Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
(OP)
Hello,
I work for an company which we mandate 0.3 insulation factor and never go below... in API521 there is allowance to go lower..but this will massivly reduce the relief valve size.. so from a cost perspective very attrative but safety wise..relys on high integrity/or robust management of insulation which to me seems a step to far..
However, api 521 does allow for this.. so i thought i would challenge my mindset and findout if other companys actually use lower factors..
I work for an company which we mandate 0.3 insulation factor and never go below... in API521 there is allowance to go lower..but this will massivly reduce the relief valve size.. so from a cost perspective very attrative but safety wise..relys on high integrity/or robust management of insulation which to me seems a step to far..
However, api 521 does allow for this.. so i thought i would challenge my mindset and findout if other companys actually use lower factors..





RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
Now, tell me if you have ever seen a setup that robust. I havn't. I stop at 0.4 - seems to me to be the realistic low-limit.
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
however the the old rospa codes do.. i dont know of any other codes that allow fire water credit..
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
Personally, I'm OK with the low F values as long as you ensure that you're using a fire-resistant insulation material and SS covering.
The 0.3 value is the NFPA-30 credit value. Some companies calculate the heat input for pressure vessels based on NFPA-30, but most use the method in API 521.
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
Regards,
SNORGY.
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
RE: Insulation factor F=0.3 or lower? (ever used under API521)
This kind of insulation is hated by the construction teams: very difficult to be applied, certification not easy to be obtained.
F lower than 0.3 are only applied (only one project, in a gas field) where forced by restrictive max allowable flare loads. In these cases the insulation is provided at the maximum extent but the PSVs are sized in a more conservative way (anyway within the flare load limits).