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Use of Flanges on a Hydrocarbon Modular Piperack

Use of Flanges on a Hydrocarbon Modular Piperack

Use of Flanges on a Hydrocarbon Modular Piperack

(OP)
Hi Folks,

A client wants to use flanges on a modular piperack to eliminate field welds, is it a good idea?

My main concern is the possibility of leaks and a potential fire as a result. Having the additional flanges only increases the risk. Is this a valid concern.

Some info:

The piperack is in a loading terminal which branches out to several loading stations.
The rack will hold around 6 lines two 6" four 4".
It would involve putting at least a dozen additional flanges on the rack

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your time & assistance!
Kajtek

RE: Use of Flanges on a Hydrocarbon Modular Piperack

Of course we all know that more flanges = more possibilities of leaks, but..

the key word is "modular", which implies some type of building block construction is being contemplated, in which case it would be good to be able to build a complete block, perhaps including pipe, line them up and bolt them together.

One has to evaluate the necessity of building in modules as opposed to increasing the leak probabilities.  While leaks are not a good thing, modularity may be.  And perhaps leak possibilities also are less, if construction and later inspection is made easier.  Modularity may offer significant quality control improvements, if it allows these to be build in a shop, rather than being field constructed.  

Hard to tell from here.  Its a very subjective question you are asking.  Does the real in hand cost benefit of modularity significantly outweigh the inconvenience and safety aspects of a possibility of a future leak.

Maybe you should build the structure for module construction, but lay in the pipe in separately.  But if this was a piperack for the International Space Station, modularity might be the best way.  Outer space, or underwater bolting is much easier than welding.

"We have a leadership style that is too directive and doesn't listen sufficiently well. The top of the organisation doesn't listen sufficiently to what the bottom is saying."  Tony Hayward CEO, BP

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RE: Use of Flanges on a Hydrocarbon Modular Piperack

Based on some of my past experiences I would insist that the module builder makes sure that adjoining skids "Fit" together before they leave the Mod yard.

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