This updated recommended practice provides guidance to refiners on the safe operations of hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation units. Areas specifically covered in the document include hazards management, operating procedures, worker protection, materials & new construction, inspection and maintenance of HF units, transportation, inventory control, relief and utility systems and mitigation options.

The document provides additional information on elements of a comprehensive HF audit, HF exposure limits, corrosion & materials considerations specific to HF alkylation units, examples of tasks for each type of clothing class and procedures for unloading acid tank trucks & design features of an acid-truck unloading station.

Refiners with HF alkylation units will find this document very helpful when performing a Process Hazards Analysis for compliance with the OSHA Process Safety Management regulations.