pipeline emergencies nasfm chapter 8 – ethanol in pipelines 1 chapter 8 ethanol in pipelines

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PIPELINE EMERGENCIESPIPELINE EMERGENCIES

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Chapter 8 – Ethanol in PipelinesChapter 8 – Ethanol in Pipelines

CHAPTER 8CHAPTER 8

Ethanol in PipelinesEthanol in Pipelines

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Objectives Objectives

Describe three primary ways ethanol Describe three primary ways ethanol might be transported through pipelines.might be transported through pipelines.

Differentiate between the physical and Differentiate between the physical and chemical properties of ethanol and chemical properties of ethanol and refined liquid products, such as gasoline.refined liquid products, such as gasoline.

Describe how the solubility of ethanol Describe how the solubility of ethanol can impact the response to a pipeline can impact the response to a pipeline spill.spill.

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Objectives (continued)Objectives (continued)

Identify resources for additional training in Identify resources for additional training in ethanol spill response.ethanol spill response.

Identify the proper foam for an ethanol spill.Identify the proper foam for an ethanol spill.

Given an ethanol response scenario, describe Given an ethanol response scenario, describe how an ethanol pipeline spill can be more how an ethanol pipeline spill can be more complex than spills from other transportation complex than spills from other transportation modes.modes.

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IntroductionIntroduction

A Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative FuelA Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative Fuel

A combination of government mandates and economic factors are driving A combination of government mandates and economic factors are driving ethanol use as a vehicle fuel. Ethyl alcohol, ethanol, is fermented from ethanol use as a vehicle fuel. Ethyl alcohol, ethanol, is fermented from organic material, it is not an oil distillate. organic material, it is not an oil distillate.

Technically referred to as a polar solvent liquid, ethanol and the family of Technically referred to as a polar solvent liquid, ethanol and the family of polar solvents will require different response actions than those described in polar solvents will require different response actions than those described in Session 4 for refined liquid products. Session 4 for refined liquid products.

The majority of ethanol consumed in the US is produced domestically at The majority of ethanol consumed in the US is produced domestically at ethanol plants with growing amounts being imported. ethanol plants with growing amounts being imported.

Commercial ethanol is denatured with up to 5% gasoline making the alcohol Commercial ethanol is denatured with up to 5% gasoline making the alcohol non-drinkable, creating Fuel Grade Ethanol (FGE).non-drinkable, creating Fuel Grade Ethanol (FGE).

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A Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative Fuel (Continued)A Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative Fuel (Continued)

Fuel Grade Ethanol is mostly transported by barge, tank trucks and railcarsFuel Grade Ethanol is mostly transported by barge, tank trucks and railcars

to terminals where blending with gasoline at various proportions occur to terminals where blending with gasoline at various proportions occur

prior to distribution to service stations. prior to distribution to service stations.

The most common blends are referred to as E-10, which is 10% ethanol and The most common blends are referred to as E-10, which is 10% ethanol and

90% gasoline and E-85, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E-85 is an 90% gasoline and E-85, which is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E-85 is an

alternative fuel to gasoline that may be used in Flexible Fueled Vehicles. It is alternative fuel to gasoline that may be used in Flexible Fueled Vehicles. It is

being distributed throughout the US. being distributed throughout the US.

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A Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative Fuel (Continued)A Brief History of Ethanol As an Alternative Fuel (Continued)

At loading terminals ethanol is blended with gasoline to produce fuels At loading terminals ethanol is blended with gasoline to produce fuels capable of meeting the Clean Air Requirements which are specific to a capable of meeting the Clean Air Requirements which are specific to a state or geographic region. state or geographic region.

Increasing market use of ethanol blended fuels is leading to an interest in Increasing market use of ethanol blended fuels is leading to an interest in transporting large volumes of ethanol via pipeline. Pipelines have transporting large volumes of ethanol via pipeline. Pipelines have historically only transported refined liquid petroleum products, such as historically only transported refined liquid petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil. These trends are changing. gasoline, diesel fuel, and heating oil. These trends are changing.

In December of 2008, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners began commercial In December of 2008, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners began commercial pipeline shipment of FGE batched with gasoline between Tampa and pipeline shipment of FGE batched with gasoline between Tampa and Orlando, Florida.Orlando, Florida.

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Pipeline Transportation of EthanolPipeline Transportation of Ethanol

Let’s consider the primary methods of transporting ethanol by pipeline:Let’s consider the primary methods of transporting ethanol by pipeline:

1. Fuel Grade Ethanol batched with other refined products1. Fuel Grade Ethanol batched with other refined products

2. Ethanol/gasoline blends batched with other refined products 2. Ethanol/gasoline blends batched with other refined products

3. Dedicated ethanol pipeline moving ethanol or ethanol/gasoline blends3. Dedicated ethanol pipeline moving ethanol or ethanol/gasoline blends

Option 1 – Fuel Grade Ethanol batched with other products is most Option 1 – Fuel Grade Ethanol batched with other products is most likely to occur as ethanol production increases. In Session 4, you likely to occur as ethanol production increases. In Session 4, you learned about the batching process used to transport consecutive learned about the batching process used to transport consecutive slugs of refined liquid products in a pipeline. Pipeline operators may slugs of refined liquid products in a pipeline. Pipeline operators may batch either blends of ethanol/gasoline or FGE as a routine part of batch either blends of ethanol/gasoline or FGE as a routine part of their pipeline operation. These are the procedures which responders their pipeline operation. These are the procedures which responders should take into account in order to prepare and appropriately should take into account in order to prepare and appropriately respond to a pipeline carrying ethanol.respond to a pipeline carrying ethanol.

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Pipeline Transportation of EthanolPipeline Transportation of EthanolOption 1 –Option 1 – Emergency responders should first identify if any pipelines traverse Emergency responders should first identify if any pipelines traverse

through their jurisdiction. This is possible and the data is available through their jurisdiction. This is possible and the data is available by applying for access to the National Pipeline Mapping System at the by applying for access to the National Pipeline Mapping System at the following website: following website: http://http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.govwww.npms.phmsa.dot.gov// . Information on . Information on the data and about applying is available at the following website: the data and about applying is available at the following website: http://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Documents/NPMS%20resources.pdfhttp://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/Documents/NPMS%20resources.pdf..

If a pipeline does travel through the area of jurisdiction then If a pipeline does travel through the area of jurisdiction then emergency responders should contact the pipeline operator and emergency responders should contact the pipeline operator and discuss the risks associated with the commodities transported discuss the risks associated with the commodities transported through that pipeline. Current regulations require pipeline operators through that pipeline. Current regulations require pipeline operators to develop and implement public awareness programs consistent with to develop and implement public awareness programs consistent with the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and the requirements of the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and the guidance provided by the American Petroleum Institute the guidance provided by the American Petroleum Institute Recommended Practice 1162, "Public Awareness Programs for Recommended Practice 1162, "Public Awareness Programs for Pipeline Operators." Operators must include in their programs Pipeline Operators." Operators must include in their programs activities to advise affected municipalities, emergency responders activities to advise affected municipalities, emergency responders and the general public.and the general public.

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Pipeline Transportation of EthanolPipeline Transportation of EthanolOption 1 (continued) –Option 1 (continued) –

If the pipeline operator intends to transport ethanol using one of the If the pipeline operator intends to transport ethanol using one of the three methods discussed earlier, emergency responders should three methods discussed earlier, emergency responders should develop a response plan with information from pipeline operators in develop a response plan with information from pipeline operators in order to manage risks and for being prepared to handle a worst case order to manage risks and for being prepared to handle a worst case scenario unique to that system. Several pipeline operators are scenario unique to that system. Several pipeline operators are conducting ethanol batch testing and should be contacting conducting ethanol batch testing and should be contacting communities along the pipeline route in advance of these tests. The communities along the pipeline route in advance of these tests. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has requested a voluntary 60-day advance notification from any has requested a voluntary 60-day advance notification from any pipeline operator planning commercial or batch testing of ethanol. A pipeline operator planning commercial or batch testing of ethanol. A list of operators who replied can be found at the following website: list of operators who replied can be found at the following website:

http://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/iim/notifications.imd?order=typehttp://primis.phmsa.dot.gov/iim/notifications.imd?order=type

Emergency responders can contact PHMSA via this website and be Emergency responders can contact PHMSA via this website and be connected with the operator point of contact.connected with the operator point of contact.

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Pipeline Transportation of EthanolPipeline Transportation of EthanolOption 1 (continued) – Option 1 (continued) –

Emergency responders should understand threats from ethanol fuel Emergency responders should understand threats from ethanol fuel mixtures and how to safely and effectively respond. The following mixtures and how to safely and effectively respond. The following are resources to understand ethanol chemical characteristics, are resources to understand ethanol chemical characteristics, effective response and foams for use on ethanol fuel mixture fires: effective response and foams for use on ethanol fuel mixture fires:

Material Safety Data Sheet Material Safety Data Sheet http://http://www.msdsonline.comwww.msdsonline.com//

Emergency Response Guidebook Emergency Response Guidebook http://http://www.phmsa.dot.govwww.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat/library/erg/hazmat/library/erg

Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition (EERC) http://http://www.ethanolresponse.comwww.ethanolresponse.com//

EERC Foam Guidance EERC Foam Guidance http://http://www.ethanolresponse.com/projects.htmlwww.ethanolresponse.com/projects.html

Other resources Other resources http://http://www.ethanolresponse.com/resources.htmlwww.ethanolresponse.com/resources.html

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Pipeline Transportation of Ethanol Pipeline Transportation of Ethanol (continued)(continued) Ethanol Pipeline incidents can be more complex than Ethanol Pipeline incidents can be more complex than

incidents via other transportation modes. For example: incidents via other transportation modes. For example:

Emergency responders responding to a gasoline pipeline Emergency responders responding to a gasoline pipeline spill could suddenly find themselves dealing with a spill spill could suddenly find themselves dealing with a spill of fuel grade ethanol (E95). of fuel grade ethanol (E95).

Pipeline pressure, elevation changes, and valve Pipeline pressure, elevation changes, and valve positioning all affect the leak rate of product(s) from a positioning all affect the leak rate of product(s) from a batched refined liquid pipeline.batched refined liquid pipeline.

During a pipeline spill response, communication with the During a pipeline spill response, communication with the pipeline operator control center is crucial to identify the pipeline operator control center is crucial to identify the product sequence in a batched pipeline.product sequence in a batched pipeline.

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Physical & Chemical Properties of Ethanol Physical & Chemical Properties of Ethanol The physical properties of ethanol are very different from The physical properties of ethanol are very different from

those of refined petroleum products. A liquid, ethanol, is those of refined petroleum products. A liquid, ethanol, is colorless and has a mild, pleasant odor.colorless and has a mild, pleasant odor.

Its vapor density is greater than 1, which means that ethanol Its vapor density is greater than 1, which means that ethanol vapor will collect in low areas. Ethanol’s specific gravity is vapor will collect in low areas. Ethanol’s specific gravity is less than 1, which means liquid ethanol is lighter than water. less than 1, which means liquid ethanol is lighter than water. However, unlike gasoline, ethanol will not float on water due However, unlike gasoline, ethanol will not float on water due to its solubility.to its solubility.

Ethanol and water are completely miscible together, please Ethanol and water are completely miscible together, please see a fuel grade ethanol MSDS for further information. Rather see a fuel grade ethanol MSDS for further information. Rather than floating on top of water like gasoline, ethanol will than floating on top of water like gasoline, ethanol will dissolve into the water. Tests have shown that solutions of dissolve into the water. Tests have shown that solutions of one part ethanol and five parts water will burn.one part ethanol and five parts water will burn.

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Effect of Solubility on Incident Effect of Solubility on Incident ResponseResponse

The Eight Step Process for responding to incidents described The Eight Step Process for responding to incidents described in Session 6 fully applies to pipeline leaks involving ethanol. in Session 6 fully applies to pipeline leaks involving ethanol. However some basic principles of spill control are unique for However some basic principles of spill control are unique for ethanol.ethanol.

Many Class B low-expansion foams are capable of Many Class B low-expansion foams are capable of extinguishing and suppressing vapors from a gasoline spill. extinguishing and suppressing vapors from a gasoline spill. However, they would simply dissolve into ethanol. For However, they would simply dissolve into ethanol. For ethanol/gasoline blends, the effectiveness of Protein, ethanol/gasoline blends, the effectiveness of Protein, Fluoroprotein, Aqueous Film-Forming (AFFF), and Film-Fluoroprotein, Aqueous Film-Forming (AFFF), and Film-Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) foams degrades rapidly as the Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) foams degrades rapidly as the percentage of ethanol increases. percentage of ethanol increases.

Studies have shown that even E10 can render these foams Studies have shown that even E10 can render these foams ineffective for extinguishing fires and suppressing vapors.ineffective for extinguishing fires and suppressing vapors.

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Effect of Solubility on Incident Response Effect of Solubility on Incident Response (continued)(continued)

For large pipeline spills, the sheer volume of ethanol or For large pipeline spills, the sheer volume of ethanol or ethanol/gasoline released would likely overwhelm even well-ethanol/gasoline released would likely overwhelm even well-equipped fire departments. equipped fire departments.

Pipeline operators have primary responsibility for containing Pipeline operators have primary responsibility for containing and recovering spills. The operator will need to be cognizant and recovering spills. The operator will need to be cognizant of the miscible nature of ethanol during these operations. of the miscible nature of ethanol during these operations.

Emergency responders and pipeline operators should Emergency responders and pipeline operators should remember that pipeline transportation of ethanol can pose remember that pipeline transportation of ethanol can pose unique challenges. unique challenges.

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Effect of Solubility on Incident Effect of Solubility on Incident Response Response (continued)(continued) Ethanol gasoline fuel mixtures react differently when spilled Ethanol gasoline fuel mixtures react differently when spilled

on soil versus on water. Emergency Responders should on soil versus on water. Emergency Responders should contact their Environmental Protection Agency regional contact their Environmental Protection Agency regional office for more information on ethanol gasoline fuel spills office for more information on ethanol gasoline fuel spills on land and on water. on land and on water.

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Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate (ARC)(ARC) The chemical make-up of ARC forms a membrane between the The chemical make-up of ARC forms a membrane between the

foam blanket and the fuel. foam blanket and the fuel.

This membrane inhibits the absorption of the foam into the This membrane inhibits the absorption of the foam into the fuel. fuel.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has created The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has created a training program, entitled a training program, entitled Preparing for an Ethanol and Preparing for an Ethanol and Flammable Liquid ResponseFlammable Liquid Response. The written material and video . The written material and video provide extensive information on the selection and application provide extensive information on the selection and application of foams. These products are posted on the Ethanol of foams. These products are posted on the Ethanol Emergency Response Coalition website (Emergency Response Coalition website (http://http://www.ethanolresponse.comwww.ethanolresponse.com//) and can be found under the ) and can be found under the “EERC Projects” and “Resources” link.“EERC Projects” and “Resources” link.

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Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate (ARC) – Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate (ARC) – (Continued)(Continued) Highlights from the IAFC training program include:Highlights from the IAFC training program include:

ARC must be applied gently to the surface of the fuel to inhibit ARC must be applied gently to the surface of the fuel to inhibit absorption.absorption.

Deflecting the foam spray from surfaces adjacent to the spill helps Deflecting the foam spray from surfaces adjacent to the spill helps limit foam absorption.limit foam absorption.

ARC should be applied to an alcohol spill at roughly twice the rate ARC should be applied to an alcohol spill at roughly twice the rate of traditional Class B foams.of traditional Class B foams.

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Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate (ARC) – Alcohol Resistant Foam Concentrate (ARC) – (Continued)(Continued) It is crucial for fire departments to liaise with refined liquid It is crucial for fire departments to liaise with refined liquid

pipeline operators in their response area to learn if a pipeline pipeline operators in their response area to learn if a pipeline transports either ethanol/gasoline blends or pure ethanol. transports either ethanol/gasoline blends or pure ethanol.

Since ARCs are effective on spills of both polar solvents and Since ARCs are effective on spills of both polar solvents and hydrocarbons, fire departments should consider stocking ARC hydrocarbons, fire departments should consider stocking ARC and using it for response to all flammable liquid spills.and using it for response to all flammable liquid spills.

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Hypothetical Ethanol Response ScenarioHypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario A construction crew installing a sewer line extension within a highly-A construction crew installing a sewer line extension within a highly-

populated community gouges a refined liquid pipeline. Product sprays populated community gouges a refined liquid pipeline. Product sprays from the gouge and the backhoe engine ignites a vapor cloud over the from the gouge and the backhoe engine ignites a vapor cloud over the ditch. All of the construction crew members safely move away from the ditch. All of the construction crew members safely move away from the site.site.

A police officer arrives first in response to the 911 call from the A police officer arrives first in response to the 911 call from the construction crew. The officer notices a pipeline marker uphill from the construction crew. The officer notices a pipeline marker uphill from the incident site. The officer calls the emergency phone number on the incident site. The officer calls the emergency phone number on the marker and provides the location of the incident to the pipeline operator.marker and provides the location of the incident to the pipeline operator.

Upon arrival on the scene, the HazMat Incident Commander (IC) conducts Upon arrival on the scene, the HazMat Incident Commander (IC) conducts a hazard and risk assessment to determine the level of response and a hazard and risk assessment to determine the level of response and proper protection for the surrounding property. The fire has an orange proper protection for the surrounding property. The fire has an orange flame, there is a strong smell of gasoline, and nearby buildings are flame, there is a strong smell of gasoline, and nearby buildings are beginning to smolder. The liquid is overflowing into the ditch and a beginning to smolder. The liquid is overflowing into the ditch and a burning trail is slowly moving downhill. Approximately 250 feet downhill burning trail is slowly moving downhill. Approximately 250 feet downhill from the site is a small river that provides drinking water for the from the site is a small river that provides drinking water for the community.community.

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Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario (continued)(continued) Tactical Objectives –Tactical Objectives –

Prevent further spread of the fire and damage to surrounding Prevent further spread of the fire and damage to surrounding property.property.

Prevent the liquid from reaching the river.Prevent the liquid from reaching the river.

Summary of Actions Taken –Summary of Actions Taken – Apply AFFF to the pool of burning liquid.Apply AFFF to the pool of burning liquid.

Direct water hose streams to nearby buildings.Direct water hose streams to nearby buildings.

Place booms and dikes 50 feet from the river to prevent the Place booms and dikes 50 feet from the river to prevent the liquid from reaching the river.liquid from reaching the river.

The foam has little effect on the size of the fire and increases The foam has little effect on the size of the fire and increases the volume of burning liquid flowing toward the river.the volume of burning liquid flowing toward the river.

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Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario (continued)(continued) Summary of Actions (continued)– Summary of Actions (continued)–

A pipeline operator HazMat crew arrives on site and informs A pipeline operator HazMat crew arrives on site and informs the IC that the pump on the pipeline has been shut down. the IC that the pump on the pipeline has been shut down.

The leaking product is gasoline and within 10 minutes a The leaking product is gasoline and within 10 minutes a batch of pure ethanol will drain back from the pipeline to the batch of pure ethanol will drain back from the pipeline to the leak site. The pipeline operator HazMat crew has ARC in leak site. The pipeline operator HazMat crew has ARC in their truck.their truck.

The IC immediately ceases application of AFFF and begins The IC immediately ceases application of AFFF and begins applying ARC, at twice the rate used for the AFFF, by applying ARC, at twice the rate used for the AFFF, by deflecting the foam off of the backhoe. deflecting the foam off of the backhoe.

The fire is soon extinguished.The fire is soon extinguished.

The booms and dikes are reinforced to ensure the liquid The booms and dikes are reinforced to ensure the liquid continuing to drain back from the pipeline will not reach the continuing to drain back from the pipeline will not reach the river.river.

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Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario Hypothetical Ethanol Response Scenario (continued)(continued) Comments and Observations – Comments and Observations –

The pipeline operator’s emergency contact numbers were found The pipeline operator’s emergency contact numbers were found on the pipeline marker.on the pipeline marker.

The AFFF was absorbed into the pool of spilled gasoline and only The AFFF was absorbed into the pool of spilled gasoline and only increased the volume of hazardous material.increased the volume of hazardous material.

The refined liquid pipeline operator employee provided The refined liquid pipeline operator employee provided information crucial to properly responding to the incident.information crucial to properly responding to the incident.

ARC was applied at twice the normal flow rate and deflected from ARC was applied at twice the normal flow rate and deflected from a nearby surface onto the spill.a nearby surface onto the spill.

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Ethanol: Response Considerations VideoEthanol: Response Considerations Video

The Ethanol: Response Considerations video was developed The Ethanol: Response Considerations video was developed by the US Department of Transportation, PHSMA in by the US Department of Transportation, PHSMA in partnership with IAFC to equip emergency responders with partnership with IAFC to equip emergency responders with the basic understanding on how to identify and prepare to the basic understanding on how to identify and prepare to combat incidences involving ethanol and ethanol blended combat incidences involving ethanol and ethanol blended fuels.fuels.

To view this video, visit link below.To view this video, visit link below.

http://http://www.tvworldwide.com/showclip.cfm?idwww.tvworldwide.com/showclip.cfm?id=11019&clip=2=11019&clip=2

pipeline emergencies nasfm chapter 8 – ethanol in pipelines 1 chapter 8 ethanol in pipelines

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