PE0531 : Flare, Blowdown & Pressure Relief Systems Operation, Maintenance & Troubleshooting

This practical and highly-interactive course
includes various practical sessions and
exercises. Theory learnt will be applied using
our state-of-the-art simulators.
The flare, blowdown and pressure relief systems are
the most important elements for emergency and
operational discharge of flammable substances in
the process facilities. Safety relief and flare systems
control vapors and liquids that are released by
pressure-relieving devices and blow-downs.
Pressure relief is an automatic, planned release
when operating pressure reaches a predetermined
level. Blowdown normally refers to the intentional
release of material, such as blowdowns from
process unit start-ups, furnace blowdowns,
shutdowns, and emergencies. Vapor depressuring
is the rapid removal of vapors from pressure vessels
in case of fire. This may be accomplished by the use
of a rupture disc, usually set at a higher pressure
than the relief valve.
The principal elements of the safety relief and flare
systems are the individual pressure relief devices,
the flare piping system, the flare separator drum,
and the flare (including igniters, tips, sealing
devices, purge and steam injection for smokeless
burning). Application of relief devices must comply
with appropriate ASME Vessel Codes and API
520/521 standards.
Design of relief devices must comply with applicable national codes and laws as well
as the requirements of the insurance covering the plant or installation. National
regulations not only cover safety but also environmental considerations such as air
and water pollution and noise abatement.
This course presents a convenient overview of relief system details based on the full
scope of API, ASME, and other code and specification requirements. It covers all
aspects of relief flare systems from the emergency relief sources through the valving
and flare network right to the stack and flare tip. Descriptions and design criteria will
be outlined for flare tips, seals, stacks, knockout drums, header systems, relief
valves, depressurization systems and basic hazard analysis. Alternative design
methods will be also described with reference to the specific nature of relief and flare
systems worldwide.