Global coverage of the fertilizer industry Subscribe online at: www.worldfertilizer.com/subscribe

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