Ice Formation in PSV tailpipe

[steveb1111]

The possibility of ice formation in the flare system when high pressure wet gas stream from a separator is relieved to flare looks high.

If two-phase relief flow including the free water is considered, the situation looks worse. Does anyone know thow these scenarios are mitigated against? I can't imagine that winterizing alone, or relying on high relief velocities will altogether solve the problem.

 

[JLSeagull]

Auto-refrigeration is a problem for many high-pressure pressure (class 600 and higher) safety relief valves that discharge into a flare header. This can affect the piping material when the outlet temperature is predicted below - 20 degree F.

 

[C2it]

Ice formation often occurs in relief systems and is a common
excuse for using lateral tees, since they tend not to plug with ice build-up.