Heat Exchanger Overpressurisation
Heat Exchanger Overpressurisation
(OP)
Hi, I wanted to get peoples thoughts on potential for a BLEVE like scenario on a bank of heat exchagers.
For a BLEVE we assume we need a level within the 'vessel' and a form of heating most likely a pool fire.
On the heat exchanger bank the most likely cause of pool fire would be through a flange leak.
I am interested to hear peoples thought on the behaviour of the heat exchangers when subjected to a pool fire. I'd like to start this discussion and then i can come back in with further info/ more questions
Site response would most be to shut the train off and look to depresurise, however the depressurisation would be a manual process requiring ops guys to go local to where pool would be.
Other points: There is small bunding around the bank. Tube side at 40 bar design press/ shell 20 bar. Currently no pressure relief , only thermal RV on inlet pipework to bank.
So is it possible for a BLEVE like scenario ?
For a BLEVE we assume we need a level within the 'vessel' and a form of heating most likely a pool fire.
On the heat exchanger bank the most likely cause of pool fire would be through a flange leak.
I am interested to hear peoples thought on the behaviour of the heat exchangers when subjected to a pool fire. I'd like to start this discussion and then i can come back in with further info/ more questions
Site response would most be to shut the train off and look to depresurise, however the depressurisation would be a manual process requiring ops guys to go local to where pool would be.
Other points: There is small bunding around the bank. Tube side at 40 bar design press/ shell 20 bar. Currently no pressure relief , only thermal RV on inlet pipework to bank.
So is it possible for a BLEVE like scenario ?





RE: Heat Exchanger Overpressurisation
your de pressurisation needs to be safe to operate in the event of fire, ditto your relief valve should be able to handle a fire case if it is a credible scenario.
sounds line you've got a bit of a non complaint site...
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Also: There's usually a good reason why everyone does it that way