9 replies to this topic

[Plant Production Engineer]

Hi, i am working as operation engineer in OMV (Pakistan) Sawan gas field in sindh, Pakistan.
Sawan gas processing plant having capacity to process 400 MMscfd of treated gas. Currently Sawan flare system's baseline purging is being done with treated gas (Methane). Due to this around 1.8 MMscfd of treated gas is vented to the flare system.

I'm working on a project that if we use inert gas (Nitrogen) for purging instead of methane, then we can save unnecessary venting of fuel gas. Presently sawan nitrogen generation package is producing nitrogen 97% and oxgygen 3%. Is this inert gas is safe for contineous purging and what is maximum allowable oxygen limit (% age) is safe for in nitrogen for purging of fuel gas circuit.??

We also use same nitrogen gas (97% N2 and 3% O2) for blanketing of condensate (hydrocarbon C2 to C6) storage tank.

Regarding this i need technical assitance or, or plz let me know if some other professional / company can provide technical details of said proposal.

[gvdlans]

Check out NFPA 69, it gives you all the answers...

[proinwv]

Also, as the engineer you should know what %O2 your process can safely handle.

As you consider this, for the blanketing also be aware that the %O2 in the tank atmosphere is likely higher as you cannot completely remove the ambient air.

[Plant Production Engineer]

Thanx friends for your prompt response.
Now plz tell me that how can i get the free soft copy of NFPA 69. Actually i hav to submit my proposal by Dec-31-2008.

[proinwv]

Free? I do not believe that you will find it offered free, unless you have a friend or library that has one to use.

I suggest that you go to NFPA and purchase the downloadable pdf. It is not expensive and certainly worth it considering the safety of your personell and facility.


http://www.nfpa.org/...0&query=nfpa 69

[Plant Production Engineer]

Thanks Mr. proinwv (Coz i dont know your name) for providing cont. guidance.

Plz tell me some thing bout you. I think you are at Manager level in some oil & gas company or may be your are a functional safety expert.

Dear i have only 5 years of experience in Oil & Gas industry, and now i wanna be a Chartered chemical engineer or functional safety expert. can you please guide me as a mentor for this.

Await for your reply soonest

[proinwv]

I am a consulting mechanical engineer, and you can find out more at
http://www.ostand.com

As I am a ME not a ChE I cannot answer your other questions, but as this is a ChE site, possibly you will hear from another member. In general, I would suggest that you find a responsible engineer in your organization whom you can learn from. Also, listen to the people below your position. They deal with the day to day concerns of keeping the plant running and while they may not have a formal education, they really know a lot and will most likely share this with you if you are not arrogant to them.

Of course, join the appropriate forums and read current literature too.

Best wishes,

Paul

[Qalander (Chem)]

Dear Plant Production Engineer Hello/Good Evening

Further to the Paul's Valuable/accurate inputs;May I add as below. Although Conceptually you seem OK, as truly the economics dictates this huge energy coservation potential exploitation.

I would suggest you to consider:

1.Total purge gas needs estimation(Max. and Min.) per day and then annual needs
2.Total Inert gas (generated/available) for your project needs fulfillment (Max. and Min.) per day and then annual needs
3.The quality of Inert Gas (Oxygen % <=3.0%) available for your project's usage(independently)
4.Any needs evaluated for extra volumes of Inert gas generation(Min. Max.& annual)
5.Cost of additional(if needed) Inert gas generation facility and its Economic feasibility
6.Cost Pay-out period

Hope this helps you for a thought process.
Wishing best of Luck
Regards
Qalander

[proinwv]

Yes, open a new post in the appropriate forum, and please do not start your own, off post "forum" through e-mail.

These forums are to benefit everyone, worldwide, who might read them and be interested in everyone's comments and thoughts. If you proceed off of the forum you defeat that after prior taking advantage of the forum.

Thank you

[Qalander (Chem)]

Yes, open a new post in the appropriate forum, and please do not start your own, off post "forum" through e-mail.

These forums are to benefit everyone, worldwide, who might read them and be interested in everyone's comments and thoughts. If you proceed off of the forum you defeat that after prior taking advantage of the forum.

Thank you

I agree, second these thoughts that's why personally avoid responding via emails to the maximum.