Sei sulla pagina 1di 2

Why do we need to purge pipelines and vessels?

Prevention of hazards; flammable gas/air mixes when commissioning or decommissioning; pyrophoric scale; static electricity
considerations.
Types of purging and definitions
Direct Purging
Displacement with fuel gas or air
Vacuum techniques
Application where high velocity purging is possible
Implications of stratification
Unsuitability for vessels and suitability for pipelines.
Indirect Purging
Types of inert medium
Displacement purging
Slug purging
Pressure purging
Dilution purging
Branch systems; simultaneous or sequential purging and loops.
Direct and indirect purging
Stratification
Dilution purging
Slug purging
Pressure purging
Purge end point
Purge pressure
Purge velocity
Purge volume
Double block and bleed.
Sources and quantity of purged gas
Cylinders,'skids',
Quantity of purge gas required.
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen
Use of single or multiple manifolds and high capacity regulators
Need for adequate flow
Choices of inert gas and freezing effects.
Quantity expressed as multiples of space to be purged
Quantities for slug displacement and dilution purging.
Precautions when purging
Static Hazards
Bonding
Purge gas velocity
Stratification
Colour coding of cylinders to ensure correct gas
Asphyxiation by purge gases
Site notices: warning, prohibition, no smoking/naked light, and asphyxia hazard.
Labelling of purged and un-purged plant
Equipment requirements; fire extinguishers, BA and personal O2 detectors.
Purging procedures, timing and purge end points
Use of triangular flammability diagrams as applied to natural gas/nitrogen/air purges
Other purge gas scenarios
Purge end points
Effect of gas composition on triangle of flammability
Achieving specified purge end point; use of end points as minimum standards
Flammability of gases in air; safety margins
Hazards of desorption from solid residues and vapours from liquid residues
Need for rechecking
Value of purge end points in purging pipelines and large volume vessels.
Monitoring purge end points using gas detectors
Suitable and unsuitable gas detectors
Recognising an appropriate detector;
Using catalytic and thermal conductivity gas detectors
Start-up procedure
Calibration gas mixtures; calibrating and zeroing of detectors
Electrical safety certification of gas detectors and other electrical apparatus.
Venting of purge gases
Minimising inventory to vent diameter and flow in vent pipes
Noise factors
Vent height and distance from buildings
Prevention of static charge build-up; use of flame traps.
Post purging arrangements
Need for re-testing and frequency
Implications of confined space entry regulations when man entry planned.
Planning a safe system of work
Preparation of method statement including plant description; isolation; use of physical lock-off; methods of purging and
venting; permit-to-work and sign-off procedure
Purge: volume, velocity, pressure, end points and duration
Risk assessment and notification of relevant bodies
Emergency and other contingency arrangements.
Theory and practical exercises
Group theory exercise - 'Commissioning of a new Nuevo Pignone 15 megawatt compressor'
Multi-choice questionnaire
Defining the practical exercise; preparing pipeline/vessel for purging; safety precautions; inert gas and purged gas
interconnections/venting; choosing, inspecting and preparing the gas detector(s) for use
Undertaking the practical exercise.
De-briefing from practical exercise.

Potrebbero piacerti anche