Re: arresting sparks in comex

On Oct 11, 2006, at 11:06 AM, R Buckner wrote:

> Zac,
> I really do not understand what is going on here concening the  
> electrical and the way members are communicating with each other.   
> It is very difficult to respond to each concern when people are  
> communicating through virtual digital means.  Who is in charge? Who  
> makes the final decision on how something is done? How many people  
> do I have to explain myself to before I repair the relay/contactor?

What process would you prefer? The General Manager is in charge of  
day to day business operations (as stated in the By-Laws). Because  
there isn't currently a GM, I believe leads for each committee are  
coordinating with the board to make daily decisions. Brian can  
correct me if I'm wrong.

If you prefer, you can just work with Thom Tricola and he can  
coordinate with the board and felix regarding making decisions.

>
> If indeed the comex is a Class I, Division 1 or Division 2  
> Hazardous Location, then all the eletrical in the comex will  
> probably have to be redone.
> Class I locations are described as something like "for all voltages  
> in....hazardous locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist  
> due to flammable gases or vapors or flammable liquids".  These  
> locations require special explosion proof and spark proof  
> enclosures for all the electrical.  Very expensive.  I think Felix  
> understands this.  I talked with him briefly about it.

It is my understanding that the current set-up was what was done to  
get us making fuel quickly. We are moving as quickly as we can to a  
Phase II processor that will address larger safety and efficiency  
concerns. In the meantime, we have to do the best we can. I believe  
moving that one relay away from the reactors will be an important  
safety upgrade.
>
> My understanding is to get the system up and working immediately to  
> make fuel.  I believe bringing in an city inspector on site is  
> going to open up a can of worms.  Are we prepared for this?  Sound  
> like a Catch-22.

As long as they don't actually shut us down, I think it would be  
important to get their recommendations and feedback. We know there is  
a possibility that we are not meeting code with our current set-up.  
If you feel uncomfortable with that, we should address your specific  
concerns and decide whether you want to do the work. I don't think  
you should get involved if you feel uncomfortable about doing so,  
however your recommendations are invaluable feedback to us and will  
help us make decisions on how to proceed, obviously.
>
> I can make the system work with a minimal amout of effort and  
> materials.

That is what we're looking for *while still reaching forward as much  
as is feasible with time and work constraints*. How much is one  
explosion proof box roughly if we can't move the relay?
>
> We probably need to put a notice on site warning people of the  
> potential dangers involved working close to or inside the comex.   
> How much methanol gas floats around in the comex?  What amount of  
> concentration is needed to cause an explosion?

That is an excellent idea. I'm ccing your email to the safety  
committee to take action on. We are working on signage for the site.

>
> Ron
>
> How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger’s low PC-to-Phone  
> call rates.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Zac Imboden
[email protected]
1534 SE 35th Place
Portland, OR
97214
971-563-2477

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