API 520 API 521 1

[Zebedee1]

Wetted contact area is central to the API 520 calculation for determining heat input from external fire to the contents of vessels and the sizing of relief devices. Is this applicable to very small vessels, say 25 - 30 litres, where surface are:volume ratio is disproprtionately high?

 

[niallmacdubhghaill]

The standard gives a correlation based on area....I know of no reason why there would be a limitation on its use. Surely you can just use it...?

 

[niallmacdubhghaill]

On second thought, perhaps you could look for a correlation somewhere in the literature, and if you can find one, go with that..if not, stick with the API...interesting thought though, how applicable are standards like this developed by O&G engineers to newer applications in the bio area.