API Pipe Classification
API Pipe Classification
(OP)
Hello all,
I'm requesting a clarification on the API 570 literature. I'm attempting to classify piping in a plant that produces 200 proof ethanol for fuel. For the most part everything is pretty clear but I'm getting mixed interpretations from others about certain piping circuits. For example, at the top of the rectifier column, 190 proof ethanol vapor is travelling through a pipe. The temperature of the product is above the boiling point (obviously) but well below the auto-ignition temperature. I'm inclined to believe that as per the guidelines in API 570 section 6.3.4.2b, this qualifies the pipe as a Class 1 since the atomospheric boiling point is below the operating temperature. However, I've had others tell me that this would be a Class 3 pipe, but I'm skeptical since we are operating well above the flash point. Any thoughts or clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I'm requesting a clarification on the API 570 literature. I'm attempting to classify piping in a plant that produces 200 proof ethanol for fuel. For the most part everything is pretty clear but I'm getting mixed interpretations from others about certain piping circuits. For example, at the top of the rectifier column, 190 proof ethanol vapor is travelling through a pipe. The temperature of the product is above the boiling point (obviously) but well below the auto-ignition temperature. I'm inclined to believe that as per the guidelines in API 570 section 6.3.4.2b, this qualifies the pipe as a Class 1 since the atomospheric boiling point is below the operating temperature. However, I've had others tell me that this would be a Class 3 pipe, but I'm skeptical since we are operating well above the flash point. Any thoughts or clarification would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.





RE: API Pipe Classification
RE: API Pipe Classification
NEPA-704 and Client Engineering Guideline Documents. Listed below is the
information needed from each source.
a) The P&IDs have the operating parameters for a given unit.
b) The MSDSs list the Hazard Rating for each product.
c) NFPA-704 defines the Hazard Rating for each product.
The the higher the rating, the higher the classification will be. Generally any hazard rating of 2 will be class 2. a hazard rating of 3 will be class 2. and a hazard rating of 4 is going to be class 1.
I've done many MI baselines at ethanol plants around the midwest. The overhead vapor line in distillation is generally considered PSM. Most of the lines in that unit will be class 2 because of their alcohol content. The only class 1 system in an ethanol plant is the anhydrous ammonia.
RE: API Pipe Classification
RE: API Pipe Classification