4 replies to this topic

[shvet1]

Good day, forum

 

I have a question concerning safety precautions for process system (equipment and/or piping) isolation for maintenance or repair. When and why block valve(s), check valve, bleed valve, split plate (blind), spectable plate (blind), blank flanges are to be used and its combinations? When and why physical disconnection, squeeze off, foam bagging, pipe plug, freezing are to be used?

 

I know that ask much but I need documents - engineering practices and standards. The only suitable document I have found is HSG253. Can one provide with links to worth documents concerned?

 

Links to incidents and accidents statistics are welcomed.

[breizh]

For you and others ,

 

Study carefully this document and you will get your answer. Consider this standard too.

I'm quite puzzled with your last sentence, you should spend more time in operation and you will understand the benefits to have these equipment provided. 

 

Good luck .

Breizh

Edited by breizh, 27 December 2018 - 07:37 AM.

[shvet1]

Thanks a lot.
I have worked in a process unit for 10 years. I saw a lot of accidents and took a part in a couple of them as a participant. But now I work as process engineer and I have to justify my engineering practices to clients. As I found out my own experience is not worth for most of them aspeccially when budget concerns takes place. 

 

I have to find not only sound engineering practices but some strong and evident arguments too.

Edited by shvet1, 27 December 2018 - 10:28 PM.

[breizh]

Hi,

Over my 37 years of working experience I've seen  many cases of people burnt  with chemicals due to lack of isolation valves, improper cleaning of lines and equipment prior to dismantle them , poor diagnostic about the status of the equipment ,adequate PPE not worn to perform the task , etc ... , Design is not only about steady state operation , it should include start up , sampling , isolation, maintenance ....

 

my view

 

Breizh

[Chemitofreak]

Hi,

 

Isolation philosophy is something most of the companies (both Client and EPC) have readily available. It is just fine tuned based on a specific project.

 

If you as a process engineer, put in some safety feature based on your past experience, you should be in a good position to defend it. If a particular engineer does not agree to your thought process, maybe you should highlight the same during Design Review / HAZOP of the P&ID.  

 

Regards